By SEMA Editors

	The SEMA Scholarship Engine project—a 700+ hp package based on a Dart LS Next cast-iron block—will be offered on eBay beginning December 12, 2013.

The SEMA Scholarship Engine project—a 700+ hp package based on a Dart LS Next cast-iron block—will be offered on eBay beginning December 12, 2013.

Dart’s unique LS Next block evolved from the popular LS Series engine family introduced by General Motors in 1997. This aftermarket iteration incorporates a number of unique features, the most noticeable being a redesigned bottom end (non Y-block) with improved oil control and a reduction in windage. It also utilizes six head bolts per cylinder and four-bolt steel main caps. A pair of CNC-ported Dart Pro1 aluminum cylinder heads will be employed in the SEMA Scholarship engine.

Heading the SEMA build team is Dart’s Richard Maskin, who has been the engine builder/crew chief for several NHRA National Points Championship-winning efforts in Pro Stock. Maskin has developed a 434-cid engine combination that is dyno-proven to generate in excess of 700 hp utilizing a single four-barrel carburetor on pump gasoline.

Components from a number of highly respected aftermarket firms are being used in the build. They include Allstar Performance, ARP, ATI, Callies, Champion, Clevite, Comp Cams, Dart, Diamond, Fel-Pro, Hedman Hedders, Holley, Joe Gibbs Driven, Melling, Meziere, Moroso, MSD, PowerMaster, Total Seal and Trend.

The engine will be finished to the requirements of the buyer, whether it’s to be used for racing or the street.

For additional information on the SEMA Scholarship Engine project, or to get involved in the eBay sale, go to www.SEMAengine.com.

SEMA’s scholarships are awarded to university, two-year college and trade school students pursuing a career in the automotive industry. There is also a Loan Forgiveness Program to help retire student debt that’s available to employees of SEMA member companies. For information on applications go to www.SEMA.org/scholarships. The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is a recognized 501(3) charity and the purchase price of the engine may be tax deductible (verify with your CPA or tax preparer).

By Della Domingo

During the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference, journalists will have the opportunity to conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers.

Journalists—including freelancers, bloggers, TV reporters and magazine writers—are invited to sit down in private, uninterrupted meetings with executives from manufacturing companies during the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference, taking place January 21–23, 2014, in Santa Ana, California. Registration is available at www.sema.org/mpmcmediaregister.

Unlike traditional trade events where media attendees walk the Show floor, participants will receive a personalized schedule that includes meetings with manufacturers that they have selected. These meetings allow reporters to conduct high-quality interviews that can result in a year’s worth of editorial content. Reporters are able to select from 100 companies and indicate which companies they wish to meet with, so that they are only meeting with companies that are relevant to their outlet.

Media can register early to select the manufacturers that best match their editorial needs. A final schedule will include individual meetings with manufacturers every half hour, allowing participants to meet with up to 14 manufacturers in a single day. Plus, media may choose to attend one, two or all three days—whatever is most convenient.

There is no cost for media members to attend, and lunch is provided each day.

Register early before schedules start to fill up. The priority registration deadline is Monday, December 16, 2013. After that date, meetings will be assigned as space is available.

For questions about media participation, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org, 909-978-6723. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org, 909-978-6690.

By Della Domingo

During the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference, journalists will have the opportunity to conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers.

Journalists—including freelancers, bloggers, TV reporters and magazine writers—are invited to sit down in private, uninterrupted meetings with executives from manufacturing companies during the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference, taking place January 21–23, 2014, in Santa Ana, California. Registration is available at www.sema.org/mpmcmediaregister.

Unlike traditional trade events where media attendees walk the Show floor, participants will receive a personalized schedule that includes meetings with manufacturers that they have selected. These meetings allow reporters to conduct high-quality interviews that can result in a year’s worth of editorial content. Reporters are able to select from 100 companies and indicate which companies they wish to meet with, so that they are only meeting with companies that are relevant to their outlet.

Media can register early to select the manufacturers that best match their editorial needs. A final schedule will include individual meetings with manufacturers every half hour, allowing participants to meet with up to 14 manufacturers in a single day. Plus, media may choose to attend one, two or all three days—whatever is most convenient.

