What the Media Is Saying About the 2008 SEMA Show

Behind every product, behind every project vehicle, behind every exhibitor booth, there’s a story. The following is just a small sample of the many articles currently being published/broadcast about the 2008 SEMA Show. Click on the links to read the full stories.

The New York Times, November 6, 2008
Exhibition for Red-Hot Performance Takes a Green Turn

On the Show floor, crowds were drawn to a Ford F-150 modified by a British company, PML Flightlink. Attendees wanted a closer look at a 600hp truck with an empty engine compartment. It’s the Hi-Pa Drive F-150, powered by electric motors fitted inside the wheels. John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology, summed it up best: “Green vehicles are blank canvases for the performance and specialty-equipment industry.”

MSN.com, November 13, 2008
Cars Gone Wild—SEMA’s Most Outrageous Rides

MSN.com dedicated this article to vehicles from the 2008 SEMA Show, worthy of the big “O” designation. Outrageous vehicles on author Evan Griffey’s radar include a 1,350hp '70 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, a Hummer Halftrack and a smart fortwo resting on an air-bag suspension system. 

Hot Rod Magazine, November 8, 2008
2010 Camaro Hot Rod SEMA Introduction

The 2010 Camaro was designated as the Official Vehicle of the Show. And despite the raging political and financial debate about the Big Three, Hot Rod Magazine boldly states that GM has perhaps the best new-car lineup in its history.

European Car, November 6, 2008
SEMA Show 2008

According to European Car, “The truth is, SEMA 2008 is more concentrated, more focused. The attendees that are at the Show this year are there to do business, and a good portion of them are on a much tighter time table, so there is no screwing around.” Wasting none of its own time, European Car was quick to report on VW’s unveiling of a Passat CC, a Jetta TDI Cup and a modified Tiguan. 

WIRED, November 4, 2008
Election Distraction: Cobra Jet Versus LS7 Camaro

True, on November 4, most eyes and ears were tuned to election results coverage. But for SEMA Show 2008 attendees, there was another rivalry raging on the Show floor: Chevy vs. Ford, specifically the Cobra Jet vs. the LS7 Camaro.

Modified L&E (Luxury & Exotics), November 4, 2008
Mercedes-Benz at SEMA; Modified GLKs Unveiled

For the first time ever, Mercedes-Benz took part in the 2008 SEMA Show, unveiling four uniquely themed GLK SUVs. In this article Modified L&E dissects the finish products created by the automotive surgeons of Boulevard Customs, Legendary Motorcar, Brabus and RENNtech.

Detroit News—Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Auto Design Firm Sparkles at Vegas Show

Like many attendees, Murray Pfaff, of Royal Oak-based Pfaff Designs, attends the SEMA Show to network with clients and hopefully identify the innovations that may become future trends in car customization. Pfaff shared some of his Show highlights with Detroit News.

Consumer Reports, November 18, 2008
SEMA 2008 Wrap up

Consumer Reports is famous for leaving no stone unturned with it comes to the thorough examination of any product. The company’s Autos staff is no exception and compiled a comprehensive list of highlights.

Road & Track
2008 SEMA Show

Road & Track’s take on the 2008 SEMA Show—“Tuner-licious extravagance.” The magazine offers readers both articles and video covering the rolling highlights from their week in Las Vegas.

Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com’s Inside Line Video takes viewers on a virtual tour of the Mobile Electronics section of the 2008 SEMA Show, featuring Senior Technology Editor Doug Newcomb.

SEMA members going to the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show are invited to attend the SEMA's Street Performance Council (SPC) Jobber/Retailer Focus Panel to learn the latest on the performance industry and where the market is headed. The Jobber/Retailer Focus Panel is set for Friday, December 12, 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in the Orange County (Orlando, Florida) Convention Center, meeting room S230 F on the third level.  

To RSVP or if you have any questions about the Jobber/Retailer Focus Panel, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. To learn more about the SPC, CLICK HERE.

For more information on the PRI Trade Show, CLICK HERE.

SPC Mission Statement
SPC is one of eight SEMA councils. SPC’s mission is to provide market information, education and support to members concerning new and emerging trends.

This Dodge Challenger convertible conversion by Coach Builders won Chrysler's Dodge Brand Design Award.

Chrysler representatives recognized the top project vehicles for its Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler brands at the 2008 SEMA Show. Winners included:

Jeep Brand Vehicle Winner
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, "Wounded Warrior" by United Four Wheel Drive Associations, with help from Super Lift

Jeep Accessory Winner
2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited fastback soft top, "Trek Top" by Bestop

Dodge Brand Vehicle Winner
2009 LC Challenger Convertible by Coach Builders Ltd.

Dodge Accessory Winner
2009 LC Challenger widebody kit with hood and hood shaker from Classic Design Concepts

Dodge Truck Brand Winner
2009 DS Ram by Source Interlink Media

Dodge Truck Accessory Winner
2009 DS Ram, 6-inch lift kit from Superlift Suspension Systems

Vintage/Wild Card Winner
1955 Chrysler 300 "Revolution" station wagon by J.F. Launier  

More than 100,000 attended the 2008 SEMA Show.

In the months leading up to the 2008 SEMA Show, the association's leadership worked tirelessly to ensure that the challenging economy would have minimal impact on the annual event. Post-Show reviews from exhibitors, attendance of more than 100,000 and the introduction of nearly 2,000 new products attest to SEMA's efforts and display the resiliency of the specialty-equipment industry. 

