This is the next-generation Cadillac CT6 undergoing testing in Michigan.

The prototype appears to be the same general size as the current model, but with key updates to the exterior, with new body panels and roofline treatment.

According to a 2019 report by GM Authority, the next-gen CT6 is assigned program code 7ESL, meaning that it will move to the VSS-R platform. The enthusiast website reports that the next-gen model is destined for the Chinese market, but its presence in the U.S. market is still unclear after the discontinuation of the CT6 in North America after the ’20 model year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Juan Torres

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is kicking off an all-female vehicle build and will modify a Ford Bronco 4-door Wildtrak provided by Bronco Brand—Ford’s outdoor brand of Built Wild and only-4x4 vehicles. The project comes 10 years after SBN led an award-winning all-female Ford Mustang Build, which raised awareness for women working in the automotive industry and brought in dozens of new SBN members.

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network will embark on an all-female vehicle build in partnership with Ford's Bronco Brand, which donated the 4-door Ford Bronco Wildtrak.

The new campaign seeks to highlight successful women in the automotive industry while also attracting and supporting more females to pursue careers in the field.

“We know that automobiles are exciting and that there are countless job opportunities for women in the industry,” said Sara Morosan, SBN chair-elect. “The 2022 SBN All-Female Vehicle Build will again shine the light on this important initiative and help women see what’s possible.”

The project is slated to begin this summer in Southern California. Women will modify all aspects of the car, including the engine, chassis, drivetrain, interior, sound system, exterior and paint. Organizers are currently securing members to assist with assembling a Volunteer Recruitment Team, Events Team, Media/Content Team, Secure Parts & Sponsorship and other committees. Interested volunteers can sign up here.

The completed vehicle build will be displayed at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.sema.org/sbn or contact Nicole Bradle at nicoleb@sema.org.

  By Juan Torres

To be included in the 2022 SEMA Show Priority Booth Space Selection Process, applications must be received by Monday, April 4. Taking place November 1–4 in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show is the premier automotive trade event in the world.

Manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories exhibit at the SEMA Show to promote new products, increase brand awareness, generate leads for future orders, build and strengthen relationships through in-person networking, and generate media coverage.  

“Nothing compares to the SEMA Show. There’s a unique energy and mystique about the Show that makes it the ideal place for manufacturers to promote their products and raise brand awareness,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “With buyers and media from all over the world in attendance, exhibitors have unlimited opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations that lead to profitable business partnerships.”

With more than 100,000 professionals in attendance at the 2021 SEMA Show, the event was Las Vegas’ No. 1-attended trade show last year. It also marked the Las Vegas Convention Center’s first full-capacity event since the pandemic. Exhibitors found valuable ROI by participating at the Show, with nearly all participants rating their experience as positive and noting that they plan to return in 2022.

“In-person interactions have greater meaning today than ever before,” said Gattuso. “The ability to communicate face-to-face, witness a live product demonstration, and take a photo with a celebrity is rare. The SEMA Show offers four full days of valuable activity both on and off the Show floor.”

In addition to more than 4.6 million of convention space, the SEMA Show includes interactive experiences, celebrity appearances, unique seminars with dynamic speakers, and unique panel discussions.

Companies may apply for space at the 2022 SEMA Show at www.semashow.com/buyabooth. To be included in the Priority Booth Space Selection Process, applications must be received by Monday, April 4. For more information, visit www.semashow.com.

View the list of participating manufacturers to date.

  In partnership with Ford Motor Company, the SEMA Garage will host a Measuring Session for the all-electric ’22 Ford F-150 Lightning. The event will allow SEMA members to have a close-up experience with Ford’s first ever all-electric F-Series truck.

New F-150 Lightning features will include:

• SuperCrew Four-Door Cab
• Four-Wheel Drive
• 5.5-Foot Cargo Bed
• Extended-Range Battery Option
• Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 Technology (ADAS)

This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time limited.

Event Dates: April 11–April 15

Details and registration for the SEMA Garage '22 Ford F-150 Lightning Measuring Session.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

The September 2022 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2022—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young entrepreneurs and professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.

They could also be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process.

We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2022 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 1.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Shop Technician
Northridge 4x4 is hiring a shop technician responsible for installing parts and accessories for Jeep customers using quality-control methods to ensure that all builds are complete before the Jeep leaves the shop. Additionally, this position maintains the cleanliness and safety of the shop while working under general direction, and are entrusted to have a high level of independent judgement. Candidates must have a high-school diploma or equivalent, two years’ minimum work-related experience or a combination of education and experience, hands-on mechanical expertise and motor conversion knowledge.

Territory Salesperson
Bedrock Truck Beds is hiring a territory salesperson responsible for generating and increasing sales of Bedrock Truck Beds and other manufactured products in the assigned region. The ideal candidate will have a lean business background and be focused on safety, quality, delivery, productivity and costs while simultaneously acquiring and maintaining an in-depth knowledge of products and services offered by company, and an in-depth knowledge of the industry, including the competitors in the truck-bed space. Candidates must have an undergraduate degree, more than three years’ experience in b2b sales experience and be currently established in the designated territory.

Counter/Phone Salesperson
SoCal SuperTrucks is hiring a full-time customer service/sales associate responsible for walk-in, phone and eCommerce sales inquiries as well as outgoing calls and emails to current and potential wholesale clients. Knowledge of trucks, Jeeps and off-road vehicles is a must.

Showgoers booking through onPeak—the SEMA Show housing partner—receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.

onPeak not only offers discounted nightly rates for SEMA Show participants, but also offers reduced resort fees so you can save even more on your stay.

onPeak not only offers discounted nightly rates for SEMA Show participants, but also offers reduced resort fees so you can save even more on your stay.

