SEMA News—November 2021

INDUSTRY NEWS

 Photos courtesy SpiedBilde, Brian Williams. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’23 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

This prototype is the upcoming mid-engine Corvette Z06 testing in light, body-hugging camouflage as it arrived for track testing. This is the first time we’ve seen a C8 Z06 in body-hugging camo instead of the heavy vinyl cladding worn by previous prototypes.

The prototype features a more aggressive front fascia with various additional aero bits not seen on the current Stingray. The body is wider, and a very prominent wing spoiler can be seen out back. A set of black five-spoke wheels and center-exit exhaust are also seen in the back.

GM has announced that this Corvette Z06 will launch for the ’23 model year.

’22 Toyota Tundra

Here’s a first peak at the new Toyota Tundra. Looking inside, the mid/base-model Tundra will receive a relatively small navigation screen that is flanked by a couple of vents. Below the screen sits the HVAC controls, along with a USB port for charging. Materials appear to be similar to those found on the current Tundra, along with a similar layout to the dash.

The ’22 Tundra will ride on an all-new platform (internally called F1) that is said to be flexible enough to accommodate all Toyota body-on-frame pickup and SUV models globally. A new 10-speed automatic will back the 5.7L V8, though a hybridized 3.5L V6 may also be available.

’23 Ford Ranger Raptor LHD

Here’s another look at the all-new ’23 Ford Ranger Raptor, though these are the first shots of a left-hand-drive unit with an interesting soft bed topper.

Overall, the next-gen Ranger Raptor looks more substantial than the current model, with bolder proportions and stance. The front fascia will maintain the bold “Ford” lettering across the grille, accompanied by a set of intricate C-shaped headlamps. The cab and bed appear to be carryovers from the current model.

The prototype rides on a set of black wheels that appear to be fairly similar to the current design. A dual-exhaust setup can be seen at the rear, along with a camouflaged rear suspension that hides a coil spring setup similar to that found on the F-150 Raptor.

SEMA News—November 2021

INDUSTRY NEWS

Fast Facts

Eddie Motorsports hired Larry Ashley as its new operations manager. Ashley joined the team in August and he brings more than 33 years of professional experience in the automotive aftermarket, having worked in key management positions at various companies that have revolutionized certain areas of the aftermarket. Some recognizable brands include California Custom USA, American Products Co., TMI Products and, most recently, POL Performance Online.

Wheel Pros, backed by Clearlake Capital Group L.P. and in partnership with management, announced that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Driven Lighting Group—a digitally native designer and online retailer of aftermarket enthusiast automotive lighting products—from Kian Capital. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Power Automedia hired Micah Anderson as editor of the digital automotive title Off Road Xtreme. Anderson is a 20-year authority in the off-road industry with extensive experience founded on marketing, events and racing. Prior to joining Power Automedia, Anderson was a co-founding partner for the grassroots off-road action festival The Jump Champs. He also worked extensively in the aftermarket space as a photographer and brand manager.

Centerforce hired Trent McGee as marketing manager. McGee will oversee the company’s marketing efforts, including advertising and event marketing, where he will play a key role in leading the Centerforce Adventure Run—an overland-style trip exclusively for manual-transmission vehicles. McGee brings more than 25 years of industry experience, including serving as a technical writer for several major automotive publications such as 4-Wheel & Off-Road, and marketing experience with companies that include Daystar Products and Airaid.

Internationally recognized nonprofit Evergreen Cooperatives added to its growing portfolio of employee-owned businesses with the asset purchase of Intellitronix, a producer of LED automotive aftermarket digital and analog gauges. Terms of the deal were not released. Intellitronix manufactures microprocessor-controlled LED products and energy-saving devices designed for the automotive, marine and recreational vehicle markets.

Eleven Engineering Inc. announced that Anna Shahzadi is the newest member of the company’s growing research and development design team. Shahzadi has a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Alberta.

Race Winning Brands (RWB) announced industry veteran Steve Reed as the powersports brand manager for Wiseco Performance Products. In his new position, Reed will play a vital role in developing existing initiatives and supporting Wiseco powersports growth through product management and development, business platform and partnership support, marketing initiatives and direct customer visits. Reed comes to RWB with more than 22 years of experience in the powersports aftermarket. Reed began his powersports career in distribution before moving on to inside and international sales.

