This is the ’17 Ford F-150 Raptor, caught in both cab configurations rockin’ a silver-painted grille—the first time a Raptor grille hasn't been black.
The production version of the Raptor has been seen before, but this is the first time all of the variants have been spotted. As before, both an extended cab and full four-door crew cab will be offered. As expected from its first showing in January at the Detroit Auto Show, the Raptor gets a wildly more aggressive front than any of the current F-150 models.
Ford said when the truck was previewed that the ’17 Raptor would get a special version of the 3.5L Ecoboost V6 with around 450 hp to replace the 6.2L V8 found in the old model. The Raptor will also be one of the first vehicles to receive a new 10-speed automatic transmission being developed by Ford and GM, and planned for the rest of the F-150 line in the next few years.
The Raptor will also get off-road-oriented modifications, such as Fox racing shocks and meaty off-road tires. Ford will further add a terrain management system to help keep the Raptor moving in tough conditions.
Plan on seeing the new Raptor in showrooms by summer 2016.
This is the ’17 Ford F-150 Raptor, caught in both cab configurations rockin’ a silver-painted grille—the first time a Raptor grille hasn't been black.
The production version of the Raptor has been seen before, but this is the first time all of the variants have been spotted. As before, both an extended cab and full four-door crew cab will be offered. As expected from its first showing in January at the Detroit Auto Show, the Raptor gets a wildly more aggressive front than any of the current F-150 models.
Ford said when the truck was previewed that the ’17 Raptor would get a special version of the 3.5L Ecoboost V6 with around 450 hp to replace the 6.2L V8 found in the old model. The Raptor will also be one of the first vehicles to receive a new 10-speed automatic transmission being developed by Ford and GM, and planned for the rest of the F-150 line in the next few years.
The Raptor will also get off-road-oriented modifications, such as Fox racing shocks and meaty off-road tires. Ford will further add a terrain management system to help keep the Raptor moving in tough conditions.
Plan on seeing the new Raptor in showrooms by summer 2016.
Several of the announcements made during the L.A. Auto Show held particular relevance for speciality-equipment manufacturers.
By Amanda Gubbins
At the Los Angeles Auto Show, leading automotive manufacturers debuted new and updated models and announced recent sales results for an assembled throng of media. Many of the brands touted improved technologies for safety and entertainment, staying true to the connected nature of today’s automotive market. Some of the announcements held particular relevance for specialty-equipment manufacturers, and the SEMA News team was on-site November 18 to cover timely announcements and releases. Here is a look at what’s in store from a few of the automakers that might be worthy of attention from the aftermarket community.
Giulia Quadrifoglio by Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo revealed its new Giulia Quadrifoglio high-performance four-door sedan.
The first debut of the day has been highly-anticipated by the luxury automotive crowd. Alfa Romeo revealed their stunning new Giulia Quadrifoglio. The sleek high-performance four-door sedan is built on all-aluminum suspension, and balanced to achieve a neutral 50/50 weight distribution. Taking a cue from its racing roots, the Giulia is powered by a front-mounted, 505 hp all-aluminum Bi-Turbo V6 engine, with a top speed of 191 mph and acceleration from 0–60 in a mere 3.8 seconds. The 6-speed transmission is paired with rear-wheel drive and the vehicle comes standard with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires—19x8.5-in. forged alloy wheels in front and 19x10-in. in rear.
Inside, the Giulia includes a variety of controls allowing drivers to further tailor their experience. One rotary dial controls throttle response, turbo boost, suspension and signature exhaust note while another adjusts the hidden 8.8-in. widescreen infotainment system that recognizes finger movements and handwriting from the driver. The Giulia will go on sale late in the second quarter of 2016 as a ’17 model, with a projected price in the $70,000 range.
Scion C-HR Concept Vehicle
Scion C-HR Concept
Scion took a different approach with the unveiling of a concept vehicle designed for the Millennial consumer. The C-HR name comes from the Compact size and High Ride height of the vehicle, described as an “urban lifestyle vehicle” by the company. The polarizing design of the angular body was inspired by a diamond and is accented with black exterior trim. The C-HR includes four doors and a hatchback, seating five comfortably. The body is supported by Toyota’s New Global Architecture technology, which creates a low center of gravity and increases body rigidity for improved handling and ride comfort. The C-HR sits on 21-in. wheels. A production version of the vehicle is set to hit the market in 2016.
2017 Fiat 124 Spider
’17 Fiat 124 Spider reveal.
