News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Sat, 02/01/2020 - 11:07

SEMA News—February 2020

INDUSTRY NEWS

Fast Facts

Daystar Products International announced that Greg Adler joined Daystar International’s board of directors. Adler’s lifelong experience as a multi-generational enthusiast, business owner, CEO, CPA, SEMA Board of Directors member and chairman of the board for the Off Road Business Association adds expertise for Daystar’s family of 11 brands.

MotorTrend Group announced the Four Wheeler Adventure Expo, a unique event for adventure travel enthusiasts, to be held March 7–8, 2020, at the Orange County Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa, California. The Expo will host classes and seminars to prepare attendees for their next adventure, with travel workshops hosted by the Four Wheeler magazine team and top adventure experts. Attendees can gear up with the latest camping and travel equipment, mountain bikes and off-road vehicles in the exhibitor midway. MotorTrend Group will produce this new event in partnership with Lodestone Events, the producers of Overland Expo.

Distinctive Industries celebrated 50 years in the automotive upholstery aftermarket industry last year. Founded in 1969 by John Forrister and his son, Dwight, Distinctive Industries began producing and selling custom-crafted restoration interiors for Volkswagens and Ford Mustangs of the era. In 1986, Dwight Forrister founded Classic Soft Trim, establishing a nationwide network of restyling centers. Following in his family’s footsteps, third-generation Aaron Forrister founded Roadwire LLC to supply precision-crafted leather interiors and accessories to Classic Soft Trim and other restyling professionals.

AirPro Diagnostics LLC announced that Aaron Clark accepted the company’s position as vice president of strategic initiatives. “Everyone at AirPro is excited to have Aaron join our team,” said Michael Quinn, AirPro’s senior vice president of business development. “Aaron is well known and highly respected in the industry. We know that his expertise and knowledge of collision repair and vehicle technologies will be a great asset to AirPro and deepen our bench of talented industry professionals.”

Diesel Parts of America (DPA) was acquired by DSS ProDiesel, based in Nashville, Tennessee. DPA brings extensive international diesel fuel-injector experience to DSS ProDiesel, creating a combined company that serves the diesel fuel-injector needs of more than 50 countries. Financial terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

Icahn Automotive was awarded the Chief Executive Officer and President’s Pride in Partnership Award by Lincoln Technical Institute. The presentation was made to Pep Boys representatives during a career fair and recognized the company’s recently established “Race to 2026” program, which has invested in and supported promising future automotive technicians through scholarships, partnerships with schools, and continuing education opportunities in an effort to fill the projected automotive technician gap. President Robert Paganini nominated Icahn Automotive for the award, which is given to one of the school’s top partners across the country each quarter.

Yokohama Tire hired 20-year IT veteran Pavan Desaneni as its new vice president of information technology. He replaces Wasi Ahmed and will report to Tom Masuguchi, Yokohama executive vice president and CFO. Desaneni joined Yokohama in 2014 as senior manager of enterprise architect and platform. He was promoted to director of enterprise architect and platform before ascending to vice president.

Firestone Industrial Products Company LLC (FSIP) announced that Zouhair Lazreq joined the company as director of engineering. Lazreq brings years of product engineering experience to his new role. He joins FSIP from Dana Inc., where he most recently served as director of engineering and technical fellow. Prior to that, he gained experience as lead engineer in noise, vibration and harshness for Ford Motor Co. and senior project engineer with Roush Industries.

AirPro Diagnostics LLC announced that Kelly Roberts joined its team to help manage distribution and services of its patented remote scanning, programming and calibrations solution in the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec. Roberts joins AirPro from a large dealership shop in North Bay, Ontario. He holds Red Seal Journeyman credentials as well as multi-level I-CAR Platinum technician status.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association has announced a long-term partnership with Torrance, California-based Global Electronic Technology. The new partnership, which launched January 1, 2020, solidifies and designates the global provider of credit card processing solutions and services as the official credit card processing partner of Goodguys. Global Electronic Technology, currently a primary sponsor in the NHRA Funny Car ranks, is branching out to the hot-rod and custom-car market with Goodguys.