MAVTV Motorsports Network—the U.S.-based motorsports TV network owned and operated by Lucas Oil Products—announced the executive promotion of Kevin Asbell to COO and general counsel. He was previously general counsel of Lucas Oil Products. Asbell will be responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs of the network, with direct accountability for operational planning, accounting, forecasting, administrative affairs, information technology and human resources.

Torqued Distribution announced that Lou Lobsinger is the company’s new head of sales and marketing. He joins the Torqued team with more than 20 years of automotive experience in marketing, sales and product development. He will be responsible for the global sales and marketing teams and team leadership, driving revenue across all channels, contributing to product and vendor selection, and general management responsibilities.

Warn Industries announced the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of Fab Fours Inc., a leading manufacturer of fabricated mounting solutions for trucks and Jeeps. Fab Fours’ product offerings include various metal fabricated truck and Jeep bumper and accessory options. The company was founded in 2004 and has received multiple awards, including the “Showstopper” award from SEMA. Fab Fours’ products are designed, tested and manufactured in South Carolina. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Sunnen Products Co. promoted F. Christopher Miltenberger to the additional role of CEO. Miltenberger joined Sunnen as president/COO in 2015, with extensive experience in operations, engineering and business development. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in Sunnen’s transformation of global operations as well as improving customer contact management and relationship development.

Wharton Automotive Group acquired Silver Sport Transmissions. Consisting of McLeod Racing and FTI Performance, Wharton Automotive Group is owned by NHRA Nitro Funny Car driver and businessman Paul Lee, who closed the deal on Silver Sport Transmissions on July 30. In 2019, Lee purchased FTI Performance and now continues to grow his business strategy with the acquisition of Silver Sport Transmissions, which will continue to operate at its location in Rockford, Tennessee.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. announced that Thad Ewald was hired as vice president for strategy and business development, reporting to Executive Vice President and CFO Darren Wells. Before joining Goodyear, Ewald was vice president of corporate strategy and development for Cummins Inc. During his tenure, Ewald also led the development of Cummins’ startup in the electrified and hydrogen power segment and was responsible for joint ventures, acquisitions and divestiture transactions.

Radflo Suspension Technology relocated operations to a new, expanded facility. The company can now be reached at 10840 Talbert Ave., Fountain Valley, CA 92708.

SEMA News—November 2021

Industry Indicators: Economic Outlook Remains Positive, but Supply Constraints and Inflation Remain Challenges

The overall U.S. economic outlook remains positive as the country continues to bounce back from 2020. However, challenges remain on the horizon, including supply-chain constraints, inflationary pressure, a tight labor market and a potential COVID-19 resurgence, according to the latest edition of “SEMA Industry Indicators.”

Supply-chain disruptions continue to affect many sectors of the economy. For the auto industry, the chip shortage is disrupting production, reducing inventory levels and driving up prices. Nearly every car manufacturer reported higher average transaction prices in June compared with 2020. While economists expect inflationary pressures like this to be short-term, it is weighing on consumers’ minds.

Employment in the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic continues to improve, especially leisure and travel. Average hourly earnings are also up, suggesting that employers are having to offer higher wages to attract workers. COVID-19 cases have also risen in recent weeks. If outbreaks emerge more broadly, economic activity may slow down.

Want to learn more about the economic factors shaping the industry? Download the July “SEMA Industry Indicators” report at www.sema.org/research.

SEMA Show Education Prepares Businesses for Next-Level Success

The 2021 SEMA Show will include more than 100 industry-leading seminars designed to help businesses and employees succeed and advance their careers. Through the Education Program, Showgoers have an easy and cost-effective way to learn about new trends and topics, hear from top experts and presenters, and gain new skills and ideas while discovering new products, seeing custom vehicles and meeting with business partners at the 2021 SEMA Show, to be held November 2–5 in Las Vegas.

“Attending the SEMA Show is an investment—particularly for small businesses that close up shop while they are away,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “We work hard to provide Showgoers with the greatest possible return on their investment, and we are excited about this year’s SEMA Show Educational Program.”

Among the 2021 SEMA Show Education Program offerings are tracks focused on or targeted to automotive electronics, vehicle builders, CEOs, digital marketing and international exports. This year’s program also includes a new leadership track sponsored by the world-renowned Dale Carnegie Program, and the return of popular market-segment-specific tracks presented in partnership with the Industry Conference of Auto Collision Repair, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, and the Tire Industry Association. Be sure to visit www.SEMAShow.com/education to see the full range of seminars and schedules.

