By Amanda Gubbins

FCA debuted the highly anticipated ’18 Jeep Wrangler on Wednesday. The two-door model is available in three different trim configurations: Sport, Sport S and Rubicon. Wrangler four-door models are available in four different trim configurations: Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon.

Every Wrangler model receives a Trail Rated badge and includes Command-Trac 4x4 system with 2.72:1 crawl ratio standard on Sport and Sahara models, aRock-Trac 4x4 system with a “4LO” ratio of 4:1, and Tru-Lok locking differentials standard on Rubicon models. Wrangler is rated for up to 30 in. of water fording and up to a 3,500-lb. towing capacity. It has an approach angle of 44 degrees, breakover angle of 27.8 degrees, departure angle of 37 degrees and a 10.9-in. ground clearance.

The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 and all-new 2.0L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engines join the Wrangler lineup, while the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine is upgraded for 2018. An eight-speed automatic transmission is available on all Jeep Wrangler models and delivers a 77.2:1 crawl ratio. The improved 4x4 performance benefits from a 4.7:1 first gear ratio coupled with a 4.1:1 final drive delivers unmatched capability. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all models. A 4.41 ratio spread offers improved fuel efficiency at faster speeds and delivers quick acceleration with smooth, precise shift quality.

The Wrangler’s exterior design stays true to its roots, features a wider stance and lowered beltline with larger windows for better visibility. The seven-slot grille shows both of the outer grille slats intersecting with the headlights, paying homage to the Jeep CJ.

The windshield’s rake was optimized for improved aerodynamics and features a new four-bolt design at the top of the windshield’s frame for quick folding. A new header bar now connects the A-pillars and stays in place even when the windshield is folded down so the rearview mirror can stay in place.

Inside, a push-button starter, featuring a weather-proof surround, makes its debut. The instrument cluster features a 3.5- or an available 7-in. thin-film transistor (TFT) information LED display. Integrated buttons on the steering wheel control audio, voice and speed functions. A 7.0- or an available 8.4-in. touchscreen houses the fourth-generation Uconnect system and sits prominently atop the center stack. A 5.0-in. touchscreen is standard on the Wrangler Sport.

The new Wrangler also offers more than 75 available active and passive safety and security features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection, ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation and four standard air bags.

By SEMA Editors

Don Schumacher Racing Makes Crew Chief Changes

Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) made the following changes to the team’s roster for the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.

Mike “Zippy” Neff joins DSR as crew chief on the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster of eight-time NHRA champion Tony Schumacher. Neff had prior success at DSR winning the 2005 championship as crew chief on Gary Scelzi’s Dodge Funny Car team.

Former U.S. Army crew chief Mike Green, who guided Schumacher to 27 event titles and championships in ’09 and ’14, will remain at DSR. Green’s guidance on safety and performance projects have been vital to the organization’s success.  

The Matco Tools/U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster driven by three-time champion Antron Brown will be tuned by Mark Oswald and Brad Mason in 2018. Brown enters the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season with 49 career Top Fuel victories.

DSR also has promoted NAPA AUTO PARTS Funny Car car chief Dustin Heim to be Rahn Tobler’s assistant crew chief for the NAPA Dodge driven by 2016 champion Ron Capps. Heim has been at DSR since 2009.

Roush Yates Enters Partnership With TYKMA Electrox Industrial

Roush Yates Engines announced a multi-year endorsement program with TYKMA Electrox Industrial Laser Systems. TYKMA Electrox machines offer high-end design and have the capability to mark both tall and large components on a variety of substrates, from all metals to most plastics, from anodized to carbide and more, making this the most versatile engraving and marking machine available, according to the company.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The 2017 RPM Act continues to gather momentum, as the House Environment Subcommittee recently approved the bill, and a hearing was held by the Senate Clean Air Subcommittee to review the bill. While the industry awaits Congressional action, more letters to legislators are needed.

Spread the word about “Saving Our Racecars!” by signing the letter to Congress and requesting that others do the same. This quick and easy stop will encourage elected officials to protect the future of racing.

Stay up-to-date on the RPM Act.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The 2017 RPM Act continues to gather momentum, as the House Environment Subcommittee recently approved the bill, and a hearing was held by the Senate Clean Air Subcommittee to review the bill. While the industry awaits Congressional action, more letters to legislators are needed.

Spread the word about “Saving Our Racecars!” by signing the letter to Congress and requesting that others do the same. This quick and easy stop will encourage elected officials to protect the future of racing.

Stay up-to-date on the RPM Act.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The 2017 RPM Act continues to gather momentum, as the House Environment Subcommittee recently approved the bill, and a hearing was held by the Senate Clean Air Subcommittee to review the bill. While the industry awaits Congressional action, more letters to legislators are needed.

Spread the word about “Saving Our Racecars!” by signing the letter to Congress and requesting that others do the same. This quick and easy stop will encourage elected officials to protect the future of racing.

Stay up-to-date on the RPM Act.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The 2017 RPM Act continues to gather momentum, as the House Environment Subcommittee recently approved the bill, and a hearing was held by the Senate Clean Air Subcommittee to review the bill. While the industry awaits Congressional action, more letters to legislators are needed.

Spread the word about “Saving Our Racecars!” by signing the letter to Congress and requesting that others do the same. This quick and easy stop will encourage elected officials to protect the future of racing.

Stay up-to-date on the RPM Act.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2018 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund for students preparing for careers in the auto or auto-parts industries at www.sema.org/scholarships.  

New this year, high-school and part-time students can apply for a scholarship. The change is part of an effort by SEMA’s Scholarship Committee to start students down the automotive path and support their efforts at an earlier stage.

“SEMA is dedicated to activating the next-generation automotive workforce by providing financial support and career resources to students enrolled in various high schools, universities, colleges and/or vocational schools in the United States,” said SEMA Chairman-Elect Tim Martin.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Students can apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships. The deadline for the program is March 1, 2018.

Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, such as accounting, sales and marketing, and engineering. Dozens of awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will be given out, with a $5,000 award going to the top student.

The program also includes a loan-forgiveness aspect that offers financial awards to employees of SEMA-member companies who are paying off a loan for a completed program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program within the United States.

For more information, contact SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2018 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund for students preparing for careers in the auto or auto-parts industries at www.sema.org/scholarships.  

New this year, high-school and part-time students can apply for a scholarship. The change is part of an effort by SEMA’s Scholarship Committee to start students down the automotive path and support their efforts at an earlier stage.

“SEMA is dedicated to activating the next-generation automotive workforce by providing financial support and career resources to students enrolled in various high schools, universities, colleges and/or vocational schools in the United States,” said SEMA Chairman-Elect Tim Martin.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Students can apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships. The deadline for the program is March 1, 2018.

Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, such as accounting, sales and marketing, and engineering. Dozens of awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will be given out, with a $5,000 award going to the top student.

The program also includes a loan-forgiveness aspect that offers financial awards to employees of SEMA-member companies who are paying off a loan for a completed program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program within the United States.

For more information, contact SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.

SEMA Member Product and Catalog Showcase for November

New product announcements from Advanced Measurement Systems Inc., Eagle Abrasives Inc., ProCharger Superchargers, and more.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2017/11/product-and-catalog-showcase

Organizers of the first High Performance and Custom Trade Show, which was held 50 years ago at Dodger Stadium, recognized early on that the Show needed to move out of the ballpark’s halls and into a proper convention facility for it to have any growth potential. The second show—already being referred to as the SEMA Show—did just that, relocating in 1968 to the Anaheim Convention Center.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2017/11/growth-potential-unlimited