Chevrolet engineers are currently polishing the final details of what is set to become the swansong of the C7 Corvette generation—the ’18 Corvette ZR1—which has been spotted testing at the German Nürburgring race circuit.

The biggest question revolving around the upcoming supercar has to do with the contents of its engine compartment. Rumors about the heart of the upcoming ZR1 are split, with one of the most likely versions talking about the LT4 V8 animating the Corvette Z06 and the Camaro ZL1 receiving a larger supercharger for the newcomer. Other voices talk about the all-new LT5 DOHC V8, which has been confirmed for the ’18 Corvette, being the engine of the ZR1.

For one thing, the GM confirmation only regarded the 6.2L LT5 powering the a ’18-model-year ’Vette, but since we’re most likely looking at a naturally aspirated mill, this seems more suitable to the mid-engined C8 Corvette. This theory is not without its questions though, and that’s because the engine will land for the ’18 MY, while the C8 is expected to be introduced as a ’19 model. Regardless of the engine, the ’18 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 should feature the new 10-speed automatic GM and Ford have developed together.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Chevrolet engineers are currently polishing the final details of what is set to become the swansong of the C7 Corvette generation—the ’18 Corvette ZR1—which has been spotted testing at the German Nürburgring race circuit.

The biggest question revolving around the upcoming supercar has to do with the contents of its engine compartment. Rumors about the heart of the upcoming ZR1 are split, with one of the most likely versions talking about the LT4 V8 animating the Corvette Z06 and the Camaro ZL1 receiving a larger supercharger for the newcomer. Other voices talk about the all-new LT5 DOHC V8, which has been confirmed for the ’18 Corvette, being the engine of the ZR1.

For one thing, the GM confirmation only regarded the 6.2L LT5 powering the a ’18-model-year ’Vette, but since we’re most likely looking at a naturally aspirated mill, this seems more suitable to the mid-engined C8 Corvette. This theory is not without its questions though, and that’s because the engine will land for the ’18 MY, while the C8 is expected to be introduced as a ’19 model. Regardless of the engine, the ’18 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 should feature the new 10-speed automatic GM and Ford have developed together.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Jeff Allen (center-left) took first place in the Fool’s Roll race for charity, raising $10,000 for SEMA Cares.

Jeff Allen Wins Fool’s Roll, Raises $10,000 for SEMA Cares

Partnering with Shell, Pennzoil and SEMA Cares, Jeff Allen, owner of Flat 12 Gallery and co-host of the automotive podcast “Skidmarks Show,” took first place in the Fool’s Roll race for charity, raising $10,000 for SEMA Cares. Fool’s Roll is a “Cannonball Run”-type event that starts in Austin, Texas, and ends in Las Vegas. Using $2,000 or less, participants must buy a car, drive it to Vegas in the least amount of time without getting a ticket, sell the car and put all the money on one bet of blackjack, roulette, craps or war while wearing costumes the entire time. Allen drove a car with 224,866 miles cross-country to win the race.

CURT Announces Roch Lambert as New CEO

CURT Manufacturing LLC, a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity, has announced the appointment of Roch (Rock) Lambert, as the company’s new CEO, effective March 13, 2017. Lambert will succeed, Greg Hooks, who will continue to serve as a member of CURT’s board of directors. Lambert has more than 30 years of experience in leadership roles in the durable consumer goods environment. He spent many years with the BRP Group (Ski Doo Sea Doo) and his earlier career includes such positions as plant engineering manager, operations vice president, vice president and general manager, and CEO with P&L responsibility of more than $1 billion in annual revenue. He has spent the past 20 years of his career in senior executive-level roles, serving on several industry boards of directors, including most recently as CEO and chairman of the board for RBH/Beneteau Group (Four Winns, Glastron, Scarab and Wellcraft). Lambert succeeds Greg Hooks, who joined CURT as CEO in 2000, and led the company through a series of acquisitions, including Aries Automotive, Towing Electrical Systems (TES) and Luverne Truck Equipment. Under Hooks’ leadership, CURT has received numerous industry awards for service to its customers, including American Honda and Honda Accessory America, JC Whitney and the AAM. Since 2000, CURT has experienced consistent year-over-year revenue growth, innovation of the product portfolio, and expansion of the company’s warehouse and service footprint from a regional distributor to an international- and United States-based manufacturer and distributor of a diverse array of towing and automotive aftermarket accessory products.

VOXX to Buy Rosen Electronics

VOXX has entered a definitive agreement to purchase Rosen from AAMP. It expects during the next two weeks to move Rosen operations from AAMP’s Ontario, California, warehouse to VOXX’s facilities in Nevada, Virginia and Orlando. AAMP purchased Rosen, then an independent company, in May 2015. Rosen supplies car video, navigation interfaces, radio, backup sensors, and other car audio products.

