By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Blue Flame driven by Gary Gabelich on the Salt Flats. Deseret News photograph © 2008 Utah State Historical Society

The Blue Flame on display in 2007. Photo Credit: Troxx

On October 23, 1970, the Blue Flame rocket car became the world’s fastest vehicle when driver Gary Gabelich recorded the FIA-certified World Land Speed Records of 622.407mph (1001.667kph) for the flying mile and 630.388mph (1014.5111kph) for the flying kilometer. Fifty years later, the achievement was commemorated as the States of Utah, Wisconsin and Illinois celebrated “Blue Flame Day.”

The rocket car was designed in part by several professors and students at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. It was fabricated by motorsports enthusiasts at Reaction Dynamics in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and raced by the Blue Flame team at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

The Blue Flame was 37 ft. long and nearly 8 ft. high and wide, had an aluminum skin and weighed more than 6,500 lbs. The rocket engine produced 58,000 hp and 22,000 lbs. of thrust, burning a combination of hydrogen peroxide and liquefied natural gas pressurized by helium gas. To this day, the vehicle remains the fastest American hot rod and the fastest vehicle ever driven at Bonneville.

Congratulations to the Blue Flame team and their colleagues that helped design, construct and race this timeless vehicle.

Proclamation from Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter.	Proclamation from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.	Proclamation from Utah Governor Gary Herbert.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Blue Flame driven by Gary Gabelich on the Salt Flats. Deseret News photograph © 2008 Utah State Historical Society

The Blue Flame on display in 2007. Photo Credit: Troxx

On October 23, 1970, the Blue Flame rocket car became the world’s fastest vehicle when driver Gary Gabelich recorded the FIA-certified World Land Speed Records of 622.407mph (1001.667kph) for the flying mile and 630.388mph (1014.5111kph) for the flying kilometer. Fifty years later, the achievement was commemorated as the States of Utah, Wisconsin and Illinois celebrated “Blue Flame Day.”

The rocket car was designed in part by several professors and students at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. It was fabricated by motorsports enthusiasts at Reaction Dynamics in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and raced by the Blue Flame team at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

The Blue Flame was 37 ft. long and nearly 8 ft. high and wide, had an aluminum skin and weighed more than 6,500 lbs. The rocket engine produced 58,000 hp and 22,000 lbs. of thrust, burning a combination of hydrogen peroxide and liquefied natural gas pressurized by helium gas. To this day, the vehicle remains the fastest American hot rod and the fastest vehicle ever driven at Bonneville.

Congratulations to the Blue Flame team and their colleagues that helped design, construct and race this timeless vehicle.

Proclamation from Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter.	Proclamation from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.	Proclamation from Utah Governor Gary Herbert.

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA eNews regularly collects new product press releases from companies to highlight each week. Below are this week's submissions.

FST Performance
Fuel Filter System

FST Performance announces the release of its RPM560 Big Deuce water-separating fuel filter system. The system is designed to filter down to three microns.

The filters are constructed to be ideal for racing where extra capacity is needed, including multiple-engine offshore boats, high-horsepower race engines, off-road/desert racing vehicles or any performance engine that needs a high-flow, reliable, dirt-free fuel supply.

407-323-0122
www.fstperformance.com
PN: Vary

Saint-Gobain Abrasives
Electroplated Grinding Wheels

Saint-Gobain Abrasives announces the introduction of its Norton Winter AEON Electroplated Grinding Wheel for high-precision applications in the automotive, medical and aerospace markets. The wheels are designed to be able to hold a profile tolerance of ± 5µm at a maximum wheel diameter of  ~24-in. (600mm) and width ~12-in. (300mm), weighing up to 551 lbs. (250 kg).

Featuring a single usable abrasive layer design, the core surface of the wheels are mechanically fixed by an electrochemical process of nickel-deposition diamond or cBN particles. The layer design is constructed to provide high grit retention levels for long wheel life.

The wheel core is manufactured to be re-used. Once the abrasive grains are worn, the core of the wheel can be re-plated with new diamond or cBN grain in a continuous re-plating cycle.

508-795-5000
www.nortonabrasives.com
PN: Vary

PROFORM
Universal Electric Fans

PROFORM introduces its High-Performance Universal Electric Fans with Thermostat.

The fan is designed to keep performance up and temperatures chilled.

The kits are offered with the choice of straight-blade or S-blade style. All units feature a 15-in. diameter, 8-blade fan; heavy-duty, 12-volt motor; up to 2,800cfm air flow; and only a 14-amp draw.

