By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as the Show approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week's featured builds include: Todd Budde’s ’93 Mazda RX-7, Brian Bergeron’s ’84 Porsche 944 “widebody,” Omar Cabrera’s ’95 Nissan 240SX and Shane Durrence’s Toyota MR2G.

Shane Durrence, Toyota MR2G

Ever since watching The Fast and the Furious, Durrence has wanted to build a car that sets his apart from the pack. He has been working on his Toyota for nearly seven years now, and even signed up for an auto body class so that he could learn how to paint it with his own custom color. Durrence has “touched” nearly every part of his second-generation MR2 during the build, including restoring the body kit, suspension work, custom wheels and a reworked interior. He even swapped out the original engine with a fifth-gen 3S-GTE from a Toyota Caldina. His skill and accomplishments clearly paid off as he was chosen as the regional winner at the Street Machine Nationals in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Todd Budde’s ’93 Mazda RX-7	Brian Bergeron’s ’84 Porsche 944 “widebody”	Omar Cabrera’s ’95 Nissan 240SX

Todd Budde, ’93 Mazda RX-7
Scheduled to Appear: Toyo Tire #V65

Todd Budde returns to BOTB after entering last year with a ’65 VW. He hopes to compete this year with a ’93 Mazda RX-7. The build’s all-aluminum peripheral port houses a Twin Garrett G42-1200 turbo with custom stainless-steel turbo manifolds, an intake manifold and a standalone Haltech ECU that helps produce more than 1,000 hp. The vehicle includes a custom tubular chassis and a Corvette C7 suspension, converting it from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive. The vehicle’s steel widebody is hand fabricated from RX-3 and RX-7 sheetmetal. The transmission is replaced by a Lamborghini Gallardo transmission and front differential.

Brian Bergeron, ’84 Porsche 944 “widebody”
Scheduled to Appear: Racingjunk.com #24621

One of Bergeron’s builds was featured at the 2018 SEMA Show as part of the Hot Wheels Legends exhibit, and this wide-body 944 will display a host of Porsche parts debuts. An LS V8 conversion utilizes a supercharger for extra oomph, and is backed by a converted Audi 01E six-speed transaxle spinning custom three-piece wheels running Widerstandsfahig lightweight centers. A Fabspeed/Project Nine full dual-exhaust setup will make its debut on the car, as will a Project Nine “Speedfreak” front end and P9 “Ducktail” rear spoiler. The dual brake master setup and custom pedal box are a P9 and Racing Pedal Boxes collaboration, and Classic 9 provides a full leather treatment to the interior.

Omar Cabrera, ’95 Nissan 240SX
Scheduled to Appear: Mackin Industries #22813

Omar Cabrera enters BOTB with his ’95 Nissan 240SX. The build is powered by a 2JZ-GTE and controlled by a 370Z transmission. The engine also includes a Driftmotion 6262 turbo. The interior features a Cusco harness, Cusco Cage and an LRB rear-seat delete, and the driver now sits on the right. The build’s profile includes a wide-body kit, 75mm front and rear fenders, D-Max LED taillights and a Big Country Labs spoiler. The vehicle sits atop of an Airlift suspension and CTSV brakes bring it to a halt.

For more information, visit the SEMA Battle of the Builders website.  

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as the Show approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week's featured builds include: Todd Budde’s ’93 Mazda RX-7, Brian Bergeron’s ’84 Porsche 944 “widebody,” Omar Cabrera’s ’95 Nissan 240SX and Shane Durrence’s Toyota MR2G.

Shane Durrence, Toyota MR2G

Ever since watching The Fast and the Furious, Durrence has wanted to build a car that sets his apart from the pack. He has been working on his Toyota for nearly seven years now, and even signed up for an auto body class so that he could learn how to paint it with his own custom color. Durrence has “touched” nearly every part of his second-generation MR2 during the build, including restoring the body kit, suspension work, custom wheels and a reworked interior. He even swapped out the original engine with a fifth-gen 3S-GTE from a Toyota Caldina. His skill and accomplishments clearly paid off as he was chosen as the regional winner at the Street Machine Nationals in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Todd Budde’s ’93 Mazda RX-7	Brian Bergeron’s ’84 Porsche 944 “widebody”	Omar Cabrera’s ’95 Nissan 240SX

Todd Budde, ’93 Mazda RX-7
Scheduled to Appear: Toyo Tire #V65

Todd Budde returns to BOTB after entering last year with a ’65 VW. He hopes to compete this year with a ’93 Mazda RX-7. The build’s all-aluminum peripheral port houses a Twin Garrett G42-1200 turbo with custom stainless-steel turbo manifolds, an intake manifold and a standalone Haltech ECU that helps produce more than 1,000 hp. The vehicle includes a custom tubular chassis and a Corvette C7 suspension, converting it from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive. The vehicle’s steel widebody is hand fabricated from RX-3 and RX-7 sheetmetal. The transmission is replaced by a Lamborghini Gallardo transmission and front differential.