New Products Showcase Moves to Upper South Hall for 2021 SEMA Show

The New Products Showcase is renowned for its display of cutting-edge industry innovations. So much so that it’s a favorite first stop for attendees upon entering the Show. But this year, thanks to Convention Center expansion, the Showcase is
relocating.

New for this year, the New Products Showcase will be located in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Upper South Hall in booth #31255. In addition, buyers and media can now use the SEMA Show app on their mobile devices to scan and save products and provide step-by-step directions to the exhibitors that submitted each product. The app is available for free from native Android or Apple app stores.

According to Show planners, the popular Showcase had outgrown its former location and needed additional room for future growth. The feature will contain thousands new and featured products. The expanded space will also allow for better displays of the latest industry offerings and an overall improved visitor experience.

Members Lounges: Connect, Refuel and Recharge at the 2021 SEMA Show

For 2021, SEMA members attending the Show now have elite access to three strategically situated Member Lounges and are invited to enjoy the lounges during Show hours.

Members Lounge–North: Located on the upper level of the North Hall in room N251, the lounge offers a relaxing environment to take a break between meetings or seminars, recharge devices, or catch up on work at a computer connected to an in-lounge printer. Hot meals are available for purchase daily from 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Members Lounge–South: Located in the South Hall, booth #49031, this lounge area offers a relaxing atmosphere with access to free charging stations. Grab ’N’ Go snacks are available for purchase any time during Show hours. The Members Lounge offers private meeting rooms which can only be reserved for two nonconsecutive one-hour time slots per day, per company.

Members Lounge–West: Located in the West Hall, booth #58065, this lounge area offers a relaxing atmosphere with ample seating and access to free charging stations. Grab ’N’ Go snacks, beverages and sandwiches are available for purchase any time during Show hours. The Members Lounge offers private meeting rooms that are available by reservation.

SEMA Member Lounges give members the opportunity to grab a snack, recharge their devices, or to engage in some company networking.

MAHLE Motorsport
12 New PowerPak Kits
Booth #23027

Top Alcohol Hemi PowerPak Kit

MAHLE Motorsport is rolling out 12 new PowerPak applications that cover the gamut of performance, domestic and import, with a heavy emphasis on the Cummins diesel. Two PowerPak Plus kits have been added to the company’s shelf stock program. The PowerPak high-performance piston kit for a Top Alcohol Hemi comes with a 1/16-in., 1/16-in., 3/16-in. performance ring set, and pistons forged in 2618 alloy. Seven kits for the Cummins 5.9L B-Series include new forged aluminum race pistons.

Driven Racing Oil
New ATV-UTV Product Line
Booth #22713

Driven Racing Oil is launching its newest high-performance products specifically designed for the ATV-UTV market, featuring three new synthetic oils—a 10W-30, 10W-40 and 5W-50, as well as a new synthetic 75W-110 differential gear oil. This line of full synthetic oils was formulated to advance engine and driveline lubricant performance in high-performance four-stroke ATV-UTV applications.

Cedar Electronics
ESCORT MAXcam 360c, ESCORT M2 accessory and Cobra 19 Mini.
Booth #12019

ESCORT MAXcam 360c

In addition to the ESCORT MAXcam 360c, ESCORT M2 accessory, and Cobra 19 Mini, Cedar Electronics is launching its newest dash cam in the Cobra SC Series lineup—the Cobra SC 400/400D. The device will come equipped with Ultra HD 4K video resolution, Alexa built-in, capabilities of recording three cameras simultaneously and more.

HOBBS
Overland Roof Rack for ’21+ Kia Sorento, ’20+ Kia Telluride, ’21+ Ford Bronco Sport and the ’22 Nissan Pathfinder
Booth #50185

Bronco Sport Overland Roof Rack

HOBBS’ overland roof racks available for the ’21+ Kia Sorento, ’20+ Kia Telluride, ’21+ Ford Bronco Sport and the ’22 Nissan Pathfinder are designed to transform your SUV into a “go-anywhere” SUV. Packages offer an extensive range of accessory options to cater to just about any adventure. More applications coming soon.

Frantz Filters
Duramax, Cummins and Powerstroke Filter Kits
 

6.0L/6.4L Ford Powerstroke Filter Kit

Frantz Filters now offers an expanded line of custom-designed Duramax, Cummins and Powerstroke filter kits. The new kit applications include the Ford Powerstroke 6.7L, 7.3L and dual-model kit for the 6.0L/6.4L Powerstroke, and three separate 6.6L Duramax/GMC kits for years ’01–’16, ’17–’19 and the current ’20–’21. Frantz is also introducing a kit for the 5.9 and 6.7L Cummins that can be configured based on model year.

Wrap’R–Grab’R
Mini Waste Bin
Booth #52154
 

Wrap'R-Grab'R Mini Waste Bin

Wrap'R-Grab'R mini waste bin measures 5½-in. tall x 2¾-in. diameter, and fits into the cupholder of any car, truck, boat, golf cart, etc. It includes a flexible grommet-style top, container body and removable bottom for clean out.

BendPak
LITESTIX
Booth #36133, #81030
 

LITESTIX

LITESTIX is a bright, versatile LED work light powered by a rechargeable lithium battery so it’s completely portable. It uses 36 LED bulbs to provide 1,200 lumens of bright light, and can provide up to six hours of continuous use between charges. Designed for a long life of heavy-duty use, LITESTIX features an impact-resistant polycarbonate housing. The lamp’s all-steel telescoping cradle frame can extend from 49.5 in. to 79.75 in. in length and can secure to the underside of a vehicle hood.

EZTRUNK
Booth #58227

EZTRUNK

The EZTRUNK is a safe, secure place to lock up valuables with your top up or down. EZTRUNK lies flat in the Jeep when not in use, and opens to a secure locking trunk in seconds. EZTRUNK is available for all two- and four-door Jeeps from ’97 to present.

Old Air Products
Reproduction Center Vent for ’67–’68 Ford Mustangs
Booth #24297

Reproduction Center Vent for ’67–’68 Ford Mustangs

Old Air Products is now offering a new reproduction center vent for ’67–’68 Ford Mustangs. This center vent features metal diecast construction with chrome finish and black camera case trim. Original style knobs move louvers to direct the airflow. This is a direct replacement for original factory a/c center vent.

Giant Loop
Armadillo Bag
Booth #61033
 

Armadillo Bags

Armadillo Bags are designed for the safe temporary storage and transport of a broad range of essential automotive and powersports fluids. When empty, Armadillo Bags can be rolled up or packed flat for convenient storage, and they weigh a fraction of rigid plastic and metal containers which remain the same size whether full or empty. Employing a two-layer construction, Armadillo Bags feature an RF-welded inner bladder contained within and protected by an abrasion-resistant sewn Cordura outer sleeve.

Permatex
Permatex 500° High Heat

Permatex 500° High Heat

Permatex 500° High Heat is specially formulated to withstand temperatures up to a 500 °F. Designed to bond and seal against liquids, gasses and common automotive fluids, Permatex 500° High Heat is ideal for a wide variety of applications in engine compartments, the engine block and exhaust components, where temperatures can easily exceed 400 °F. The epoxy has a holding strength of 2500 PSI. It sets in 10 minutes and has a two-hour cure time.

By Della Domingo

The 2021 SEMA Show opens next week, and exhibitors are making headlines with the product and vehicle debuts they are planning for the event taking place November 2–5, in Las Vegas. Some of the recent stories making headlines include:

Yahoo! Finance: ElectraMeccanica to Attend SEMA Show in Las Vegas

• “We intend to showcase our flagship EVs to SEMA attendees, illustrating where electrification is steering the future of their industry.”

Body Shop Business: Car Bench to Unveil New Equipment at SEMA

• Car Bench announced it is ready to start a new revolution in the collision-repair industry with the launch of new equipment at the SEMA Show.

Fox News: Chevrolet Unveils Its Biggest, Most Powerful V8 Engine Ever Ahead of Electric Push

• Pricing for the ZZ632/1000 has not yet been announced, but it will make its public debut at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this November ahead of the start of deliveries in early 2022.

PPFMAG: SEMA SCORE BAJA 1000 Experience Set for Las Vegas

• “There is no better place than Las Vegas and there is no better place then SEMA to showcase the Granddaddy of all desert races—the iconic SCORE Baja 1000. The new format this year for the SCORE Baja 1000 Experience gives us the opportunity to spotlight all the various types of vehicles that have made SCORE the world’s foremost desert racing organization.”