Fiat’s offering was an all-new 124 Spider, debuting 50 years after the introduction of the original affordable, fun-to-drive roadster. The car is rear-wheel drive, powered by a 1.4L MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine that delivers 160 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. It can be purchased with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, depending on driver preference.
The soft convertible top is a snap to raise and lower with one hand and when closed pairs nicely with noise vibration reduction technologies and window insulations for a quiet ride.
Fiat’s new safety features include adaptive front headlamps, blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection and backup cameras. For entertainment purposes, the Spider includes a 7-in. touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity and a Bose sound system with nine speakers, including dual headrest speakers for great sound regardless of whether the top is up or down. The new Spider also features keyless entry technology.
The company states that the first 124 units will be available as limited-production Prima Edizione Lussos, numbered and available in the exclusive Azzurro Italia blue color.
2016 Honda Civic Coupe
’16 Honda Civic Coupe
Ahead of the show, Honda announced that its ’16 Civic Coupe would make its first public appearance in Los Angeles. The Coupe maintains a sporty exterior design on a new chassis and with a spacious and quiet interior for users. The new model is wider with a longer wheel base and the interior space is increased by a total of 8.4 cubic ft. A new 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine gives even the lowest tier Coupe 158 hp and 138 lb.-ft. of torque.
It can also be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Higher-end trims are powered with the first turbocharged engine for Civic Coupes: 1.5L DOHC direct-injected turbo that peaks at 174 hp and 162 lb.-ft. of torque.
Many of Honda’s newer features are now standard, such as auto on/off headlights, LED daytime running and taillights and automatic climate control. Other available upgrades to the new coupe include remote start engine, rain-sensing wipers and a 7-in. display audio touchscreen.
Of course, the new Civic also boasts the latest in Honda connectivity, compatible with streaming options, Android and Apple technologies. The ’16 Civic Coupe will officially launch in dealerships in March.
For a taste of the excitement surrounding the vehicle reveals, view Alfa Romeo’s unveiling of the 2017 Giulia Quadrifoglio.
Several of the announcements made during the L.A. Auto Show held particular relevance for speciality-equipment manufacturers.
By Amanda Gubbins
At the Los Angeles Auto Show, leading automotive manufacturers debuted new and updated models and announced recent sales results for an assembled throng of media. Many of the brands touted improved technologies for safety and entertainment, staying true to the connected nature of today’s automotive market. Some of the announcements held particular relevance for specialty-equipment manufacturers, and the SEMA News team was on-site November 18 to cover timely announcements and releases. Here is a look at what’s in store from a few of the automakers that might be worthy of attention from the aftermarket community.
Giulia Quadrifoglio by Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo revealed its new Giulia Quadrifoglio high-performance four-door sedan.
The first debut of the day has been highly-anticipated by the luxury automotive crowd. Alfa Romeo revealed their stunning new Giulia Quadrifoglio. The sleek high-performance four-door sedan is built on all-aluminum suspension, and balanced to achieve a neutral 50/50 weight distribution. Taking a cue from its racing roots, the Giulia is powered by a front-mounted, 505 hp all-aluminum Bi-Turbo V6 engine, with a top speed of 191 mph and acceleration from 0–60 in a mere 3.8 seconds. The 6-speed transmission is paired with rear-wheel drive and the vehicle comes standard with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires—19x8.5-in. forged alloy wheels in front and 19x10-in. in rear.
Inside, the Giulia includes a variety of controls allowing drivers to further tailor their experience. One rotary dial controls throttle response, turbo boost, suspension and signature exhaust note while another adjusts the hidden 8.8-in. widescreen infotainment system that recognizes finger movements and handwriting from the driver. The Giulia will go on sale late in the second quarter of 2016 as a ’17 model, with a projected price in the $70,000 range.
Scion C-HR Concept Vehicle
Scion C-HR Concept
Scion took a different approach with the unveiling of a concept vehicle designed for the Millennial consumer. The C-HR name comes from the Compact size and High Ride height of the vehicle, described as an “urban lifestyle vehicle” by the company. The polarizing design of the angular body was inspired by a diamond and is accented with black exterior trim. The C-HR includes four doors and a hatchback, seating five comfortably. The body is supported by Toyota’s New Global Architecture technology, which creates a low center of gravity and increases body rigidity for improved handling and ride comfort. The C-HR sits on 21-in. wheels. A production version of the vehicle is set to hit the market in 2016.
2017 Fiat 124 Spider
’17 Fiat 124 Spider reveal.
Fiat’s offering was an all-new 124 Spider, debuting 50 years after the introduction of the original affordable, fun-to-drive roadster. The car is rear-wheel drive, powered by a 1.4L MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine that delivers 160 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. It can be purchased with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, depending on driver preference.
The soft convertible top is a snap to raise and lower with one hand and when closed pairs nicely with noise vibration reduction technologies and window insulations for a quiet ride.
Fiat’s new safety features include adaptive front headlamps, blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection and backup cameras. For entertainment purposes, the Spider includes a 7-in. touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity and a Bose sound system with nine speakers, including dual headrest speakers for great sound regardless of whether the top is up or down. The new Spider also features keyless entry technology.
The company states that the first 124 units will be available as limited-production Prima Edizione Lussos, numbered and available in the exclusive Azzurro Italia blue color.
2016 Honda Civic Coupe
’16 Honda Civic Coupe
Ahead of the show, Honda announced that its ’16 Civic Coupe would make its first public appearance in Los Angeles. The Coupe maintains a sporty exterior design on a new chassis and with a spacious and quiet interior for users. The new model is wider with a longer wheel base and the interior space is increased by a total of 8.4 cubic ft. A new 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine gives even the lowest tier Coupe 158 hp and 138 lb.-ft. of torque.
It can also be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Higher-end trims are powered with the first turbocharged engine for Civic Coupes: 1.5L DOHC direct-injected turbo that peaks at 174 hp and 162 lb.-ft. of torque.
Many of Honda’s newer features are now standard, such as auto on/off headlights, LED daytime running and taillights and automatic climate control. Other available upgrades to the new coupe include remote start engine, rain-sensing wipers and a 7-in. display audio touchscreen.
Of course, the new Civic also boasts the latest in Honda connectivity, compatible with streaming options, Android and Apple technologies. The ’16 Civic Coupe will officially launch in dealerships in March.
For a taste of the excitement surrounding the vehicle reveals, view Alfa Romeo’s unveiling of the 2017 Giulia Quadrifoglio.
Several of the announcements made during the L.A. Auto Show held particular relevance for speciality-equipment manufacturers.
By Amanda Gubbins
At the Los Angeles Auto Show, leading automotive manufacturers debuted new and updated models and announced recent sales results for an assembled throng of media. Many of the brands touted improved technologies for safety and entertainment, staying true to the connected nature of today’s automotive market. Some of the announcements held particular relevance for specialty-equipment manufacturers, and the SEMA News team was on-site November 18 to cover timely announcements and releases. Here is a look at what’s in store from a few of the automakers that might be worthy of attention from the aftermarket community.
Giulia Quadrifoglio by Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo revealed its new Giulia Quadrifoglio high-performance four-door sedan.
The first debut of the day has been highly-anticipated by the luxury automotive crowd. Alfa Romeo revealed their stunning new Giulia Quadrifoglio. The sleek high-performance four-door sedan is built on all-aluminum suspension, and balanced to achieve a neutral 50/50 weight distribution. Taking a cue from its racing roots, the Giulia is powered by a front-mounted, 505 hp all-aluminum Bi-Turbo V6 engine, with a top speed of 191 mph and acceleration from 0–60 in a mere 3.8 seconds. The 6-speed transmission is paired with rear-wheel drive and the vehicle comes standard with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires—19x8.5-in. forged alloy wheels in front and 19x10-in. in rear.
Inside, the Giulia includes a variety of controls allowing drivers to further tailor their experience. One rotary dial controls throttle response, turbo boost, suspension and signature exhaust note while another adjusts the hidden 8.8-in. widescreen infotainment system that recognizes finger movements and handwriting from the driver. The Giulia will go on sale late in the second quarter of 2016 as a ’17 model, with a projected price in the $70,000 range.
Scion C-HR Concept Vehicle
Scion C-HR Concept
Scion took a different approach with the unveiling of a concept vehicle designed for the Millennial consumer. The C-HR name comes from the Compact size and High Ride height of the vehicle, described as an “urban lifestyle vehicle” by the company. The polarizing design of the angular body was inspired by a diamond and is accented with black exterior trim. The C-HR includes four doors and a hatchback, seating five comfortably. The body is supported by Toyota’s New Global Architecture technology, which creates a low center of gravity and increases body rigidity for improved handling and ride comfort. The C-HR sits on 21-in. wheels. A production version of the vehicle is set to hit the market in 2016.
2017 Fiat 124 Spider
’17 Fiat 124 Spider reveal.