Thermo-Tec named Randy Pugh its new marketing coordinator. He will handle all of Thermo-Tec’s marketing, graphics and photography. He most recently served as the creative director at JEGS and has 25 years of graphics experience and 35 years of photography experience, including at national automotive magazines and for several JEGS catalog covers and product photos. Pugh started in the automotive industry in 2005 as a graphic designer.

United Engine & Machine Co. has announced the addition of Nick D’Agostino as its director of product development. In his new role, D’Agostino will manage development of both cast and forged piston applications. With more than 19 years in the automotive industry, D’Agostino’s core competency rests firmly in performance racing, which is an asset for the ICON Forged Piston lineup.

Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI) announced the immediate promotion of Brett Tennar, LSI’s former plant manager and vice president of operations, to president. The announcement was made recently by LSI’s founder and CEO Chris Gabrelcik. Hired in 2016 as LSI’s plant manager, Tennar was promoted to vice president of operations in 2018.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. named Ben Patel senior vice president and chief technology officer. Patel is responsible for product planning and development, as well as engineering and technology across all regions. Patel joins Cooper following eight years at Tenneco Inc., where he most recently served as senior vice president, chief technology officer.

Stertil-Koni USA has announced that Jim Sylvester, vice president of sales, has retired after 21 years of in sales and distributor support. Sylvester joined Stertil-Koni USA Inc. in 1998, and played a significant role in helping the company grow more than 50-fold in the heavy-duty vehicle-lift industry across North America.

SCORE International announced that it has entered a new partnership with 4 Wheel Parts (4WP) as the presenting partner and official retailer for the 2019 SCORE Baja 1000 race as well as the 2020 and future SCORE Baja 500 and SCORE Baja 1000 races. “Partnering with SCORE International is an exciting endeavor for 4WP,” said 4 Wheel Parts CEO Craig Scanlon. “It’s an authentic way for us to continue our commitment to supporting the core of the off-road industry, our large enthusiast customer base and our extensive staff of 4WP off-road experts. SCORE, with its more than 50 years of heritage in off-road, perfectly aligns with who we want to be involved with as a company.”

Zachery Ward of Massena, New York was named the 2019 Mitchell 1/Snap-on Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Technician of the Future during the recent ASE Fall Board of Governors Meeting and Annual Technician Awards. Ward received a $1,000 cash prize, a one-year subscription to ProDemand auto repair software from Mitchell 1, along with airfare and hotel accommodations to attend the event to receive his award. He has worked as an automotive technician at a Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram dealership since May 2019.

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) announced that it has received donations from BASF, including spray guns, paint, materials and equipment with an estimated value of $200,000 that will support multiple automotive refinish programs and students around the country. Donations went to schools that demonstrate a strong curriculum for educating students in collision repair but need assistance due to strained school budgets.

Real Long Test

Sat, 02/01/2020 - 11:04

SEMA News—February 2020

HERITAGE

By Drew Hardin

Real Long Test

Photography Courtesy Walt Woron, Petersen Publishing Company Archive

At first glance, this Motor Trend photo from 1959 looks like a very strange comparison test. Who would be cross-shopping a Volkswagen Beetle and a Corvette? And what’s that third vehicle hiding behind the other two?

Editor Walt Woron’s “Driving Around” column in the November 1959 issue (that’s Walt facing the camera) explained the situation.

“Constant improvement of our road test techniques is practically an obsession with us at Motor Trend,” he wrote. “In looking ahead to 1960 and the many new cars that will be showing up, we have been investigating new methods of testing. We have also been searching out new courses over which we could take the cars. We want such courses to include every conceivable type of terrain and road, and—as much as possible—to also include different weather conditions.”

Except “different weather conditions” can be a tough ask in Petersen Publishing Company’s sunny Southern California home, he admitted. Which is why he and two other staff members decided to take three cars on a “jaunt to Las Vegas, Nevada, by way of Death Valley. We knew that on the way there we would encounter some city and town traffic, numerous winding roads, some good straight stretches of highway, lots of desert, a number of grades, and a long run at below sea level. Our route back would take us cross-desert once more, up and over a 7,900-ft. summit, through miles of mountain roads (where there’s plenty of snow in the winter), then down through city traffic. It was to be a two-day run of over 700 mi. Temperatures at this time of year [late August] would vary from a low of 70ºF in the mountains to 110ºF in Death Valley.”