Don’t miss the announcements that exhibitors are sharing by regularly checking the Online Media Center. Below are some of the latest announcements you will find in the Online Media Center:

• Chip Foose SEMA Photo Opportunity With Morimoto Lighting at WP Dynamics Booth
• New LITESTIX By BENDPAK Is a Tough, Portable LED Work Light Providing Hands-Free Illumination
• Reducing ICE Emissions by 80 to 90%
• Store, Elevate and Conceal Every Jeep & Truck Needs These Accessories
• HOBBS New Overland Roof Rack for SUVS
• Frantz Filters Expands Product Line
• Wrap'R-Grab'R Mini Waste Bins for Vehicle Cup Holders
• Pareto Point Industries (PPI) Presents Our Newest Advanced Bypass Oil Filtration Products
• IAA and Rich Rebuilds to Attend the 2021 SEMA Show

Exhibitor Press releases can be found at www.semashow.com/press. Find all SEMA Show news at www.semashow.com/news.

All SEMA Show exhibitors are welcome to upload releases free of charge.  Upload releases using this link.

The 2021 SEMA Show will take place November 2–5 in Las Vegas.

By Matt Kennedy

It’s no secret that supply-chain disruptions are affecting the automotive sector; new-vehicle production is expected to be 7.7 million units lower in 2021 than 2020, which it tempering the specialty-equipment industry’s optimism regarding its short-term prospects. But on the whole, businesses are maintaining a positive outlook, with more than 80% expecting their sales to be stable or growing over the coming year.

The latest edition of SEMA’s ongoing “State of the Industry” report series offers 70 pages of data on the specialty-equipment industry to help companies understand how the market is performing and evolving. Key findings from the report include:

• Delays in shipping and the ongoing microchip shortage have left automakers unable to keep up with consumer demand for new vehicles, pushing dealer inventories to all-time lows and the average price of a new vehicle to an unprecedented $45,000 in September 2021.
• While some businesses struggled during the beginning of the pandemic last year, especially retailers, most were able to adjust. Manufacturers in particular have done well, reporting an average of 19% sales growth over the past 12 months.
• Sales into the pickup, sports car, SUV and classic vehicle segments continue to be strong, with many businesses once again seeing double-digit sales growth this year.
• Supply-chain disruptions are starting to create some uncertainty. In the spring of 2021, 70% of specialty-equipment manufacturers and 75% of distributors expected their sales to grow over the coming year. However, those percentages have fallen to 58% and 52% respectively.
• The temporary shifts toward online sales that were made necessary by the pandemic are continuing to reverse, with the majority of specialty-equipment parts sales once again flowing through in-person retail channels.
• In the longer term, changes in the new vehicle mix—more CUVs, more electrics, etc.—will require the specialty-equipment industry to plan for and adapt to the evolving vehicle population.

For more info on the state of the U.S. specialty-equipment market, download the SEMA State of the Industry Report—Fall 2021 for free today at www.sema.org/research.

By SEMA Editors

When NHRA partnered with Fox Broadcasting, NHRA on FOX reporters came to the 2016 SEMA Show to conduct live interviews from an all-new NHRA SEMA Show stage to grow that connection. In 2021, the NHRA on FOX stage returns to the SEMA Show with live interviews, autograph sessions and NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycles on display.
 

The NHRA will host its Wednesday morning breakfast, open to all SEMA Show attendees, Wednesday, November 3, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Paradise Events Center.

Here is an early look at the guests expected on this year’s NHRA on FOX stage at booth #10000: Antron Brown, Justin Ashley, Matt Hagan, Robert Hight, John and Brittany Force, Leah Pruett, Bo Butner, David H. Davies, Linda Vaughn, Don Prudhomme, Ron Capps, Travis Shumake, Matt Hartford, Erica Enders, Camrie Caruso, Clay Millican, Steve Torrence, Paul Lee, Krista Baldwin, Angie Smith, Matt Smith, Alex Laughlin, Sean Bellemeur, Dr. Jamie Meyer and Jim Liaw.

The NHRA will also host its Wednesday morning breakfast, open to all SEMA Show attendees. The NHRA Breakfast at the SEMA Show will be held Wednesday, November 3, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Paradise Events Center.

This year’s breakfast, hosted by NHRA on FOX’s Brian Lohnes, will highlight NHRA’s Next Generation of Team Owners and feature Antron Brown, Josh Hart and Krista Baldwin.