Fiat’s offering was an all-new 124 Spider, debuting 50 years after the introduction of the original affordable, fun-to-drive roadster. The car is rear-wheel drive, powered by a 1.4L MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine that delivers 160 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. It can be purchased with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, depending on driver preference.
The soft convertible top is a snap to raise and lower with one hand and when closed pairs nicely with noise vibration reduction technologies and window insulations for a quiet ride.
Fiat’s new safety features include adaptive front headlamps, blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection and backup cameras. For entertainment purposes, the Spider includes a 7-in. touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity and a Bose sound system with nine speakers, including dual headrest speakers for great sound regardless of whether the top is up or down. The new Spider also features keyless entry technology.
The company states that the first 124 units will be available as limited-production Prima Edizione Lussos, numbered and available in the exclusive Azzurro Italia blue color.
2016 Honda Civic Coupe
’16 Honda Civic Coupe
Ahead of the show, Honda announced that its ’16 Civic Coupe would make its first public appearance in Los Angeles. The Coupe maintains a sporty exterior design on a new chassis and with a spacious and quiet interior for users. The new model is wider with a longer wheel base and the interior space is increased by a total of 8.4 cubic ft. A new 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine gives even the lowest tier Coupe 158 hp and 138 lb.-ft. of torque.
It can also be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Higher-end trims are powered with the first turbocharged engine for Civic Coupes: 1.5L DOHC direct-injected turbo that peaks at 174 hp and 162 lb.-ft. of torque.
Many of Honda’s newer features are now standard, such as auto on/off headlights, LED daytime running and taillights and automatic climate control. Other available upgrades to the new coupe include remote start engine, rain-sensing wipers and a 7-in. display audio touchscreen.
Of course, the new Civic also boasts the latest in Honda connectivity, compatible with streaming options, Android and Apple technologies. The ’16 Civic Coupe will officially launch in dealerships in March.
For a taste of the excitement surrounding the vehicle reveals, view Alfa Romeo’s unveiling of the 2017 Giulia Quadrifoglio.
Team ARP’s Peach County High School from Fort Valley, Georgia, came in at an average time of just 17:20 to take the SEMA Dual Championship’s top spot at the Engine Challenge Championship Finals.
The first half of the 2015 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge Dual Championship is complete. Twenty-two teams competed in the Engine Challenge, held at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. These teams—comprised solely of high-school students—faced off against each other and the clock to complete performance engine rebuilds and, for the first time, also took a 50-question written exam to further test their knowledge. Team ARP’s Peach County High School from Fort Valley, Georgia, came in at an average time of just 17:20 to set the bar and take the SEMA Dual Championship’s top spot at the Engine Challenge Championship Finals.
In order to determine an overall Engine Challenge champion, the top four teams from the SEMA Show will compete against the top four teams from the second half of the Dual Championship, forming an “elite eight” showdown to be held at the PRI Show, December 10–12 in Indianapolis.
Three other teams completed rebuilds in less than 25 minutes and also qualify for the Engine Challenge Finals. Coming in second at the SEMA Dual Championship was Team Taylor from Belvidere North High School in Belvidere, Illinois. They completed their rebuilds in an average time of 22:37. Close behind them was Team K&N Engineering from Loara High School in Anaheim, California, posting an average time of 23:52. The final team to qualify for the Engine Challenge Finals was Team B&M from Franklin County Career and Technology Center in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, with an average time of 24:09.
Besides ranking first at the SEMA Show, Team ARP also set a new national record. They completed one of their rebuilds in just 16:11, beating the previous record of 16:22 held by Team Nitrous Express.
These teams are competing for more than just the title of 2015 Engine Challenge Champion. There are $3.8 million in scholarships on the line for these high-school students from a variety of career, technology and automotive colleges. The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge fuels a lifelong automotive passion in high-school students, preparing them for careers in the field.
For the second year in a row, an all-female team made an appearance in the Dual Championship. It was the first time, however, an all-female team also had a female instructor. Team Edelbrock, also from Belvidere High School, coached by female instructor Jill Arata, made history as they finished 11th overall with an average time of 28:31.
“As always, we were very impressed with the teams’ performances at the SEMA Show,” stated Hot Rodders of Tomorrow President Jim Bingham. “They continue to amaze us with their dedication and hard work. We are honored to be a part of their journey in the automotive field. We can’t wait to see the final outcome of the 2015 Engine Challenge Championship.”
The second half of the Dual Championship will be held Thursday and Friday of the PRI Show, December 10–11. The elite-eight showdown will take place Saturday, December 12, beginning at 12:00 p.m.