586-774-2500
www.proformparts.com
PN: Vary

Mopar
Trailer Brake Controller

Mopar has released its trailer brake controller for the Jeep Gladiator. The controller may be retrofitted into Jeep Gladiators that are already on the road.

Installed in front of the transmission shift lever, the round controller knob is designed to provide a consistent look and feel with the vehicle’s interior.

The controller is engineered to give Jeep Gladiator owners the ability to activate the electronic brakes on properly equipped trailers.

800-399-2668
www.mopar.com
PN: Vary

Atlantic British
Air-to-Coil Suspension Conversion Kit

Atlantic British launches its Air-to-Coil Suspension Conversion Kit for Land Rovers and Range Rovers. The kit includes all the components and hardware needed to replace the air suspensions.

The Electronic Air Suspension (EAS) Management Software is designed to keep Land Rover control systems fully-enabled, such as traction control, hill descent, stability control, ABS, headlight positioning and OEM diagnostics.

800-533-2210
www.roverparts.com
PN: 834

By Ashley Reyes

Hunter Engineering Co. was named 2019 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year.

The finalists for the industry’s most prestigious industry awards—SEMA Manufacturer of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year—have been announced.

Finalists for the Manufacturer of the Year Award are:

• Advanced Clutch Technology
• AEM Performance Electronics
• Redline Detection

Finalists for the Gen-III Innovator of the Year Award are:

• Justin Hartenstein, director of product innovation at Oracle Lighting
• Matt Kossoff, owner and founder of The Retrofit Source
• Brendan McGrath, CEO of Dyme Performance Systems

Winners of the awards will be announced virtually as part of the SEMA Awards Celebration, airing on the SEMA Show YouTube Channel, Thursday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m. (PST). It is a unique opportunity for the entire industry to gather online and celebrate. The program will also include the announcement of the SEMA Person of the Year and recognitions of the 2020 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees: Rich Barsamian, Advanced Clutch Technology; Jack Chisenhall, Vintage Air; John Gaines, G&M Performance Parts; and Joe St. Lawrence, RTM Productions.

“The celebration of industry icons and legends is always a highlight during SEMA Week—and while 2020 may look a little different, the celebration will continue,” said Lindsay Bianco, manager, membership projects. “We invite everyone to tune in from the comfort of their homes, phones and desktops and join us for a night to remember.”

Log on to the SEMA Show YouTube Channel, Thursday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m. (PST) to join in the celebration.

By Ashley Reyes

Hunter Engineering Co. was named 2019 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year.

The finalists for the industry’s most prestigious industry awards—SEMA Manufacturer of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year—have been announced.

Finalists for the Manufacturer of the Year Award are:

• Advanced Clutch Technology
• AEM Performance Electronics
• Redline Detection

Finalists for the Gen-III Innovator of the Year Award are:

• Justin Hartenstein, director of product innovation at Oracle Lighting
• Matt Kossoff, owner and founder of The Retrofit Source
• Brendan McGrath, CEO of Dyme Performance Systems

Winners of the awards will be announced virtually as part of the SEMA Awards Celebration, airing on the SEMA Show YouTube Channel, Thursday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m. (PST). It is a unique opportunity for the entire industry to gather online and celebrate. The program will also include the announcement of the SEMA Person of the Year and recognitions of the 2020 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees: Rich Barsamian, Advanced Clutch Technology; Jack Chisenhall, Vintage Air; John Gaines, G&M Performance Parts; and Joe St. Lawrence, RTM Productions.

“The celebration of industry icons and legends is always a highlight during SEMA Week—and while 2020 may look a little different, the celebration will continue,” said Lindsay Bianco, manager, membership projects. “We invite everyone to tune in from the comfort of their homes, phones and desktops and join us for a night to remember.”

Log on to the SEMA Show YouTube Channel, Thursday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m. (PST) to join in the celebration.

By SEMA Editors

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has announced its plans to launch its first Topgolf Top Contender National Championship on November 5, 2020.

AACF board president Lynn Parker said, “When the SEMA and AAPEX trade shows were cancelled in the interest of public safety, AACF made the decision to cancel its largest annual fundraising event, the Bob Schoeberl Memorial Golf Tournament. While this was the right thing to do, we needed to find a way for aftermarket industry employees to connect and have fun as an industry family, and raise funds to assist those in need during this challenging time.”

AACF’s first Topgolf Top Contender National Championship will be an integrated tournament that allows teams to compete in real-time via 60 Topgolf locations throughout North America. The Top Contender format increases the competitive fun, as teams from all locations will compete in real time in the same game. Live leaderboards will be displayed in each time zone starting at 2:00 p.m. (PST) on November 5.

Teams of six players each will compete against other teams to score points by hitting micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets. The more accurate the shot, the more points each team will earn. A national champion will be crowned at the end of the tournament. See video here. 

Deadline for registration is November 3.

By SEMA Editors

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has announced its plans to launch its first Topgolf Top Contender National Championship on November 5, 2020.

AACF board president Lynn Parker said, “When the SEMA and AAPEX trade shows were cancelled in the interest of public safety, AACF made the decision to cancel its largest annual fundraising event, the Bob Schoeberl Memorial Golf Tournament. While this was the right thing to do, we needed to find a way for aftermarket industry employees to connect and have fun as an industry family, and raise funds to assist those in need during this challenging time.”

AACF’s first Topgolf Top Contender National Championship will be an integrated tournament that allows teams to compete in real-time via 60 Topgolf locations throughout North America. The Top Contender format increases the competitive fun, as teams from all locations will compete in real time in the same game. Live leaderboards will be displayed in each time zone starting at 2:00 p.m. (PST) on November 5.

Teams of six players each will compete against other teams to score points by hitting micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets. The more accurate the shot, the more points each team will earn. A national champion will be crowned at the end of the tournament. See video here. 

Deadline for registration is November 3.

By John Santos

The 2021 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference will be held entirely online, January 26–28.

The 2021 Motorsports Part Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference will take place entirely online, January 26–28, 2021, making it easy for manufacturers and media to connect, engage and interact entirely online from anywhere in the world.

Exhibitor applications are open exclusively to MPMC members at www.sema.org/mtc through November 6, 2020.

Featuring manufacturers of racing and performance parts and accessories, the MPMC Media Trade Conference is designed specifically for reporters and journalists and makes it easy and efficient to conduct interviews and obtain content for stories. As an online event, the 2021 program will provide participants with an affordable and safe event that they can rely on. It will be a cost-effective way for exhibitors to share detailed information about their products, changes in their company or the latest industry trends. Manufacturers seeking more information can visit www.sema.org/mtc/manufacturers.php or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Media information is available at www.sema.org/mtc, with registration available in mid-November. Media are also invited to contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org for more information.

By John Santos

The 2021 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference will be held entirely online, January 26–28.

The 2021 Motorsports Part Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference will take place entirely online, January 26–28, 2021, making it easy for manufacturers and media to connect, engage and interact entirely online from anywhere in the world.

Exhibitor applications are open exclusively to MPMC members at www.sema.org/mtc through November 6, 2020.

Featuring manufacturers of racing and performance parts and accessories, the MPMC Media Trade Conference is designed specifically for reporters and journalists and makes it easy and efficient to conduct interviews and obtain content for stories. As an online event, the 2021 program will provide participants with an affordable and safe event that they can rely on. It will be a cost-effective way for exhibitors to share detailed information about their products, changes in their company or the latest industry trends. Manufacturers seeking more information can visit www.sema.org/mtc/manufacturers.php or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Media information is available at www.sema.org/mtc, with registration available in mid-November. Media are also invited to contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org for more information.

By SEMA Editors

Enabled by a GM-designed three-motor e4WD system and advanced, selectable driving modes, the ’22 GMC HUMMER EV “will be the ultimate off-road EV supertruck,” according to General Motors sources, with all-new features developed to help address tough obstacles and terrain.

A number of exciting new, high-performance vehicles aimed at the enthusiast market are in the pipeline, including GM’s innovative electric HUMMER EV, scheduled for production as a ’22 model.

Enabled by a GM-designed three-motor e4WD system and advanced, selectable driving modes, the ’22 GMC HUMMER EV “will be the ultimate off-road EV supertruck,” according to General Motors sources, with all-new features developed to help address tough obstacles and terrain.

The HUMMER EV will be the first full-electric vehicle in GMC’s portfolio and is powered by General Motors’ new Ultium battery system. The battery cells will be produced as part of a joint venture with LG Chem, at a new facility, in Lordstown, Ohio. Initial production begins in late 2021, at GM’s Factory ZERO, Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center9—a nearly 40-year-old facility repurposed and retooled with a $2.2-billion investment devoted to electric vehicle production. Future production vehicles out of the factory will offer zero emissions. At launch, the HUMMER EV is offered exclusively in the Edition 1 model, featuring the full range of off-road-driving technologies including the Extreme Off-Road Package.