The photo was taken at the 7,378-ft. Blue Ridge Summit in the Angeles National Forest. It was from a different roll of film than pictures Woron shot of the cars in Death Valley—parked in front of a “Sea Level” sign—so we can’t be sure if this was on their way out or back. Given the cars’ clean condition, we’re guessing they hadn’t logged too many miles since leaving Petersen’s Hollywood offices.

The cars Woron chose to run the route represented “a good cross-section of the types we will be testing this year.” The Corvette “was fairly typical of the sports and touring cars,” while the car that’s obscured in the photo, a Studebaker Hawk, “represented the family sedan contingent.” The VW, fitted with a Weber 1/2-in. stroker kit, represented “two types: the imported sedan that is normally not used for such long over-the-road hauls, and the hopped-up, small-engined cars which we expect to become increasingly popular (because it’s one way for them to compete more favorably with the new Detroit compact cars).”

Woron said that the trip was “highly successful” and that the magazine would be using the route for future tests.

“The more mileage you put on a car, the more you can learn about it—good and bad,” he said. “Look for some real long tests in upcoming issues.”

And while the trip wasn’t meant to be a comparison of the three cars, Woron did make note of their “speed and mileage figures.” The pack traveled at an average speed of 49.6 mph, with the running order frequently shuffled “to discount the advantage given to the lead car.” The Studebaker averaged 16.7 miles per gallon, the ’Vette (“with four-barrel carb and Powerglide transmission”) averaged 17.6. “The 1,417cc Volkswagen, despite being in such fast company, averaged an extremely high 28.2 mpg.”

SEMA Data Co-op

Sat, 02/01/2020 - 10:59

SEMA News—February 2020

SEMA Data Co-op:

Its Time Has Come

Chris Kersting

Chris Kersting

For several years now, SEMA and our industry members have been working to build the industry’s most comprehensive and useful digital product data resource. The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) now houses, updates and distributes product data for more than 480 active brands. And industry companies—both suppliers and resellers—are joining the SDC at an unprecedented pace. There is no single reason why, but a culmination of several factors that make the SDC increasingly vital to the industry. If you haven’t gotten on board, now’s the time.

From a marketing and sales standpoint, consumers are making it clear that they want to learn about products through online search. Although it is still possible to market your products without an online presence, the future is digital, and more and more sales are being lost—even at present—if your products don’t show up in search results. It’s taken a while, but that realization is penetrating the industry, and companies are taking action.

For example, if digital product information is to be useful, all participants in the channel need to be doing their part. The first step has been to work with manufacturers to provide high-quality and useful data. As of this writing, more than 300 brands in the SDC have achieved platinum data status, with many more moving through gold and silver status as they seek to improve their data. With ever more useful data now in the SDC product database, a related objective has been to assist resellers in accessing and using the data to market and sell products.

SDC developers have been hard at work improving internal systems to make it easier for more resellers, large and small, to use and access the data. Automated data transfers using the SDC Application Program Interface are becoming the norm. This permits computerized interactions that greatly speed product information workflow, allowing resellers to get selected data as it becomes available. And manufacturers benefit from being able to automate transfer of product information to resellers as soon as a new product is ready for sale.

Then there’s the introduction of the new SDC WooCommerce plug-in (Beta release), which has gained interest among both manufacturers and resellers. The plug-in is essentially a pre-made tool to simplify automated data transfer that will be especially useful to smaller specialty retail operations. Resellers can easily download the plug-in, select the brands and categories of products they want to receive, and begin automated imports to their online stores—allowing product searches for their websites.

The advantage of this kind of automated data transfer is that computers, talking to other computers, will be quicker to access new information, and the entire workflow between supplier and reseller becomes more efficient. Access for resellers improves, and manufacturers gain enhanced ability to quickly launch products via their chosen resellers.