Team ARP’s Peach County High School from Fort Valley, Georgia, came in at an average time of just 17:20 to take the SEMA Dual Championship’s top spot at the Engine Challenge Championship Finals.
The first half of the 2015 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge Dual Championship is complete. Twenty-two teams competed in the Engine Challenge, held at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. These teams—comprised solely of high-school students—faced off against each other and the clock to complete performance engine rebuilds and, for the first time, also took a 50-question written exam to further test their knowledge. Team ARP’s Peach County High School from Fort Valley, Georgia, came in at an average time of just 17:20 to set the bar and take the SEMA Dual Championship’s top spot at the Engine Challenge Championship Finals.
In order to determine an overall Engine Challenge champion, the top four teams from the SEMA Show will compete against the top four teams from the second half of the Dual Championship, forming an “elite eight” showdown to be held at the PRI Show, December 10–12 in Indianapolis.
Three other teams completed rebuilds in less than 25 minutes and also qualify for the Engine Challenge Finals. Coming in second at the SEMA Dual Championship was Team Taylor from Belvidere North High School in Belvidere, Illinois. They completed their rebuilds in an average time of 22:37. Close behind them was Team K&N Engineering from Loara High School in Anaheim, California, posting an average time of 23:52. The final team to qualify for the Engine Challenge Finals was Team B&M from Franklin County Career and Technology Center in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, with an average time of 24:09.
Besides ranking first at the SEMA Show, Team ARP also set a new national record. They completed one of their rebuilds in just 16:11, beating the previous record of 16:22 held by Team Nitrous Express.
These teams are competing for more than just the title of 2015 Engine Challenge Champion. There are $3.8 million in scholarships on the line for these high-school students from a variety of career, technology and automotive colleges. The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge fuels a lifelong automotive passion in high-school students, preparing them for careers in the field.
For the second year in a row, an all-female team made an appearance in the Dual Championship. It was the first time, however, an all-female team also had a female instructor. Team Edelbrock, also from Belvidere High School, coached by female instructor Jill Arata, made history as they finished 11th overall with an average time of 28:31.
“As always, we were very impressed with the teams’ performances at the SEMA Show,” stated Hot Rodders of Tomorrow President Jim Bingham. “They continue to amaze us with their dedication and hard work. We are honored to be a part of their journey in the automotive field. We can’t wait to see the final outcome of the 2015 Engine Challenge Championship.”
The second half of the Dual Championship will be held Thursday and Friday of the PRI Show, December 10–11. The elite-eight showdown will take place Saturday, December 12, beginning at 12:00 p.m.
Team ARP’s Peach County High School from Fort Valley, Georgia, came in at an average time of just 17:20 to take the SEMA Dual Championship’s top spot at the Engine Challenge Championship Finals.
The first half of the 2015 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge Dual Championship is complete. Twenty-two teams competed in the Engine Challenge, held at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. These teams—comprised solely of high-school students—faced off against each other and the clock to complete performance engine rebuilds and, for the first time, also took a 50-question written exam to further test their knowledge. Team ARP’s Peach County High School from Fort Valley, Georgia, came in at an average time of just 17:20 to set the bar and take the SEMA Dual Championship’s top spot at the Engine Challenge Championship Finals.
In order to determine an overall Engine Challenge champion, the top four teams from the SEMA Show will compete against the top four teams from the second half of the Dual Championship, forming an “elite eight” showdown to be held at the PRI Show, December 10–12 in Indianapolis.
Three other teams completed rebuilds in less than 25 minutes and also qualify for the Engine Challenge Finals. Coming in second at the SEMA Dual Championship was Team Taylor from Belvidere North High School in Belvidere, Illinois. They completed their rebuilds in an average time of 22:37. Close behind them was Team K&N Engineering from Loara High School in Anaheim, California, posting an average time of 23:52. The final team to qualify for the Engine Challenge Finals was Team B&M from Franklin County Career and Technology Center in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, with an average time of 24:09.
Besides ranking first at the SEMA Show, Team ARP also set a new national record. They completed one of their rebuilds in just 16:11, beating the previous record of 16:22 held by Team Nitrous Express.
These teams are competing for more than just the title of 2015 Engine Challenge Champion. There are $3.8 million in scholarships on the line for these high-school students from a variety of career, technology and automotive colleges. The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge fuels a lifelong automotive passion in high-school students, preparing them for careers in the field.