There is no cost for media members to attend, and lunch is provided each day.

Register early before schedules start to fill up. The priority registration deadline is Monday, December 16, 2013. After that date, meetings will be assigned as space is available.

For questions about media participation, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org, 909-978-6723. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org, 909-978-6690.

By Della Domingo

During the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference, journalists will have the opportunity to conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers.

Journalists—including freelancers, bloggers, TV reporters and magazine writers—are invited to sit down in private, uninterrupted meetings with executives from manufacturing companies during the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference, taking place January 21–23, 2014, in Santa Ana, California. Registration is available at www.sema.org/mpmcmediaregister.

Unlike traditional trade events where media attendees walk the Show floor, participants will receive a personalized schedule that includes meetings with manufacturers that they have selected. These meetings allow reporters to conduct high-quality interviews that can result in a year’s worth of editorial content. Reporters are able to select from 100 companies and indicate which companies they wish to meet with, so that they are only meeting with companies that are relevant to their outlet.

Media can register early to select the manufacturers that best match their editorial needs. A final schedule will include individual meetings with manufacturers every half hour, allowing participants to meet with up to 14 manufacturers in a single day. Plus, media may choose to attend one, two or all three days—whatever is most convenient.

There is no cost for media members to attend, and lunch is provided each day.

Register early before schedules start to fill up. The priority registration deadline is Monday, December 16, 2013. After that date, meetings will be assigned as space is available.

For questions about media participation, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org, 909-978-6723. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org, 909-978-6690.

By SEMA Editors

Ron/Deb Cizek and CAL Automotive Creations' ’40 Ford Coupe “Checkered Past” won Best of Ford Show Stand at the 2013 SEMA Show

Ford Motor Co. recognized the most significant design achievements at the 2013 SEMA Show with its Corporate Design Awards. The awards are presented annually by the automaker to the Ford vehicles that make a significant contribution to vehicle design and stand apart from all others at the Show.

Awards were presented for the most significant accomplishments in the categories of Best of Show; Best of Show on Ford Corporate Display Stand; Best Ford Heritage Vehicle; and Outstanding Achievement(s).


Below is a list of the Ford 2013 SEMA Show award winners by category:

Ford Design Awards

• Best of Show: John Mumford, built by Roy Brizio Street Rods – ’27 Ford Track T Roadster
• Best of Ford Show Stand: Ron/Deb Cizek and CAL Automotive Creations – ’40 Ford Coupe “Checkered Past”
• Best Heritage Vehicle: Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop – ’32 Ford Roadster

• EcoTrek Foundation – ’13 Super Duty
• Mobsteel – ’14 Transit Connect
• UTI Inc. – ’13 Focus ST
• Green Filter USA – ’13 Focus ST
• Ice Nine Group – ’14 Mustang
• Bojix Design – ’14 Mustang
• 3dCarbon – ’14 Fiesta
• DSO Eyewear – ’13 Fusion
• Kindig-it Design – ’65 Ford Galaxie

• DRAGG/Oxnard Police Department – ’13 Focus ST
• Hollywood Hot Rods – ’14 Mustang
• Skyjacker Suspensions – ’13 F-150
• LGE*CTS Motorsports – ’14 Transit Connect
• K-Daddyz Kustomz – ’14 Transit Connect

By SEMA Editors

Ron/Deb Cizek and CAL Automotive Creations' ’40 Ford Coupe “Checkered Past” won Best of Ford Show Stand at the 2013 SEMA Show

Ford Motor Co. recognized the most significant design achievements at the 2013 SEMA Show with its Corporate Design Awards. The awards are presented annually by the automaker to the Ford vehicles that make a significant contribution to vehicle design and stand apart from all others at the Show.

Awards were presented for the most significant accomplishments in the categories of Best of Show; Best of Show on Ford Corporate Display Stand; Best Ford Heritage Vehicle; and Outstanding Achievement(s).


