This is the next-gen Ford Ranger Raptor undergoing testing in light camo, showing us a few new elements about the off-road truck.

These new shots give us our best look yet at the front end, including the unique Ford script front grille and revised front fascia, which features a high-clearance front bumper plus fog lights and a front skid plate.

At the side, there’s a set of high-clearance running boards along with black wheels with beefy BFG tires, while the rear end features a set of dual exhausts with a black finish.

We also caught the first shots of the interior, complete with a large vertical screen and a healthy amount of red/orange accents throughout, bringing the Ranger Raptor in line with other Ford Raptor products, F-150 Raptor and Bronco Raptor.

With the debut of the international Ford Ranger out of the way, Ford will next reveal the Ranger for the U.S. market, followed by the debut of the Ranger Raptor for global markets.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

In partnership with Nissan, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, has announced a Measuring Session for the all-new ’23 Nissan Z, March 15–18.

The performance-grade Nissan Z is equipped with a standard twin-turbo V6 engine with 400 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque and six-speed manual transmission.

The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with the newly designed Z.

The event will feature a Performance grade level Z, equipped with:

• A standard twin-turbo V6 engine with 400 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.
• Six-speed manual transmission.

U.S. market consumers will have the option of a Sport- or Performance-grade vehicle, six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission, as well as a special-edition Proto Spec (limited to just 240 units).

Please note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time limited. All attendees will be required to sign an NDA upon arrival. Photography will be limited during the event.

Register now!

*All registered attendees will be required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing during their appointment. With the exception of wheels & tires, there will be no disassembly of this vehicle.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Cares, the industry’s collective fundraising group that raises money for charity, raised a record high of more than $250,000 in 2021.

SEMA Cares raised a record high of more than $250,000 for charity in 2021.

Specifically, $250,563.40 was generated from a Hemmings vehicle auction, the annual pinewood drag races, celebrity cars and, for the first time ever, a $100,000 match from SEMA.

“The SEMA Cares committee didn’t take no for an answer in 2021,” said SEMA Cares Chairwoman Kathryn Reinhardt. “They dialed for dollars and hustled for donations. As a result, we raised a tremendous amount of money to help create safe and fun environments for children in need.”

Money raised from SEMA Cares benefits three children’s charities: Austin Hatcher, ChildHelp and Victory Junction. SEMA Cares is preparing to kick of the 2022 fundraising season with the auction of a WD-40 vehicle.

“We’re grateful and humbled by the industry’s generosity,” said Reinhardt. “SEMA Cares was created in 2007 as a way for our industry to give back. I’m proud of the impact we’ve made over the years and excited that we continue to step it up year after year.”

To learn more about SEMA Cares and how to support the industry’s fundraising efforts, visit www.sema.org/sema-cares.

By Ashley Reyes

Car shows play a critical role in the hot-rod industry. As the spring car show seasons begins, hot-rod businesses must be prepared for the selling season.

Industry veterans will gather for a thought-provoking discussion about the state of car shows and consumer events, and how they are preparing for the upcoming season during the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) general membership meeting and panel discussion on March 18, at 10:00 a.m. (PST).

The live meeting will feature Amy Fitzgerald of Cool Hand Customs as she leads a panel of hot-rod industry experts sharing:

• COVID’s impact on car shows and how are companies planning differently today, compared to two years ago.
• What social-media strategies work and don’t work when promoting events, products and services.
• What are the key factors for success. 
• What is the importance of in-person events and how do companies keep customers engaged.

The meeting and discussion are open to all HRIA members and companies in the hot-rod industry, and is the ideal time to address industry concerns and learn from others in the market. A brief report on the council’s current initiatives will also be discussed.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Five industry experts gathered during the recent SEMA Show for a rare discussion about the truck and off-road industry, and what they see as some of the aftermarket’s best business opportunities.  

Led by Sean Holman of MotorTrend, the seminar features Brad DeBerti, DeBerti; Cris Payne, Truck Guru’s; Sara Morosan, LGE-CTS Motorsports; and Nick Psomas, Peak Suspension.