For the second year in a row, an all-female team made an appearance in the Dual Championship. It was the first time, however, an all-female team also had a female instructor. Team Edelbrock, also from Belvidere High School, coached by female instructor Jill Arata, made history as they finished 11th overall with an average time of 28:31.
“As always, we were very impressed with the teams’ performances at the SEMA Show,” stated Hot Rodders of Tomorrow President Jim Bingham. “They continue to amaze us with their dedication and hard work. We are honored to be a part of their journey in the automotive field. We can’t wait to see the final outcome of the 2015 Engine Challenge Championship.”
The second half of the Dual Championship will be held Thursday and Friday of the PRI Show, December 10–11. The elite-eight showdown will take place Saturday, December 12, beginning at 12:00 p.m.
Team ARP’s Peach County High School from Fort Valley, Georgia, came in at an average time of just 17:20 to take the SEMA Dual Championship’s top spot at the Engine Challenge Championship Finals.
The first half of the 2015 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge Dual Championship is complete. Twenty-two teams competed in the Engine Challenge, held at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. These teams—comprised solely of high-school students—faced off against each other and the clock to complete performance engine rebuilds and, for the first time, also took a 50-question written exam to further test their knowledge. Team ARP’s Peach County High School from Fort Valley, Georgia, came in at an average time of just 17:20 to set the bar and take the SEMA Dual Championship’s top spot at the Engine Challenge Championship Finals.
In order to determine an overall Engine Challenge champion, the top four teams from the SEMA Show will compete against the top four teams from the second half of the Dual Championship, forming an “elite eight” showdown to be held at the PRI Show, December 10–12 in Indianapolis.
Three other teams completed rebuilds in less than 25 minutes and also qualify for the Engine Challenge Finals. Coming in second at the SEMA Dual Championship was Team Taylor from Belvidere North High School in Belvidere, Illinois. They completed their rebuilds in an average time of 22:37. Close behind them was Team K&N Engineering from Loara High School in Anaheim, California, posting an average time of 23:52. The final team to qualify for the Engine Challenge Finals was Team B&M from Franklin County Career and Technology Center in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, with an average time of 24:09.
Besides ranking first at the SEMA Show, Team ARP also set a new national record. They completed one of their rebuilds in just 16:11, beating the previous record of 16:22 held by Team Nitrous Express.
These teams are competing for more than just the title of 2015 Engine Challenge Champion. There are $3.8 million in scholarships on the line for these high-school students from a variety of career, technology and automotive colleges. The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge fuels a lifelong automotive passion in high-school students, preparing them for careers in the field.
For the second year in a row, an all-female team made an appearance in the Dual Championship. It was the first time, however, an all-female team also had a female instructor. Team Edelbrock, also from Belvidere High School, coached by female instructor Jill Arata, made history as they finished 11th overall with an average time of 28:31.
“As always, we were very impressed with the teams’ performances at the SEMA Show,” stated Hot Rodders of Tomorrow President Jim Bingham. “They continue to amaze us with their dedication and hard work. We are honored to be a part of their journey in the automotive field. We can’t wait to see the final outcome of the 2015 Engine Challenge Championship.”
The second half of the Dual Championship will be held Thursday and Friday of the PRI Show, December 10–11. The elite-eight showdown will take place Saturday, December 12, beginning at 12:00 p.m.
The annual Media Trade Conference gives editors and reporters a unique opportunity to connect with key executives from performance parts manufacturers.
To view the entire list of 100 exhibitors and to register for the for the 2016 Media Trade Conference, visit www.sema.org/mtcreg
By Monika Earle
Media participating in the 2016 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference will be able to sit down and interview 100 manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories, including nearly 30 companies that did not exhibit at the previous conference, by registering at www.sema.org/mtcreg.
The annual event gives editors and reporters a unique opportunity to connect with key executives from manufacturing companies. Unlike traditional trade shows where manufacturers are focused on connecting with buyers, the MPMC Media Trade Conference is the ideal place for journalists to sit down, ask questions, and develop relationships with manufacturers that often lead to quality content for magazines, newspapers, blogs, and even radio, television and podcasts.
While many reporters attend the annual event to connect with companies that they have built strong, lasting relationships with, this year’s conference taking place January 26–28, 2016, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California, provides media participants with a chance to connect with companies that are new to the MPMC event, including:
To view the entire list of 100 exhibitors and to register for the event, visit www.sema.org/mtcreg or contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org or 909-978-6723. Manufacturers interested in learning about exhibiting at the event or about the MPMC council can contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.