WooCommerce is one of the most widely used e-commerce platforms, so it made sense for SDC to lead with development of the plug-in for WooCommerce retail sites. But as we gain expertise with implementing this plug-in, the door will open to offering similar plug-ins for other common retail platforms. Meanwhile, if you are a retailer with a WooCommerce platform, by all means download the plug-in. And if you’re not there already, the benefits of instant, automated data transfer are now easily within reach.

The industry is finally forging ahead when it comes to digital product information. The SDC has been evolving and providing useful tools along the way. And we have only just begun. Plans are in the works to provide a new Product Information Management System that we expect will allow our manufacturer members even greater autonomy and efficiency in creating and managing their product data. And that will likewise mean greater ease of use for resellers eager to increase sales.

If you or your company is interested in information about the SDC, the new plug-in tools or any other SDC opportunities, contact info@semadatacoop.org or visit www.semadatacoop.org.

SEMA Report: Automotive Parts Retail Stores Still Thriving

Sat, 02/01/2020 - 10:40

SEMA News—February 2020

INDUSTRY NEWS

By Douglas McColloch

Eighty-three percent of automotive specialty-equipment retailers report stable or growing sales in recent years, according to the latest “SEMA Retail Landscape Report.”

SEMA Report: Automotive Parts Retail Stores Still Thriving

Eighty-three percent of automotive specialty-equipment retailers report stable or growing sales in recent years, dispelling reports of a “retailpocalypse” and showing that the more than 3,000 SEMA-member retailers are primed for continued growth, according to the new “SEMA Retail Landscape Research Report.”

The internet and e-commerce are becoming normal parts of the retail business, with many specialty automotive retailers selling products online or using the internet to advertise and promote their businesses. However, retailers surveyed reported that most 2018 sales were made through in-store purchases and believed that offering personalized advice to their customers was the key to helping them succeed in the future.

For specialty-automotive retailers who find opportunity online, 54% sell products through their company’s website and 39% sell their products through an online marketplaces, such as Amazon, eBay or Walmart.

The web and social media are vital for marketing, with 81% of retailers using social media to market their businesses. Facebook and Instagram are the main—but by no means the only—platforms used, while 71% of specialty auto retailers use their companies’ websites to advertise their businesses.

To learn more about the state of retail in the automotive specialty aftermarket and find insights that can help your business, download the “SEMA Retail Landscape Report” for free at www.sema.org./research.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive industry innovators.

SEMA Now Accepting 2020 Scholarship Applications

SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2020 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund for students preparing for careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.

The program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, including accounting, sales, marketing and engineering.

The program also grants loan-forgiveness awards for employees of SEMA-member companies who have completed a program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program within the United States.

Applications for the program will be open until March 1, 2020. Those chosen as scholarship recipients will be invited to attend the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where they will be recognized during an awards luncheon.

To view eligibility requirements, visit www.sema.org/scholarships. For more information, contact SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall by phone at 909-978-6655 or via email at julietm@sema.org.

Comstock High School was one of five high schools that participated in the SEMA High School Build Program in 2019. The students built a ’04 Jeep Wrangler Sahara.

SEMA High School Vehicle Build Seeks Sponsors

The SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program is expanding to 10 builds for the 2019–2020 school year. As partners in this program, 10 high-school auto-shop classes will customize third-generation Toyota 4Runners and Jeep Wrangler TJs.

Through this hands-on build program, students will expand their real-world auto-tech skills by working with aftermarket products while being introduced to new career paths to pursue their passion for customization. The builds begin in January, and students will complete their builds by the end of the school year.

Aftermarket companies can support this effort through parts donations and/or mentorship opportunities. Sponsors will have their product(s) installed on the vehicle(s) and receive recognition through the build website (www.sema.org/student-builds) and in SEMA build promotions.

Sponsoring the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program not only gives high-school students a build experience of a lifetime but also allows them to open their minds to the possibilities of what can be accomplished using aftermarket products.

If you’re interested in supporting one or more of the student vehicle builds, fill out the product donation form located at the build website. If you’re interested in mentoring a school, please contact SEMA Youth Engagement Programs Manager Katie Hurst at katieh@sema.org.

Mike Slater (center) of Eastern Truck and Accessories was named TORA Retailer of The Year.

