SEMA News spent time with Alan Johnson to get a sneak peek at a 1932 Ford Tudor he entered into the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders.

Automotive spies in Germany have sent images of what’s likely to become next year’s version of the Nissan GT-R Nismo.

Judging by the looks of the test car snapped at the German Nürburgring, the new Nismo is going to receive upgraded brakes and additional air outlets above the front wheels that would improve aerodynamics. Other features are not known yet, but expect a lightly revised interior and a small power boost.

Expect the car to be publicly shown at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Automotive spies in Germany have sent images of what’s likely to become next year’s version of the Nissan GT-R Nismo.

Judging by the looks of the test car snapped at the German Nürburgring, the new Nismo is going to receive upgraded brakes and additional air outlets above the front wheels that would improve aerodynamics. Other features are not known yet, but expect a lightly revised interior and a small power boost.

Expect the car to be publicly shown at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Automotive spies in Germany have sent images of what’s likely to become next year’s version of the Nissan GT-R Nismo.

Judging by the looks of the test car snapped at the German Nürburgring, the new Nismo is going to receive upgraded brakes and additional air outlets above the front wheels that would improve aerodynamics. Other features are not known yet, but expect a lightly revised interior and a small power boost.

Expect the car to be publicly shown at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Automotive spies in Germany have sent images of what’s likely to become next year’s version of the Nissan GT-R Nismo.

Judging by the looks of the test car snapped at the German Nürburgring, the new Nismo is going to receive upgraded brakes and additional air outlets above the front wheels that would improve aerodynamics. Other features are not known yet, but expect a lightly revised interior and a small power boost.

Expect the car to be publicly shown at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Automotive spies in Germany have sent images of what’s likely to become next year’s version of the Nissan GT-R Nismo.

Judging by the looks of the test car snapped at the German Nürburgring, the new Nismo is going to receive upgraded brakes and additional air outlets above the front wheels that would improve aerodynamics. Other features are not known yet, but expect a lightly revised interior and a small power boost.

Expect the car to be publicly shown at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Automotive spies in Germany have sent images of what’s likely to become next year’s version of the Nissan GT-R Nismo.

Judging by the looks of the test car snapped at the German Nürburgring, the new Nismo is going to receive upgraded brakes and additional air outlets above the front wheels that would improve aerodynamics. Other features are not known yet, but expect a lightly revised interior and a small power boost.

Expect the car to be publicly shown at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

Off-Road Technician: Destination 4x4s & More is hiring an off-road technician to perform a broad range of automotive repairs, organize assignments to meet work requirements and communicate orally in person in a one-to-one or group setting. The ideal candidate must have three years of experience in the maintenance and repair of automotive, mechanical and heavy equipment. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted. Gear experience is a must; ASE certification is a plus.

Design and Product Engineer: Hyperco-MW Industries is hiring a design and product engineer to ensure that all products meet customer requirements and specifications and be actively engaged in ongoing product development and optimization. This position is responsible for managing product engineering personnel in the preparation of product design reviews to meet customer specifications; preparing timely and accurate quotations for current and proposed product designs; and interfacing with process engineering, manufacturing and quality. The ideal candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering (BSME); a four-year degree in engineering, metallurgy, physics or other math- and science-based program; and five years’ relevant experience in suspension and/or spring technology, preferably in the racing or high-performance industry.

Industrial Designer: Omix-ADA is hiring an industrial designer to help generate new-product ideas and provide product improvement/updates and product styling and product line extensions. The candidate should be comfortable with the ambiguity often experienced on the front end of product development and possess exceptional presentation and design communication skills. This position generates 2D sketches, 3D models and physical prototypes, including clay models of automotive aftermarket accessories with the ability to manage projects through to production. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree from accredited industrial design program and one to four years’ experience designing consumer products for mass production.

Catalog Specialist: EMPI Inc. is hiring a catalog specialist. The successful candidate must possess knowledge of accessories, performance and replacement parts for both air-cooled Volkswagens and off-road vehicles and be creative, versatile, detail-orientated, production-driven and have exceptional communication and organization skills. This position will work side-by-side with the graphic design department to create and layout catalogs, the website, magazine articles and videos.

Outside Sales Representative: Meyer Distributing is hiring an outside sales representative to represent the company and its interests with the highest regard to customer satisfaction in a professional manner; coordinate all activities with the sales manager, including sales, service and special events; and ensure that customers are updated with the latest promotions, trade shows and manufacturer literature. The ideal candidate should have one to two years of previous sales experience and a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

By SEMA Editors

The ’72 Ford Maverick built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, under the tutelage of actor Sung Kang sold for $95,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction, October 21, in Las Vegas. SEMA Cares Chairman Tim Martin (second from right) holds the check with the student builders (L-R) Tony Chen, Christian Quiroz and Alexis Hernandez.

