This is an early build prototype for the ’19 Ford GT500. While the GT350 refresh was sent out in May by another photographer purporting to be the GT500, a source inside the blue oval has confirmed that this is actually the real deal.

The Mustang-based GT500 will build on the GT350’s performance capabilities. This early-build GT500 prototype does not reflect other changes that will be incorporated from the already-announced ’18 Mustang mid-cycle refresh. But production versions will have a supercharged 5.2L flat-plane crank engine through a DCT transmission. Horsepower should be more than the 707hp Dodge Hellcat models, although it may fall short of the 808hp Demon.

GT500s will also get 20-in. wheels and tires as well as unique styling tweaks.

Expect to see the GT500 next year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is an early build prototype for the ’19 Ford GT500. While the GT350 refresh was sent out in May by another photographer purporting to be the GT500, a source inside the blue oval has confirmed that this is actually the real deal.

The Mustang-based GT500 will build on the GT350’s performance capabilities. This early-build GT500 prototype does not reflect other changes that will be incorporated from the already-announced ’18 Mustang mid-cycle refresh. But production versions will have a supercharged 5.2L flat-plane crank engine through a DCT transmission. Horsepower should be more than the 707hp Dodge Hellcat models, although it may fall short of the 808hp Demon.

GT500s will also get 20-in. wheels and tires as well as unique styling tweaks.

Expect to see the GT500 next year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is an early build prototype for the ’19 Ford GT500. While the GT350 refresh was sent out in May by another photographer purporting to be the GT500, a source inside the blue oval has confirmed that this is actually the real deal.

The Mustang-based GT500 will build on the GT350’s performance capabilities. This early-build GT500 prototype does not reflect other changes that will be incorporated from the already-announced ’18 Mustang mid-cycle refresh. But production versions will have a supercharged 5.2L flat-plane crank engine through a DCT transmission. Horsepower should be more than the 707hp Dodge Hellcat models, although it may fall short of the 808hp Demon.

GT500s will also get 20-in. wheels and tires as well as unique styling tweaks.

Expect to see the GT500 next year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is an early build prototype for the ’19 Ford GT500. While the GT350 refresh was sent out in May by another photographer purporting to be the GT500, a source inside the blue oval has confirmed that this is actually the real deal.

The Mustang-based GT500 will build on the GT350’s performance capabilities. This early-build GT500 prototype does not reflect other changes that will be incorporated from the already-announced ’18 Mustang mid-cycle refresh. But production versions will have a supercharged 5.2L flat-plane crank engine through a DCT transmission. Horsepower should be more than the 707hp Dodge Hellcat models, although it may fall short of the 808hp Demon.

GT500s will also get 20-in. wheels and tires as well as unique styling tweaks.

Expect to see the GT500 next year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is an early build prototype for the ’19 Ford GT500. While the GT350 refresh was sent out in May by another photographer purporting to be the GT500, a source inside the blue oval has confirmed that this is actually the real deal.

The Mustang-based GT500 will build on the GT350’s performance capabilities. This early-build GT500 prototype does not reflect other changes that will be incorporated from the already-announced ’18 Mustang mid-cycle refresh. But production versions will have a supercharged 5.2L flat-plane crank engine through a DCT transmission. Horsepower should be more than the 707hp Dodge Hellcat models, although it may fall short of the 808hp Demon.

GT500s will also get 20-in. wheels and tires as well as unique styling tweaks.

Expect to see the GT500 next year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is an early build prototype for the ’19 Ford GT500. While the GT350 refresh was sent out in May by another photographer purporting to be the GT500, a source inside the blue oval has confirmed that this is actually the real deal.

The Mustang-based GT500 will build on the GT350’s performance capabilities. This early-build GT500 prototype does not reflect other changes that will be incorporated from the already-announced ’18 Mustang mid-cycle refresh. But production versions will have a supercharged 5.2L flat-plane crank engine through a DCT transmission. Horsepower should be more than the 707hp Dodge Hellcat models, although it may fall short of the 808hp Demon.

GT500s will also get 20-in. wheels and tires as well as unique styling tweaks.