Truck Industry Award Winners Announced

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) announced the winners of its third annual TORA Awards during the 2019 SEMA Show. The awards are given to members who positively influence the market and to the best new products in the truck industry. Selected by TORA, the winners included:

TORA Retailer of the Year: Mike Slater, Eastern Truck and Accessories
TORA Influencer of the Year: Jason Sakurai, Roadhouse Marketing
TORA Hall of Fame: Joel Ayres, Automotive Concepts
TORA Ron Webster Award: Jon Engen, DECKED
Best Off-Road New Product: Spyder Nightline Synthetic Winch Rope, Warn Industries Inc.
Best Light Truck New Product: Jeep Gladiator Bedside Storage Lockboxes, Bestop Premium Accessories Group

“The growth of the light-truck and off-road markets wouldn’t be possible without the continuous efforts of our supporting manufacturers and industry influencers,” said TORA Chairman Erika Marquez. “We are pleased to honor the individuals whose creativity, industriousness and accomplishments have contributed to the success of these markets.”

New Vehicle Models Debut at 2019 Los Angeles International Auto Show

Sat, 02/01/2020 - 10:15

SEMA News—February 2020

EVENTS

By John Stewart and Douglas McColloch

New Vehicle Models Debut at 2019 Los Angeles International Auto Show

Automakers at the Los Angeles Auto Show offered a wide variety of compact SUV concepts intended to illustrate potential for urban, off-road and lifestyle variants.

A number of new models and concepts were unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November, revealing ’20 model-year vehicles and concepts intended to signal the directions automakers are considering for the future. The L.A. Show, the first major show of the new-car season, tends to focus on electric-vehicle (EV) technology and clean-energy vehicles and has added programs intended to be a catalyst for industry progress. Of the 65 vehicles that made their debuts on media days, 25 were from global brands, and more than 1,000 new models were on display on the show floor when the event opened for consumers.

Automakers offered a wide variety of compact SUV concepts intended to illustrate potential for urban, off-road and lifestyle variants. The compact SUV segment was recently identified in the “SEMA Accessory Opportunity Report” as one to watch for future sales acceleration and accessorization opportunities as the segment diversifies. Shown here are a few offerings that could be relevant to SEMA-member companies in 2020 and beyond.

The Audi RS Q8 is powered by a biturbo 4.0L V8 engine that is said to deliver an estimated 600 hp and 590 lb.-ft. of torque.

All-New Audi RS Q8 Makes Global Debut

The all-new Audi RS Q8 made its global debut at the auto show, combining the practicality of an SUV and the performance of an RS.

The RS is powered by a biturbo 4.0L V8 engine that is said to deliver an estimated 600 hp and 590 lb.-ft. of torque, with a 0–60-mph time in the 3.8-sec. range and a claimed top speed of 189.5 mph when equipped with ceramic brakes. All-wheel drive is actuated through a standard eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, and the RS’s rear differential splits torque between the rear wheels as required when cornering to improve stability and handling dynamics.

The RS rides on an adaptive air suspension with RS-specific tuning, and drivers can further customize their experience using the standard Audi Drive Select system with seven different profiles, each of which recalibrates the car’s throttle response, transmission shift points, steering and braking input, lateral torque distribution and other performance parameters to best suit road conditions.

The RS Q8 will be available in the United States in early 2020.

The Vision T is the seventh in a series of Hyundai Design Center concepts expressing Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” global design language. The SUV concept hints at future Hyundai product offerings aimed at eco-conscious buyers.

Hyundai Reveals Vision T Plug-in Hybrid SUV Concept

Hyundai debuted its Vision T Plug-in Hybrid SUV concept. The Vision T is the seventh in a series of Hyundai Design Center concepts expressing Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” global design language. The SUV concept hints at future Hyundai product offerings aimed at eco-conscious buyers.

The Vision T’s charging port is located on the passenger-side rear quarter-panel and features a sliding cover. A “Blue Drive” display is illuminated to indicate that the system is actively charging. The state of charge is also indicated externally in a circular light cluster, creating a complete circle appearance when fully charged. When driven at higher speeds, the Parametric Air Shutter Grille opens and closes to optimize aerodynamics.