Watch the recording of the seminar “Why Truck and Off Road Builders are Thriving, Powered by TORA” now at www.semashow.com/education. Led by Sean Holman of MotorTrend, the seminar features Brad DeBerti, DeBerti; Cris Payne, Truck Guru’s; Sara Morosan, LGE-CTS Motorsports; and Nick Psomas, Peak Suspension.

Viewers will hear the panel share what platforms they see having the most opportunity, trends that are on the horizon, their thoughts on the truck and off-road EV landscape, OEs providing a platform open to accessorization and expanding reach through social media.

“If you can see something ahead of its time and then go that direction before somebody else, then you’re going to be super successful,” said Payne. “You have to pay attention to what people are doing. Consumers are going to tell you and steer you to where you need to go, and they are the ones buying your products so at the end of the day, you really have to pay attention to where that curve is going.”

Morosan added: “I always get excited about something that’s new that’s coming to the market. That’s why we’re builders right? We’re passionate. We see something and even though they build something that’s super rad, we look at it and say, ‘how can we make it better?’ And when it actually comes to reality, you’re like, ‘That’s super cool.’ People get excited about it and it just makes you get more excited about wanting to build more products, build more trucks and go out there.”

The seminar recording is one of many available at www.semashow.com/education. New recordings are added weekly. Other recently added seminars include:

• Digital Marketing 201/301: Achieve Breakthrough Growth in Digital Marketing Using Website Conversion Rate Optimization
• Women in Leadership, Powered by SBN
• Content That Connects With Your Audience
• Bench Racing With Aftermarket Journalists  

Visit www.semashow.com/education to view and access the entire collection.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed upon individuals who have made a personal impact on improving the automotive specialty-equipment industry. These individuals have gone above and beyond the normal course of business to enhance the stature of the industry and/or the association’s growth.

The SEMA Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association.

New members are inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame each year, and nominations for the 2022 program are being accepted until March 18, 2022, at www.sema.org/hof.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions to help with the nomination process.

What is the SEMA Hall of Fame?

The SEMA Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association. It is designed to honor outstanding persons in the industry who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or the association's growth.

Who is the ideal SEMA Hall of Fame candidate?

The ideal nominee will have contributed to the industry beyond the local level and achieved national or international significance. A significant contribution to SEMA is an important consideration for nomination, but not a requirement. A rule of thumb to qualify could be the following question: “How would SEMA and the industry be different without their contributions?”

Is there an age requirement for nominees?

The nominee must be at least 50 years of age prior to the SEMA Show during the year of induction or they may be at any age if deceased as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous.

How many years should the nominee have contributed to the industry?

The nominee should have been involved in the industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years.

How many individuals can I nominate?

There is no nomination limit. In any given year, it’s not unusual for three or four people to earn induction. The selection committee can also choose to induct zero candidates for the 2022 class if seen fit, although this has never happened.

Where can I view a list of past SEMA Hall of Fame candidates?

The full list of SEMA Hall of Fame inductees can be viewed at http://semahof.com/inductees.aspx?view=year.

How long after someone has been nominated will the ceremony take place?

The 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame class will be announced in May. Individuals honored with Hall of Fame commendation will be recognized at the SEMA Awards banquet during the 2022 SEMA Show.

If you still have any questions, please email Chris Standifer, project manager – Recognition Programs, at chriss@sema.org, 909-978-6692.

By Della Domingo

Motor Trend Group is inviting industry personalities to participate in a new build series taking place at the SEMA Garage in Southern California.

Individuals are invited to help restore a ’91 Bronco that will take place February 23–March 25 at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. The project will be filmed for a new off-road build series “4X4 Garage” and used on Overland Adventure 2022.

If you have the desire, experience and availability between these dates, Motor Trend wants to hear from you. Must be a local enthusiast with the desire to be on camera and have previous experience wrenching on cars. Off-camera labor opportunities may also be available.

