By SEMA News Editors

Audi's current Q7, first introduced in 2015 and refreshed in 2019 and 2024, is now the brand's oldest model still in production. According to new images captured by SEMA News sources, the upcoming next-generation Q7 is expected to undergo significant design changes.

Though still hidden under camouflage, the new images reveal some key design updates, including new split headlights--a feature that will appear on several upcoming Audi models--and L-shaped taillights, seen for the first time in what looks like their final production form. The new Q7 will also showcase the latest iteration of Audi's Singleframe grille, which takes on a more rounded appearance compared to the boxier designs on current models. According to the SEMA News sources, the Q7 seems to retain dimensions similar to the current version, which remains Audi's largest SUV. However, there are rumors of an even bigger Audi Q9 in development.

The third-generation Q7 is shaping up to be one of Audi's final models featuring internal-combustion engines. Audi has announced that all new models launched after 2026 will be fully electric, and with the Q7 expected to debut in early 2026 after a 2025 unveiling, it might mark the end of the line for gas-powered Audis. Audi plans to phase out combustion engines entirely by 2033.

The new Q7 is anticipated to offer a range of mild-hybrid gas and diesel options, along with significantly improved plug-in hybrids that deliver a longer electric range, insiders said. A sporty SQ7 variant featuring a performance-focused hybrid powertrain is also likely to return.

By SEMA News Editors

Officials from PASMAG's Tuner Battlegrounds presented by LIQUI MOLY honored its "Season 11" champion, John Proulx, at the 2024 SEMA Show last month in Las Vegas. Proulx's '09 Subaru WRX STI was on display in the PAGMAG booth on the SEMA Show floor, and Proulx was also honored during a special award presentation led by Tuner Battlegrounds host and "Season 9" champion Luke Skalisius. 

PASMAG's Tuner Battlegrounds is an online bracket-style tournament competition where automotive enthusiasts can compete with their modified vehicles and vote for their favorite vehicles or automotive builders on tunerbattlegrounds.com. Participating automotive enthusiasts have the opportunity to compete for exclusive print features in PASMAG, giveaways from sponsors and awards at participating events and in the annual championship playoffs.

"Season 11" of PASMAG's Tuner Battlegrounds presented by LIQUI MOLY attracted top enthusiasts from across North America, but Proulx emerged victorious with his Toyota V12-powered Subaru STI, which was a crowd favorite for its meticulous craftsmanship and custom modifications. It is powered by a Toyota V12 engine with dual G30-770 turbos, 44mm external wastegates, and a custom 3-in. exhaust system. The custom build, highlighted by Bentley Eclipse Grey Metallic paint and Weld Racing forged S71 wheels, is also enhanced with an Android head unit and custom interior wiring managed by a Maxxecu Pro ECU.

"Seeing my car on the cover of PASMAG and in the booth at SEMA is a surreal moment," said Proulx. "This journey was fueled by countless hours, late nights and a profound passion. I'm grateful to the Tuner Battlegrounds team, LIQUI MOLY and the community that supported me." 

"John's build represents the essence of Tuner Battlegrounds--a mix of technical skill, creativity and commitment to the culture that defines us. Featuring his car on our cover and in the PASMAG booth completes this achievement. We're honored to celebrate this moment with him at SEMA and grateful to LIQUI MOLY for their continued support, which allows us to produce Tuner Battlegrounds each year," said Tim Rutledge, executive producer of Tuner Battlegrounds.

For more information, visit tunerbattlegrounds.com or semashow.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Advanced Clutch Technology

225mm Mod-Twin Pull-Type Clutch Kit for '93-'95 Mazda RX-7 (FD)

These 225mm Mod-Twin kits provide improved feel, drivability, performance and durability, the manufacturer says, accommodating torque levels as high as 1,120 lb.-ft. for racing applications. Optional components can be combined in any one of 10 configurations. The kit has three different clamp loads available, alternate friction plates and a choice of sprung or solid Mono-Drive hub.

Clutch Kits for Acura TL Type S and Honda Accord J35

Advanced Clutch Technology has designed its latest street performance and race clutch kits for the Acura TL Type S and Honda Accord J35 applications. SFI-certified for racing, the kits are rated to handle up to 587 lb.-ft. of torque and include the Chromoly XACT Streetlite flywheel, clutch hardware, release bearing, pilot bearing and alignment tool.

advancedclutch.com

BMR Suspension

Non-Adjustable Upper Control Arms for '21-'24 Ford Bronco

Designed from 1.625-in. DOM steel tubing, BMR's Non-Adjustable Upper Control Arms aim to reduce upper-control-arm flex and improve traction on the street and off-road, and are available in red or black hammertone powder coat.

Delrin Transmission/Differential Mount Kit for C6 Corvette

BMR Suspension has released a new transmission/differential mount kit for '05-'13 Chevrolet Corvette applications to reduce transmission movement and improve throttle response. Formed from a laser-cut steel plate and Delrin bushings, the kit is designed to eliminate transmission movement by replacing the soft rubber bushings that contribute to deflection.

bmrsuspension.com

Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

NASCAR Names Craig Stimmel as Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer

NASCAR has hired Craig Stimmel to lead all sales efforts for the sanctioning body as senior vice president and chief commercial officer.

In this role, Stimmel will oversee all sales aspects for NASCAR, including premier partner and official partner categories, race entitlements, track partnerships and media sales across owned channels such as Motor Racing Network (MRN) and NASCAR Digital Media. He will also work closely with NASCAR's media partners, teams and non-NASCAR tracks to cultivate commercial opportunities across the entire NASCAR ecosystem.

Stimmel previously led global sales and partnerships for the WWE, and held a similar role at Snapchat. Most recently, Stimmel was senior vice president of commercial for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Stimmel will be based in NASCAR's New York office and will manage employees across more than 20 office and race track locations. He will report to EVP, Chief Media and Revenue Officer Brian Herbst.

For more information, visit nascar.com.
 

TAG Heuer Extends Partnership With INDYCAR, IMS

Image Courtesy of Penske Entertainment: Chris Owens.
 

Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer has renewed its longstanding, multiyear partnership with INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).

Continuing as the official watch and timekeeper of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the Indianapolis 500, TAG Heuer will remain a presenting sponsor of the Hulman Terrace Club hospitality suites at IMS.

TAG Heuer started its partnership with INDYCAR in 2014 and with the Indianapolis 500 and IMS in 2004.

TAG Heuer branding also will continue to have a strong presence at IMS, including on the IMS Pagoda and on the retaining wall near the Yard of Bricks start-finish line during the "Month of May."

For more information, visit indycar.com.

Drag Illustrated Winter Series Introduces Points Championship for Pro Mod

The 2024-25 Drag Illustrated Winter Series, a three-race championship contested at Bradenton Motorsports Park, will see drivers battling for the first-ever Drag Illustrated Winter Series Points Championship.

Drivers will accrue points for qualifying, elimination round victories and participation, ensuring that consistency and performance across all three events are rewarded. The World Series of Pro Mod will award points-and-a-half during eliminations.

For more information, visit thewinterseries.com.

Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com. 

By SEMA News Editors

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares Resigns

Stellantis, the multinational automaker that includes the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and other brands, has accepted the resignation of CEO Carlos Tavares with immediate effect.

The process to appoint the new permanent CEO is under way, managed by a special committee of the board, and will be concluded within the first half of 2025. Until then, a new interim executive committee, chaired by John Elkann, will be established.

"Our thanks go to Carlos for his years of dedicated service and the role he has played in the creation of Stellantis, in addition to the previous turnarounds of PSA and Opel, setting us on the path to becoming a global leader in our industry," said Elkann. "I look forward to working with our new Interim Executive Committee, supported by all our Stellantis colleagues, as we complete the process of appointing our new CEO. Together we will ensure the continued deployment of the Company’s strategy in the long-term interests of Stellantis and all of its stakeholders.”

For more information, visit stellantis.com.

Image courtesy of Stellantis.

Aptera to Showcase Solar Electric Vehicle at CES 2025

Aptera Motors will showcase its solar electric vehicle that requires no charging for most daily use at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025.

Aptera’s flagship vehicle, also called Aptera, offers up to 40 miles of solar-powered driving per day, an ultra-aerodynamic design, unparalleled energy efficiency and the option to plug in to charge for 400 miles on single charge in under an hour, the company said.

Currently, Aptera is in its final developmental stage before it kicks off series production and is building a series of production-intent vehicles.

At CES 2025, Aptera plans to showcase its production-intent vehicle to the public for the first time. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience firsthand how Aptera's solar-powered design redefines mobility. In addition to unveiling its vehicle, Aptera will be offering exclusive driving demos to select media personnel

For more information, visit aptera.us.

Image courtesy of Aptera.

Maaco Appoints Frank Petrane as President

Maaco has appointed Frank Petrane to serve as its brand president.

Prior to his appointment, Petrane served as senior vice president of fleet programs at Driven Brands. Petrane has spent more than 18 years in roles of increasing responsibility at Driven Brands, after starting with Maaco as a national account manager in 2006.

For more information, visit maaco.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Albert Torres, national sales manager at RIGID Industries, as the network's newest spotlight member.  

Get to know Torres in his interview with SEMA News below.  

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received?  
Albert Torres: Everyone makes mistakes. It's how you adjust and correct the mistake that matters. This advice has allowed me to take chances and be more open to new things and changes. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry?  
AT: The community, for one, is phenomenal. When at an event or on a trail run, it is great to see everyone support each other. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  
AT: When I am not working an event, you will find me on a baseball field. Two of my kids play baseball and I help with coaching as well. If there is no baseball or work, then camping is the go-to. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?  
AT: I like to make a list of my main points or questions prior to going to the meeting. 

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?  
AT: Well, it wasn't lunch, but I was stoked this past MINT 400 to have the opportunity to meet [former professional off-road racer] Ivan Stewart. The guy is a legend! Ivan had a great presence at this last MINT 400, and it was great to hear some of his racing stories. 

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.  

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Responding to an active effort to convince President-elect Trump to retain the Biden-Harris Administration's tailpipe rules and forgo a key campaign promise to halt electric vehicle mandates, SEMA has urged the incoming administration to stay the course and reject widely unpopular electric vehicle mandates. 

SEMA's letter follows a New York Times report that several of the nation's largest automakers are requesting that President-elect Trump keep the Biden-Harris Administration tailpipe emissions policy that would eliminate consumers' vehicle choice by mandating electric vehicles. 

"It is disheartening to hear that some within the automotive industry are seeking to largely keep the Biden Administration's tailpipe rules in place," the letter says. "On behalf of SEMA's members, we support your stated goal of a 'Day 1' end to EV mandates. As you are well aware, such mandates stifle the innovation and ingenuity that makes our nation great.

"EV mandates are the antithesis to what drives America. Whether these mandates arrive in the form of tailpipe emissions standards that can only be achieved through the sale of EVs or waivers that enable some states to impose their own standards on other states (as is the case of California's standards that as many as 16 states can adopt), they all destroy consumers' freedom to choose what vehicles they want--or need--to drive. While EVs are a part of the solution for reducing carbon emissions for mobile sources, mandates rob our nation's innovators of the opportunity to develop new technologies and solutions that meaningfully reduce emissions in a way that doesn't hurt consumers and small automotive businesses. They harm our economy, threaten to stifle interstate commerce, and place millions of jobs at risk." 

Read the full letter here.  

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Responding to an active effort to convince President-elect Trump to retain the Biden-Harris Administration's tailpipe rules and forgo a key campaign promise to halt electric vehicle mandates, SEMA has urged the incoming administration to stay the course and reject widely unpopular electric vehicle mandates. 

SEMA's letter follows a New York Times report that several of the nation's largest automakers are requesting that President-elect Trump keep the Biden-Harris Administration tailpipe emissions policy that would eliminate consumers' vehicle choice by mandating electric vehicles. 

"It is disheartening to hear that some within the automotive industry are seeking to largely keep the Biden Administration's tailpipe rules in place," the letter says. "On behalf of SEMA's members, we support your stated goal of a 'Day 1' end to EV mandates. As you are well aware, such mandates stifle the innovation and ingenuity that makes our nation great.

"EV mandates are the antithesis to what drives America. Whether these mandates arrive in the form of tailpipe emissions standards that can only be achieved through the sale of EVs or waivers that enable some states to impose their own standards on other states (as is the case of California's standards that as many as 16 states can adopt), they all destroy consumers' freedom to choose what vehicles they want--or need--to drive. While EVs are a part of the solution for reducing carbon emissions for mobile sources, mandates rob our nation's innovators of the opportunity to develop new technologies and solutions that meaningfully reduce emissions in a way that doesn't hurt consumers and small automotive businesses. They harm our economy, threaten to stifle interstate commerce, and place millions of jobs at risk." 

Read the full letter here.  

By SEMA News Editors
 

Formula 1 Approves GM/Cadillac Entry for 2026

Formula 1 has announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with General Motors (GM) to bring GM/Cadillac as the 11th team to the Formula 1 grid in 2026. The automaker will also launch an F1 power unit by the end of the decade, GM said.

"Innovations created for Formula 1 will contribute to GM's push to drive the future of transportation, leveraging advanced electrification, powertrain, software and internal-combustion-engine technology for consumers around the globe," GM representatives said in a statement announcing the agreement. "Launching a Formula 1 team will also highlight the Cadillac brand to a diverse international audience, showcasing GM's technology and design capabilities."

Mario Andretti, the last American F1 Champion, will serve as a director on the team's board.

Since GM's bid to join F1 was announced in January 2023, Cadillac Formula 1 has assembled an experienced team to work on aerodynamics, chassis and component development, software, and vehicle dynamics simulation. The team has operations in Fishers, Indiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; Warren, Michigan; and Silverstone, England.

In addition to the Cadillac F1 partnership with GM, TWG Global owns and operates Andretti Global, Wayne Taylor Racing and Spire Motorsports.

For more information, visit formula1.com or gm.com.

KYB-Supported Lexus LX600 Wins Stock Full Size Class at Baja 1000

KYB, the Japanese shock and strut manufacturer with American operations based in Indiana, partnered with the JAOS off-road racing team to claim victory in the Stock Full Size Class at the 2024 Baja 1000 with the team's Lexus LX600.

The team completed the endurance race in 28 hours and 47 minutes.

Tomonori Noto completed the drive as an Ironman competitor, meaning no other driver took the helm of the vehicle during the race.

To read more about the manufacturer and team's joint effort, visit kyb.com.

WoO Releases 2025 Sprint Car Schedule

World Racing Group has released the 2025 schedule for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car series.

The 48th season in series history will include 41 tracks in 21 states, as well as its first trip to Canada in eight years.

On-track action for 2025 kicks off in February at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida, and concludes in November at The Dirt Track at Charlotte in Concord, North Carolina.

Additionally, Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wisconsin, will join the calendar in 2025, the lone new facility on the schedule. Ohsweken Speedway and Cornwall Motor Speedway also return to the schedule for the first time since 2017 and 2014 respectively, making up a three-race swing in Ontario, Canada.

For more information, including the full 2025 schedule, visit worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars.

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are a few of the latest postings, including the following SEMA/PRI job listing:
 

Performance Racing Industry (PRI) and SEMA
Associate Editor in Diamond Bar, California
This new hire will contribute to the content and production of PRI Magazine across all platforms, plus work within the editorial department and closely with the art department and sales team to efficiently produce industry-leading content, among other duties.

Renegade Racing Fuels & Oils (A Division of Valor, LLC)
National Sales and Marketing Director in Owensboro, Kentucky
This new hire will, among additional duties, establish new business, maintain existing sales and increase the company's market share by working closely with the distributor's key personnel.

AMS Performance
Mechanical Engineer in Batavia, Illinois
This new hire utilizes their mechanical aptitude to spearhead the creation of innovative high-performance vehicle components, spanning from intake filters to exhaust tips and everything in between.