“Our goal was to develop the most capable, factory off-road pickup on the market. We’re excited to show the world what 100-plus years of truck know-how can do when applied to EV power,” said Al Oppenheiser, HUMMER EV chief engineer.

The HUMMER EV’s unique architecture offers inherent advantages for off-road driving, with the placement of the batteries contributing to a low center of gravity for stability, while the design of the drive motors eliminates the axle “pumpkins” and prop shaft in conventional trucks, which helps optimize ground clearance.

The all-new structure eliminates conventional frame rails, which would raise the center of gravity, and makes the battery pack a fundamental structural element of the chassis. It is protected by sturdy shear panels above and below the double-stacked batteries, while an exceptionally rigid floor above the battery pack helps the body resist twisting, even with the Sky Panels of the Infinity Roof removed.  

The Six-Function GMC MultiPro Tailgate helps improve accessing, loading and unloading HUMMER EV’s cargo bed.

Multiple Drive Modes

A unique e4WD drive system with torque vectoring will enable maneuverability and traction unlike anything GM has ever offered, with capabilities including climbing 60% grades (forward and reverse), scaling 18-in. verticals and fording water more than 2 ft. deep.

HUMMER EV’s Drive Mode Control’s five drive modes—four pre-configured modes and the driver-configurable My Mode—will enable the driver to tailor the vehicle’s performance, including torque distribution, four-wheel steering, ride height, shock damping, throttle maps, brakes and interior sound enhancement. The modes suit a variety of driving conditions, from rock crawling to highway driving and even trailering.

Off-Road Performance Features

The HUMMER EV Edition 1’s off-road features are extensive. They include independent front and rear suspension systems, paired to the drive motors and designed to optimize handling in off-road conditions and ride comfort on the highway. There is also a front e-locker—an electronically controlled, driver-selectable locking differential that elevates traction capability by locking both front wheels, so that they turn at the same speed. Up to 100% of available torque can be sent to either of the front wheels for maximum traction capability and fully synchronized e4WD propulsion, and a rear virtual locker that simulates a locking differential for the dual-motor rear drive unit. It is capable of torque vectoring, which can vary the amount of torque sent to each wheel to optimize not only traction in off-road conditions, but enhance on-road driving dynamics.

Heavy-duty ball-spline half-shafts maximize axle articulation for maneuverability, while also reducing feedback through the steering system in hard-cornering and other off-road driving conditions. Standard 18-in. wheels with 35-in.-OD Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires that offer exceptional strength and flexibility to optimize maneuverability. Additionally, the vehicle is engineered to accommodate 37-in. tires.

Underbody armor, consists of five skid plates/rock sliders and two underbody shields to protect the battery pack, drive units and other key components. UltraVision5 includes new front and rear underbody cameras with live “virtual spotter” views to help drivers navigate obstacles and place wheels on and off the trail. The underbody cameras are specially packaged to help protect against damage and equipped with a wash function to help remove debris. HUMMER EV offers a total of 18 available camera views from the vehicle, helping increase awareness of surroundings, serving as a virtual spotter.

More Torque than Diesel

Without the constraints of a conventional propulsion system and traditional drive axles, power control is available at each wheel, keeping the HUMMER EV moving in some of the toughest driving conditions and terrain, retaining maneuverability and suspension articulation—including nearly 13 in. of suspension travel.

Edition 1’s three electric drive motors within Ultium Drive will yield a combined GM-estimated 1,000 hp, and when multiplied through the front- and rear-drive unit gear ratios, there will be more than a GM-estimated 11,500 lb.-ft. of torque available at the wheels. The system’s pure electric propulsion holds peak torque much longer, through a wider speed range (up to 40 mph) than even diesel engines, which is optimal for off-roading, but also thrilling on-road. For straight-line performance, the Ultium batteries and Ultium Drive will offer enough power to enable the Watts to Freedom performance feature, launching the HUMMER EV from 0-60 mph in approximately 3 seconds (based on GM estimates).

HUMMER EV will have the ability to take advantage of the industry’s fastest 350-kilowatt DC fast chargers4. This vehicle will offer a GM-estimated 350+ miles of range based on preliminary testing, with a unique ability to switch its battery pack from its native 400 volts to 800 volts for charging. A disconnect unit and mechanization within the pack enables the battery to switch from “parallel” to “series,” allowing it to add nearly 100 miles of range in 10 minutes of charging, according to the manufacturer.