For more information, email Cody_Busch@motortrend.com.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Support for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act), H.R. 3281 and S. 2736, continues to strengthen as members of Congress receive an outpouring of support for the bill from racers and the motorsports parts industry. The racing community sent more than 1.5 million letters in 2021, which have been integral in generating strong bipartisan support for the RPM Act (more than 145 members of Congress having agreed to sponsor the bill as a result). However, we need your help now more than ever, as Congress just passed the halfway point in the 2021–2022 session. We must ramp up the pressure on lawmakers in Washington to pass the RPM Act in 2022 and protect the future of racing!

Below are five things you can do right now to help to pass the RPM Act:

• Send a letter to your lawmakers at: saveourracecars.com. A letter has already been drafted. It takes less than a minute.
• Sign a letter to your lawmakers on company letterhead. Email erics@sema.org for a template and more information.
• Make a quick call to your lawmakers to voice your support for the bill. SEMA has made it easy to call by clicking here.

*Also, if you have a connection to a member of Congress or their staff, please let us know. It is important that we leverage personal relationships to stand up for the industry.

• Post about the RPM Act on your company’s social-media accounts using the toolkit of digital assets or pass out a flyer at your business of events.
• Learn more about SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) at www.semapac.com. SEMA PAC allows SEMA members to support the lawmakers that stand up for our industry in Washington, D.C.

The RPM Act must be enacted into law to guarantee your right to modify street cars, trucks and motorcycles into dedicated race vehicles, and ensure that industry can offer parts that enable racers to compete. It is imperative that lawmakers continue to be reminded of the importance of passing the RPM Act.

For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

SEMA eNews highlights new products from industry companies when available. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

Quadratec
Spare Tire Mount Backup Camera for Jeep Wrangler JK

Quadratec Inc. has released a new Spare Tire Mount Backup Camera system for ’07–’18 Jeep Wrangler JK vehicles. The Spare Tire Mount Backup Camera improves the safety and overall visibility of the Jeep Wrangler. Available for vehicles equipped with both factory and aftermarket stereos, the backup camera reduces the blind zone of the Wrangler, which is often blocked by oversized spare tires or other bumper-mounted accessories.

The easy-to-install kit comes complete with a camera, a black powdercoated stainless-steel mounting bracket, a plug-n-play wiring harness and installation hardware. The Quadratec Spare Tire Mount Backup Camera features a 170-degree viewing angle with integrated fixed parking lines for maximum visibility. These guidelines can be deactivated during installation by bypassing the line wire. With a fully sealed zinc-alloy housing, the camera is corrosion-resistant and features an IP68 waterproof rating.

www.quadratec.com

Forgeline
One Piece Forged Monoblock SS1R 5-Lug

Derived directly from the SS1R-GT wheel (which is engineered specifically for ultra-competitive IMSA and WEC GT3 racing), the Forgeline one piece forged monoblock SS1R 5-Lug wheel is the company's lightest, strongest, and stiffest racing wheel made to date. The Forgeline SS1R 5-Lug wheel is precision-machined from a single forging of a proprietary grade of 6061-T6 aerospace aluminum. It features a split six spoke design, I-beamed spokes, tapered outer edge, and aggressive machining details that allow it to look as good as it performs.

The Forgeline SS1R 5-Lug is available in a range of widths and custom offsets in diameters ranging from 18 to 22 in. and can be finished with a wide offering of fully customizable powdercoat colors and finish options.

www.forgeline.com/wheel/ss1r-5lug

AudioControl
Epicenter Micro

AudioControl has introduced The Epicenter Micro, a modernized revision of the Epicenter bass-restoring audio processor. A new member of The Epicenter family, The Epicenter Micro adds AudioControl’s OEM integration capability and increased durability from a new form factor that delivers easy-to-use top-mounted controls.

The Epicenter Micro delivers an ultra-clean signal from even the most challenging factory sound systems to one or more amplifiers, accommodating any system design. And with easily accessible top-mounted controls, perfectly calibrated OEM integration and superb sound quality have never been easier to achieve.