Brian Bergeron, ’84 Porsche 944 “widebody”
Scheduled to Appear: Racingjunk.com #24621

One of Bergeron’s builds was featured at the 2018 SEMA Show as part of the Hot Wheels Legends exhibit, and this wide-body 944 will display a host of Porsche parts debuts. An LS V8 conversion utilizes a supercharger for extra oomph, and is backed by a converted Audi 01E six-speed transaxle spinning custom three-piece wheels running Widerstandsfahig lightweight centers. A Fabspeed/Project Nine full dual-exhaust setup will make its debut on the car, as will a Project Nine “Speedfreak” front end and P9 “Ducktail” rear spoiler. The dual brake master setup and custom pedal box are a P9 and Racing Pedal Boxes collaboration, and Classic 9 provides a full leather treatment to the interior.

Omar Cabrera, ’95 Nissan 240SX
Scheduled to Appear: Mackin Industries #22813

Omar Cabrera enters BOTB with his ’95 Nissan 240SX. The build is powered by a 2JZ-GTE and controlled by a 370Z transmission. The engine also includes a Driftmotion 6262 turbo. The interior features a Cusco harness, Cusco Cage and an LRB rear-seat delete, and the driver now sits on the right. The build’s profile includes a wide-body kit, 75mm front and rear fenders, D-Max LED taillights and a Big Country Labs spoiler. The vehicle sits atop of an Airlift suspension and CTSV brakes bring it to a halt.

For more information, visit the SEMA Battle of the Builders website.  

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as the Show approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week's featured builds include: Todd Budde’s ’93 Mazda RX-7, Brian Bergeron’s ’84 Porsche 944 “widebody,” Omar Cabrera’s ’95 Nissan 240SX and Shane Durrence’s Toyota MR2G.

Shane Durrence, Toyota MR2G

Ever since watching The Fast and the Furious, Durrence has wanted to build a car that sets his apart from the pack. He has been working on his Toyota for nearly seven years now, and even signed up for an auto body class so that he could learn how to paint it with his own custom color. Durrence has “touched” nearly every part of his second-generation MR2 during the build, including restoring the body kit, suspension work, custom wheels and a reworked interior. He even swapped out the original engine with a fifth-gen 3S-GTE from a Toyota Caldina. His skill and accomplishments clearly paid off as he was chosen as the regional winner at the Street Machine Nationals in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Todd Budde’s ’93 Mazda RX-7	Brian Bergeron’s ’84 Porsche 944 “widebody”	Omar Cabrera’s ’95 Nissan 240SX

Todd Budde, ’93 Mazda RX-7
Scheduled to Appear: Toyo Tire #V65

Todd Budde returns to BOTB after entering last year with a ’65 VW. He hopes to compete this year with a ’93 Mazda RX-7. The build’s all-aluminum peripheral port houses a Twin Garrett G42-1200 turbo with custom stainless-steel turbo manifolds, an intake manifold and a standalone Haltech ECU that helps produce more than 1,000 hp. The vehicle includes a custom tubular chassis and a Corvette C7 suspension, converting it from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive. The vehicle’s steel widebody is hand fabricated from RX-3 and RX-7 sheetmetal. The transmission is replaced by a Lamborghini Gallardo transmission and front differential.

Brian Bergeron, ’84 Porsche 944 “widebody”
Scheduled to Appear: Racingjunk.com #24621

One of Bergeron’s builds was featured at the 2018 SEMA Show as part of the Hot Wheels Legends exhibit, and this wide-body 944 will display a host of Porsche parts debuts. An LS V8 conversion utilizes a supercharger for extra oomph, and is backed by a converted Audi 01E six-speed transaxle spinning custom three-piece wheels running Widerstandsfahig lightweight centers. A Fabspeed/Project Nine full dual-exhaust setup will make its debut on the car, as will a Project Nine “Speedfreak” front end and P9 “Ducktail” rear spoiler. The dual brake master setup and custom pedal box are a P9 and Racing Pedal Boxes collaboration, and Classic 9 provides a full leather treatment to the interior.