"The Show was probably one of the top three SEMA Shows, and in a bad economy that is not too bad," said Bill Wagner, vice president of sales and marketing at Winfield Consumer Products Inc. "I believe our company has been in every Show since it was founded 20 years ago, and the quality of those attending this year was tops. Everyone I talked to was happy with the Show."

David South, vice president of marketing at STS Turbo, a five-time Show exhibitor, participated in the new Making Green Cool Zone, an area that showcased products that improve fuel-efficiency, reduce emissions or use an alternative fuel or propulsion system.

"The Making Green Cool Zone was a big hit for us this year," said South. "Participating in the fuel-mileage challenge with our single turbo system for the F-150 and being able to represent our products and commitment to the green movement were enough to make the Show a success for us.

"But there were also the benefits of extracurricular morning and evening events, constant behind-the-scenes efforts in legislative activities to help protect the rights we enjoy in this industry, and Chris Kersting himself handing out sandwiches on setup days that really make an emerging company like ours grateful to be part of an organization that works so hard to help us grow and be successful," South added.

With the completion of yet another thriving Show, SEMA has already begun preparations for the 2009 Show, scheduled November 3–6. Once again, the Show will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees can expect to sign up in early May. Don't miss out on what is sure to be another profitable SEMA Show!

Filler for eNews

Filler for eNews

Brenda Priddy's spy photogs caught up with the 2010 Pagani Zonda F supercar prototype running through a testing regime in North America. Up front, this next-generation Zonda F will get an all-new front clip. In back, the rear quarter-panels have been re-sculpted to allow for significantly increased airflow. The rear diffuser has also been redesigned and there is a new air scoop that sticks up from the middle of the engine cover.

This Pagani has enormous 335/30/ZR20 Pirelli P Zero Rosso tires in back and 255/35/ZR19 tires in front. Inside the wheels are equally enormous carbon-ceramic brake rotors.

What powerplant this supercar might run is a mystery. Pagani covered the clear engine compartment panels with black tape, and judging from the new, larger air intakes on this prototype, whichever motor resides under the cover needs more airflow than the Mercedes-Benz AMG 7.3L V8 found in the current Zonda F.

There are rumors of the 5.4L supercharged V8 from the McLaren SLR 722 or perhaps the bi-turbo V12 from the recently-debuted Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series providing motivation for the Zonda F. Whichever motor is selected, it should be good for 600–700 hp.

The Zonda F should start production sometime in the first half of 2009. Price: expected to be a cool $650,000.

The 2008 SEMA Show featured a record number of New Products entries. CLICK HERE to see all of the new products entered in the Racing & Performance section.

Note: New Products categories are selected by the submitting manufacturer.

The Department of Labor (DOL) made several changes to regulations governing the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) which are intended to address gray areas in the law. The following are key items:

• Workers must now abide by an employer’s call-in procedure for unscheduled leave, except for limited emergencies that would permit “after-the-fact” reporting. Workers previously had up to two days after the first absence to notify the employer. 
• An employer (but not a direct supervisor) may contact an worker's health care provider with the worker's consent to verify the authenticity of a medical condition. 
• A worker must see a doctor at least twice within 30 days of beginning leave, with the first visit occurring within the first seven days. 
• 26 weeks of leave are permitted to care for family members injured in the military. Workers may take up to 12 weeks of leave if a family member is serving in the National Guard. 

The FMLA’s impact on the small-business community is limited since it only applies to companies with 50 or more workers. Covered employers must allow workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off and a guaranteed equivalent job upon return from a serious illness, to take care of a seriously ill child, spouse or parent or for the birth/adoption of a child. 

Legislative changes to the FMLA are expected to be pursued in the next Congress, such as applying coverage to companies with as few as 25 workers and mandating paid sick leave. For additional details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.  

MERGER: Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Chip Ganassi Racing announced a merger of the two NASCAR Sprint Cup teams to field four cars next season under the Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing with the Felix Sabates banner.

BANNED: NASCAR has banned testing the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Camping World Truck Series and Camping World East and West Series in an effort to cut costs for its competing teams. Testing will not be allowed at NASCAR-affiliated race tracks.

THE CHAMP: Jimmie Johnson secured his third-consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship, joining Cale Yarborough as the only drivers to have won the title three years in a row. Clint Bowyer won the NASCAR Nationwide Series crown and Johnny Benson earned the Truck series title.

ON THE MOVE: Bobby Hutchens has left Dale Earnhardt Inc. and will become director of competition for Stewart Haas Racing. As well, DEI crew chief Tony Gibson will join Stewart Haas as Crew Chief for new driver Ryan Newman.

SAME DISTANCE: The NHRA will start the 2009 season with its Top Fuel and Funny Car teams still racing at 1,000 feet. However, the sanctioning body will continue to evaluate information regarding a possible return to the traditional quarter-mile distance.

ON THE ROAD: Penske Racing is making the switch from the American Le Mans Series to the Grand American Road Racing Championship and expects to field two cars in the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January and a single entry throughout the season.

TWO YEARS: Lucas Oil of Canada has signed a two-year sponsorship agreement to be the title sponsor of the Empire Super Sprint Series.

POWER RANKINGS: NHRA Top Fuel point leader Tony Schumacher remains at the top of the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings despite being eliminated in the second round at the season finale for the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. The National Speed Sport News Power Rankings are published weekly in the 74-year-old motorsports publication.

SPONSOR: Speedway Motorsports Inc. is sponsoring the sixth annual Economaki Champion of Champions Award presented annually by National Speed Sport News.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News, click on the following link for a special industry rate: www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/subscribe.html?pid=NQ%2BVfhkepT4%3D.