The ’72 Ford Maverick built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, under the tutelage of actor Sung Kang sold for $95,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction, October 21, in Las Vegas. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which provides financial support to young people pursuing automotive careers.

Dubbed “Project Underdog,” the build was officially unveiled at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and was sponsored by Shell featuring Pennzoil and supported by Ford Motor Co., Samsung, NITTO, GReddy and Rocket Bunny.

Kang created Project Underdog as an exercise in youth engagement, putting together a unique team consisting of three aspiring California car enthusiasts from Alhambra High School, award-winning vehicle designer Steve Strope, members of the SEMA Garage and other industry professionals to successfully transform the unassuming “underdog” Maverick into a showcase performer and winner of a Ford Corporate Design Award for its significant contribution to vehicle design. Along the way, student builders Tony Chen, Alexis Hernandez and Christian Quiroz acquired valuable technical and life skills from Kang and his company of adult mentors.

The Maverick’s new bodywork boasts flared wheel arches, a custom front bumper and forward-mounted black wing mirrors, all riding on a set of deep-dish gold wheels. Amid these and other extensive chassis and body modifications, the project replaced the outdated ’72 inline six-cylinder engine with a new Ford EcoBoost 2.3L from a ’15 Mustang. Originally rated at 305hp, the EcoBoost was reworked to churn out an excess of 400hp while delivering modern levels of efficiency, fuel economy and lowered emissions. The high-achieving engine was mated to a six-speed Tremec T56 transmission.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Foundation delivers dozens of annual awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 to deserving student recipients, with a $5,000 award going to a top achiever. The program also includes a loan-forgiveness fund for employees of SEMA-member companies who are paying off loans from study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program. Since its inception in 1984, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund has granted $2.1 million to more than 1,200 students.

For more information about the SEMA Garage—Industry Innovations Center, visit www.semagarage.org, email garage@sema.org, or call 909-978-6728. To learn more about the SEMA Memorial Scholarship program, contact Juliet Marshall, SEMA manager of education projects, at 901-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org. To view Project Underdog's promotional video and episodes, visit Garage Monkey's YouTube channel at YouTube.com/user/GarageMonkeyTV.

By SEMA Editors

The ’72 Ford Maverick built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, under the tutelage of actor Sung Kang sold for $95,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction, October 21, in Las Vegas. SEMA Cares Chairman Tim Martin (second from right) holds the check with the student builders (L-R) Tony Chen, Christian Quiroz and Alexis Hernandez.

The ’72 Ford Maverick built at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, under the tutelage of actor Sung Kang sold for $95,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction, October 21, in Las Vegas. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which provides financial support to young people pursuing automotive careers.

Dubbed “Project Underdog,” the build was officially unveiled at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and was sponsored by Shell featuring Pennzoil and supported by Ford Motor Co., Samsung, NITTO, GReddy and Rocket Bunny.

Kang created Project Underdog as an exercise in youth engagement, putting together a unique team consisting of three aspiring California car enthusiasts from Alhambra High School, award-winning vehicle designer Steve Strope, members of the SEMA Garage and other industry professionals to successfully transform the unassuming “underdog” Maverick into a showcase performer and winner of a Ford Corporate Design Award for its significant contribution to vehicle design. Along the way, student builders Tony Chen, Alexis Hernandez and Christian Quiroz acquired valuable technical and life skills from Kang and his company of adult mentors.

The Maverick’s new bodywork boasts flared wheel arches, a custom front bumper and forward-mounted black wing mirrors, all riding on a set of deep-dish gold wheels. Amid these and other extensive chassis and body modifications, the project replaced the outdated ’72 inline six-cylinder engine with a new Ford EcoBoost 2.3L from a ’15 Mustang. Originally rated at 305hp, the EcoBoost was reworked to churn out an excess of 400hp while delivering modern levels of efficiency, fuel economy and lowered emissions. The high-achieving engine was mated to a six-speed Tremec T56 transmission.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Foundation delivers dozens of annual awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 to deserving student recipients, with a $5,000 award going to a top achiever. The program also includes a loan-forgiveness fund for employees of SEMA-member companies who are paying off loans from study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program. Since its inception in 1984, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund has granted $2.1 million to more than 1,200 students.

For more information about the SEMA Garage—Industry Innovations Center, visit www.semagarage.org, email garage@sema.org, or call 909-978-6728. To learn more about the SEMA Memorial Scholarship program, contact Juliet Marshall, SEMA manager of education projects, at 901-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org. To view Project Underdog's promotional video and episodes, visit Garage Monkey's YouTube channel at YouTube.com/user/GarageMonkeyTV.