Expect to see the GT500 next year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

Federal Tire North America will offer free tire product sponsorships to the world’s best custom car and truck builders leading up to the days just before the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Federal Tire North America has announced the return of its SEMA Show feature vehicle sponsorship promotion, which will offer free tire product sponsorships to the world’s best custom car and truck builders leading up to the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

As the 600-plus feature vehicles arrive at the official SEMA Show check-in, car owners will be offered free tires from Federal Tire North America. Off-road and lifted trucks will be offered the Federal Tire Couragia MudTerrain in nine different sizes, ranging from a 33x12.50R15 to a 37x12.50R 20-in. tire.

For hot rods, classics, compacts and street-performance vehicles, Federal Tire will offer two of its Ultra High Performance tire models. The ’17 German Red Dot Design Award-winning Federal Tire RS-RR street/track tire will be offered in more than 21 sizes, ranging from 205/50/15 to 275/35/19.

“Winning a Red Dot Award is a testament to our dedication to tire performance and quality,” said Da-Wu Chen, Federal Tire global sales and marketing director. “We are very proud that our 595RS-RR has received such global recognition from the Red Dot Award, and we will continue to enhance our product competitiveness through continuous R&D concentration.”

On-demand installation will take place during the check-in process, October 28–29, at the official check-in lot adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

This program is a way to connect directly with the best custom vehicle builders in the United States and for Federal Tire North America to debut new tire designs at this year’s SEMA Show.

Pre-Show confirmation commenced July 5, 2017, and will end October 1, 2017. Those with confirmed feature vehicles and booth cars in need of a tire sponsor for the 2017 SEMA Show can contact Michael Robleto of Insight Media Werks at 213-595-4720 or mike@imwks.com for more details.

By SEMA Editors

Federal Tire North America will offer free tire product sponsorships to the world’s best custom car and truck builders leading up to the days just before the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Federal Tire North America has announced the return of its SEMA Show feature vehicle sponsorship promotion, which will offer free tire product sponsorships to the world’s best custom car and truck builders leading up to the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

As the 600-plus feature vehicles arrive at the official SEMA Show check-in, car owners will be offered free tires from Federal Tire North America. Off-road and lifted trucks will be offered the Federal Tire Couragia MudTerrain in nine different sizes, ranging from a 33x12.50R15 to a 37x12.50R 20-in. tire.

For hot rods, classics, compacts and street-performance vehicles, Federal Tire will offer two of its Ultra High Performance tire models. The ’17 German Red Dot Design Award-winning Federal Tire RS-RR street/track tire will be offered in more than 21 sizes, ranging from 205/50/15 to 275/35/19.

“Winning a Red Dot Award is a testament to our dedication to tire performance and quality,” said Da-Wu Chen, Federal Tire global sales and marketing director. “We are very proud that our 595RS-RR has received such global recognition from the Red Dot Award, and we will continue to enhance our product competitiveness through continuous R&D concentration.”

On-demand installation will take place during the check-in process, October 28–29, at the official check-in lot adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

This program is a way to connect directly with the best custom vehicle builders in the United States and for Federal Tire North America to debut new tire designs at this year’s SEMA Show.

Pre-Show confirmation commenced July 5, 2017, and will end October 1, 2017. Those with confirmed feature vehicles and booth cars in need of a tire sponsor for the 2017 SEMA Show can contact Michael Robleto of Insight Media Werks at 213-595-4720 or mike@imwks.com for more details.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Joel Wertman

Luken Names Joel Wertman as New President 

Luken Communications LLC has announced the appointment of its new president, Joel Wertman. As Luken’s new leader, Wertman will spearhead operations of all Luken networks, including Retro TV, Heartland, Rev’n, The Family Channel, The Action Channel and Frost Great Outdoors. Wertman has led a storied career in both television and music. His career started in 1977 when he wrote and produced a song that became a top five record in Canada and Europe. Following this major break, Wertman moved to Los Angeles, where he joined Mushroom Records as a staff producer and writer. There, he recorded and remixed for artists, including Heart, Doucette and Ian Matthews. Wertman got his first taste for television as a writer with “Hart to Hart” and “Taxi,” and a songwriter/producer for “Happy Days” and “Joanie Loves Chachi.” Later in his career, Wertman held executive roles with multiple record labels, including president of Eureka/EMI, Eureka/BMG, Eureka Records and Sire/Discovery Records. During his tenure, Wertman was instrumental in the careers of many artists, including The Goo Goo Dolls, Heart, KISS, No Doubt, Bush, Young MC and Tiffany, among others. Additionally, Wertman develops and produces television programming for children.

Jiffy-tite Co. Inc. is Now Oetiker NY Inc.

The Oetiker Group, which acquired Jiffy-tite, changed from Jiffy-tite Co. Inc. to Oetiker NY Inc., effective July 1, 2017. Product and packaging, signage, literature and business documents are also in the process of being updated and will feature the Oetiker brand. A wider range of connecting solutions will extend beyond quick connectors into clamps, rings and straps for applications, such as cooling and heating, air intake, exhaust and occupant safety. In addition, the company maintains a presence in all major markets, with more than 20 sales and production locations in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Hunter Engineering has launched a completely redesigned website that places even better emphasis on Hunter’s local teams and products.

Hunter Engineering Launches Completely Redesigned Website

Hunter Engineering has launched a completely redesigned website that places even better emphasis on Hunter’s local teams and products. One click brings users to wheel alignment, wheel balancers, tire changers, brake lathes, inspection lane equipment or any of Hunter’s products. The new site uses a fully responsive widescreen design and features real shop photography of Hunter equipment used in actual facilities. The new site also emphasizes Hunter’s video content, including promotional and operational videos. A large focus of the new Hunter.com is making it easy for users to connect with their local Hunter team, including their local service, sales and training representatives. Each product page on the new Hunter.com also features three times more product information than the previous Hunter.com.

Power Stop LLC Launches Media Campaign With Nitro Circus on NBC

Power Stop LLC has today announced it has partnered with Nitro Circus on an advertising campaign across the action sports brand’s programming on NBC and NBC Sports Network. The partnership, which commenced at the ground-breaking Nitro World Games competition in Salt Lake City, June 24, will see Power Stop commercials broadcast to millions of viewers across 2017 as Nitro Circus continues to produce content through its partnership with NBC Sports. In conjunction with the NBC content, Nitro Circus will perform its Nitro Circus Live North American Tour from June to September inclusive. The tour will showcase more than 40 athletes with choreographed stunts creating a spectacular live event. Throughout each tour stop, Power Stop will run its commercials in front of the live audience.

Design Engineering hosted a day-long cruise-in last month that raised more than $500 for the Love-A-Stray Animal Shelter.

DEI Hosts Local Cruise-in; Raises Funds for Local Animal Shelter

Design Engineering Inc. (DEI) teamed up with the City of Avon Lake, Ohio, to host a day-long cruise-in, Saturday, June 10. Mayor Gregory Zilka and the team at DEI reported that more than 500 attended the event held at Weiss Baseball Fields, located across the street from DEI headquarters. The day began with a convoy of classic cars rolling in from throughout the Midwest. The Cruise-in raised more than $500 for the Love-A-Stray Animal Shelter through a 50/50 raffle and a product giveaway raffle.

Family Events and Power Automedia Join Forces In 2017 National Media Partnership

Power Automedia has announced a new relationship with Family Events, which produces enthusiast events with a focus on off-road, sand sports and street machine/musclecar events. Power Automedia’s video production division, Alloy Studios, as well as editors from Power Automedia’s 12 magazines, will cover the following events:

• July 7–9: A&A Auto Stores 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals
• July 14–16: O’Reilly Auto Parts Street Machine Summer Nationals by Chevrolet Performance
• September 15–17: O’Reilly Auto Parts 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals
• September 15–17: Sand Sports Super Show by Nitto Tire
• September 23: O’Reilly Auto Parts Fall Street Machine Nationals by American National
• September 30–October 1: Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo by General Tire

Editorial and social-media coverage will be immersive from vehicle features and crowd interviews to autocross competition videos and social-media shorts. The content will be dispersed throughout Power Automedia’s magazines and social-media outlets, as well as those of Family Events.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Gavin Knapp

The 2017 SEMA Market Report includes new data, which allows SEMA Market Research to dig deeper and provide more detailed information to help member businesses.

Change seems to be coming faster and faster to the automotive specialty-equipment market, so SEMA Market Research decided to change the way this information is tracked. The 2017 SEMA Market Report switches over to a new market-sizing methodology.

The new data will provide the following details:

• What people are buying (43 product categories).
• Where people are buying these products.
• Which vehicle types are being accessorized.
• Who’s buying these products.

The 2017 SEMA Market Report starts a new era and trendline in specialty-equipment market reporting. This new data allows SEMA Market Research to dig deeper and provide more detailed information to help member businesses.

The 2017 SEMA Market Report is free for SEMA members.

See all of SEMA’s market research information at www.sema.org/research.