The processor comes with the brand new ACR-4 dual-concentric controller, enabling listeners to adjust both subwoofer levels (inner knob) and Epicenter effect levels (outer knob) all from a single, elegant module.

www.audiocontrol.com

BDS Suspension
Coilover Lift Systems for '19+ GM 1500 Trucks

BDS Suspension is offering their 4-in. and 6-in. high-clearance coilover systems for the ’19–’21 Chevy/GMC 1500 trucks with FOX 2.0 Performance Snap Ring Coilover (struts). The systems join the existing 4-in. and 6-in. lift options as an intermediary between the standard (strut spacer) kits and full-blown FOX 2.5 R/R coilover systems by utilizing FOX 2.0 performance series IFP (non-reservoir) coilovers and 2.0 PS IFP rear shocks.

The new suspension system features the high-clearance IFS to correct suspension, steering and driveline geometry for improved on road comfort and off-road performance and combine with FOX 2.0 coilovers and shocks for improved performance.

www.bds-suspension.com

Raptor Series
Slide Track Series Bracket Kit Covers

The new Raptor Series Slide Track Series Bracket Covers are designed to install with all Raptor Slide Track Series Brackets that are easily trimmed to the user's liking. The heavy-duty thermoplastic rubber is designed to last in all elements and help to protect powdercoated steel brackets from snow.

Raptor Series offers the bracket covers in packs of four, six and eight.

www.raptorseries.com

  The SEMA Data Excellence designation recognizes the companies that have worked with SEMA Data to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SEMA Data members that have achieved data excellence.

J&L Oil Separator 3.0 Passenger Side (’15–’21 Hellcat, ’18–’21 Jeep Trackhawk, ’18 Demon, ’21 Durango Hellcat 6.2L)

During the process of venting crankcase pressure back through your intake track, large amounts of oil, in the form of vapors, intake tube, intake manifold runners dilute your gas, lowering its octane level. This happens on all engines and is even worse with forced inducted vehicles (supercharged and turbocharged) as crankcase pressures are increased. To combat this, we have developed an oil separator of our own design. Milled from solid billet aluminum, this is a rock-solid piece. It has a knurled tank base for easy removal to drain the spent oil and an O-ring seal to prevent any leaks. Filtering consists of a fine mesh stainless-steel screen that traps fine oil vapors and releases them once heavy enough to fall. They then pass through a 1/2-in. thick 1/16th-in. aluminum honeycomb filter, where they grow every larger and then fall into the bottom. By the time the oil gets through the filter it’s too heavy to be passed on into the intake. The tank holds 3 oz. of fluid, while that may not sound like a lot, you shouldn’t see that much oil in your PCV system. Drain it every 2,000–3,000 miles and you will never come close to filling it.

Features:

• 3-oz. capacity 
• Solid billet construction
• OEM-style quick-connect PCV fittings 
• Multi-stage filter system designed to collect the finest of vapors and drop them into the easily removable bottom while allowing clean air to pass through to the intake. 

PN: 3060P-B
www.jlosc.com

FAST EZ 2.0 Base Kit with Touchscreen, Throttle Body and Inline Pump Kit

As with the EZ-EFI Fuel, simply hook up the system, answer the Setup Wizard questions on the hand-held, and EZ-EFI 2.0 Fuel + Ignition tunes itself as you drive. Its eight-injector, die-cast throttle body features late-model OEM sensors for accuracy and durability, supports up to 1,200 hp (the highest on the market), includes optional ignition timing control and can run E-85 fuels while competing versions cannot. It flows more air than the first-generation EZ-EFI throttle body due to an improved inlet, while a new secondary shaft throttle stop adjustment provides even more precise idle airflow adjustment and balance. Meanwhile, an industry-exclusive and unique-to-FAST integrated fuel pulse damper creates ultra-precise fuel control. The EZ-EFI 2.0 Fuel + Ignition also incorporates needle-bearing supported shafts instead of bushings and an integrated fuel rail design with crossover for tighter packaging. Setup includes the market’s fewest connection wires, including a high-quality wiring harness that is encased in a sleek mesh-type loom. The EZ-EFI 2.0 has an updated hand-held as well, featuring the industry’s first color touchscreen. Self-powered through the ECU rather than requiring an outside power source, it shares the same mounting points as the Garmin Nuvi GPS, meaning there are nearly limitless mounting options (suction cup mount is included with all kits). The hand-held has various advanced features, including screen hide/sleep function, expanded diagnostics and data screens, plus intuitive navigation. The FAST EZ-EFI 2.0 Fuel + Ignition works with either generation of EZ-EFI throttle body, multi-port systems and Inglese throttle bodies and is compatible with in-tank, inline, high-horsepower inline, return-style and return-less-style fuel pumps. Electronic fuel pressure measurement is standard on all kits, and each one works with a wet nitrous system, providing built-in nitrous timing retard and special nitrous AFR targeting. 

