The SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB) has become one of the top competitions in the custom-car builder community, with the 2016 SEMA Show receiving more high-quality entries than ever. Interest in 2016’s edition was at an all-time high, with more than 250 vehicles entered from all market segments, including trucks, hot rods, street rods, off-road, motorsports, sport compacts, luxury exotics and more. New this year was the Young Guns distinction for builders who were 34 years old and under. The competition was open to any builder with a display, feature or booth vehicle at the SEMA Show.

https://youtu.be/Lckq9BfHXTo

The SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB) has become one of the top competitions in the custom-car builder community, with the 2016 SEMA Show receiving more high-quality entries than ever. Interest in 2016’s edition was at an all-time high, with more than 250 vehicles entered from all market segments, including trucks, hot rods, street rods, off-road, motorsports, sport compacts, luxury exotics and more. New this year was the Young Guns distinction for builders who were 34 years old and under. The competition was open to any builder with a display, feature or booth vehicle at the SEMA Show.

https://youtu.be/Lckq9BfHXTo

Brian Murphy, CEO of BBK performance, talks about his company's commitment to become platinum-level members of the SEMA Data Co-op.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2017/08/back-to-school-are-you-ready-to-make-the-grade

Brian Murphy, CEO of BBK performance, talks about his company's commitment to become platinum-level members of the SEMA Data Co-op.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2017/08/back-to-school-are-you-ready-to-make-the-grade

By SEMA Editors

September 1 is the deadline for vehicle builders with a feature or booth vehicle at the 2017 SEMA Show to register for SEMA Battle of the Builders—one of the industry’s most prestigious vehicle build competitions.

Now in its fourth year, SEMA Battle of the Builders shines a spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders who have already proven themselves by being a part of the exclusive, trade-only 2017 SEMA Show, held October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas. 

Participants will be highlighted at the SEMA Show and may receive additional exposure throughout the year. Several builders competing in the 2017 competition are already featured in videos posted on the SEMA YouTube channel.

Don’t miss your opportunity to bring increased media exposure to your feature vehicles and the products that make the vehicles unique. Register now.

By SEMA Editors

September 1 is the deadline for vehicle builders with a feature or booth vehicle at the 2017 SEMA Show to register for SEMA Battle of the Builders—one of the industry’s most prestigious vehicle build competitions.

Now in its fourth year, SEMA Battle of the Builders shines a spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders who have already proven themselves by being a part of the exclusive, trade-only 2017 SEMA Show, held October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas. 

Participants will be highlighted at the SEMA Show and may receive additional exposure throughout the year. Several builders competing in the 2017 competition are already featured in videos posted on the SEMA YouTube channel.

Don’t miss your opportunity to bring increased media exposure to your feature vehicles and the products that make the vehicles unique. Register now.

By SEMA Editors

September 1 is the deadline for vehicle builders with a feature or booth vehicle at the 2017 SEMA Show to register for SEMA Battle of the Builders—one of the industry’s most prestigious vehicle build competitions.

Now in its fourth year, SEMA Battle of the Builders shines a spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders who have already proven themselves by being a part of the exclusive, trade-only 2017 SEMA Show, held October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas. 

Participants will be highlighted at the SEMA Show and may receive additional exposure throughout the year. Several builders competing in the 2017 competition are already featured in videos posted on the SEMA YouTube channel.

Don’t miss your opportunity to bring increased media exposure to your feature vehicles and the products that make the vehicles unique. Register now.

By SEMA Editors

As the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) prepares to aid families affected by Hurricane Harvey, SEMA is coordinating its efforts with the foundation to identify and assist those impacted by the disaster.

“SEMA is contacting member companies in southeast Texas and other affected areas, and will be taking part in aftermarket industry efforts to raise and distribute funds for assistance,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “As in the past, the clearinghouse for these efforts will be the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation. SEMA will be coordinating with the Foundation to aid aftermarket families affected by Hurricane Harvey.”

“It is very early in the process, but our intention is to explore every avenue to identify aftermarket families that need our help during this unprecedented natural disaster,” said AACF President Bob Hirsch.

“Although AACF doesn’t claim to be a disaster-relief service, we will do our best to identify and assist those industry families that have immediate and unmet needs in keeping with our mission to support aftermarket families facing catastrophic circumstances,” said Joel Ayres, executive director of AACF.

AACF is asking for tax-deductible donations to help provide urgently needed funding. Donations can be made online; by mail at P.O. Box 864520, Orlando, FL, 32886; or by calling 772-286-5500.

“Clearly, we don’t know what shape our response is going to take yet,” Ayres continued. “What we do know is we’re going to need the generous support of our industry if we want to be in a position to respond. Thank you to all those who have already made contributions. Donations of any amount are welcome. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who suffer during this profound time of crisis.”

The AACF has been helping aftermarket families turn tragedy into triumph since 1959. Like the industry, AACF is driven by passion and devoted to family. AACF will provide additional updates on this initiative as they become available.

By SEMA Editors

As the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) prepares to aid families affected by Hurricane Harvey, SEMA is coordinating its efforts with the foundation to identify and assist those impacted by the disaster.

“SEMA is contacting member companies in southeast Texas and other affected areas, and will be taking part in aftermarket industry efforts to raise and distribute funds for assistance,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “As in the past, the clearinghouse for these efforts will be the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation. SEMA will be coordinating with the Foundation to aid aftermarket families affected by Hurricane Harvey.”

“It is very early in the process, but our intention is to explore every avenue to identify aftermarket families that need our help during this unprecedented natural disaster,” said AACF President Bob Hirsch.

“Although AACF doesn’t claim to be a disaster-relief service, we will do our best to identify and assist those industry families that have immediate and unmet needs in keeping with our mission to support aftermarket families facing catastrophic circumstances,” said Joel Ayres, executive director of AACF.

AACF is asking for tax-deductible donations to help provide urgently needed funding. Donations can be made online; by mail at P.O. Box 864520, Orlando, FL, 32886; or by calling 772-286-5500.

“Clearly, we don’t know what shape our response is going to take yet,” Ayres continued. “What we do know is we’re going to need the generous support of our industry if we want to be in a position to respond. Thank you to all those who have already made contributions. Donations of any amount are welcome. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who suffer during this profound time of crisis.”

The AACF has been helping aftermarket families turn tragedy into triumph since 1959. Like the industry, AACF is driven by passion and devoted to family. AACF will provide additional updates on this initiative as they become available.

Here’s the best look yet at the exterior of the Ford Ranger “Raptor.”

This particular truck was testing with a diesel (more than likely the 3.2L I-5 PUMA), more or less confirming that it will go directly after the Colorado ZR2. Another prototype was testing with what sounded like an Ecoboost V6.

This prototype features an aggressive front end compared to other ’19 Ranger prototypes, in keeping with the F-150 Raptor’s modified styling. Other changes revolve around wider fenders, shocks and an increased ride height, which can all be seen in these photos. Engine options may include the 3.5L Ecoboost V6 detuned for the Ranger, or a version of the smaller 2.7L Ecoboost V6, also found in the F-150, along with the earlier mentioned 3.2L diesel. The Ranger Raptor should be mated to the new 10-speed automatic co-developed with GM.

Expect to see a Ranger Raptor sometime after the standard models appear for the ’20 model year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde