Here’s a first look at an undisguised, production-ready ’19 Camaro ZL1 1LE testing outside of GM’s Milford Proving Grounds.

While almost every other Camaro variant was revealed back in April, the ZL1 and ZL1 1LE were unfortunately absent. Up front, the ZL1 1LE appears to remain virtually unchanged, but around back, it gets a new toned-down rear bumper, new taillights and what appears to be an additional camera (the normal backup camera is located right above the license plate) built into the satellite radio shark fin. Interestingly, the production-ready ZL1 spied in July had a similar camera built into the rear wing, not the shark fin.

Power is still expected to come from the 6.2L LT4, which is good for 650 hp and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a TREMEC six-speed manual.

Expect an official debut in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

The Signature at MGM Grand is just one of the hotels available to Showgoers at an exclusive low rate.

Exhibitors and attendees who have not yet secured hotels for the 2018 SEMA Show can take advantage of the guaranteed low rates offered at www.SEMAShow.com/travel. SEMA Show management works with one official hotel provider, OnPeak, to ensure that all Showgoers receive guaranteed low rates and an extra level of service.

There are still several properties available at www.SEMAShow.com/travel that accommodate the style and budget of all business types making the trip to Vegas for the Show. Here are a few examples of three hotels currently available:

• The Signature at MGM Grand – Current Rate: $194 per night
• Caesars Palace – Current Rate: $251 per night
• The LINQ Hotel and Casino – Current Rate: $225 per night

Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel to book rooms now—space is limited and available on a first come, first-served basis.

SEMA Show management encourages exhibitors, attendees and media to be vigilant if approached by any company or service, other than OnPeak, that claims to be a housing provider for the SEMA Show or APPEX. Leading up to the Show, Showgoers might be contacted by other travel agencies or housing companies to book guest rooms. SEMA has no affiliation with these organizations and cannot vouch for their services in any way.

For booking assistance, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Companies with existing reservations need to have their OnPeak Attendance/Group ID number handy.

By SEMA Editors

The Signature at MGM Grand is just one of the hotels available to Showgoers at an exclusive low rate.

Exhibitors and attendees who have not yet secured hotels for the 2018 SEMA Show can take advantage of the guaranteed low rates offered at www.SEMAShow.com/travel. SEMA Show management works with one official hotel provider, OnPeak, to ensure that all Showgoers receive guaranteed low rates and an extra level of service.

There are still several properties available at www.SEMAShow.com/travel that accommodate the style and budget of all business types making the trip to Vegas for the Show. Here are a few examples of three hotels currently available:

• The Signature at MGM Grand – Current Rate: $194 per night
• Caesars Palace – Current Rate: $251 per night
• The LINQ Hotel and Casino – Current Rate: $225 per night

Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel to book rooms now—space is limited and available on a first come, first-served basis.

SEMA Show management encourages exhibitors, attendees and media to be vigilant if approached by any company or service, other than OnPeak, that claims to be a housing provider for the SEMA Show or APPEX. Leading up to the Show, Showgoers might be contacted by other travel agencies or housing companies to book guest rooms. SEMA has no affiliation with these organizations and cannot vouch for their services in any way.

For booking assistance, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Companies with existing reservations need to have their OnPeak Attendance/Group ID number handy.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors named the Chevrolet Camaro, Cadillac CTS-V, Ford Focus, Jeep Wrangler and Ford F-Series as last year’s SEMA Award winners for hottest vehicles in their respective categories. Accepting the awards for their companies were (from left) Alan Batey, president, GM North America; Judy Curran, director, planning and strategy—vehicle components and systems, Ford Motor Co.; and Pietro Gorlier, head of parts and service, MOPAR, FCA.

The annual SEMA Awards, given to the top-trending vehicle models in five categories, will be presented for the first time, Monday, October 29, the day before the 2018 SEMA Show officially opens, allowing media the opportunity to report on the news earlier than ever before. In past years, the awards had been presented on the first day of the SEMA Show, during the New Products Breakfast.

Previously referred to as the “Hottest Vehicles,” the honors will be given out to the SEMA Car of the Year, SEMA Truck of the Year, SEMA 4x4/SUV of the Year, SEMA Sport Compact of the Year and, for the first time ever, the SEMA Powersports Vehicle of the Year. Ballots for the SEMA Awards were sent in early September to 2018 SEMA Show exhibiting manufacturers who will vote to determine the winners.

“The SEMA Awards recognize the vehicles that SEMA Show exhibitors have identified as being at the forefront of emerging trends in the industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “These vehicles are embraced by the industry due to their ability to help showcase and launch new aftermarket parts.”

The exhibitors who select the award winners are manufacturers of products designed to improve performance, safety and convenience, as well as those that enhance appearance and comfort. The SEMA Award heightens awareness for aftermarket products, and it is an example of the industry’s partnership between automakers and aftermarket manufacturers.

Visit www.sema.org/semaaward for more information.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors named the Chevrolet Camaro, Cadillac CTS-V, Ford Focus, Jeep Wrangler and Ford F-Series as last year’s SEMA Award winners for hottest vehicles in their respective categories. Accepting the awards for their companies were (from left) Alan Batey, president, GM North America; Judy Curran, director, planning and strategy—vehicle components and systems, Ford Motor Co.; and Pietro Gorlier, head of parts and service, MOPAR, FCA.

The annual SEMA Awards, given to the top-trending vehicle models in five categories, will be presented for the first time, Monday, October 29, the day before the 2018 SEMA Show officially opens, allowing media the opportunity to report on the news earlier than ever before. In past years, the awards had been presented on the first day of the SEMA Show, during the New Products Breakfast.

Previously referred to as the “Hottest Vehicles,” the honors will be given out to the SEMA Car of the Year, SEMA Truck of the Year, SEMA 4x4/SUV of the Year, SEMA Sport Compact of the Year and, for the first time ever, the SEMA Powersports Vehicle of the Year. Ballots for the SEMA Awards were sent in early September to 2018 SEMA Show exhibiting manufacturers who will vote to determine the winners.

“The SEMA Awards recognize the vehicles that SEMA Show exhibitors have identified as being at the forefront of emerging trends in the industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “These vehicles are embraced by the industry due to their ability to help showcase and launch new aftermarket parts.”

The exhibitors who select the award winners are manufacturers of products designed to improve performance, safety and convenience, as well as those that enhance appearance and comfort. The SEMA Award heightens awareness for aftermarket products, and it is an example of the industry’s partnership between automakers and aftermarket manufacturers.

Visit www.sema.org/semaaward for more information.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors named the Chevrolet Camaro, Cadillac CTS-V, Ford Focus, Jeep Wrangler and Ford F-Series as last year’s SEMA Award winners for hottest vehicles in their respective categories. Accepting the awards for their companies were (from left) Alan Batey, president, GM North America; Judy Curran, director, planning and strategy—vehicle components and systems, Ford Motor Co.; and Pietro Gorlier, head of parts and service, MOPAR, FCA.

The annual SEMA Awards, given to the top-trending vehicle models in five categories, will be presented for the first time, Monday, October 29, the day before the 2018 SEMA Show officially opens, allowing media the opportunity to report on the news earlier than ever before. In past years, the awards had been presented on the first day of the SEMA Show, during the New Products Breakfast.

Previously referred to as the “Hottest Vehicles,” the honors will be given out to the SEMA Car of the Year, SEMA Truck of the Year, SEMA 4x4/SUV of the Year, SEMA Sport Compact of the Year and, for the first time ever, the SEMA Powersports Vehicle of the Year. Ballots for the SEMA Awards were sent in early September to 2018 SEMA Show exhibiting manufacturers who will vote to determine the winners.

“The SEMA Awards recognize the vehicles that SEMA Show exhibitors have identified as being at the forefront of emerging trends in the industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “These vehicles are embraced by the industry due to their ability to help showcase and launch new aftermarket parts.”

The exhibitors who select the award winners are manufacturers of products designed to improve performance, safety and convenience, as well as those that enhance appearance and comfort. The SEMA Award heightens awareness for aftermarket products, and it is an example of the industry’s partnership between automakers and aftermarket manufacturers.

Visit www.sema.org/semaaward for more information.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show registration is available at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

View the SEMA Show online floorplan at www.SEMAShow.com/floorplan.

With more than 2,400 manufacturers expected to exhibit at the 2018 SEMA Show—including veterans and those new to the Show—displays will feature the latest, most innovative new products covering the entire specialty automotive market.

Here are some planning tips and suggested actions to take now to take advantage of all the SEMA Show has to offer:

Register for the Show

Online registration for the Show is $40 prior to the October 12 deadline, and $90 thereafter for those who register online or onsite. International buyers have until Friday, September 14, to register online and receive their badges prior to the Show. Buyers from the United States and Canada have until Friday, October 12, to register online for the Show and have their badges mailed prior to the event. 

Book Your Hotel Room

Making reservations through www.SEMAShow.com/travel ensures that you will lock-in a guaranteed hotel rate, backed by the SEMA Show’s only official housing provider, OnPeak. The Travel & Lodging page features a real-time listing of the hotel deals available for the 2018 SEMA Show. For assistance with your reservations, call OnPeak at 866-611-8831 (for international callers, dial +1-312-527-7300), Monday–Friday, between 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (CST). If you have an existing reservation, have your OnPeak Attendance/Group ID number handy.

Stay for Friday

Get the most from the week by staying an extra day and experiencing how Friday at the SEMA Show continues to get better and better. On Friday, the Show floor is open for attendees to complete their business for the week, and education sessions are also available. When the Show reaches its end late Friday afternoon, the SEMA Cruise starts, signifying the beginning of SEMA Ignited. For more information on SEMA Ignited, which features the finals of the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, visit www.SEMAIgnited.com.

Learn the Latest From Exhibitors

Buyers and media can stay up-to-date on the latest SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center. News and announcements can be easily sorted by type and/or market segment, allowing users to find the most relevant news as quickly and efficiently as possible.

View the Floorplan

The SEMA Show floorplan has been enhanced with user-friendly functions that make navigating the Show, planning the week and creating a personalized schedule quick and simple. Exhibitors can be searched by keywords, and there are links to list exhibitors by alpha, as well as the entire exhibitors list available in PDF.

Capitalize on Business and Industry Trends

The SEMA Show Education Days features an immense roster of educational seminars and learning events geared toward all segments of the industry. With more than 100 free and several pay-to-attend educational events covering everything from social media and online marketing to customer service, industry trends, business skills and more. For a complete list of the curricula, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show registration is available at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

View the SEMA Show online floorplan at www.SEMAShow.com/floorplan.

With more than 2,400 manufacturers expected to exhibit at the 2018 SEMA Show—including veterans and those new to the Show—displays will feature the latest, most innovative new products covering the entire specialty automotive market.

Here are some planning tips and suggested actions to take now to take advantage of all the SEMA Show has to offer:

Register for the Show

Online registration for the Show is $40 prior to the October 12 deadline, and $90 thereafter for those who register online or onsite. International buyers have until Friday, September 14, to register online and receive their badges prior to the Show. Buyers from the United States and Canada have until Friday, October 12, to register online for the Show and have their badges mailed prior to the event. 

Book Your Hotel Room

Making reservations through www.SEMAShow.com/travel ensures that you will lock-in a guaranteed hotel rate, backed by the SEMA Show’s only official housing provider, OnPeak. The Travel & Lodging page features a real-time listing of the hotel deals available for the 2018 SEMA Show. For assistance with your reservations, call OnPeak at 866-611-8831 (for international callers, dial +1-312-527-7300), Monday–Friday, between 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (CST). If you have an existing reservation, have your OnPeak Attendance/Group ID number handy.

Stay for Friday

Get the most from the week by staying an extra day and experiencing how Friday at the SEMA Show continues to get better and better. On Friday, the Show floor is open for attendees to complete their business for the week, and education sessions are also available. When the Show reaches its end late Friday afternoon, the SEMA Cruise starts, signifying the beginning of SEMA Ignited. For more information on SEMA Ignited, which features the finals of the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, visit www.SEMAIgnited.com.

Learn the Latest From Exhibitors

Buyers and media can stay up-to-date on the latest SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center. News and announcements can be easily sorted by type and/or market segment, allowing users to find the most relevant news as quickly and efficiently as possible.

View the Floorplan

The SEMA Show floorplan has been enhanced with user-friendly functions that make navigating the Show, planning the week and creating a personalized schedule quick and simple. Exhibitors can be searched by keywords, and there are links to list exhibitors by alpha, as well as the entire exhibitors list available in PDF.

Capitalize on Business and Industry Trends

The SEMA Show Education Days features an immense roster of educational seminars and learning events geared toward all segments of the industry. With more than 100 free and several pay-to-attend educational events covering everything from social media and online marketing to customer service, industry trends, business skills and more. For a complete list of the curricula, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.

By Matt Kennedy

Download the “SEMA Industry Perspectives Report” to find out more about the state of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Download the new “SEMA Industry Perspectives Report” at www.sema.org/market-research to find out more regarding the state of the automotive specialty-equipment industry along with current and projected product trends.

More than three-fourths of specialty-equipment businesses surveyed expect their sales to grow next year. Manufacturers are particularly optimistic, with 85% reporting they expect growth for next year. Most industry businesses also reported adding new products and growing their customer bases in the past year.

It should come as no surprise that the automotive specialty-equipment industry increasingly views social media as a key marketing platform. Roughly 90% of manufacturers and retailers reported using social media to promote their businesses in the past year, and most have increased their presence on social media platforms. While social has become a key piece of the puzzle, more traditional channels, such as trade-show exhibits or automotive events and print (magazine or catalog) continue to provide a foundation for their marketing strategies.

Want more information about the trends affecting the automotive specialty-equipment market? Check out the latest “SEMA Industry Indicators Report” to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. Monthly indicator reports are available for free at www.sema.org/market-research.

By Matt Kennedy

Download the “SEMA Industry Perspectives Report” to find out more about the state of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Download the new “SEMA Industry Perspectives Report” at www.sema.org/market-research to find out more regarding the state of the automotive specialty-equipment industry along with current and projected product trends.

More than three-fourths of specialty-equipment businesses surveyed expect their sales to grow next year. Manufacturers are particularly optimistic, with 85% reporting they expect growth for next year. Most industry businesses also reported adding new products and growing their customer bases in the past year.

It should come as no surprise that the automotive specialty-equipment industry increasingly views social media as a key marketing platform. Roughly 90% of manufacturers and retailers reported using social media to promote their businesses in the past year, and most have increased their presence on social media platforms. While social has become a key piece of the puzzle, more traditional channels, such as trade-show exhibits or automotive events and print (magazine or catalog) continue to provide a foundation for their marketing strategies.

Want more information about the trends affecting the automotive specialty-equipment market? Check out the latest “SEMA Industry Indicators Report” to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. Monthly indicator reports are available for free at www.sema.org/market-research.