Tenneco Continues to Add Monroe, Walker Servicegrams to Technical Resources Available to Service Professionals

Tenneco’s Monroe Shocks and Struts and Walker Emissions Control Servicegram technical flier series continues to grow. The free monthly flier training library—launched to automotive service professionals and counter professionals last March—now encompasses a wide array of timely service and product topics that provide additional insight into a repair process, troubleshooting process or frequently asked question. Available in English, French and Spanish, Servicegrams are published monthly and available electronically through the Monroe and Walker websites. The latest Monroe Servicegrams available on Monroe.com cover topics including “Weepage vs. Leakage: Leaking Fluid Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Shock or Strut Failure” and “Strut Assembly Installation—Avoiding Noise Issues.” The latest Walker Servicegrams—available on www.WalkerExhaust.com—feature topics that include “Treating All Exhaust Clamps as Interchangeable Can Lead to Safety Concerns & Other Issues,” “The VECI Label Can Be Your Guide in Converter Replacement,” and “Improperly Torqued Flanges Can Result in Leaks, Warping and Failure.”

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions (MFCS) was named a GM Supplier of the Year.

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions Recognized by General Motors as a 2016 Supplier of the Year Winner

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions (MFCS) was named a GM Supplier of the Year during the General Motors 25th Annual Supplier of the Year awards ceremony, held March 31, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. This is the second consecutive year MFCS has been awarded Supplier of the Year by General Motors. GM recognized 118 of its best suppliers, representing 15 countries, that have consistently exceeded GM’s expectations, created outstanding value or brought new innovations to the company. The announcement represented the most suppliers GM has recognized since debuting the Supplier of the Year event in 1992. Winning suppliers were chosen by a global team of GM purchasing, engineering, quality, manufacturing and logistics executives and selected based on performance criteria in product purchasing, indirect purchasing, customer care and aftersales and logistics. More than half of the suppliers are repeat winners from 2015.

Xceleration Media Publications Now Available Through EPWI

Xceleration Media Group has announced that all four of its print titles (Power and Performance News, Drag Racing Scene, Street Rod Life and OneDirt) are now available through Engine and Performance Warehouse Inc. (EPWI). With 13 strategic locations, EPWI services more than 7,500 active, qualified customers, including automotive jobbers, machine shops and engine builders. Xceleration Media magazines will be available through EPWI distribution centers starting April 17.

Buck’s 4x4 and Rebuilding Generations are working together to transform a ’17 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited into a full adventure Jeep for the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.

Pro Builder Buck’s 4x4 and Rebuilding Generations Collaborate on Adventure Jeep

A Team ARIES Pro Builder, Buck’s 4x4, and an organization called Rebuilding Generations are working together to transform a ’17 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited into a full adventure Jeep for the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Rebuilding Generations is an organization that pairs the skills and knowledge of true automotive experts with young enthusiasts. The annual Easter Jeep Safari features nine days of trail riding and hardcore rock crawling in Moab. The build will feature the following ARIES Automotive components. Sponsors include CURT Manufacturing, WARN, BDS Suspension, Fox Shocks, KargoMaster, SOTA Offroad Wheels, Factor55, Bartact Seat Covers, JKS Suspension, API Tires, Alpine Stereo, Hoffman’s Autobody, The Wrap Shop and Yukon Gears.

Mike Mizusawa Named President and Chief Operating Officer of Wells Vehicle Electronics

Wells Vehicle Electronics (WVE) has announced that Mike Mizusawa has been named as the company’s new president and chief operating officer. Mizusawa previously served as WVE’s senior vice president – operations, where he was responsible for management and oversight of the company’s manufacturing facility in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. In his new role, Mizusawa will be responsible for day-to-day operations of WVE, including product development, manufacturing operations and distribution. Prior to his role at WVE, Mizusawa served as the president of Autolite Spark Plug Co.

One of the teams that ran through the engine twice was a team of brothers; Kyle, 9, and Billy, 8, from Frankfort, Illinois.

First Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Engine Challenge Kicks Off at the Gateway Motorsports Park

The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) Junior Engine Challenge started last weekend with the first official event held at Gateway Motorsport Park in Madison, Illinois. A team comprised of two individuals (one of whom must be 5–18 years of age) must completely disassemble/reassemble a complete single-cylinder OHV engine, utilizing only basic hand tools. Some goals behind this contest are to help individuals develop great communication skills, self-esteem, problem-solving skills and an understanding of an internal combustion engine. More than 20 competitors participated, including a team of brothers; Kyle, 9, and Billy, 8, from Frankfort, Illinois. The next HROT Junior Engine Challenge will be the Protect the Harvest Midwest Junior Super Series, to be held May 5–7, at Byron Dragway in Byron, Illinois. For more information, visit www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com.

Turn 14 Distribution Adds Anzo USA Lighting Products to Line Card

Turn 14 Distribution has added lighting products from AnzoUSA to its line card. AnzoUSA’s lighting products are designed using CAD/CAM computerized equipment, and are then tested using three-dimensional machinery to ensure precision and accuracy in the research, development and design process of the product molds. All AnzoUSA products are manufactured in their state-of-the-art ISO 9002 and QS 9000 quality-certified factory.

Classic Industries Introduces Catalog for Buick Regal, Grand National and T-Type Models

Classic Industries has announced that the company will expand its coverage of classic GM vehicles to include a variety of Buick models, including Regal, Grand National and T-Type. Classic Industries’ upcoming expansion will be geared toward ’78–’87 Buick Regal, Grand National and T-Type models focusing heavily on restoration, performance and customization products. This expanded product line will offer a selection of parts and accessories for either the interior or exterior of the vehicle, including many officially licensed GM Restoration Parts.

The AAM Group selects GCommerce to Implement EDI

The members of the Automotive Accessories Marketing Group (AAM Group), have chosen to implement EDI with their suppliers, and selected GCommerce to handle all of the connectivity between AAM members and their suppliers. In support of the program, GCommerce will communicate with the suppliers to the AAM Group beginning immediately and facilitate onboarding, mapping, testing and implementation of electronic documents, including purchase orders, acknowledgements, shipping notifications and invoices. The cloud architecture of GCommerce enables suppliers to the AAM Group to communicate with all members, regardless of their technology platform, document formats or IT protocols, through a single integration.

(L–R): John Outcalt, PPG vice president, global automotive refinish; Tammy and David Kenimer, owners, Southern Auto Color; Greg Benckart, vice president, Americas.

PPG Honors Southern Auto Color and Tasco Auto Color with Platinum Distributor of the Year Award

PPG has named two distributors—Southern Auto Color and Tasco Auto Color—as recipients of its Platinum Distributor of the Year award. It was the first time PPG has given the recognition to more than one distributor. Bob Wenzinger, director of the PPG Platinum Distributor program, presented the award at the annual PPG Platinum Distributor Conference held recently at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas. The conference brought together distributors from across the United States and Canada. Southern Auto Color owners David and Tammy Kenimer and Tasco Auto Color president and vice president David Abrahams and Lee Martinez, respectively, accepted the award. Also taking part in the presentation were PPG’s Michael McGarry, president and CEO; John Outcalt, vice president, global automotive refinish; and Greg Benckart, vice president, Americas.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

The ’16 Jeep Wrangler that was donated by Petty’s Garage sold at Mecum Auctions for $82,500 with the proceeds benefitting Victory Junction. The Wrangler was built by Petty’s Garage in collaboration with SEMA Cares and Rugged Ridge. Opening its doors in 2004, Victory Junction enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camp experiences.

For more information about the build, read the article in the March 2017 issue of SEMA News.

By SEMA Editors

The ’16 Jeep Wrangler that was donated by Petty’s Garage sold at Mecum Auctions for $82,500 with the proceeds benefitting Victory Junction. The Wrangler was built by Petty’s Garage in collaboration with SEMA Cares and Rugged Ridge. Opening its doors in 2004, Victory Junction enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camp experiences.

For more information about the build, read the article in the March 2017 issue of SEMA News.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Virtual Career Fair is a great opportunity for employers to take advantage of inexpensive branding and future talent pipeline development.

Filling a job opening and finding a job in the $39 billion automotive specialty-equipment market is about to get easier with the introduction of the SEMA Virtual Career Fair, taking place June 1, 2017, from 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (EDT).

Following SEMA Career Day, held during the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, organizers are expanding the program and making it “virtual” so that participants can join in conveniently from anywhere in the world.

“We're excited to bring the SEMA Virtual Career Fair to the automotive aftermarket industry,” said SEMA Education Senior Director Zane Clark. “Using this online platform makes it easy for companies looking to hire to meet with job candidates without worrying about transportation and overhead costs normally associated with on-site events.”

The SEMA Virtual Career Fair will enable employers to interact with job seekers in a private chat room with the option to conduct video interviews. Employers get to meet qualified job candidates from all over the world and receive unlimited access to all registered candidates’ information, including electronic résumés.

“Virtual recruitment events are gaining prominence and becoming the preferred college recruitment tool because of their low cost to participants and ease of use,” said SEMA Manager of Career Services Amelia Zwecher. “It allows job seekers to connect with many companies from a remote location and at a dedicated time.”

The SEMA Virtual Career Fair is the next step in SEMA’s Career Paths initiative and its efforts to help further develop the talent pipeline for the automotive aftermarket industry.

“The SEMA Show Career Day was an easy way to introduce our company to future graduates who have experience and interests that are in good alignment with our industry’s needs,” said K&N Engineering Vice President Tim Martin.

Early registration for the SEMA Virtual Career Fair ends April 28 and is $75 per employer (a $50 savings). For more information or to register, visit www.sema.org/virtualcareerfair or contact Amelia Zwecher at ameliaz@sema.org. 

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Virtual Career Fair is a great opportunity for employers to take advantage of inexpensive branding and future talent pipeline development.

Filling a job opening and finding a job in the $39 billion automotive specialty-equipment market is about to get easier with the introduction of the SEMA Virtual Career Fair, taking place June 1, 2017, from 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (EDT).

Following SEMA Career Day, held during the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, organizers are expanding the program and making it “virtual” so that participants can join in conveniently from anywhere in the world.

“We're excited to bring the SEMA Virtual Career Fair to the automotive aftermarket industry,” said SEMA Education Senior Director Zane Clark. “Using this online platform makes it easy for companies looking to hire to meet with job candidates without worrying about transportation and overhead costs normally associated with on-site events.”

The SEMA Virtual Career Fair will enable employers to interact with job seekers in a private chat room with the option to conduct video interviews. Employers get to meet qualified job candidates from all over the world and receive unlimited access to all registered candidates’ information, including electronic résumés.

“Virtual recruitment events are gaining prominence and becoming the preferred college recruitment tool because of their low cost to participants and ease of use,” said SEMA Manager of Career Services Amelia Zwecher. “It allows job seekers to connect with many companies from a remote location and at a dedicated time.”

The SEMA Virtual Career Fair is the next step in SEMA’s Career Paths initiative and its efforts to help further develop the talent pipeline for the automotive aftermarket industry.

“The SEMA Show Career Day was an easy way to introduce our company to future graduates who have experience and interests that are in good alignment with our industry’s needs,” said K&N Engineering Vice President Tim Martin.

Early registration for the SEMA Virtual Career Fair ends April 28 and is $75 per employer (a $50 savings). For more information or to register, visit www.sema.org/virtualcareerfair or contact Amelia Zwecher at ameliaz@sema.org. 

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Virtual Career Fair is a great opportunity for employers to take advantage of inexpensive branding and future talent pipeline development.

Filling a job opening and finding a job in the $39 billion automotive specialty-equipment market is about to get easier with the introduction of the SEMA Virtual Career Fair, taking place June 1, 2017, from 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (EDT).

Following SEMA Career Day, held during the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, organizers are expanding the program and making it “virtual” so that participants can join in conveniently from anywhere in the world.

“We're excited to bring the SEMA Virtual Career Fair to the automotive aftermarket industry,” said SEMA Education Senior Director Zane Clark. “Using this online platform makes it easy for companies looking to hire to meet with job candidates without worrying about transportation and overhead costs normally associated with on-site events.”

The SEMA Virtual Career Fair will enable employers to interact with job seekers in a private chat room with the option to conduct video interviews. Employers get to meet qualified job candidates from all over the world and receive unlimited access to all registered candidates’ information, including electronic résumés.

“Virtual recruitment events are gaining prominence and becoming the preferred college recruitment tool because of their low cost to participants and ease of use,” said SEMA Manager of Career Services Amelia Zwecher. “It allows job seekers to connect with many companies from a remote location and at a dedicated time.”

The SEMA Virtual Career Fair is the next step in SEMA’s Career Paths initiative and its efforts to help further develop the talent pipeline for the automotive aftermarket industry.

“The SEMA Show Career Day was an easy way to introduce our company to future graduates who have experience and interests that are in good alignment with our industry’s needs,” said K&N Engineering Vice President Tim Martin.

Early registration for the SEMA Virtual Career Fair ends April 28 and is $75 per employer (a $50 savings). For more information or to register, visit www.sema.org/virtualcareerfair or contact Amelia Zwecher at ameliaz@sema.org. 

By SEMA Editors

Ted Feger

Automotive photographer Ted Feger, more commonly known as “TBars” or “Shots by Tbars4,” was transported to the Anaheim Regional Medical Center, where he passed away of natural causes from congestive heart failure and a severe case of pneumonia, Tuesday, April 4, at 3:57 p.m. At this time, no services are planned.

By AJ Carney

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings highlight SEMA's current programs and objectives with current and prospective SEMA members.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Chicago where members and prospective members will gather at Heidts Automotive Group,  Tuesday, May 9, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

Register for the Town Hall in Chicago.

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings highlight SEMA's current programs and objectives with current and prospective SEMA members. With a collection of automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region, personal interactions take place that help business owners share the challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance member business operations to better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. Attend a Town Hall near you.

For more information on the 2017 Town Hall Series or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website or contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6681 or kristenf@sema.org.