Here’s the ’20 Toyota Tundra undergoing testing in Ann Arbor, Michigan, alongside the current-generation Ford F-150.

Toyota is giving the Tundra a major refresh for 2020, while preserving the 11-year-old cab from 2008, pretty much following the Toyota Camry playbook (’06–’17 maintained the same greenhouse/pillars).

The Tundra will get all-new looks from the A-pillar forward, along with an all-new interior, updated bed and a new tailgate. These changes should keep the Tundra “fresh” for another couple of years. Some engine tweaks may also be in the works. A new 10-speed automatic that first appeared in the Lexus LC and LS models is also slated for all of Toyota’s rear-drive vehicles, including the Tundra.

The most interesting part of this prototype involves the (street sweeper) camo disguising the rear axle and rear suspension. Could Toyota be taking a page from RAM’s playbook with an air suspension option? Or even wilder, an independent rear suspension?

Expect to see this ’20 Tundra later this year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the ’20 Toyota Tundra undergoing testing in Ann Arbor, Michigan, alongside the current-generation Ford F-150.

Toyota is giving the Tundra a major refresh for 2020, while preserving the 11-year-old cab from 2008, pretty much following the Toyota Camry playbook (’06–’17 maintained the same greenhouse/pillars).

The Tundra will get all-new looks from the A-pillar forward, along with an all-new interior, updated bed and a new tailgate. These changes should keep the Tundra “fresh” for another couple of years. Some engine tweaks may also be in the works. A new 10-speed automatic that first appeared in the Lexus LC and LS models is also slated for all of Toyota’s rear-drive vehicles, including the Tundra.

The most interesting part of this prototype involves the (street sweeper) camo disguising the rear axle and rear suspension. Could Toyota be taking a page from RAM’s playbook with an air suspension option? Or even wilder, an independent rear suspension?

Expect to see this ’20 Tundra later this year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the ’20 Toyota Tundra undergoing testing in Ann Arbor, Michigan, alongside the current-generation Ford F-150.

Toyota is giving the Tundra a major refresh for 2020, while preserving the 11-year-old cab from 2008, pretty much following the Toyota Camry playbook (’06–’17 maintained the same greenhouse/pillars).

The Tundra will get all-new looks from the A-pillar forward, along with an all-new interior, updated bed and a new tailgate. These changes should keep the Tundra “fresh” for another couple of years. Some engine tweaks may also be in the works. A new 10-speed automatic that first appeared in the Lexus LC and LS models is also slated for all of Toyota’s rear-drive vehicles, including the Tundra.

The most interesting part of this prototype involves the (street sweeper) camo disguising the rear axle and rear suspension. Could Toyota be taking a page from RAM’s playbook with an air suspension option? Or even wilder, an independent rear suspension?

Expect to see this ’20 Tundra later this year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

Tom Gattuso

Tom Gattuso has been named SEMA vice president of events, and will have primary management responsibilities for the SEMA Show and other association events.

With nearly 25 years of event-management experience, including eight years as SEMA director of trade shows, Gattuso will lead the events team, guiding day-to-day planning, operations and execution, while working with all departments to support the association’s strategic vision.

Gattuso has nearly 25 years of event-management experience, including eight years as SEMA director of trade shows.

“The SEMA Show has a long history of delivering value to our industry participants, and I’m excited to contribute to the future of this annual event,” said Gattuso. “The event is a reflection of the industry. As the industry continues to evolve, so, too, will the Show. I’m looking forward to being a part of the evolution.”

Gattuso, who is an active member of several event and trade show boards at both the regional and national levels, will work with SEMA’s senior management team and volunteer leaders to shape the SEMA Show in the years ahead.

“The SEMA Show has served our industry as an invaluable business marketplace for more than 50 years” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “Tom Gattuso represents a strong addition to our executive management team who will help SEMA provide a dynamic trade show that continues to exceed expectations.”

The SEMA Show is consistently rated among the top trade events in the U.S., with more than 2,400 exhibitors and more than 160,000 total in attendance at the 2018 SEMA Show. Plans are currently in progress for the 2019 SEMA Show, taking place November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

By SEMA Editors

Tom Gattuso

Tom Gattuso has been named SEMA vice president of events, and will have primary management responsibilities for the SEMA Show and other association events.

With nearly 25 years of event-management experience, including eight years as SEMA director of trade shows, Gattuso will lead the events team, guiding day-to-day planning, operations and execution, while working with all departments to support the association’s strategic vision.

Gattuso has nearly 25 years of event-management experience, including eight years as SEMA director of trade shows.

“The SEMA Show has a long history of delivering value to our industry participants, and I’m excited to contribute to the future of this annual event,” said Gattuso. “The event is a reflection of the industry. As the industry continues to evolve, so, too, will the Show. I’m looking forward to being a part of the evolution.”

Gattuso, who is an active member of several event and trade show boards at both the regional and national levels, will work with SEMA’s senior management team and volunteer leaders to shape the SEMA Show in the years ahead.

“The SEMA Show has served our industry as an invaluable business marketplace for more than 50 years” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “Tom Gattuso represents a strong addition to our executive management team who will help SEMA provide a dynamic trade show that continues to exceed expectations.”

The SEMA Show is consistently rated among the top trade events in the U.S., with more than 2,400 exhibitors and more than 160,000 total in attendance at the 2018 SEMA Show. Plans are currently in progress for the 2019 SEMA Show, taking place November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

By SEMA Editors

Tom Gattuso

Tom Gattuso has been named SEMA vice president of events, and will have primary management responsibilities for the SEMA Show and other association events.

With nearly 25 years of event-management experience, including eight years as SEMA director of trade shows, Gattuso will lead the events team, guiding day-to-day planning, operations and execution, while working with all departments to support the association’s strategic vision.

Gattuso has nearly 25 years of event-management experience, including eight years as SEMA director of trade shows.

“The SEMA Show has a long history of delivering value to our industry participants, and I’m excited to contribute to the future of this annual event,” said Gattuso. “The event is a reflection of the industry. As the industry continues to evolve, so, too, will the Show. I’m looking forward to being a part of the evolution.”

Gattuso, who is an active member of several event and trade show boards at both the regional and national levels, will work with SEMA’s senior management team and volunteer leaders to shape the SEMA Show in the years ahead.

“The SEMA Show has served our industry as an invaluable business marketplace for more than 50 years” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “Tom Gattuso represents a strong addition to our executive management team who will help SEMA provide a dynamic trade show that continues to exceed expectations.”

The SEMA Show is consistently rated among the top trade events in the U.S., with more than 2,400 exhibitors and more than 160,000 total in attendance at the 2018 SEMA Show. Plans are currently in progress for the 2019 SEMA Show, taking place November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

Tray Smith, SEMA’s Aftermarket Restoration Marketing Organization (ARMO) chair, discusses why the council is valuable to the restoration market, how they help with licensing issues and how others can get involved.

Tray Smith, SEMA’s Aftermarket Restoration Marketing Organization (ARMO) chair, discusses why the council is valuable to the restoration market, how they help with licensing issues and how others can get involved.

Tray Smith, SEMA’s Aftermarket Restoration Marketing Organization (ARMO) chair, discusses why the council is valuable to the restoration market, how they help with licensing issues and how others can get involved.

By SEMA Editors

Ray Lipper

Ray Lipper, 2002 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee and founder of Center Line Wheel Corp., located in Santa Fe Springs, California, has passed away. 

Lipper built a name for himself and his company based on his background as a designer and engineer. He recognized the need for a stronger racing wheel and went to work creating numerous wheels for the industry.

Lipper produced some of the lightest and strongest one-piece wheels in the industry, from his first attempt, known as the Auto Drag, to his development of the technique for using a single blank that can be split and spun into a one-piece wheel.

Center Line is credited with being the first wheel manufacturing company to produce a modular aftermarket wheel for Harley-Davidson, and the first to develop and manufacture a wheel using a rotary forging process. Lipper and his engineers at Center Line also developed and produced the wheels for the Spirit of America land-speed record car.

Funeral information is not available at this time.