By Juan Torres

SEMA Ignited, the official after-party of the SEMA Show, returns to Las Vegas, on Friday, November 5. Since 2014, SEMA Ignited has taken place at the conclusion of the four-day trade-only SEMA Show, providing consumers and the general public an opportunity to see and experience the mystique from the exclusive automotive aftermarket trade event. This year’s SEMA Ignited takes place Friday, November 5, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. (PDT), at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) West Hall parking lot.

At the conclusion of the SEMA Show, hundreds of custom-built vehicles roll out of the Convention Center and cruise to assemble at SEMA Ignited.

The family-friendly SEMA Ignited consists of an outdoor extravaganza that includes iconic builders, celebrities, customized SEMA Show vehicles, drift demonstrations, food, entertainment and much more.

“Our official after-party, SEMA Ignited, is the best opportunity enthusiasts have to connect with the automotive community, see the custom builds and meet automotive celebrities, all while enjoying food and entertainment,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “There is something for everyone at the event, and we invite everyone, whether you are an automotive enthusiast or a family looking for quality entertainment, to attend SEMA Ignited.”

At the conclusion of the SEMA Show, hundreds of custom-built vehicles roll out of the Convention Center and cruise to assemble at SEMA Ignited, where the public can see the elaborate work performed by the builders, along with some of the newest and most innovative products used on the builds.

SEMA Show attendees receive complimentary admission with their Show badge, while general admission to SEMA Ignited is $20. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a paid general admission ticket.   

For more information about SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com. To learn more about the SEMA Show and apply for credentials, visit www.semashow.com.   

By Ashley Reyes

In episode five of the SEMA Launch Pad series, viewers get to know the five finalists who will pitch their products and vie for a grand-prize package valued at $100,000 during the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The SEMA Launch Pad is the automotive aftermarket’s premier product-pitching competition designed to encourage automotive entrepreneurship and help inventors launch new products into the marketplace. The final five competitors, who will pitch their products at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, are:

• Jonathan Hurley, ToolBox Widget
• Brendan McGrath, Dyme Performance Systems Inc.
• Kevin Robinson, TRAC LLC
• Tom Sawarynski, Off-Road Research
• Dustin Woolf, Woolfpack Racing 

Newly released video hones in on the finalists as they share their reactions and details on their journey so far, what they would do differently and how they plan to prepare for the final round of pitching taking place at the SEMA Show. Viewers will also get to watch behind-the-scenes interviews with industry judges Chip Foose of Foose Design, Jared Hare of Addictive Desert Designs, Myles Kovaks of DUB magazine and TIS Wheels, and Alex Parker of Redline Detection as they share their expectations from the competitors in the final round of pitching.  

The third-place winner and top two finalists will be announced at the SEMA Show on November 3 in SEMA Central, before the top two advance to compete in a final round on November 4 at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, where the winner will be announced.   

To learn more about SEMA Launch Pad , visit www.sema.org/launchpad. 

With a full reveal expected to be just months away, Land Rover engineers are entering an advanced stage of development for the fifth-generation Range Rover, and our photographers have captured a prototype of the plug-in hybrid variant on public roads.

It’s the latest in a series of sightings of Britain’s reinvented flagship, following recent glimpses of the standard SUV, the lower-slung Range Rover Sport and the top-rung long-wheelbase model. Here, mandatory stickers and a just-visible charging port give the test mule’s electrified powertrain away. Otherwise, like the current Range Rover P400e, it looks like the PHEV will be completely identical to its ICE sibling.

The new Range Rover will play a vital role in facilitating Jaguar Land Rover's recovery from the pandemic and chip shortage, and its new MLA platform, which will go on to underpin a number of other models in Land Rover's lineup, will be a cornerstone of the marque’s push towards full electrification.

The plug-in hybrid spotted here is likely to use an evolved version of the current P400e model’s gas-electric setup, which mates an Ingenium 2.0L turbo four with a 143hp electric motor and a 17.1-kWh battery for around 30 miles of range. However, a more-potent PHEV option with two electric motors is in the cards, no doubt with superior off-road ability courtesy of a boost in low-end torque.

Elsewhere in the lineup, we are expecting to see the Range Rover retain its 48-V mild-hybridized Ingenium 3.0L straight six, while the range-topping model will use technical partner BMW’s 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 with upwards of 500 hp.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde