By SEMA Editors
Several new vehicle models and concepts were unveiled to the media yesterday at the 2019 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The following is a sampling of some of the debuts that are more relevant to the specialty-equipment industry:
Hyundai RM19 Mid-Engine Sports Car Prototype
| Hyundai Motor Co.’s RM19 Sports Car’s mid-engine body configuration is the culmination of a project that began in 2012 to develop and connect new high-performance motorsports technologies with future Hyundai production models. The rear-drive RM19 is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged, direct-injected gas I-4 with an output of 390 hp and an estimated 0–60 mph time of 4 seconds. The engine is backed by a six-speed sequential transmission and rides on a MacPherson front and double-wishbone rear suspension featuring adjustable geometry. Wheels are 20x8.5J in front, 20x11J in the rear and a Bosch ABS utilizes six-piston calipers up front and four-piston units the rear. While the 2.0L gas engine is the only powerplant at present, Hyundai has hinted that it plans to use the RM series eventually as a test bed for a variety of future high-performance HEV, PHEV and FCEV technologies. |
Kia Peaks Into The Future With ’21 Seltos Concepts
Moments after unveiling the all-new ’21 Seltos SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia Motors America (KMA) let two Seltos concepts off their leash—the X-Line Trail Attack and X-Line Urban Concept, shown here. Inspired by the imposing glass and steel skyscrapers of New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Urban Concept’s custom slate gray paint scheme is highlighted by a gloss-black roof panel for a splash of stark modernity. The concept features a custom 2-in. lift, which helps to raise the seating position and offer a better vantage point maneuvering around city traffic. Electronically controlled AWD with torque vectoring puts power through the 17x8-in. alloy wheels where it’s needed most: to the tire with optimum traction. Resting below the custom hood complete with integrated intake is the same powerplant found in the Trail Attack Concept, offering authoritative acceleration away from stoplights. Up top, four high-powered Hella auxiliary lights cut through low-hanging city fog and the custom fabricated roof rack will hold all the extra stuff any apartment dweller can amass. The interior features include a 10.25-in. touchscreen navigation system and backup camera. |
 Audi RS Q8 |
Audi RS Q8
The all-new Audi RS Q8 made its global debut, combining the practicality of an SUV and performance of an RS.
The RS is powered by a biturbo 4.0L V8 engine said to deliver an estimated 600 hp and 590 lb.-ft. of torque with a 0–60 mph time in the 3.8-second range and a claimed top speed of 189.5 mph when equipped with ceramic brakes. All-wheel drive is actuated through a standard eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, and the RS’s rear differential splits torque between the rear wheels as required when cornering, improving stability and handling dynamics.
The RS rides on an adaptive air suspension with RS-specific tuning, and drivers can further customize their experience using the standard Audi Drive Select system with seven different profiles, each of which recalibrates the car’s throttle response, transmission shift points, steering and braking input, lateral torque distribution and other performance parameters to best suit road conditions.
The RS Q8 will be available in the United States in early 2020.
 Land Rover Defender |
Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender has returned to the United States for the first time in 22 years. The Defender will be available in three models: A three-door Defender 90 First Edition, a long-wheelbase Defender 110 and a Defender 110 First Edition, with pricing for the base-model D110 starting at $49,900.
Available engines will be the base 2.0L turbocharged I-4 producing 296 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 3.0L MEHV I-6 producing 395 hp and 406 lb.-ft. Gearing duties for the full-time four-wheel drive are handled by a ZF eight-speed automatic and two-speed transfer case, and the electronic air suspension can be driver-adjusted via a new Configurable Terrain Response system. Eighteen-, 19- and 20-in. wheels are available, depending on trim level, and top-line HSE models get 14-way-adjustable heated and cooled power memory front seats.
The Defender 90 First Edition will be available in spring of 2020, while the longer-wheelbase 110s will be available the following summer.