Features: 

• Higher flowing and higher-horsepower-capable, eight-injector throttle body supports stock-to-1,200hp engines.
• No laptop or tuning experience required; Self tunes as you drive with revised tuning strategy over original EZ-EFI.
• Advanced, color touchscreen, hand-held/sensor dash with suction-cup mount; same mounting points as Garmin GPS.
• Market’s only fuel pulse damper creates precise fuel control; return- or return-less-style fuel systems supported 
• Works with standard, carb-type distributors or FAST distributors for plug-and-play electronic timing control.
• High-quality wiring harness with mesh loom and wide-band O2; system has fewest connection wires in market.
• Available in multi-port systems for GM LS engines and other multi-port EFI V8 engines.
• Throttle body features Holley carb-style throttle linkage and 4150 bolt pattern.
• ECU includes on-board LED diagnostics and EZ-Test indicator lights.
• E85-capable as opposed to competitor versions that are not. 

PN: 30402-KIT
www.fuelairspark.com

ORACLE Flush Taillights for the Jeep Wrangler JL

Designed to fit flush with the rear of the Jeep Wrangler JL, the Flush Taillights from ORACLE Lighting offer new LED features and improved styling. This innovative design is a sleek taillight that wraps tightly around the body of the Jeep Wrangler JL. Protruding out significantly less than the factory taillights, this low-profile design helps avoid damage while trail riding. These taillights feature an attractive design and functional LED lighting features, including high-powered reverse lights and unique signature perimeter lighting. The plug-and-play design is compatible with both the base and LED packages and features an enhanced reverse function with 12 high-powered LEDs for optimal rear illumination. Gain sleek styling that complements the original body lines and offers more innovative features!

PN: 5884-504
www.oraclelights.com

Covercraft PrecisionFit Carhartt Front-Row Seat Covers

The ultimate Carhartt Seat Covers that combine the rugged protection and style you expect from Carhartt with an ultra-comfortable foam-backing to make any drive better. When it comes to protecting your vehicle's seats from the damaging effects of water, mud, grease, oil, food and dirt, Carhartt fabric is the protection you’ll love. Tough as nails, these covers are finely crafted and sewn from the firm-hand Carhartt duck weave fabric and double stitched at the main seams. Our Covercraft Carhartt PrecisionFit Seat Covers are custom fit for your exact vehicle seats. We tailor every seat cover to fit your factory seat like a second skin and never obstruct any of your factory seat knobs, levers, buttons or arm rests. If your vehicle has seat airbags, we use the same type of hidden tear-away stitching that are used on your factory seats for a sleek finished look that keeps your safety a priority. Carhartt has been known for their tough, rugged quality since 1889. Hamilton C. Carhartt, known as “Ham,” started his company in the harsh times of steel and locomotives. His motto was “Honest value for an honest dollar,” and that’s exactly what you’ll get with these legendary Carhartt Seat Covers available in Carhartt Brown or Carhartt Gravel. If you love the look and protection, but don’t need comfort as much, check out our Covercraft Carhartt SeatSavers.

Features:

• Exact fit 
• Foam-backed comfort 
• Pocket on back of front seat covers 
• Heavy-duty material 
• Highly water resistant 
• Classic Carhartt styling 
• Carhartt double-stitched seams 
• All applicable headrests, armrests and console covers Included 
• Sold per row; buckets (pair), bench (single) 
• Hidden seat air-bag tear-away safety built-in 
• Three-year warranty 

PN: GTN671ABCABN
www.covercraft.com