The side-window design features frameless openings and satin-chrome trim. The oversize satin-chrome alloy wheels feature ample void areas within the split-five-spoke design. From above, a special glass pattern is embossed within the roof glass. These dynamic effects carry into the dark-chrome logo design; when illuminated, it radiates bright green and deep-red hues.

The Mazda CX-30 is equipped with Mazda’s new off-road traction assist feature, helpful to drivers when adventuring on uneven terrain.

Mazda CX-30: Versatile Crossover SUV

The affordable Mazda CX-30 is a maneuverable compact SUV with state-of-the-art information, connectivity and entertainment features. There are four separate trim levels; all CX-30s are equipped with four-cylinder Skyactiv-G 2.5 engines paired with quick-shifting Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmissions. The engine provides 186 hp and is rated to deliver up to 186 lb.-ft. of torque.

The compact crossover is equipped with Mazda’s new off-road traction assist feature, which can potentially help the driver when adventuring on uneven terrain. When diagonal wheels lose traction, off-road traction assist will stop reducing engine torque and increase brake force on the wheels without traction. That transfers power to the wheels still on the ground to help allow the vehicle to regain traction and continue the drive. G-Vectoring Control Plus and front-wheel drive are standard, while Mazda’s predictive i-Activ all-wheel drive is available on all
trim levels.

The rear-drive Hyundai RM19 is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged, direct-injected gas I-4 engine with an output of 390 hp.

Hyundai Introduces All-New RM19 Mid-Engine Sports Car Prototype

Hyundai Motor Co. introduced the RM19 Sports Car. The RM prototype model’s “Racing Midship” mid-engine body configuration is the culmination of a project begun in 2012 to develop and connect new high-performance motorsports technologies with future Hyundai production models.

The rear-drive RM19 is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged, direct-injected gas I-4 engine with an output of 390 hp, giving the vehicle an estimated 0–60-mph time of 4 seconds. The engine is backed by a six-speed sequential transmission and rides on a MacPherson front and double-wishbone rear suspension featuring adjustable geometry. The wheel package is 20x8.5J in front and 20x11J in the rear, and the Bosch ABS system utilizes six-piston calipers up front and four-piston units at the rear.

While the 2.0L gas engine is the only powerplant at present, Hyundai has hinted that it plans to eventually use the RM series as a test bed for a variety of future high-performance HEV, PHEV and FCEV technologies.

The Land Rover Defender will be available in three models: a three-door Defender 90 First Edition, long-wheelbase Defender 110 and Defender 110 First Edition, with pricing for the base-model D110 starting at $49,900.

New Land Rover Defender Makes North American Debut

The Land Rover Defender returned to the United States for the first time in 22 years, making its North American debut. The Defender will be available in three models: a three-door Defender 90 First Edition, a long-wheelbase Defender 110, and a Defender 110 First Edition, with pricing for the base-model D110 starting at $49,900.

Available engines will be the base 2.0L turbocharged I-4 producing 296 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 3.0L MEHV I-6 producing 395 hp and 406 lb.-ft. Gearing duties for the full-time four-wheel drive are handled by a ZF eight-speed automatic and a two-speed transfer case, and the electronic air suspension can be driver-adjusted via a new Configurable Terrain Response system. The 18-, 19- and 20-in. wheels are available, depending on trim level, and top-line HSE models get 14-way-adjustable heated and cooled power memory front seats.

The Defender 90 First Edition will be available in spring of 2020, while the longer-wheelbase 110s will be available the following summer.

Ford Debuts ’21 Mustang Mach-E

For the first time in 55 years, Ford is expanding the Mustang lineup, unveiling the ’21 Mustang Mach-E, all-electric SUV, at a media event, at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles ahead of the 2020 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

The Mustang Mach-E will be available with standard and extended-range battery options with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive powered by permanent magnet motors. Equipped with an extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive, the Mach-E has a targeted EPA-estimated range of at least 300 mi. In extended-range all-wheel-drive configurations, Mach-E’s estimated power output is 332 hp and 417 lb.-ft. of torque.

Two special performance versions will also be available: the GT and GT Performance editions, which will produce an estimated 459 hp and 612 lb.-ft. of torque. The Mach-E will also feature a brand-new all-wheel-drive system as well as a MagneRide adaptive suspension. The Mach-E is slated to go on sale in late 2020 with a base price of $44,995.

Volkswagen to Return to Baja 1000 for 2020

Volkswagen will return to the prestigious SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race in 2020, entering an Atlas Cross Sport R race truck in Class 7 Open Production Unlimited. The prototype race truck offered a first look at the vehicle that will compete in the Baja competition next November.

Developed in conjunction with VW driver Tanner Foust and Baja race veteran Rhys Millen, the Atlas Cross Sport R will be the first four-wheel-drive vehicle to enter Baja Class 7 competition. Power will be distributed to the wheels from a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, first developed by Volkswagen Motorsport for use in its WRC and Rallycross programs. Capable of running up to 600 hp—or 300 hp per liter—the engine will be detuned to roughly 480 hp for an optimized balance of performance and reliability. Currently in concept form, the vehicle is being tested for further development and finalization before the 2020 race.

The MOPAR-modified ’20 Jeep Gladiator Gravity concept is intended to illustrate the open-air potential of the Gladiator.

Jeep Gladiator Gravity

The MOPAR-modified ’20 Jeep Gladiator Gravity concept is intended to illustrate the open-air potential of the Gladiator. The doors have been replaced with Jeep Performance Parts round steel-tube doors, and a bed storage system offers lockable cargo space that does not compromise the bed area. The Gladiator needs only a 2-in. lift to fit 17-in. wheels shod with 35-in. tires.

Functional upgrades include an auxiliary switch bank, a trailer brake kit, heavy-gauge steel Jeep Performance Parts rock rails, and two separate auxiliary lighting systems. All-weather floor mats have a unique “plug” system that allows for direct draining of water and debris.

The MOPAR-modified ’20 Jeep Gladiator Gravity concept is intended to illustrate the open-air potential of the Gladiator.

’20 Dodge Challenger Widebody 50th Anniversary Edition

Dodge unveiled a limited-production ’20 Challenger package to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Challenger. The package is to be offered on four Challenger models, including the Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody shown on p. 29. The Challenger Widebody edition will be offered in seven colors; production will be limited to 70 units per color for a total of 490 units.

The Widebody package on the Challenger R/T Scat Pack adds 3.5 in. of overall width, and it rides on sticky 305/35ZR20 Pirelli tires mounted to 20x11-in. wheels. It also includes an SRT-tuned chassis featuring stiffer front springs, retuned shock absorbers and larger sway bars in both front and rear, and SRT-tuned high-
performance adaptive damping suspension.

According to the manufacturer, the R/T Scat Pack Widebody delivers its best on-road and on-track performance ever, with an improvement of close to 2 sec. per lap or 12 car lengths compared with the R/T Scat Pack. In a quarter-mile comparison, the new Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody gained 0.2 sec., running a 12.1-sec. E.T. at 112 mph.

Moments after unveiling the all-new ’21 Seltos SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia Motors America let two exciting Seltos concepts off their leashes: the X-Line Trail Attack and the X-Line Urban Concept, shown here.

Kia Peaks Into the Future With ’21 Seltos Concepts

Moments after unveiling the all-new ’21 Seltos SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia Motors America let two exciting Seltos concepts off their leashes: the X-Line Trail Attack and the X-Line Urban Concept, shown above.

Inspired by the imposing glass and steel skyscrapers of New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Urban Concept’s custom slate-gray paint scheme is highlighted by a gloss-black roof panel for a splash of stark modernity. The concept features a custom 2-in. lift, which helps to raise the seating position and offer a better vantage point for maneuvering around
city traffic.

Electronically controlled AWD with torque vectoring puts power through the 17x8-in. alloy wheels where it’s needed most: to the tire with optimum traction. Resting below the custom hood, complete with integrated intake, is the same powerplant found in the Trail Attack Concept, offering authoritative acceleration away from stoplights.

Up top, four high-powered Hella auxiliary lights cut through low-hanging city fog, and the custom-fabricated roof rack will hold all the extra stuff any apartment dweller can amass. The interior features include a 10.25-in. touchscreen, navigation system and backup camera.