Below is a list of the Ford 2013 SEMA Show award winners by category:

Ford Design Awards

• Best of Show: John Mumford, built by Roy Brizio Street Rods – ’27 Ford Track T Roadster
• Best of Ford Show Stand: Ron/Deb Cizek and CAL Automotive Creations – ’40 Ford Coupe “Checkered Past”
• Best Heritage Vehicle: Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop – ’32 Ford Roadster

• EcoTrek Foundation – ’13 Super Duty
• Mobsteel – ’14 Transit Connect
• UTI Inc. – ’13 Focus ST
• Green Filter USA – ’13 Focus ST
• Ice Nine Group – ’14 Mustang
• Bojix Design – ’14 Mustang
• 3dCarbon – ’14 Fiesta
• DSO Eyewear – ’13 Fusion
• Kindig-it Design – ’65 Ford Galaxie

• DRAGG/Oxnard Police Department – ’13 Focus ST
• Hollywood Hot Rods – ’14 Mustang
• Skyjacker Suspensions – ’13 F-150
• LGE*CTS Motorsports – ’14 Transit Connect
• K-Daddyz Kustomz – ’14 Transit Connect

By SEMA Editors

Ron/Deb Cizek and CAL Automotive Creations' ’40 Ford Coupe “Checkered Past” won Best of Ford Show Stand at the 2013 SEMA Show

Ford Motor Co. recognized the most significant design achievements at the 2013 SEMA Show with its Corporate Design Awards. The awards are presented annually by the automaker to the Ford vehicles that make a significant contribution to vehicle design and stand apart from all others at the Show.

Awards were presented for the most significant accomplishments in the categories of Best of Show; Best of Show on Ford Corporate Display Stand; Best Ford Heritage Vehicle; and Outstanding Achievement(s).


Below is a list of the Ford 2013 SEMA Show award winners by category:

Ford Design Awards

• Best of Show: John Mumford, built by Roy Brizio Street Rods – ’27 Ford Track T Roadster
• Best of Ford Show Stand: Ron/Deb Cizek and CAL Automotive Creations – ’40 Ford Coupe “Checkered Past”
• Best Heritage Vehicle: Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop – ’32 Ford Roadster

• EcoTrek Foundation – ’13 Super Duty
• Mobsteel – ’14 Transit Connect
• UTI Inc. – ’13 Focus ST
• Green Filter USA – ’13 Focus ST
• Ice Nine Group – ’14 Mustang
• Bojix Design – ’14 Mustang
• 3dCarbon – ’14 Fiesta
• DSO Eyewear – ’13 Fusion
• Kindig-it Design – ’65 Ford Galaxie

• DRAGG/Oxnard Police Department – ’13 Focus ST
• Hollywood Hot Rods – ’14 Mustang
• Skyjacker Suspensions – ’13 F-150
• LGE*CTS Motorsports – ’14 Transit Connect
• K-Daddyz Kustomz – ’14 Transit Connect

Two Trim Levels Revealed

The shooters at KGP Photography shot the interiors of two separate F-150 prototypes, revealing two trim levels and dashboard configurations for Ford's next-generation fullsize pickup. While there are still portions of the new F-series interior that are a mystery, the shooters have exposed the most important details of the trucks' controls and button interfaces. It's likely that some elements revealed here don't represent the final materials and plastics, but the design, layout and configurations of the screens and buttons should be dead ringers for the trucks that are expected to be revealed at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit—likely Monday, January 13, 2014.  

Atlas Concept Interior Traits Visible On Production Trucks

Elements of Ford's Atlas concept truck can be seen on the interior design of the ’15 F-150. Starting with the prototype's instrument binnacle, there is a similarly shaped, angular hood over the gauge cluster. The prototype's instrument hood also has places for contrasting trim on its outside edges, which appears to be an exact match for the chrome-edged instrument hood found on the Atlas concept.

The F-150 prototypes also have a center stack design that shows Atlas influences, with new, vertical air vents and similar screen placements. The prototype F-150 looks like it might have some dash-top storage—a day-to-day functional trait missing from the showbiz-worthy Atlas concept. The layout of the central tunnel on the production F-150 and the Atlas concept are broadly similar, with the gear selector on the left, and two cup holders on the right. The production truck actually gets a little more design detail, with chrome edging defining the two areas.

