The Showdown at SEMA has been held at the Show every year since 2009, with the exception of last year, when it moved to the PRI Show in Indianapolis. This year, 18 teams traveled to the SEMA Show, and 15 will go to the PRI Show for playoff competition. Pictured here is Team Accel from Rancho Alamitos High School.

By SEMA Editors

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) launched in 2008 at the Race & Performance Expo in St. Charles, Illinois, with five teams competing for the national championship. The organization first received funding in 2009—the same year the national championship, dubbed the “Showdown at SEMA,” moved to the SEMA Show. In 2014, nearly 50 specialty-equipment companies sponsored 110 teams from 65 high schools, and 33 teams qualified for the national championship.

The season started in February in Illinois with regional Engine Challenges held through June. Teams of five students were judged based on how quickly they could disassemble and reassemble a small-block Chevrolet engine with aftermarket components. This process is completed four times; the worst time is thrown out and the other three are averaged. Teams that average less than 35 minutes at regional events automatically qualify to compete for the championship.

Time-added penalties are assessed when participants commit errors such as dropping components, improper disassembly and poor sportsmanship. There are five judges, each following an individual student, and they score everything from the use of torque wrenches to proper assembly.

In 2009, Team Fel-Pro’s Joliet Central High School posted a time of 44:12 for the national championship. Last year’s national champion—Team Moroso’s Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center—was crowned at the PRI Show with an average time of 19:15. The record fastest time, set earlier this year in Atlanta, came by Team Derale from Forsythe High School at 19:10. Now teams are pushing the 16- and 17-minute threshold.

The Showdown at SEMA has been held at the Show every year since 2009, with the exception of last year, when it moved to the PRI Show in Indianapolis. This year, 18 teams traveled to the SEMA Show, and 15 will go to the PRI Show for playoff competition. A dual championship will feature the top two winners from the SEMA Show traveling to the PRI Show to take on the top two winners from PRI for the national championship.

“The SEMA Board wanted us to attend both events this year, so we worked out a plan and budget where we could take half the schools to the SEMA Show and the other half to PRI,” Jim Bingham said. “We wanted to have a final winner, so at the PRI Show on Friday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m., we will reset the clock for the final-four competition between the top two teams from SEMA and the top two from PRI. Two more rounds will be held on Saturday, December 13. At the end of three rounds, we will have the final winner. SEMA has been very accommodating; the association realized the need for this type of program.”

	The Showdown at SEMA has been held at the Show every year since 2009, with the exception of last year, when it moved to the PRI Show in Indianapolis. This year, 18 teams traveled to the SEMA Show, and 15 will go to the PRI Show for playoff competition. Pictured here is Team Accel from Rancho Alamitos High School.

By SEMA Editors

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) launched in 2008 at the Race & Performance Expo in St. Charles, Illinois, with five teams competing for the national championship. The organization first received funding in 2009—the same year the national championship, dubbed the “Showdown at SEMA,” moved to the SEMA Show. In 2014, nearly 50 specialty-equipment companies sponsored 110 teams from 65 high schools, and 33 teams qualified for the national championship.

The season started in February in Illinois with regional Engine Challenges held through June. Teams of five students were judged based on how quickly they could disassemble and reassemble a small-block Chevrolet engine with aftermarket components. This process is completed four times; the worst time is thrown out and the other three are averaged. Teams that average less than 35 minutes at regional events automatically qualify to compete for the championship.

Time-added penalties are assessed when participants commit errors such as dropping components, improper disassembly and poor sportsmanship. There are five judges, each following an individual student, and they score everything from the use of torque wrenches to proper assembly.

In 2009, Team Fel-Pro’s Joliet Central High School posted a time of 44:12 for the national championship. Last year’s national champion—Team Moroso’s Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center—was crowned at the PRI Show with an average time of 19:15. The record fastest time, set earlier this year in Atlanta, came by Team Derale from Forsythe High School at 19:10. Now teams are pushing the 16- and 17-minute threshold.

The Showdown at SEMA has been held at the Show every year since 2009, with the exception of last year, when it moved to the PRI Show in Indianapolis. This year, 18 teams traveled to the SEMA Show, and 15 will go to the PRI Show for playoff competition. A dual championship will feature the top two winners from the SEMA Show traveling to the PRI Show to take on the top two winners from PRI for the national championship.

“The SEMA Board wanted us to attend both events this year, so we worked out a plan and budget where we could take half the schools to the SEMA Show and the other half to PRI,” Jim Bingham said. “We wanted to have a final winner, so at the PRI Show on Friday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m., we will reset the clock for the final-four competition between the top two teams from SEMA and the top two from PRI. Two more rounds will be held on Saturday, December 13. At the end of three rounds, we will have the final winner. SEMA has been very accommodating; the association realized the need for this type of program.”