Omar Cabrera, ’95 Nissan 240SX
Scheduled to Appear: Mackin Industries #22813

Omar Cabrera enters BOTB with his ’95 Nissan 240SX. The build is powered by a 2JZ-GTE and controlled by a 370Z transmission. The engine also includes a Driftmotion 6262 turbo. The interior features a Cusco harness, Cusco Cage and an LRB rear-seat delete, and the driver now sits on the right. The build’s profile includes a wide-body kit, 75mm front and rear fenders, D-Max LED taillights and a Big Country Labs spoiler. The vehicle sits atop of an Airlift suspension and CTSV brakes bring it to a halt.

For more information, visit the SEMA Battle of the Builders website.  

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data-management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Edelbrock Supercharger For Colorado/Canyon Edelbrock announces the availability of a supercharger kit for ’17–’20 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles equipped with second-generation HFV6 engines. The supercharger is engineered to give a 24% boost in horsepower. This bolt-on supercharger kit is designed to fit under the stock hood without the need for permanent modifications. The unit features an Eaton R1740 rotor assembly with an integrated air-to-water intercooler core and front-mount heat exchanger. Additionally, the supercharger kit is 50-state emissions-legal under CARB EO D-215-113. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 1518
Holley EFI Terminator X and Terminator X Max For GM LS Series Holley announces the expansion of Holley EFI’s plug-and-play Terminator X and Terminator X Max electronic fuel-injections systems. Now available are Terminator X systems for LS1 engines with EV6, LS2/LS3s systems for late-model trucks, and Terminator X Max systems for numerous drive-by-wire/multi-point-fuel-injection applications with electronic transmission control. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 550-909
ICON Vehicle Dynamics Coilover Conversion For F-250/350 ICON Vehicle Dynamics announces a new coilover conversion system for the ’17–’19 Ford F-250 and F-350. The ICON Coilover Conversion System is designed to strike the perfect balance between on-road ride quality and off-road performance while allowing for ride height adjustment to suit a variety of wheel and tire setups. Conversion systems are available as either a 2.5- to 3-in. level or 4- to 5.5-in. lift system. The systems are available in five different “stage” packages for the 2.5- to 3-in. lift system and six different “stage” packages for the 4- to 5.5-in. lift kit. 951-689-4266 www.iconvehicledynamics.com PN: K62511

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data-management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Edelbrock Supercharger For Colorado/Canyon Edelbrock announces the availability of a supercharger kit for ’17–’20 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles equipped with second-generation HFV6 engines. The supercharger is engineered to give a 24% boost in horsepower. This bolt-on supercharger kit is designed to fit under the stock hood without the need for permanent modifications. The unit features an Eaton R1740 rotor assembly with an integrated air-to-water intercooler core and front-mount heat exchanger. Additionally, the supercharger kit is 50-state emissions-legal under CARB EO D-215-113. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 1518
Holley EFI Terminator X and Terminator X Max For GM LS Series Holley announces the expansion of Holley EFI’s plug-and-play Terminator X and Terminator X Max electronic fuel-injections systems. Now available are Terminator X systems for LS1 engines with EV6, LS2/LS3s systems for late-model trucks, and Terminator X Max systems for numerous drive-by-wire/multi-point-fuel-injection applications with electronic transmission control. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 550-909
ICON Vehicle Dynamics Coilover Conversion For F-250/350 ICON Vehicle Dynamics announces a new coilover conversion system for the ’17–’19 Ford F-250 and F-350. The ICON Coilover Conversion System is designed to strike the perfect balance between on-road ride quality and off-road performance while allowing for ride height adjustment to suit a variety of wheel and tire setups. Conversion systems are available as either a 2.5- to 3-in. level or 4- to 5.5-in. lift system. The systems are available in five different “stage” packages for the 2.5- to 3-in. lift system and six different “stage” packages for the 4- to 5.5-in. lift kit. 951-689-4266 www.iconvehicledynamics.com PN: K62511

By SEMA Editors

The all-new ’20 Mustang Shelby GT500 is powered by a 760hp 5.2L V8 engine that delivers 625 lb.-ft. of torque.

Ford is donating a custom ’20 Mustang Shelby GT500 adorned in one-of-a-kind Venom paint that will be raffled to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and its battle against Type 1 diabetes.

The ’20 JDRF Mustang Shelby GT500 comes in a Venom metallic charcoal-color clearcoat with black painted over-the-top racing stripes. It has the carbon-fiber track package, including exposed carbon-fiber wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, rear seat-delete, Recaro leather-trimmed seats and a Mustang GT4 track wing.

“Building on the excitement around GT500 is a terrific way to help JDRF fund research and help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes,” said Dave Pericak, Ford director of enterprise product-line management. “Not only does this raffle provide an opportunity to win the most powerful production Ford ever, it also speaks to how Ford strives to make people’s lives better.”

Ford has been donating vehicles to JDRF for its raffle fundraiser for nearly a decade. Ford teamed up with Protean and Penske Vehicle Services to create this custom-colored pony car.

Ford and JDRF are aiming to sell 75,000 raffle tickets during this annual fundraiser to raise money for JDRF, which is an interntional leader in Type 1 diabetes research funding, programming and awareness.

The first-place raffle winner takes home the Venom Shelby GT500. The second-place winner will receive an all-inclusive VIP race experience for two to the 2020 Daytona 500.

Tickets can be purchased online until November 10, at $10 each. The drawing will be held November 14, at the Ford Conference and Event Center: 1151 Village Rd., Dearborn, MI. The winner does not need to be present at the raffle drawing to win.

’20 Mustang Shelby GT500

The all-new Mustang Shelby GT500 delivers the quickest street-legal acceleration and most high-performance technology to date ever offered in a Ford Mustang. Arriving this fall, the Shelby GT500 is powered by a 760hp 5.2L V8 engine that delivers 625 lb.-ft. of torque. Due to its first-in-class Tremec TR-9070 DCT seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Shelby GT500 can achieve a 0–100-0 in 10.6 seconds.

By SEMA Editors

The all-new ’20 Mustang Shelby GT500 is powered by a 760hp 5.2L V8 engine that delivers 625 lb.-ft. of torque.

Ford is donating a custom ’20 Mustang Shelby GT500 adorned in one-of-a-kind Venom paint that will be raffled to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and its battle against Type 1 diabetes.

The ’20 JDRF Mustang Shelby GT500 comes in a Venom metallic charcoal-color clearcoat with black painted over-the-top racing stripes. It has the carbon-fiber track package, including exposed carbon-fiber wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, rear seat-delete, Recaro leather-trimmed seats and a Mustang GT4 track wing.

“Building on the excitement around GT500 is a terrific way to help JDRF fund research and help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes,” said Dave Pericak, Ford director of enterprise product-line management. “Not only does this raffle provide an opportunity to win the most powerful production Ford ever, it also speaks to how Ford strives to make people’s lives better.”

Ford has been donating vehicles to JDRF for its raffle fundraiser for nearly a decade. Ford teamed up with Protean and Penske Vehicle Services to create this custom-colored pony car.

Ford and JDRF are aiming to sell 75,000 raffle tickets during this annual fundraiser to raise money for JDRF, which is an interntional leader in Type 1 diabetes research funding, programming and awareness.

The first-place raffle winner takes home the Venom Shelby GT500. The second-place winner will receive an all-inclusive VIP race experience for two to the 2020 Daytona 500.

Tickets can be purchased online until November 10, at $10 each. The drawing will be held November 14, at the Ford Conference and Event Center: 1151 Village Rd., Dearborn, MI. The winner does not need to be present at the raffle drawing to win.

’20 Mustang Shelby GT500

The all-new Mustang Shelby GT500 delivers the quickest street-legal acceleration and most high-performance technology to date ever offered in a Ford Mustang. Arriving this fall, the Shelby GT500 is powered by a 760hp 5.2L V8 engine that delivers 625 lb.-ft. of torque. Due to its first-in-class Tremec TR-9070 DCT seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Shelby GT500 can achieve a 0–100-0 in 10.6 seconds.

By SEMA Editors

Automotive enthusiasts who would like to take a look at some of the top vehicles and products from the trade-only 2019 SEMA Show can do so at SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party, which will be held November 8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Platinum Lot, on the east side of LVCC (on Swenson Street, between Desert Inn Road and Sierra Vista Drive).