Up-Level Prototype Reveals Sync With MyFordTouch Layout

The first F-series interior spied shows a more upmarket trim level, outfitted with the 8-in. central touchscreen display. Prominent knobs for volume and tune flank the upper cluster of buttons, which consist of two simple rows of numbered presets (1–6), which sandwich the media and skip controls. A new set of HVAC controls sit lower on the center stack and show buttons for heated and cooled front seats. Two more big dials control the temp and dual functions for passenger comfort. There also appears to be a revised take on the rotary electric transfer case selector to shift between the various drive modes.

Mid-Level Sync with MyFord Layout Also Revealed

Another prototype was caught with a mid-level trim set-up, eschewing the 8-in. touchscreen in favor of a smaller (likely 4.2-in.) screen. This prototype most likely reveals the Sync with MyFord setup, offering simpler infotainment options, while still clearly a step up from a base AM/FM stereo in base "work truck" trim. The prototype captured here appears to do away with the shapelier button design that surrounds the 4.2-in. screen on the current truck. Instead, the ’15 MyFord setup has two rectangular blocks of buttons flanking the smaller screen—source controls on the left (music, radio, CD, Sirius, media, phone), and a numbered keypad on the right. The two tiers of buttons that reside below the screen are similar, but simplified versions of the setup visible on the MyFordTouch layout.

Undisguised Headlights Reveal Exterior Styling Links to Ford Atlas Concept

Just as seen on the Atlas concept, the production F-150 shows a trim piece that cuts into the headlight, nearly bisecting it into upper and lower sections. The shape of the headlight, its interaction with the front fender and its interplay with the grille shape looks to be a carbon copy between the Atlas concept and the production-spec prototype caught on the streets of Dearborn. The only difference seems to be the headlight internals, which have the reflectors and lighting elements necessary for a volume-production product—instead of something designed primarily for auto show flash.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Two Trim Levels Revealed

The shooters at KGP Photography shot the interiors of two separate F-150 prototypes, revealing two trim levels and dashboard configurations for Ford's next-generation fullsize pickup. While there are still portions of the new F-series interior that are a mystery, the shooters have exposed the most important details of the trucks' controls and button interfaces. It's likely that some elements revealed here don't represent the final materials and plastics, but the design, layout and configurations of the screens and buttons should be dead ringers for the trucks that are expected to be revealed at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit—likely Monday, January 13, 2014.  

Atlas Concept Interior Traits Visible On Production Trucks

Elements of Ford's Atlas concept truck can be seen on the interior design of the ’15 F-150. Starting with the prototype's instrument binnacle, there is a similarly shaped, angular hood over the gauge cluster. The prototype's instrument hood also has places for contrasting trim on its outside edges, which appears to be an exact match for the chrome-edged instrument hood found on the Atlas concept.

The F-150 prototypes also have a center stack design that shows Atlas influences, with new, vertical air vents and similar screen placements. The prototype F-150 looks like it might have some dash-top storage—a day-to-day functional trait missing from the showbiz-worthy Atlas concept. The layout of the central tunnel on the production F-150 and the Atlas concept are broadly similar, with the gear selector on the left, and two cup holders on the right. The production truck actually gets a little more design detail, with chrome edging defining the two areas.

Up-Level Prototype Reveals Sync With MyFordTouch Layout

The first F-series interior spied shows a more upmarket trim level, outfitted with the 8-in. central touchscreen display. Prominent knobs for volume and tune flank the upper cluster of buttons, which consist of two simple rows of numbered presets (1–6), which sandwich the media and skip controls. A new set of HVAC controls sit lower on the center stack and show buttons for heated and cooled front seats. Two more big dials control the temp and dual functions for passenger comfort. There also appears to be a revised take on the rotary electric transfer case selector to shift between the various drive modes.

Mid-Level Sync with MyFord Layout Also Revealed

Another prototype was caught with a mid-level trim set-up, eschewing the 8-in. touchscreen in favor of a smaller (likely 4.2-in.) screen. This prototype most likely reveals the Sync with MyFord setup, offering simpler infotainment options, while still clearly a step up from a base AM/FM stereo in base "work truck" trim. The prototype captured here appears to do away with the shapelier button design that surrounds the 4.2-in. screen on the current truck. Instead, the ’15 MyFord setup has two rectangular blocks of buttons flanking the smaller screen—source controls on the left (music, radio, CD, Sirius, media, phone), and a numbered keypad on the right. The two tiers of buttons that reside below the screen are similar, but simplified versions of the setup visible on the MyFordTouch layout.

