By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The RPM Act reverses the EPA’s interpretation that the Clean Air Act does not allow a motor vehicle designed for street use—including a car, truck or motorcycle—to be converted into a dedicated racecar.

U.S. Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) introduced H.R. 5434, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2019 (RPM Act of 2019). The bipartisan RPM Act of 2019 protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars and the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete. SEMA is urging its members and all racing enthusiasts to contact their members of Congress and ask for them to support the bill. To send a letter to your members of Congress (it takes less than 30 seconds), visit www.sema.org/rpm.

The RPM Act reverses the EPA’s interpretation that the Clean Air Act does not allow a motor vehicle designed for street use—including a car, truck or motorcycle—to be converted into a dedicated racecar. This American tradition was unquestioned for nearly 50 years until 2015 when the EPA took the position that converted vehicles must remain emissions-compliant, even though they are no longer driven on public streets or highways. 

“SEMA looks forward to working with Congress to enact the RPM Act and make permanent the Clean Air Act’s original intention that race vehicle conversions are legal,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We thank Representatives McHenry and Ruiz for introducing a bipartisan bill that will protect racing and the businesses that produce, install and sell the parts that enable racers to compete."

The RPM Act is well positioned to become law in 2020. The bill cleared several major legislative hurdles in the previous Congress, including passage by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and hearings in the House and Senate. The bipartisan RPM Act included five other original sponsors: Reps. Richard Hudson (R-NC), Kurt Schrader (D-OR), Bill Posey (R-FL), Gil Cisneros (D-CA) and Michael Burgess (R-TX).

H.R. 5434 is the House counterpart to the Senate’s version of the bill, S. 2602, which was introduced by Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) and currently has 28 bipartisan cosponsors. 

Motorsports competition involves tens of thousands of participants and vehicle owners each year, both amateur and professional. Retail sales of racing products make up a nearly $2 billion market annually. Most of the vehicles raced on the estimated 1,300 racetracks operating across the U.S. are converted vehicles that the EPA considers to be illegal.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) granted exclusion requests for 44 products from the List 3 Chinese imports subject to 25% tariffs. The products cover a wide variety of commodities, including:

• Light-emitting diode (LED) headlights, light bars and cube lights, of a kind designed to be mounted on off-road, all-terrain vehicles (described in statistical reporting number 8512.20.2040).
• Brake drums of grey cast iron for the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705 (other than tractors for agricultural purposes), with an inside diameter of 38 cm or more but not over 42 cm (described in statistical reporting number 8708.30.5020).
• Brake discs of grey cast iron for the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705 (other than tractors for agricultural purposes), with an outside diameter of 32 cm or more but not over 44 cm (described in statistical reporting number 8708.30.5030).
• Wheel hubs of cast iron, for off-road vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705, each weighing 2 kg or more but not exceeding 4 kg (described in statistical reporting number 8708.99.5300).

Click here for more information.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) granted exclusion requests for 44 products from the List 3 Chinese imports subject to 25% tariffs. The products cover a wide variety of commodities, including:

• Light-emitting diode (LED) headlights, light bars and cube lights, of a kind designed to be mounted on off-road, all-terrain vehicles (described in statistical reporting number 8512.20.2040).
• Brake drums of grey cast iron for the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705 (other than tractors for agricultural purposes), with an inside diameter of 38 cm or more but not over 42 cm (described in statistical reporting number 8708.30.5020).
• Brake discs of grey cast iron for the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705 (other than tractors for agricultural purposes), with an outside diameter of 32 cm or more but not over 44 cm (described in statistical reporting number 8708.30.5030).
• Wheel hubs of cast iron, for off-road vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705, each weighing 2 kg or more but not exceeding 4 kg (described in statistical reporting number 8708.99.5300).

Click here for more information.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

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.

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

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. Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, including accounting, sales, marketing and engineering.

“Our goal is to encourage, inspire and support the future leaders of the automotive aftermarket industry,” said SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall. “By providing financial support to promising students, we can successfully open doors of opportunity to those working towards a career in our field.”

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 at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

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.

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

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. Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, including accounting, sales, marketing and engineering.

“Our goal is to encourage, inspire and support the future leaders of the automotive aftermarket industry,” said SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall. “By providing financial support to promising students, we can successfully open doors of opportunity to those working towards a career in our field.”

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 at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is requesting public comment on whether to update the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for tires to address new technologies. NHTSA is specifically requesting comments on the existing strength test, the bead unseating resistance test, and the tire endurance test.

The agency also wants feedback on the current use and relevance of some tire marking regulations. In addition to considering updates for new technologies, NHTSA will seek to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens. Comments due February 18, 2020.

