By SEMA News

With the theme “Cool Is the New Hot,” Toyota revealed several vehicles at the 2015 SEMA Show flaunting creative combinations of power and functionality, including its Ultimate Utility Vehicle (UUV). Described as the baby of a Sienna and Tacoma, the UUV features a racing-inspired supercharger and 22-in. Monster Energy wheels.

To show its fun side, Toyota displayed two vehicles inspired by the Back to the Future franchise—a re-creation of Marty McFly’s truck using the ’16 Toyota Tacoma, and a hydrogen fuel cell Mirai tricked out to look like the movies’ iconic DeLorean.

By SEMA News

With the theme “Cool Is the New Hot,” Toyota revealed several vehicles at the 2015 SEMA Show flaunting creative combinations of power and functionality, including its Ultimate Utility Vehicle (UUV). Described as the baby of a Sienna and Tacoma, the UUV features a racing-inspired supercharger and 22-in. Monster Energy wheels.

To show its fun side, Toyota displayed two vehicles inspired by the Back to the Future franchise—a re-creation of Marty McFly’s truck using the ’16 Toyota Tacoma, and a hydrogen fuel cell Mirai tricked out to look like the movies’ iconic DeLorean.

By SEMA News

Jim Trainor (center), product public relations senior group manager of Hyundai Motor Co., accepted the AutoJudge Award for Car of the Year from automotive journalist Alan Gell (right) and Focus Daily News Publisher Marlon Hanson (left).

The AutoJudge Awards for automobiles, SUVs and pickups were presented at a Monday press conference at the 2015 SEMA Show. In the selection process, a panel of automotive journalists spent the year test-driving vehicles and providing feedback to consumers, who then cast their votes in each category. 

Taking the consumer perspectives into account, the judges selected the ultimate winners. This is the ninth year the awards have been presented at the Show.

The 2015 Winners are:

• AUTOJUDGE CAR OF THE YEAR: Hyundai Genesis
• AUTOJUDGE SUV OF THE YEAR: Ford Explorer Platinum 
• AUTOJUDGE PICKUP TRUCK OF THE YEAR: Ford F-150
• COMPACT SEDAN: Volkswagen Golf
• MIDSIZE SEDAN: Chrysler 200
• FULLSIZE SEDAN: Hyundai Genesis
• SPORTS CAR: Ford Mustang
• LUXURY CAR: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE: Kia Soul EV
• VAN: Chrysler Town & Country
• COMPACT SUV: Nissan Rogue
• MIDSIZE SUV: Jeep Cherokee
• SUV OF THE YEAR: Ford Explorer Platinum
• MIDSIZE OFF-ROAD TRUCK: Toyota Tacoma
• MIDSIZE ON-ROAD TRUCK: Chevrolet Colorado
• FULLSIZE TRUCK: Ford F-150
• BEST NEW CAR INTRODUCTION: Chevrolet Camaro
• BEST NEW TRUCK INTRODUCTION: Nissan Titan

By SEMA News

Jim Trainor (center), product public relations senior group manager of Hyundai Motor Co., accepted the AutoJudge Award for Car of the Year from automotive journalist Alan Gell (right) and Focus Daily News Publisher Marlon Hanson (left).

The AutoJudge Awards for automobiles, SUVs and pickups were presented at a Monday press conference at the 2015 SEMA Show. In the selection process, a panel of automotive journalists spent the year test-driving vehicles and providing feedback to consumers, who then cast their votes in each category. 

Taking the consumer perspectives into account, the judges selected the ultimate winners. This is the ninth year the awards have been presented at the Show.

The 2015 Winners are:

• AUTOJUDGE CAR OF THE YEAR: Hyundai Genesis
• AUTOJUDGE SUV OF THE YEAR: Ford Explorer Platinum 
• AUTOJUDGE PICKUP TRUCK OF THE YEAR: Ford F-150
• COMPACT SEDAN: Volkswagen Golf
• MIDSIZE SEDAN: Chrysler 200
• FULLSIZE SEDAN: Hyundai Genesis
• SPORTS CAR: Ford Mustang
• LUXURY CAR: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE: Kia Soul EV
• VAN: Chrysler Town & Country
• COMPACT SUV: Nissan Rogue
• MIDSIZE SUV: Jeep Cherokee
• SUV OF THE YEAR: Ford Explorer Platinum
• MIDSIZE OFF-ROAD TRUCK: Toyota Tacoma
• MIDSIZE ON-ROAD TRUCK: Chevrolet Colorado
• FULLSIZE TRUCK: Ford F-150
• BEST NEW CAR INTRODUCTION: Chevrolet Camaro
• BEST NEW TRUCK INTRODUCTION: Nissan Titan

The ’64 Shelby Cobra Coupe was presented by the vehicle’s first driver (from left) Craig Breedlove, designer Peter Brock, and owner Fred Simeon; Rusty Barron, Shell Lubricants vice president of marketing; and Mark Gessler, Historic Vehicle Association president.

By SEMA News

Headlining the return of Shell to the SEMA Show was the unveiling of the ’64 Shelby Cobra Coupe piloted to set 25 individual records during a Goodyear tire test in 1965 at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This year’s SEMA Show also happens to mark the 50th anniversary of the famed day and the reunion of first-time driver (Craig Breedlove), designer (Peter Brock) and the Cobra.

The event took place at the Shell SEMA Show space (booth #60005), which offers attendees a place to recharge and revel in automotive lore, as Shell hosts legendary and modern automotive personalities on its sound stage.

Show attendees can view a unique lineup of historical cars that helped mold the modern era of high performance. Shell’s 10,000-sq.-ft. displays bring a roster of industry experts, legendary automotive personalities and enviable vehicles. Special guests are scheduled to appear throughout the week.

The ’64 Shelby Cobra Coupe was presented by the vehicle’s first driver (from left) Craig Breedlove, designer Peter Brock, and owner Fred Simeon; Rusty Barron, Shell Lubricants vice president of marketing; and Mark Gessler, Historic Vehicle Association president.

By SEMA News

Headlining the return of Shell to the SEMA Show was the unveiling of the ’64 Shelby Cobra Coupe piloted to set 25 individual records during a Goodyear tire test in 1965 at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This year’s SEMA Show also happens to mark the 50th anniversary of the famed day and the reunion of first-time driver (Craig Breedlove), designer (Peter Brock) and the Cobra.

The event took place at the Shell SEMA Show space (booth #60005), which offers attendees a place to recharge and revel in automotive lore, as Shell hosts legendary and modern automotive personalities on its sound stage.

Show attendees can view a unique lineup of historical cars that helped mold the modern era of high performance. Shell’s 10,000-sq.-ft. displays bring a roster of industry experts, legendary automotive personalities and enviable vehicles. Special guests are scheduled to appear throughout the week.

The 2015 SEMA Award for Hottest Car for the Ford Mustang, Hottest Truck for the Ford F-Series and Hottest Sport Compact for the Ford Focus was presented by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) to Global Director Ford Performance Dave Pericak (center). The SEMA Award for Hottest 4x4-SUV went to Jeep for the Jeep Wrangler, and was presented to Pietro Gorlier (right), head of MOPAR.

By SEMA News

This year’s SEMA Award for the top trending vehicle models in four categories was announced Tuesday, November 3, at the SEMA Show. The Ford Mustang was named Hottest Car, the Ford Focus took the Hottest Sport Compact honors, the Ford F-Series won Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler received the Hottest 4x4-SUV award.

“Traditionally, the SEMA Show is where the newest and most innovative specialty-equipment products are seen first,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The SEMA Award celebrates the industry’s unique ability to identify the vehicles and trends that will excite both the aftermarket and automotive consumers worldwide in the coming year.” The SEMA Award recognizes vehicle models that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and that showcase the year’s coolest products. It also underscores the cooperative relationship between the automakers and SEMA-member companies.

“For five years now, the SEMA Award has helped guide consumers toward the hottest-trending and most accessory-friendly vehicles on the market,” added Kersting. “Our Show exhibitors are industry visionaries who determine the winners, with each booth space counting as a “ballot,” and the vehicles they choose to showcase in their spaces counting as votes. The most prominent models in each category earn the award.”

To learn more about the SEMA Award winners and the products available for them, visit www.sema.org/semaaward. 

The 2015 SEMA Award for Hottest Car for the Ford Mustang, Hottest Truck for the Ford F-Series and Hottest Sport Compact for the Ford Focus was presented by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) to Global Director Ford Performance Dave Pericak (center). The SEMA Award for Hottest 4x4-SUV went to Jeep for the Jeep Wrangler, and was presented to Pietro Gorlier (right), head of MOPAR.

By SEMA News

This year’s SEMA Award for the top trending vehicle models in four categories was announced Tuesday, November 3, at the SEMA Show. The Ford Mustang was named Hottest Car, the Ford Focus took the Hottest Sport Compact honors, the Ford F-Series won Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler received the Hottest 4x4-SUV award.

“Traditionally, the SEMA Show is where the newest and most innovative specialty-equipment products are seen first,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The SEMA Award celebrates the industry’s unique ability to identify the vehicles and trends that will excite both the aftermarket and automotive consumers worldwide in the coming year.” The SEMA Award recognizes vehicle models that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and that showcase the year’s coolest products. It also underscores the cooperative relationship between the automakers and SEMA-member companies.

“For five years now, the SEMA Award has helped guide consumers toward the hottest-trending and most accessory-friendly vehicles on the market,” added Kersting. “Our Show exhibitors are industry visionaries who determine the winners, with each booth space counting as a “ballot,” and the vehicles they choose to showcase in their spaces counting as votes. The most prominent models in each category earn the award.”

To learn more about the SEMA Award winners and the products available for them, visit www.sema.org/semaaward. 

Revealed Tuesday at the Hyundai press conference was this Genesis Coupe, built by Neil Tjin, president of Tjin Edition RoadShow (left).

By SEMA News

Builder Neil Tjin turned to underground racing for inspiration to create this mad, 500hp racer. The Genesis coupe was revealed at Hyundai’s press conference in the company’s booth (#24387) on November 3.

At the heart of the Genesis Coupe is Hyundai’s 3.8L “Lambda” V6 engine, which has been boosted via a Vortech supercharger kit built by the power gurus from Bisimoto Engineering. With the addition of a free-flowing exhaust system, Vortech front mount intercooler and blow-off valve, the vehicle now produces more than 500 hp.

Featuring Rotiform 19-in. three-piece HUR wheels, custom Baer x CBA Extreme Plus brake calipers and Falken FK345 tires, the vehicle’s stopping power is now on par with its go-fast performance.

The vehicle now sits lower on KW coilovers to give a more aggressive stance. Unique Fabrication supplied a custom front lip, rear spoiler and custom trunk lid, and the exterior was finished in a custom Tjin green Axalta paint job.

Revealed Tuesday at the Hyundai press conference was this Genesis Coupe, built by Neil Tjin, president of Tjin Edition RoadShow (left).

By SEMA News

Builder Neil Tjin turned to underground racing for inspiration to create this mad, 500hp racer. The Genesis coupe was revealed at Hyundai’s press conference in the company’s booth (#24387) on November 3.

At the heart of the Genesis Coupe is Hyundai’s 3.8L “Lambda” V6 engine, which has been boosted via a Vortech supercharger kit built by the power gurus from Bisimoto Engineering. With the addition of a free-flowing exhaust system, Vortech front mount intercooler and blow-off valve, the vehicle now produces more than 500 hp.

Featuring Rotiform 19-in. three-piece HUR wheels, custom Baer x CBA Extreme Plus brake calipers and Falken FK345 tires, the vehicle’s stopping power is now on par with its go-fast performance.

The vehicle now sits lower on KW coilovers to give a more aggressive stance. Unique Fabrication supplied a custom front lip, rear spoiler and custom trunk lid, and the exterior was finished in a custom Tjin green Axalta paint job.