SEMA has negotiated exclusive, discounted nightly rates at the best hotels in Las Vegas, but you can only get the discounted rates when you book through the SEMA Show’s official hotel provider, onPeak.

When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through our partnership with onPeak—the only official hotel provider for the 2021 SEMA Show. All negotiated rates provided by onPeak include resort fees and will allow you to change or cancel your reservation without any financial penalties.

More information about the 2022 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.

This wild Ford Bronco was built by Ford Performance from the OEM suppliers catalog.

The Ford Performance Bronco is a four-door Bronco built to the gills with exterior and mechanical upgrades galore. The Bronco appears to be somewhat of a tribute to early ’90’s Rough Rider’s Off-Road Racing Team. Its bright blue livery and branding is enough to attract attention, but the tall and wide stance makes it a real head turner.

Ford is expected to showcase the Bronco at upcoming events and auto shows.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Dave Cole Sells Ultra4, Retains King of the Hammers

King of the Hammers (KOH) co-founder Dave Cole has sold the Ultra4 Regional Series to Jason and Gayla Robinett, owners of MidAmerica Outdoors—a riding and racing park in Jay, Oklahoma. Cole will retain ownership of Hammerking Productions, which includes King of the Hammers, Ultra4 Europe and Great American Shortcourse.

“This is a transitional process as we separate assets and they take ownership of the Ultra4 brand and the Ultra4 Racing TV channel on Vimeo,” Cole stated in an open letter. “I am excited to see what the Robinett’s and their team can bring to the series. They have incredible plans for the future and have already built a world-class facility in Oklahoma.”

“KOH will always be the first race of the Ultra4 Series and KOH Racers will continue to qualify at Ultra4 Races. I am restructuring Hammerking Productions around King of the Hammers and a new project, UltraTours, that allows me to spend a lot more time wheeling,” Cole said.

For more information, visit ultra4racing.com.

PRI to Sponsor Three-Day Race Track Safety Program by ICMS

The International Council of Motorsport Sciences (ICMS), which hosts its Annual Congress at the PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis each December, will host its Race Track Safety Program (RTSP) at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Brownsburg, Indiana, from March 31–April 2. Sessions for the event, which is supported by PRI, include certified medical and fire rescue, drag-racing track prep, and EV emergencies, plus an online didactic session and test. In addition to PRI, the event is also supported by AMR, ESI Equipment and Hazard Control Technologies. To purchase tickets, visit the event page. For more information, visit icmsmotorsportsafety.org. 

SCE Gaskets Named Official Gaskets of NMRA/NMCA

“NMRA and NMCA are proud to have SCE Gaskets as the Official Gasket of both series,” said Steve Wolcott, co-founder and CEO of ProMedia Events & Publishing—the parent company of the NMRA Ford Nationals and NMCA Muscle Car Nationals. “Many of our series’ leading engine builders rely on SCE Gaskets for their extreme high performance and reliability, especially in high boost applications. SCE Gaskets is committed to working with our championship NMRA and NMCA racers and will have a big on-site presence during our 2022 events."

Now celebrating its 32nd year of “delivering horsepower,” SCE’s new 250-page catalog details the company’s gasket designs for every engine used by NMRA/NMCA racers.

Malco Automotive Named Primary Sponsor for Scott Heckert and BJMM’s No. 5 for the Pit Boss 250 at Circuit of the Americas

Malco Products Inc. and B.J. McLeod Motorsports (BJMM) have announced that Connecticut driver Scott Heckert will be behind the wheel of the stock car No. 5 Chevrolet this Saturday, March 26, for the NASCAR Xfinity series race, Pit Boss 250, at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Heckert’s primary sponsor for the race is Malco Automotive Products—the official detailing sponsor of B.J. McLeod Motorsports.

NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports Announce Le Mans Entry

NASCAR and Hendrick Motorsports have announced their intention to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as the special Garage 56 entry in 2023. The entry will be a modified version of the Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 race car and is a collaboration of NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet, IMSA and Goodyear. Further details, including technical elements of the car and the team’s driver lineup, will be announced at a later date. For more information, visit nascar.com or hendrickmotorsports.com.

Seattle-Based Faster Than Cancer Electric Dragster Racing Team Sets New World Speed Record

Team Carrell, Huff & Barger took the Faster Than Cancer electric dragster to Orlando Speed World Dragway with the intent to increase the electric speed record and become the fastest electric vehicle in the quarter-mile—a feat completed shortly at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15 (EDT).

Team Carrell, Huff & Barger became the world’s fastest electric vehicle in the quarter-mile, setting the record at 202.52 mph at Orlando Speed World Dragway during a private test session on March 15. This is an increase of the record originally set by Steve Huff in May 2020, when the electric dragster became the first to 200 mph in the quarter-mile beating out Don ‘Big Daddy’ Garlits to the record.

Huff designed and built the electric dragster starting in 2017 as part of the “Quest for 200 mph”. Shortly after accomplishing this goal of being the first to 200 mph in an electric drag car in the ¼-mile, Huff was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic upper tract urothelial cancer that had spread to his spine with a tumor bundle in his L3. Through cancer treatment and subsequent immunotherapy at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Fred Hutch Cancer Research and UW Medical Center, Huff continues to pursue his passion for racing with his Pro-Lite hydroplane, electric dragster and motorcycle racing teams. After appearing with Garlits on Fox Sports NHRA Gatornationals as a Pep Boys exhibition, Team Carrell, Huff & Barger took the Faster Than Cancer electric dragster to Orlando Speed World Dragway with the intent to increase the electric speed record and become the fastest electric vehicle in the quarter-mile—a feat completed shortly at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15 (EDT).

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.