By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

For many of you, “politics” is a four-letter word, but there’s a lot happening in our nation’s capital that affects your bottom line. SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) is working hard to ensure that our rights as enthusiasts are protected, but we can’t do it alone.

Whether it’s keeping harmful ethanol out of collector cars, reducing burdensome taxes or ensuring you can title your hot rod, there is a need to be engaged as government meddles with our industry. Don’t believe us? Watch this important video message from Corky Coker of the Coker Group.

Make your voice heard by visiting SEMAPAC.com and becoming SEMA PAC Approved. It takes seconds to sign-up and there is never an obligation to contribute. The more people who join, the louder our voice and the greater our ability to impact change.

To learn more, contact SEMA PAC and Congressional Relations Manager Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

For many of you, “politics” is a four-letter word, but there’s a lot happening in our nation’s capital that affects your bottom line. SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) is working hard to ensure that our rights as enthusiasts are protected, but we can’t do it alone.

Whether it’s keeping harmful ethanol out of collector cars, reducing burdensome taxes or ensuring you can title your hot rod, there is a need to be engaged as government meddles with our industry. Don’t believe us? Watch this important video message from Corky Coker of the Coker Group.

Make your voice heard by visiting SEMAPAC.com and becoming SEMA PAC Approved. It takes seconds to sign-up and there is never an obligation to contribute. The more people who join, the louder our voice and the greater our ability to impact change.

To learn more, contact SEMA PAC and Congressional Relations Manager Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

For many of you, “politics” is a four-letter word, but there’s a lot happening in our nation’s capital that affects your bottom line. SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) is working hard to ensure that our rights as enthusiasts are protected, but we can’t do it alone.

Whether it’s keeping harmful ethanol out of collector cars, reducing burdensome taxes or ensuring you can title your hot rod, there is a need to be engaged as government meddles with our industry. Don’t believe us? Watch this important video message from Corky Coker of the Coker Group.

Make your voice heard by visiting SEMAPAC.com and becoming SEMA PAC Approved. It takes seconds to sign-up and there is never an obligation to contribute. The more people who join, the louder our voice and the greater our ability to impact change.

To learn more, contact SEMA PAC and Congressional Relations Manager Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

For many of you, “politics” is a four-letter word, but there’s a lot happening in our nation’s capital that affects your bottom line. SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) is working hard to ensure that our rights as enthusiasts are protected, but we can’t do it alone.

Whether it’s keeping harmful ethanol out of collector cars, reducing burdensome taxes or ensuring you can title your hot rod, there is a need to be engaged as government meddles with our industry. Don’t believe us? Watch this important video message from Corky Coker of the Coker Group.

Make your voice heard by visiting SEMAPAC.com and becoming SEMA PAC Approved. It takes seconds to sign-up and there is never an obligation to contribute. The more people who join, the louder our voice and the greater our ability to impact change.

To learn more, contact SEMA PAC and Congressional Relations Manager Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By John Stewart
Photos by Warren Kosikov

A pair of sporty, entry-level sedans were among the highlights of the 2015 New York International Auto Show. Aimed at enthusiast buyers and manufactured in significant volumes, these ’16 cars may offer significant raw material for tuners and customizers.

	Scion iA

All-New Scion iA

The Scion iA, shown here at its New York International Auto Show debut, is one of two new Scion vehicles expected for the ’16 model year. The iA is powered by a 106-hp, 1.5L engine mated to either a six-speed stick shift or an optional six-speed automatic, to deliver an estimated fuel economy rating of 42 mpg highway. The suspension is a MacPherson strut front with torsion beam rear, tuned to be on the sporty side.

The interior incorporates technology features consistent with the Scion brand. A standard low-speed pre-collision safety system is based on laser sensor technology, and other standard equipment includes a 7-in. touchscreen display with voice activation, power windows, mirrors and door locks, two USB ports and Bluetooth capability. A six-speaker audio system and rear-view cameras are available.

The iA, which shares its platform with the Mazda2, will start at around $16,000; the hatchback version, called the iM, will start at around $20,000 and hit the showrooms in September. The SEMA Garage will have both the iA and iM available for SEMA members during a Measuring Session, May 27–28, 2015.

Honda Type-R Civic Concept

Honda Type-R Civic Concept

Honda unveiled its ultra-sporty Type-R Civic Concept at the New York International Auto Show, indicating a sharper focus on spirited performance for the Civic line. The Type-R is part of the new Civic lineup, which will include Civic Sedan, Coupe and Si models along with the return of the Civic hatchback; the Type-R will be the performance flagship of the Civic lineup. The new Civic will be the first U.S. model to be powered by new VTEC Turbo engines from the company's Earth Dreams Technology powertrain series. Word is the new Type-R “concept” is very close to what will appear on showroom floors, if not identical.

Featuring a longer wheelbase and lower, wider stance, the new Civic emphasizes its aggressive personality and targets buyers seeking an engaging driving experience. A longer hood, a shorter front overhang and a more set-back greenhouse with a shorter rear deck
are underscored by its more aggressive wheel-to-body relationship and pronounced fender arches. Its sporty face is highlighted by LED headlights, the "Flying H" Honda grille and deeply sculpted lower air intakes.

The North American version of the Civic Sedan will be produced in Greensburg, Indiana, and in Alliston, Ontario. The Civic Coupe and Si models will also be manufactured in Alliston. The VTEC Turbo engine will be produced in Anna, Ohio, with engines also produced in Alliston. The CVT will be produced in Russells Point, Ohio. Together, these four Honda plants have invested in new equipment, processes and training to prepare for new Civic production, which will use domestic and globally sourced parts.

The current-generation Civic has been the best-selling small car in America with individual retail car buyers every year since its launch as a ’12 model in calendar year 2011, with sales in excess of 300,000 units in each of the past three years.

By John Stewart
Photos by Warren Kosikov

A pair of sporty, entry-level sedans were among the highlights of the 2015 New York International Auto Show. Aimed at enthusiast buyers and manufactured in significant volumes, these ’16 cars may offer significant raw material for tuners and customizers.

	Scion iA

All-New Scion iA

The Scion iA, shown here at its New York International Auto Show debut, is one of two new Scion vehicles expected for the ’16 model year. The iA is powered by a 106-hp, 1.5L engine mated to either a six-speed stick shift or an optional six-speed automatic, to deliver an estimated fuel economy rating of 42 mpg highway. The suspension is a MacPherson strut front with torsion beam rear, tuned to be on the sporty side.

The interior incorporates technology features consistent with the Scion brand. A standard low-speed pre-collision safety system is based on laser sensor technology, and other standard equipment includes a 7-in. touchscreen display with voice activation, power windows, mirrors and door locks, two USB ports and Bluetooth capability. A six-speaker audio system and rear-view cameras are available.

The iA, which shares its platform with the Mazda2, will start at around $16,000; the hatchback version, called the iM, will start at around $20,000 and hit the showrooms in September. The SEMA Garage will have both the iA and iM available for SEMA members during a Measuring Session, May 27–28, 2015.

Honda Type-R Civic Concept

Honda Type-R Civic Concept

Honda unveiled its ultra-sporty Type-R Civic Concept at the New York International Auto Show, indicating a sharper focus on spirited performance for the Civic line. The Type-R is part of the new Civic lineup, which will include Civic Sedan, Coupe and Si models along with the return of the Civic hatchback; the Type-R will be the performance flagship of the Civic lineup. The new Civic will be the first U.S. model to be powered by new VTEC Turbo engines from the company's Earth Dreams Technology powertrain series. Word is the new Type-R “concept” is very close to what will appear on showroom floors, if not identical.

Featuring a longer wheelbase and lower, wider stance, the new Civic emphasizes its aggressive personality and targets buyers seeking an engaging driving experience. A longer hood, a shorter front overhang and a more set-back greenhouse with a shorter rear deck
are underscored by its more aggressive wheel-to-body relationship and pronounced fender arches. Its sporty face is highlighted by LED headlights, the "Flying H" Honda grille and deeply sculpted lower air intakes.

The North American version of the Civic Sedan will be produced in Greensburg, Indiana, and in Alliston, Ontario. The Civic Coupe and Si models will also be manufactured in Alliston. The VTEC Turbo engine will be produced in Anna, Ohio, with engines also produced in Alliston. The CVT will be produced in Russells Point, Ohio. Together, these four Honda plants have invested in new equipment, processes and training to prepare for new Civic production, which will use domestic and globally sourced parts.

The current-generation Civic has been the best-selling small car in America with individual retail car buyers every year since its launch as a ’12 model in calendar year 2011, with sales in excess of 300,000 units in each of the past three years.

By John Stewart
Photos by Warren Kosikov

A pair of sporty, entry-level sedans were among the highlights of the 2015 New York International Auto Show. Aimed at enthusiast buyers and manufactured in significant volumes, these ’16 cars may offer significant raw material for tuners and customizers.

	Scion iA

All-New Scion iA

The Scion iA, shown here at its New York International Auto Show debut, is one of two new Scion vehicles expected for the ’16 model year. The iA is powered by a 106-hp, 1.5L engine mated to either a six-speed stick shift or an optional six-speed automatic, to deliver an estimated fuel economy rating of 42 mpg highway. The suspension is a MacPherson strut front with torsion beam rear, tuned to be on the sporty side.

The interior incorporates technology features consistent with the Scion brand. A standard low-speed pre-collision safety system is based on laser sensor technology, and other standard equipment includes a 7-in. touchscreen display with voice activation, power windows, mirrors and door locks, two USB ports and Bluetooth capability. A six-speaker audio system and rear-view cameras are available.

The iA, which shares its platform with the Mazda2, will start at around $16,000; the hatchback version, called the iM, will start at around $20,000 and hit the showrooms in September. The SEMA Garage will have both the iA and iM available for SEMA members during a Measuring Session, May 27–28, 2015.

Honda Type-R Civic Concept

Honda Type-R Civic Concept

Honda unveiled its ultra-sporty Type-R Civic Concept at the New York International Auto Show, indicating a sharper focus on spirited performance for the Civic line. The Type-R is part of the new Civic lineup, which will include Civic Sedan, Coupe and Si models along with the return of the Civic hatchback; the Type-R will be the performance flagship of the Civic lineup. The new Civic will be the first U.S. model to be powered by new VTEC Turbo engines from the company's Earth Dreams Technology powertrain series. Word is the new Type-R “concept” is very close to what will appear on showroom floors, if not identical.

Featuring a longer wheelbase and lower, wider stance, the new Civic emphasizes its aggressive personality and targets buyers seeking an engaging driving experience. A longer hood, a shorter front overhang and a more set-back greenhouse with a shorter rear deck
are underscored by its more aggressive wheel-to-body relationship and pronounced fender arches. Its sporty face is highlighted by LED headlights, the "Flying H" Honda grille and deeply sculpted lower air intakes.

The North American version of the Civic Sedan will be produced in Greensburg, Indiana, and in Alliston, Ontario. The Civic Coupe and Si models will also be manufactured in Alliston. The VTEC Turbo engine will be produced in Anna, Ohio, with engines also produced in Alliston. The CVT will be produced in Russells Point, Ohio. Together, these four Honda plants have invested in new equipment, processes and training to prepare for new Civic production, which will use domestic and globally sourced parts.

The current-generation Civic has been the best-selling small car in America with individual retail car buyers every year since its launch as a ’12 model in calendar year 2011, with sales in excess of 300,000 units in each of the past three years.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

BROWN, BECKMAN, MORGAN AND HINES TAKE FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS WINS: Jack Beckman ended a 54-race winless streak by racing to the Funny Car victory last Sunday at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Larry Morgan (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners at the event that features NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series teams racing in a four-lane configuration. Beckman powered his 10,000-hp machine to the quickest run of the weekend to take the victory over rival finalists Del Worsham, Chad Head and Tommy Johnson Jr. Beckman pulled away from the pack with a final-round performance of 3.983 seconds at 308.78 mph at the controls of his Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T. Beckman’s last victory came in St. Louis in 2012. It was his second win at this event, third win at this track and 16th career victory.

K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE OFFERS BONUS CASH FOR PRO STOCK DRIVERS: The K&N Horsepower Challenge field has been set, and Shane Gray leads the star-studded field as the No. 1 seed when the special event takes center stage April 11 during the 16th annual SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The winner of the 31st annual K&N Horsepower Challenge will earn $50,000, a custom K&N Horsepower trophy and bragging rights as the best Pro Stock racer in the country. The runner-up will earn $10,000, the two semifinalists $3,000 each, and the four first-round finishers $2,500 apiece. A total purse of $76,000 is up for grabs for the eight drivers competing in the K&N Horsepower Challenge.

BROWN AND BECKMAN RACE TO TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT BERTHS: With their respective wins at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, Antron Brown and Jack Beckman raced their way into the Traxxas Nitro Shootout held at Lucas Oil Raceway during the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals. Funny Car racer Beckman has raced in the event twice and defeated Cruz Pedregon for the $50,000 payday in 2013. Brown has raced in the Top Fuel category portion of the event three times but has yet to win the specialty race.

He Said, She Said

"I couldn't be happier. I've won a lot of races, but this has to be one of the best ones I've ever won. I knew I could drive. I'm still good enough that I can still let the clutch out. The only thing I was worried about was getting the funding to do it. I knew I was capable and I knew getting into a Camaro, getting hooked up with Johnny (Gray), and getting all the support I get from FireAde was going to be good. I've just got to drive the car. If there's something I don't see that I don't like, I can overrule what they decide to do. But those guys are really good at what they do, and they do a fabulous job. It showed today."

—Larry Morgan on winning the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals for his 11th career Pro Stock victory. This was his first win since 2009 and his fist final round since the 2011 season. He moved from ninth to seventh in Pro Stock points with the win.

Inside the Numbers

100: Number of career Funny Car wins for Don Schumacher Racing, which was recorded when Jack Beckman raced to victory at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. The win was significant for Beckman as it broke a winless streak that dated back to the 2012 season when he won the Funny Car world championship. It is also his first win with Jimmy Prock as crew chief. "I can't guarantee we'll win another race this season," said Beckman. "I think we will, but I can't say 100%. But, I know for sure we'll be better than we were today. Jimmy [Prock, crew chief] and the team will be even better the rest of the year because they're getting better every race. All the little things are coming together and now the car is doing what they hoped it would."

Did You Know

GAINES WINS K&N FAN VOTE: Popular veteran racer V. Gaines, driver of the Kendall Oil Dodge Dart, has been named the K&N Horsepower Challenge Fan Vote winner and will fill the No. 8 starting spot in the Pro Stock bonus event. The 31st annual K&N Horsepower Challenge will be conducted during the running of the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals, Saturday, April 11, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The event will be televised live by ESPN2. This is the third consecutive year Gaines has raced in the event and the fifth time he will race in the K&N Horsepower Challenge. Gaines, who has yet to win the K&N race, will face No. 1 qualifier Shane Gray in the opening round of eliminations.

"We are just tickled to death that so many fans thought we ought to race in that race," Gaines said. "I would have liked to have gotten in the other way, but we had a few issues that cost us a little bit, but to be able to race in it, that is fantastic. Anybody can win this one. We try to treat our fans right and communicate with them. They ask a lot of us and we ask a lot of them and they came through."

View the complete 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

BROWN, BECKMAN, MORGAN AND HINES TAKE FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS WINS: Jack Beckman ended a 54-race winless streak by racing to the Funny Car victory last Sunday at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Larry Morgan (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners at the event that features NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series teams racing in a four-lane configuration. Beckman powered his 10,000-hp machine to the quickest run of the weekend to take the victory over rival finalists Del Worsham, Chad Head and Tommy Johnson Jr. Beckman pulled away from the pack with a final-round performance of 3.983 seconds at 308.78 mph at the controls of his Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T. Beckman’s last victory came in St. Louis in 2012. It was his second win at this event, third win at this track and 16th career victory.

K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE OFFERS BONUS CASH FOR PRO STOCK DRIVERS: The K&N Horsepower Challenge field has been set, and Shane Gray leads the star-studded field as the No. 1 seed when the special event takes center stage April 11 during the 16th annual SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The winner of the 31st annual K&N Horsepower Challenge will earn $50,000, a custom K&N Horsepower trophy and bragging rights as the best Pro Stock racer in the country. The runner-up will earn $10,000, the two semifinalists $3,000 each, and the four first-round finishers $2,500 apiece. A total purse of $76,000 is up for grabs for the eight drivers competing in the K&N Horsepower Challenge.

BROWN AND BECKMAN RACE TO TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT BERTHS: With their respective wins at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, Antron Brown and Jack Beckman raced their way into the Traxxas Nitro Shootout held at Lucas Oil Raceway during the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals. Funny Car racer Beckman has raced in the event twice and defeated Cruz Pedregon for the $50,000 payday in 2013. Brown has raced in the Top Fuel category portion of the event three times but has yet to win the specialty race.

He Said, She Said

"I couldn't be happier. I've won a lot of races, but this has to be one of the best ones I've ever won. I knew I could drive. I'm still good enough that I can still let the clutch out. The only thing I was worried about was getting the funding to do it. I knew I was capable and I knew getting into a Camaro, getting hooked up with Johnny (Gray), and getting all the support I get from FireAde was going to be good. I've just got to drive the car. If there's something I don't see that I don't like, I can overrule what they decide to do. But those guys are really good at what they do, and they do a fabulous job. It showed today."

—Larry Morgan on winning the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals for his 11th career Pro Stock victory. This was his first win since 2009 and his fist final round since the 2011 season. He moved from ninth to seventh in Pro Stock points with the win.

Inside the Numbers

100: Number of career Funny Car wins for Don Schumacher Racing, which was recorded when Jack Beckman raced to victory at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. The win was significant for Beckman as it broke a winless streak that dated back to the 2012 season when he won the Funny Car world championship. It is also his first win with Jimmy Prock as crew chief. "I can't guarantee we'll win another race this season," said Beckman. "I think we will, but I can't say 100%. But, I know for sure we'll be better than we were today. Jimmy [Prock, crew chief] and the team will be even better the rest of the year because they're getting better every race. All the little things are coming together and now the car is doing what they hoped it would."

Did You Know

GAINES WINS K&N FAN VOTE: Popular veteran racer V. Gaines, driver of the Kendall Oil Dodge Dart, has been named the K&N Horsepower Challenge Fan Vote winner and will fill the No. 8 starting spot in the Pro Stock bonus event. The 31st annual K&N Horsepower Challenge will be conducted during the running of the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals, Saturday, April 11, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The event will be televised live by ESPN2. This is the third consecutive year Gaines has raced in the event and the fifth time he will race in the K&N Horsepower Challenge. Gaines, who has yet to win the K&N race, will face No. 1 qualifier Shane Gray in the opening round of eliminations.

"We are just tickled to death that so many fans thought we ought to race in that race," Gaines said. "I would have liked to have gotten in the other way, but we had a few issues that cost us a little bit, but to be able to race in it, that is fantastic. Anybody can win this one. We try to treat our fans right and communicate with them. They ask a lot of us and we ask a lot of them and they came through."

View the complete 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.