	The bare-metal ’23 Track T Roadster is located in the DEI booth (#20013). Built by Jerry Magnuson, founder of Magnuson Superchargers, the roadster demonstrates how DEI and Boom Mat products together control heat and sound.

By SEMA Editors

This eye-catching ’23 Track T Roadster built by Jerry Magnuson, founder of Magnuson Superchargers and past builder of Indy cars, demonstrates how DEI and Boom Mat products together control heat and sound.

The Track T styling harkens back to the day when T roadsters were racing on oval tracks. They used midget race-car-style noses with channeled Model T bodies. The TMP roadster follows the same theme with a hand-formed aluminum nose, three-piece hood and a hand-formed steel body. Space is at a premium as the driver literally sits down between the framerails next to the driveline tunnel, and with their feet almost against the firewall.

The chassis features hand-formed framerails tied together with a monocoque driveline tunnel. An aluminum coil/over, four-link rear suspension mounts a quick-change rearend directly to the monocoque structure. A hidden, composite transverse mono-leaf spring suspends an 8-lb. billet-aluminum front axle with huge Wilwood brakes tucked behind custom TMP knock-off wheels. A 480hp LS3 crate engine upgraded to 530hp with a Borla/Holley stack injector system sends power through a Legend SS700 five-speed. The TMP track roadster can outperform many supercars in acceleration, cornering and braking.

Visit Design Engineering Inc. at the 2014 SEMA Show (booth #20013) and see the ’23 Track T Roadster.

	The bare-metal ’23 Track T Roadster is located in the DEI booth (#20013). Built by Jerry Magnuson, founder of Magnuson Superchargers, the roadster demonstrates how DEI and Boom Mat products together control heat and sound.

By SEMA Editors

This eye-catching ’23 Track T Roadster built by Jerry Magnuson, founder of Magnuson Superchargers and past builder of Indy cars, demonstrates how DEI and Boom Mat products together control heat and sound.

The Track T styling harkens back to the day when T roadsters were racing on oval tracks. They used midget race-car-style noses with channeled Model T bodies. The TMP roadster follows the same theme with a hand-formed aluminum nose, three-piece hood and a hand-formed steel body. Space is at a premium as the driver literally sits down between the framerails next to the driveline tunnel, and with their feet almost against the firewall.

The chassis features hand-formed framerails tied together with a monocoque driveline tunnel. An aluminum coil/over, four-link rear suspension mounts a quick-change rearend directly to the monocoque structure. A hidden, composite transverse mono-leaf spring suspends an 8-lb. billet-aluminum front axle with huge Wilwood brakes tucked behind custom TMP knock-off wheels. A 480hp LS3 crate engine upgraded to 530hp with a Borla/Holley stack injector system sends power through a Legend SS700 five-speed. The TMP track roadster can outperform many supercars in acceleration, cornering and braking.

Visit Design Engineering Inc. at the 2014 SEMA Show (booth #20013) and see the ’23 Track T Roadster.

	The Sonic Performance hatchback concept features a Chevrolet Performance Stage Kit, cold-air induction and a high-flow exhaust system allowing the 1.4L turbo engine to produce more power and a track-tuned suspension system developed by Chevrolet Performance.

By SEMA Editors

Chevrolet’s SS Sport, Sonic, Impala and Cruze performance-oriented concepts debuted at the 2014 SEMA Show.

The SS Sport concept features Chevrolet Accessories, including a grille kit, fog lamp bezels, a rear spoiler and high-gloss black 20-in. wheels. 
Power comes from the LS3 V8, delivering an SAE-certified 415hp and 415 lb.-ft. of torque. For 2015, it is available with a new six-speed manual transmission, along with a six-speed, paddle-shift automatic. Additional features include standard Magnetic Ride Control and Brembo front and rear brakes.

The Sonic Performance hatchback concept features a Chevrolet Performance Stage Kit, cold-air induction and a high-flow exhaust system allowing the 1.4L turbo engine to produce more power and a track-tuned suspension system developed by Chevrolet Performance. The Sonic sits on 17-in. aluminum wheels and is equipped with an advanced safety package, including forward collision alert and lane-departure warning.

The Sonic Accessories concept highlights Chevrolet Accessories, including white headlamp rings and taillamp rings, black grille surround, mirror covers and a rear spoiler, black 17-in. aluminum wheels and a suspension kit. Under the hood is the Ecotec 1.4L turbo rated at 138hp and 148 lb.-ft. of torque.

Redesigned one year ago, the ’15 Impala Blackout concept features a Chevrolet Accessories black grille surround, rear spoiler, painted mirror caps and 19-in. aluminum wheels. The interior is all black with leather-trimmed features. The Impala’s available 3.6L V6 engine, rated at 305hp and 264 lb.-ft. of torque, powers the Blackout concept.

The Cruze RS Plus concept receives revised exterior styling, enhanced interior convenience and greater connectivity, including new text message alerts, Apple Siri integration and OnStar 4G LTE with an available built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS package includes a rear spoiler and fog lamps and an up-level instrument cluster. A Jet Black interior is complemented by a Chevrolet Accessories ambient lighting kit and illuminated doorsills. Under the hood, is a performance-enhancing stage kit from Chevrolet Performance and a fresh-air intake system for the 1.4L turbo engine.

	The Sonic Performance hatchback concept features a Chevrolet Performance Stage Kit, cold-air induction and a high-flow exhaust system allowing the 1.4L turbo engine to produce more power and a track-tuned suspension system developed by Chevrolet Performance.

By SEMA Editors

Chevrolet’s SS Sport, Sonic, Impala and Cruze performance-oriented concepts debuted at the 2014 SEMA Show.

The SS Sport concept features Chevrolet Accessories, including a grille kit, fog lamp bezels, a rear spoiler and high-gloss black 20-in. wheels. 
Power comes from the LS3 V8, delivering an SAE-certified 415hp and 415 lb.-ft. of torque. For 2015, it is available with a new six-speed manual transmission, along with a six-speed, paddle-shift automatic. Additional features include standard Magnetic Ride Control and Brembo front and rear brakes.

The Sonic Performance hatchback concept features a Chevrolet Performance Stage Kit, cold-air induction and a high-flow exhaust system allowing the 1.4L turbo engine to produce more power and a track-tuned suspension system developed by Chevrolet Performance. The Sonic sits on 17-in. aluminum wheels and is equipped with an advanced safety package, including forward collision alert and lane-departure warning.

The Sonic Accessories concept highlights Chevrolet Accessories, including white headlamp rings and taillamp rings, black grille surround, mirror covers and a rear spoiler, black 17-in. aluminum wheels and a suspension kit. Under the hood is the Ecotec 1.4L turbo rated at 138hp and 148 lb.-ft. of torque.

Redesigned one year ago, the ’15 Impala Blackout concept features a Chevrolet Accessories black grille surround, rear spoiler, painted mirror caps and 19-in. aluminum wheels. The interior is all black with leather-trimmed features. The Impala’s available 3.6L V6 engine, rated at 305hp and 264 lb.-ft. of torque, powers the Blackout concept.

The Cruze RS Plus concept receives revised exterior styling, enhanced interior convenience and greater connectivity, including new text message alerts, Apple Siri integration and OnStar 4G LTE with an available built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS package includes a rear spoiler and fog lamps and an up-level instrument cluster. A Jet Black interior is complemented by a Chevrolet Accessories ambient lighting kit and illuminated doorsills. Under the hood, is a performance-enhancing stage kit from Chevrolet Performance and a fresh-air intake system for the 1.4L turbo engine.

	Preceding a tribute to Bill Hays, founder of Hays Clutches, Centerforce unveiled the first turnkey supercar from Classic Recreations’ CR Supercars brand—the Mustang Villain.

By SEMA Editors

At a press conference November 4, Centerforce hosted a tribute for SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Bill Hays, founder of Hays Clutches, and the company that would become Midway Industries, the parent company of Centerforce. Hosted by Pat Wilson and Mike Hays, and featuring other family and close friends, such as Linda Vaughn and Tom McEwen, the tribute touched upon Hays’ history as a paratrooper during WWII, a firefighter during the pioneer years of California drag racing and into the early days of Hays Clutches. Hays’ clutch designs and innovations carried over into the patented technologies that laid the groundwork for Centerforce to become an industry-leading clutch manufacturer.

Preceding the Bill Hays Tribute, Centerforce unveiled the first turnkey supercar from Classic Recreations’ CR Supercars brand, the Mustang Villain—the first of two high-performance machines from the coachbuilder known for its award-winning Shelby continuation cars. Based off of the ’68 Ford Mustang Fastback, the Villain will be the ultimate fusion of modern performance and classic musclecar styling.

Powered by Ford’s 5.0L Coyote engine mated to a Tremec five-speed, the Mustang Villain promises to deliver a healthy helping of power. Suspension on the Villain is brought into the 21st century thanks to a complete overhaul from Detroit Speed Inc., while a massive set of 14-in. Wilwood Disc Brakes with six-piston calipers offer stopping capabilities on par with today’s high-performance supercars.

Visit Centerforce Clutches at the company's SEMA Show booth (#23813).

	Alan Gell (left) and Marlon Hanson (right) from the 2014 AutoJudge judging panel present the Coupe of the Year award.

By SEMA Editors

AutoJudge (formerly: Readers Choice) Awards for automobiles, SUVs and pickups celebrated its 8th anniversary at this year’s SEMA Show by announcing the winners for 2014:

• Compact Sedan: ’15 VW Jetta
• Full Size Pickup: ’15 Ford F-150
• Plug-In Electric Vehicle: ’15 Cadillac ELR
• Van-Minivan: ’14 Chrysler Town & Country
• Midsize Sedan: ’15 Chrysler 200
• Sports Car: ’15 Chevrolet Corvette
• Luxury Car: ’15 Kia K900
• Fullsize Sedan: ’15 Hyundai Genesis
• Wagon: ’15 Subaru Outback
• Coupe: ’14 Cadillac CTS Coupe
• Midsize Pickup: ’15 GMC Canyon
• Hybrid (non plug-in): ’15 Ford Fusion
• Midsize SUV/Crossover: ’14 Durango
• Fullsize SUV: ’15 Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Performance Car: ’15 Dodge Challenger

The award began as an alternative to the multitude of automotive awards distributed at various car shows and other events. The award is open for independent voting by the auto-buying public. It was first conceived for the readership of newspapers, periodicals and websites. As the Internet has proliferated and blogging has become popular, the award has opened to any and all “readers” several years ago.

Due to the number of vehicles available, a panel of judges pre-selects a narrow group of vehicles for consumers to vote on in each category. In addition, because of their recognized expertise in the automotive industry, the judges have a weighted vote in the final tally. Categories have generally been similar each year, although automotive categories vary as newly designed products are introduced.

	Alan Gell (left) and Marlon Hanson (right) from the 2014 AutoJudge judging panel present the Coupe of the Year award.

By SEMA Editors

AutoJudge (formerly: Readers Choice) Awards for automobiles, SUVs and pickups celebrated its 8th anniversary at this year’s SEMA Show by announcing the winners for 2014:

• Compact Sedan: ’15 VW Jetta
• Full Size Pickup: ’15 Ford F-150
• Plug-In Electric Vehicle: ’15 Cadillac ELR
• Van-Minivan: ’14 Chrysler Town & Country
• Midsize Sedan: ’15 Chrysler 200
• Sports Car: ’15 Chevrolet Corvette
• Luxury Car: ’15 Kia K900
• Fullsize Sedan: ’15 Hyundai Genesis
• Wagon: ’15 Subaru Outback
• Coupe: ’14 Cadillac CTS Coupe
• Midsize Pickup: ’15 GMC Canyon
• Hybrid (non plug-in): ’15 Ford Fusion
• Midsize SUV/Crossover: ’14 Durango
• Fullsize SUV: ’15 Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Performance Car: ’15 Dodge Challenger

The award began as an alternative to the multitude of automotive awards distributed at various car shows and other events. The award is open for independent voting by the auto-buying public. It was first conceived for the readership of newspapers, periodicals and websites. As the Internet has proliferated and blogging has become popular, the award has opened to any and all “readers” several years ago.

Due to the number of vehicles available, a panel of judges pre-selects a narrow group of vehicles for consumers to vote on in each category. In addition, because of their recognized expertise in the automotive industry, the judges have a weighted vote in the final tally. Categories have generally been similar each year, although automotive categories vary as newly designed products are introduced.

	Kicking off a week of Keynote & Coffee talks, Garry Golden presented, “Tapping Your Inner Futurist: The Future of Transportation & Mobility,” on Tuesday, November 4.

By SEMA Editors

The Keynote & Coffee series—taking place each morning throughout the week of the 2014 SEMA Show—continues on Thursday, November 6. During the sessions, Showgoers enjoy free coffee while they hear from industry leaders providing insight on how to stay competitive in the fast-moving specialty-equipment market.

While 39% of car buyers today say connected vehicle technologies—such as voice activation, gesture control and heads-up displays—are the top selling points for them, only 14% say their most important consideration is still performance and speed. What do those numbers mean to the aftermarket industry? Find out at Thursday morning’s “Digital Technology in the Car—Silicon Valley Tech Meets Motor City Apps” with a six-speaker panel from Detroit and Silicon Valley.

Join the session for industry insights and a free cup of coffee in room N258.