Following four days of business behind closed doors at LVCC, SEMA Ignited will give consumers an opportunity to take part in the excitement of the 2019 SEMA Show through an outdoor extravaganza that includes iconic builders, customized SEMA Show vehicles, drift demonstrations, food, entertainment and much more.

“SEMA Ignited is a great opportunity for enthusiasts to connect with the unique builds and products from the SEMA Show,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “There is something for everyone at SEMA Ignited, and all auto enthusiasts and consumers are invited to attend.”

At the conclusion of the SEMA Show, hundreds of custom-built vehicles roll out of the convention center and cruise to assemble at SEMA Ignited, where the public can see the elaborate work performed by the customizers and some of the newest and most innovative products used on the builds.

Spectators may also be included in the nationwide television special, as producers film the announcement of the 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders winner during SEMA Ignited. The one-hour, nationwide television program will air in early 2020.

SEMA Show attendees receive complimentary admission with their Show badges, while general admission to SEMA Ignited is $20. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a paid general admission ticket. Premium tickets are available for $75 and include access to a reserved seating area, a free T-shirt and more.  

For more information about SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com. To learn more about the SEMA Show and apply for credentials, visit www.semashow.com or call 909-396-0289.   

By SEMA Editors

Automotive enthusiasts who would like to take a look at some of the top vehicles and products from the trade-only 2019 SEMA Show can do so at SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party, which will be held November 8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Platinum Lot, on the east side of LVCC (on Swenson Street, between Desert Inn Road and Sierra Vista Drive).

Following four days of business behind closed doors at LVCC, SEMA Ignited will give consumers an opportunity to take part in the excitement of the 2019 SEMA Show through an outdoor extravaganza that includes iconic builders, customized SEMA Show vehicles, drift demonstrations, food, entertainment and much more.

“SEMA Ignited is a great opportunity for enthusiasts to connect with the unique builds and products from the SEMA Show,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “There is something for everyone at SEMA Ignited, and all auto enthusiasts and consumers are invited to attend.”

At the conclusion of the SEMA Show, hundreds of custom-built vehicles roll out of the convention center and cruise to assemble at SEMA Ignited, where the public can see the elaborate work performed by the customizers and some of the newest and most innovative products used on the builds.

Spectators may also be included in the nationwide television special, as producers film the announcement of the 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders winner during SEMA Ignited. The one-hour, nationwide television program will air in early 2020.

SEMA Show attendees receive complimentary admission with their Show badges, while general admission to SEMA Ignited is $20. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a paid general admission ticket. Premium tickets are available for $75 and include access to a reserved seating area, a free T-shirt and more.  

For more information about SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com. To learn more about the SEMA Show and apply for credentials, visit www.semashow.com or call 909-396-0289.   

By SEMA Editors

Automotive enthusiasts who would like to take a look at some of the top vehicles and products from the trade-only 2019 SEMA Show can do so at SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party, which will be held November 8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Platinum Lot, on the east side of LVCC (on Swenson Street, between Desert Inn Road and Sierra Vista Drive).

Following four days of business behind closed doors at LVCC, SEMA Ignited will give consumers an opportunity to take part in the excitement of the 2019 SEMA Show through an outdoor extravaganza that includes iconic builders, customized SEMA Show vehicles, drift demonstrations, food, entertainment and much more.

“SEMA Ignited is a great opportunity for enthusiasts to connect with the unique builds and products from the SEMA Show,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “There is something for everyone at SEMA Ignited, and all auto enthusiasts and consumers are invited to attend.”

At the conclusion of the SEMA Show, hundreds of custom-built vehicles roll out of the convention center and cruise to assemble at SEMA Ignited, where the public can see the elaborate work performed by the customizers and some of the newest and most innovative products used on the builds.

Spectators may also be included in the nationwide television special, as producers film the announcement of the 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders winner during SEMA Ignited. The one-hour, nationwide television program will air in early 2020.

SEMA Show attendees receive complimentary admission with their Show badges, while general admission to SEMA Ignited is $20. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a paid general admission ticket. Premium tickets are available for $75 and include access to a reserved seating area, a free T-shirt and more.  

For more information about SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com. To learn more about the SEMA Show and apply for credentials, visit www.semashow.com or call 909-396-0289.