Undisguised Headlights Reveal Exterior Styling Links to Ford Atlas Concept

Just as seen on the Atlas concept, the production F-150 shows a trim piece that cuts into the headlight, nearly bisecting it into upper and lower sections. The shape of the headlight, its interaction with the front fender and its interplay with the grille shape looks to be a carbon copy between the Atlas concept and the production-spec prototype caught on the streets of Dearborn. The only difference seems to be the headlight internals, which have the reflectors and lighting elements necessary for a volume-production product—instead of something designed primarily for auto show flash.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Two Trim Levels Revealed

The shooters at KGP Photography shot the interiors of two separate F-150 prototypes, revealing two trim levels and dashboard configurations for Ford's next-generation fullsize pickup. While there are still portions of the new F-series interior that are a mystery, the shooters have exposed the most important details of the trucks' controls and button interfaces. It's likely that some elements revealed here don't represent the final materials and plastics, but the design, layout and configurations of the screens and buttons should be dead ringers for the trucks that are expected to be revealed at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit—likely Monday, January 13, 2014.  

Atlas Concept Interior Traits Visible On Production Trucks

Elements of Ford's Atlas concept truck can be seen on the interior design of the ’15 F-150. Starting with the prototype's instrument binnacle, there is a similarly shaped, angular hood over the gauge cluster. The prototype's instrument hood also has places for contrasting trim on its outside edges, which appears to be an exact match for the chrome-edged instrument hood found on the Atlas concept.

The F-150 prototypes also have a center stack design that shows Atlas influences, with new, vertical air vents and similar screen placements. The prototype F-150 looks like it might have some dash-top storage—a day-to-day functional trait missing from the showbiz-worthy Atlas concept. The layout of the central tunnel on the production F-150 and the Atlas concept are broadly similar, with the gear selector on the left, and two cup holders on the right. The production truck actually gets a little more design detail, with chrome edging defining the two areas.

Up-Level Prototype Reveals Sync With MyFordTouch Layout

The first F-series interior spied shows a more upmarket trim level, outfitted with the 8-in. central touchscreen display. Prominent knobs for volume and tune flank the upper cluster of buttons, which consist of two simple rows of numbered presets (1–6), which sandwich the media and skip controls. A new set of HVAC controls sit lower on the center stack and show buttons for heated and cooled front seats. Two more big dials control the temp and dual functions for passenger comfort. There also appears to be a revised take on the rotary electric transfer case selector to shift between the various drive modes.

Mid-Level Sync with MyFord Layout Also Revealed

Another prototype was caught with a mid-level trim set-up, eschewing the 8-in. touchscreen in favor of a smaller (likely 4.2-in.) screen. This prototype most likely reveals the Sync with MyFord setup, offering simpler infotainment options, while still clearly a step up from a base AM/FM stereo in base "work truck" trim. The prototype captured here appears to do away with the shapelier button design that surrounds the 4.2-in. screen on the current truck. Instead, the ’15 MyFord setup has two rectangular blocks of buttons flanking the smaller screen—source controls on the left (music, radio, CD, Sirius, media, phone), and a numbered keypad on the right. The two tiers of buttons that reside below the screen are similar, but simplified versions of the setup visible on the MyFordTouch layout.

Undisguised Headlights Reveal Exterior Styling Links to Ford Atlas Concept

Just as seen on the Atlas concept, the production F-150 shows a trim piece that cuts into the headlight, nearly bisecting it into upper and lower sections. The shape of the headlight, its interaction with the front fender and its interplay with the grille shape looks to be a carbon copy between the Atlas concept and the production-spec prototype caught on the streets of Dearborn. The only difference seems to be the headlight internals, which have the reflectors and lighting elements necessary for a volume-production product—instead of something designed primarily for auto show flash.

Photo credit: KGP Photography