Click here for more information.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is requesting public comment on whether to update the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for tires to address new technologies. NHTSA is specifically requesting comments on the existing strength test, the bead unseating resistance test, and the tire endurance test.

The agency also wants feedback on the current use and relevance of some tire marking regulations. In addition to considering updates for new technologies, NHTSA will seek to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens. Comments due February 18, 2020.

Click here for more information.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Amp’d Throttle Booster Amp’d announces the release of its Throttle Sensitivity Booster for ’07–’18 Tundra, ’10–’18 4Runner and ’08–’18 Sequoia. The booster is designed to improve throttle response from stock.   888-360-3343 https://edgeproducts.com PN: 58850
Holley AN Port Plugs With Modern Design Holley releases its AN port plug. The plugs feature a slim, modern lightweight design with an internal Allen head hex. Made from 2024 aluminum, the -3 AN to -6 AN sized plugs are available in pairs and the larger sizes are sold individually. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 981320ERL
Champion Brands Bake Fluid Champions Brands introduces its DOT 5.1 brake fluid for performance and competition electric vehicles. The Brake Fluid is designed specifically for the needs of electric high-powered vehicles. Recent developments in ABS, ESP, AD, and ADAS vehicles are going to put greater emphasis on cycle time and frequency. This will place increasing demands on brake fluid viscosity and lubricity. 800-821-5693 www.championbrands.com PN: Varies
Holley O.E. Fuel Line EFI Quick Connect Holley announces the expansion of its Earl’s Vapor Guard product to include O.E. fuel line quick connect fittings. These adapter fittings are designed to allow an easy way to re-use existing OEM fuel rails, fuel filters, and other components when doing an engine swap, or upgrading to Vapor Guard. Each fitting has a -6 AN Male Flare, and a metal retainer nut. Constructed from 6061 T6 aluminum with black anodized finish. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 751166ERL
Holley Submersible Vapor Guard Hose Holley announces the release of its Earls Vapor Guard submersible fuel hose. The hose is designed for use inside fuel tanks to attach the in-tank fuel pump or pickup. The hoses are engineered to be Ideal for use with race gas, pump gas, alcohol and ethanol-blend gasoline, biodiesel and diesel fuel. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 740255ERL

Porsche will update the Panamera Sport Turismo for its ’20 model year, and here’s a prototype of the new car hitting German roads.

Expected to be revealed early next year, the Mercedes AMG GT four-door rival will receive subtle revisions to the exterior look, including an altered taillight design with an LED strip linking both units. The changes will bring it into line with newer Porsche models, such as the Cayenne and 992-generation 911.

It won't be just a cosmetic upgrade; however, as Porsche is planning to introduce its first mild-hybrid powertrains for the Panamera Sport Turismo. The S and 4S models will make use of the same 2.9L twin-turbo V6, but like U.S. market versions of the Audi S6 and S7, the two variants are likely to adopt a 48V electrical architecture.

This will allow the fitment of a mild-hybrid system, using the usual integrated motor generator to harvest electrical power to provide an efficiency boost and allow the start-stop system to activate sooner. Perhaps more important to Porsche buyers, however, will be the expected inclusion of Audi’s electric compressor system, filling in the gaps in torque delivery while the turbochargers spool up.

With the interior already as up to date as its siblings, expect more technology upgrades than design changes inside. We’ll see more advanced infotainment and assist features, but nothing dramatic is predicted. 

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Porsche will update the Panamera Sport Turismo for its ’20 model year, and here’s a prototype of the new car hitting German roads.

Expected to be revealed early next year, the Mercedes AMG GT four-door rival will receive subtle revisions to the exterior look, including an altered taillight design with an LED strip linking both units. The changes will bring it into line with newer Porsche models, such as the Cayenne and 992-generation 911.

It won't be just a cosmetic upgrade; however, as Porsche is planning to introduce its first mild-hybrid powertrains for the Panamera Sport Turismo. The S and 4S models will make use of the same 2.9L twin-turbo V6, but like U.S. market versions of the Audi S6 and S7, the two variants are likely to adopt a 48V electrical architecture.

This will allow the fitment of a mild-hybrid system, using the usual integrated motor generator to harvest electrical power to provide an efficiency boost and allow the start-stop system to activate sooner. Perhaps more important to Porsche buyers, however, will be the expected inclusion of Audi’s electric compressor system, filling in the gaps in torque delivery while the turbochargers spool up.

With the interior already as up to date as its siblings, expect more technology upgrades than design changes inside. We’ll see more advanced infotainment and assist features, but nothing dramatic is predicted. 

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde