By SEMA Editors

These are the first shots of the ’19 Ford Ranger mule, caught running the streets of Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford is testing the United States-bound Ranger ahead of the truck’s reintroduction to the states in 2019. While it’s hard to tell if it will look much different than the Ranger sold globally now, expect typical Ford truck cues on a smaller package.

The North American version may wear its own unique styling, as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets that most midsize pickups are developed for seem to prefer more aerodynamic, car-like styling.

Expect a full complement of Ecoboost four- and six-cylinder engines and perhaps a diesel. Ford may use the direct-injected twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 as the premium choice. Ford’s new 10-speed automatic, co-developed with GM, is also anticipated.

Naturally, two-wheel drive will likely be standard, with part-time four-wheel drive available as an option.

The Ranger should be unveiled sometime in 2018.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

These are the first shots of the ’19 Ford Ranger mule, caught running the streets of Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford is testing the United States-bound Ranger ahead of the truck’s reintroduction to the states in 2019. While it’s hard to tell if it will look much different than the Ranger sold globally now, expect typical Ford truck cues on a smaller package.

The North American version may wear its own unique styling, as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets that most midsize pickups are developed for seem to prefer more aerodynamic, car-like styling.

Expect a full complement of Ecoboost four- and six-cylinder engines and perhaps a diesel. Ford may use the direct-injected twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 as the premium choice. Ford’s new 10-speed automatic, co-developed with GM, is also anticipated.

Naturally, two-wheel drive will likely be standard, with part-time four-wheel drive available as an option.

The Ranger should be unveiled sometime in 2018.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

These are the first shots of the ’19 Ford Ranger mule, caught running the streets of Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford is testing the United States-bound Ranger ahead of the truck’s reintroduction to the states in 2019. While it’s hard to tell if it will look much different than the Ranger sold globally now, expect typical Ford truck cues on a smaller package.

The North American version may wear its own unique styling, as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets that most midsize pickups are developed for seem to prefer more aerodynamic, car-like styling.

Expect a full complement of Ecoboost four- and six-cylinder engines and perhaps a diesel. Ford may use the direct-injected twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 as the premium choice. Ford’s new 10-speed automatic, co-developed with GM, is also anticipated.

Naturally, two-wheel drive will likely be standard, with part-time four-wheel drive available as an option.

The Ranger should be unveiled sometime in 2018.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

These are the first shots of the ’19 Ford Ranger mule, caught running the streets of Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford is testing the United States-bound Ranger ahead of the truck’s reintroduction to the states in 2019. While it’s hard to tell if it will look much different than the Ranger sold globally now, expect typical Ford truck cues on a smaller package.

The North American version may wear its own unique styling, as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets that most midsize pickups are developed for seem to prefer more aerodynamic, car-like styling.

Expect a full complement of Ecoboost four- and six-cylinder engines and perhaps a diesel. Ford may use the direct-injected twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 as the premium choice. Ford’s new 10-speed automatic, co-developed with GM, is also anticipated.

Naturally, two-wheel drive will likely be standard, with part-time four-wheel drive available as an option.

The Ranger should be unveiled sometime in 2018.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

Pietro Gorlier, head of MOPAR parts and service, FCA – Global, with the Pitch Black/Billet Silver and Pitch Black/Contusion Blue MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challengers.

The MOPAR brand celebrates its 80th anniversary with the introduction of the limited-edition MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger. The vehicle offers a pair of hand-painted, custom show-car trim options. Only 80 models will be available in Pitch Black/Contusion Blue, with another 80 in Pitch Black/Billet Silver.

The MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger also includes MOPAR performance parts, accessories, an exclusive owner’s kit and a serialized badge.

“Since its birth in 1937, MOPAR has evolved from the name of an antifreeze product to a global customer-care brand,” said Pietro Gorlier, head of MOPAR parts and service, FCA – Global. “The MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger, our latest limited-edition vehicle, is a testament to this philosophy, showcasing how MOPAR assists owners in personalizing all FCA U.S. vehicles.”

The MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger is the eighth limited-edition, MOPAR-modified vehicle delivered straight from the factory. In 2010, the brand produced the first of an ongoing series of limited-edition vehicles—the MOPAR ’10 Challenger. Other low-run, factory-produced MOPAR rides would follow: the ’11 Charger, ’12 300, ’13 Dart, ’14 Challenger, ’15 Dodge Charger R/T and ’16 RAM Rebel.

Exterior

The MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger’s two-tone custom paint options were achieved with an assist from the MOPAR Custom Shop. Contusion Blue and Billet Silver hues are pulled from the Dodge brand’s color palette, with the upper portion of the Mopar ’17 hand-painted Pitch Black at the Mopar Custom Shop to achieve the striking two-tone appearance.

The upper exterior is unified with pitch-black accents. The standard satin black of the shaker hood package by MOPAR and shaker hood scoop surround is painted pitch black. The rear decklid spoiler also receives the pitch-black treatment, and the MOPAR design badge on the spoiler is turned black-on-black.