 Hyundai Vision T Plug-in Hybrid SUV Concept |
Hyundai Vision T Plug-in Hybrid SUV Concept
Hyundai’s Vision T Plug-in Hybrid SUV Concept is the seventh in a series of Hyundai Design Center concepts expressing Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” global design language. The SUV concept hints at future Hyundai product offerings aimed at eco-conscious buyers.
The Vision T’s charging port is located on the passenger-side rear-quarter panel and features a sliding cover. When charging, “Blue Drive” is illuminated, indicating the system is actively charging. The state of charge is also indicated externally in a circular light cluster, creating a complete circle appearance when fully charged. When driven at higher speeds, the Parametric Air Shutter Grille opens and closes to optimize aerodynamics.
The side window design features frameless openings and satin-chrome trim. The oversize satin-chrome alloy wheels feature ample void areas within the split-five-spoke design. From above, a special glass pattern is embossed within the roof glass. These dynamic effects carry into the dark chrome logo design; when illuminated, it radiates bright green and deep red hues.
 ’21 Ford Mustang Mach-E |
’21 Ford Mustang Mach-E
For the first time in 55 years, Ford has expanded the Mustang lineup, unveiling the ’21 Mustang Mach-E all-electric SUV at a media event, Sunday November 17, at the Petersen Automotive Museum ahead of the 2019 Los Angeles International Auto Show.
The Mustang Mach-E will be available with standard and extended-range battery options with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive powered by permanent magnet motors. Equipped with an extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive, the Mach-E has a targeted EPA-estimated range of at least 300 miles. In extended-range all-wheel-drive configurations, Mach-E’s estimated power output is 332 hp and 417 lb.-ft. of torque.
Two special performance versions will also be available: The GT and GT Performance editions, which will produce an estimated 459 hp and 612 lb.-ft. of torque. The Mach-E will also feature a brand-new all-wheel drive system as well as a MagneRide adaptive suspension.
The Mach-E is slated to go on sale in late 2020 with a base price of $44,995.
 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport R |
Volkswagen to Return to Baja 1000 for 2020
Volkswagen will return to the Baja 1000 off-road race in 2020, entering an Atlas Cross Sport R race truck in Class 7 Open Production Unlimited. The prototype race truck unveiled at the 2019 Los Angeles International Auto Show is the first look at the vehicle that will compete in the SCORE Baja 1000 next November.
Developed in conjunction with VW driver Tanner Foust and Baja race veteran Rhys Millen, the Atlas Cross Sport R will be the first four-wheel-drive vehicle to enter Baja Class 7 competition. Power will be distributed to the wheels from a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, first developed by Volkswagen Motorsport for use in its WRC and Rallycross programs. Capable of running up to 600 hp—or 300 hp per liter—the engine will be detuned to roughly 480 hp for an optimized balance of performance and reliability. Currently in concept form, the vehicle is being tested for further development and finalization before the 2020 race.
 ’20 Dodge Challenger Widebody 50th Anniversary Edition |
’20 Dodge Challenger Widebody 50th Anniversary Edition
Dodge unveiled a limited-production ’20 Challenger package to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Challenger. The package is to be offered on four models, including the Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody shown here. The Challenger Widebody edition will be offered in seven colors; production will be limited to 70 units per color for a total of 490 units.
The Widebody package on Challenger R/T Scat Pack adds 3.5 in. of overall width, rides on 305/35ZR20 Pirelli tires mounted to 20x11-in. wheels. It also includes an SRT-tuned chassis, featuring stiffer front springs, retuned shock absorbers and larger sway bars in both front and rear and SRT-tuned high-performance adaptive damping suspension. According to the manufacturer, the R/T Scat Pack Widebody delivers its best on-road and on-track performance ever, with an improvement of close to two seconds per lap or 12 car lengths compared with the R/T Scat Pack. In a quarter-mile comparison, the new Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody gained .2 seconds, running 12.1 seconds E.T. at 112 mph.
Comstock High School was one of five high schools that participated in the 2019 SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program. The students built an ’04 Jeep Wrangler Sahara.