Size 20x9-in. aluminum wheels are embellished with semi-gloss accents, and center caps feature the Dodge logo. Standard chrome exhaust tips are replaced with Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat black exhaust tips.

Performance

The six-speed manual transmission MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger enhances the base Dodge Challenger R/T 392. The 6.4L, 392 HEMI engine pumps out 485 hp and 475 lb.-ft. of torque. A MOPAR cold-air intake delivers a performance boost, and is aided by an air-catcher duct system via the headlamp. The upgrade, inspired by the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, feeds additional cold air into the vehicle. MOPAR shaker strut tower braces and caps are silver powdercoated and increase rigidity and handling of the MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger. Four-piston Brembo brakes provide stopping power.

Interior/Exclusive Content

Inside, performance seats are customized with Tungsten MOPAR logos embroidered on the seatbacks. Tungsten stitching matching the MOPAR logo borders the seats and continues throughout the vehicle, touching the door panels and additional interior areas.

The limited-edition vehicle will be available in both the United States and Canada, with a U.S. MSRP of $55,790, excluding taxes and destination fees. The MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger will begin arriving in select dealerships in early second quarter 2017.

The MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger will be displayed at the Chicago Auto Show. For more information, visit http://blog.mopar.com/.

By SEMA Editors

Pietro Gorlier, head of MOPAR parts and service, FCA – Global, with the Pitch Black/Billet Silver and Pitch Black/Contusion Blue MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challengers.

The MOPAR brand celebrates its 80th anniversary with the introduction of the limited-edition MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger. The vehicle offers a pair of hand-painted, custom show-car trim options. Only 80 models will be available in Pitch Black/Contusion Blue, with another 80 in Pitch Black/Billet Silver.

The MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger also includes MOPAR performance parts, accessories, an exclusive owner’s kit and a serialized badge.

“Since its birth in 1937, MOPAR has evolved from the name of an antifreeze product to a global customer-care brand,” said Pietro Gorlier, head of MOPAR parts and service, FCA – Global. “The MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger, our latest limited-edition vehicle, is a testament to this philosophy, showcasing how MOPAR assists owners in personalizing all FCA U.S. vehicles.”

The MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger is the eighth limited-edition, MOPAR-modified vehicle delivered straight from the factory. In 2010, the brand produced the first of an ongoing series of limited-edition vehicles—the MOPAR ’10 Challenger. Other low-run, factory-produced MOPAR rides would follow: the ’11 Charger, ’12 300, ’13 Dart, ’14 Challenger, ’15 Dodge Charger R/T and ’16 RAM Rebel.

Exterior

The MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger’s two-tone custom paint options were achieved with an assist from the MOPAR Custom Shop. Contusion Blue and Billet Silver hues are pulled from the Dodge brand’s color palette, with the upper portion of the Mopar ’17 hand-painted Pitch Black at the Mopar Custom Shop to achieve the striking two-tone appearance.

The upper exterior is unified with pitch-black accents. The standard satin black of the shaker hood package by MOPAR and shaker hood scoop surround is painted pitch black. The rear decklid spoiler also receives the pitch-black treatment, and the MOPAR design badge on the spoiler is turned black-on-black.

Size 20x9-in. aluminum wheels are embellished with semi-gloss accents, and center caps feature the Dodge logo. Standard chrome exhaust tips are replaced with Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat black exhaust tips.

Performance

The six-speed manual transmission MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger enhances the base Dodge Challenger R/T 392. The 6.4L, 392 HEMI engine pumps out 485 hp and 475 lb.-ft. of torque. A MOPAR cold-air intake delivers a performance boost, and is aided by an air-catcher duct system via the headlamp. The upgrade, inspired by the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, feeds additional cold air into the vehicle. MOPAR shaker strut tower braces and caps are silver powdercoated and increase rigidity and handling of the MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger. Four-piston Brembo brakes provide stopping power.

Interior/Exclusive Content

Inside, performance seats are customized with Tungsten MOPAR logos embroidered on the seatbacks. Tungsten stitching matching the MOPAR logo borders the seats and continues throughout the vehicle, touching the door panels and additional interior areas.

The limited-edition vehicle will be available in both the United States and Canada, with a U.S. MSRP of $55,790, excluding taxes and destination fees. The MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger will begin arriving in select dealerships in early second quarter 2017.

The MOPAR ’17 Dodge Challenger will be displayed at the Chicago Auto Show. For more information, visit http://blog.mopar.com/.

By Amelia Zwecher

SEMA Career Center’s goal is to continue to help enhance SEMA-member recruitment efforts so that they find top talent in the automotive industry.

In addition to the recruitment tips found in SEMA eNews periodically, look out monthly for a list of five jobs fairs and online virtual career fairs focused specifically on the automotive aftermarket industry. SEMA Career Center’s goal is to enhance SEMA-member recruitment efforts so that they find top talent in the automotive industry. Effective recruiting requires diverse efforts, so let SEMA be the resource to help lessen the burden of researching new ideas and initiatives.

Notable upcoming events for March–April 2017:

• Alhambra Unified School District-Wide Career Fair, March 2, 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (PST), Alhambra, California.
• Online/Virtual Career Fair: Ivy Tech Community College (Indiana), March 9, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (EST).
• Eastern Michigan University, March 10, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (EST), Ypsilanti, Michigan.
• Florida Metropolitan Universities Technology Virtual Career Fair, March 22, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (EDT).
• Lincoln College of Technology, April 19, 5:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m. (EDT), April 20, 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (EDT), Indianapolis.

Not hiring right now? Remember, these events offer a great opportunity for bringing awareness to member companies and the automotive aftermarket industry.

Participants will receive step-by-step guidance from Amelia Zwecher in registering for the career fair. For more information, contact Manager of Career Services Amelia F. Zwecher, PhD, PHR at ameliaz@sema.org.

Complete this form to receive specific event information relevant to your company needs. View January’s listing.

By Amelia Zwecher

SEMA Career Center’s goal is to continue to help enhance SEMA-member recruitment efforts so that they find top talent in the automotive industry.

In addition to the recruitment tips found in SEMA eNews periodically, look out monthly for a list of five jobs fairs and online virtual career fairs focused specifically on the automotive aftermarket industry. SEMA Career Center’s goal is to enhance SEMA-member recruitment efforts so that they find top talent in the automotive industry. Effective recruiting requires diverse efforts, so let SEMA be the resource to help lessen the burden of researching new ideas and initiatives.

Notable upcoming events for March–April 2017:

• Alhambra Unified School District-Wide Career Fair, March 2, 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (PST), Alhambra, California.
• Online/Virtual Career Fair: Ivy Tech Community College (Indiana), March 9, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (EST).
• Eastern Michigan University, March 10, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (EST), Ypsilanti, Michigan.
• Florida Metropolitan Universities Technology Virtual Career Fair, March 22, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (EDT).
• Lincoln College of Technology, April 19, 5:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m. (EDT), April 20, 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (EDT), Indianapolis.

Not hiring right now? Remember, these events offer a great opportunity for bringing awareness to member companies and the automotive aftermarket industry.

Participants will receive step-by-step guidance from Amelia Zwecher in registering for the career fair. For more information, contact Manager of Career Services Amelia F. Zwecher, PhD, PHR at ameliaz@sema.org.

Complete this form to receive specific event information relevant to your company needs. View January’s listing.

By SEMA Editors

The 28th annual AETC will feature expert technical speakers that deliver a real platform for engine-technology information exchange.

Speaking proposals are now being accepted for the 2017 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC)—the leading engineering conference for the performance automotive industry that gives attendees a firsthand look at some of latest technological advances in engine design and performance.

Held December 5–6, 2017, in conjunction with the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, the 28th annual AETC will feature expert technical speakers who deliver a real platform for engine-technology information exchange. Organizers are especially interested in speakers who are experts in engine technology crossover from varying motorsport focuses, including Circle Track, Formula Drift, truck and off-road, Formula E and green performance.

“The Advanced Engineering Technology Conference offers attendees a look at some of latest technological advances in the automotive industry,” said SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark. “In addition, networking at the AETC results in priceless camaraderie and endless opportunities. We encourage industry experts to submit a proposal to be a part of this year’s AETC lineup.”

AETC proposals should be technical in nature, no longer than one page and must include:

• A title.
• Description.
• Three primary learning objectives (what the audience will learn).
• Summary of industry relevance/impact.

Speaking proposals can be sent to Zane Clark at ZaneC@sema.org. The deadline is March 31, 2017.

By SEMA Editors

The 28th annual AETC will feature expert technical speakers that deliver a real platform for engine-technology information exchange.

Speaking proposals are now being accepted for the 2017 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC)—the leading engineering conference for the performance automotive industry that gives attendees a firsthand look at some of latest technological advances in engine design and performance.

Held December 5–6, 2017, in conjunction with the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, the 28th annual AETC will feature expert technical speakers who deliver a real platform for engine-technology information exchange. Organizers are especially interested in speakers who are experts in engine technology crossover from varying motorsport focuses, including Circle Track, Formula Drift, truck and off-road, Formula E and green performance.

“The Advanced Engineering Technology Conference offers attendees a look at some of latest technological advances in the automotive industry,” said SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark. “In addition, networking at the AETC results in priceless camaraderie and endless opportunities. We encourage industry experts to submit a proposal to be a part of this year’s AETC lineup.”

AETC proposals should be technical in nature, no longer than one page and must include:

• A title.
• Description.
• Three primary learning objectives (what the audience will learn).
• Summary of industry relevance/impact.

Speaking proposals can be sent to Zane Clark at ZaneC@sema.org. The deadline is March 31, 2017.