By Kristopher Porter

SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) has partnered with the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC) to build a new Honda Talon UTV.

SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) has officially announced a UTV build partnership with Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC). YEN leadership and SEMA staff met with AXC instructor Barney Harris and founder of the program Brian Suggs during a mock measuring session on the brand-new Honda Talon UTV build at the AXC garage in Pomona, California. The students and instructor gave a tour of their workshop, where every tool was in its place, floors were clean and the fun projects awaited the students.

The faculty and administration work hard to create a challenging atmosphere that will prepare students for a future in the automotive industry, but the influence goes beyond the hands-on work in the garage. Students are expected to successfully complete “prework” aimed to instill responsibility, punctuality and team building before starting the work in the garage.

For more updates, visit www.sema.org/utv-build.

If you have any questions, or are interested in helping with the build process, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison.

By Kristopher Porter

SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) has partnered with the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC) to build a new Honda Talon UTV.

SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) has officially announced a UTV build partnership with Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC). YEN leadership and SEMA staff met with AXC instructor Barney Harris and founder of the program Brian Suggs during a mock measuring session on the brand-new Honda Talon UTV build at the AXC garage in Pomona, California. The students and instructor gave a tour of their workshop, where every tool was in its place, floors were clean and the fun projects awaited the students.

The faculty and administration work hard to create a challenging atmosphere that will prepare students for a future in the automotive industry, but the influence goes beyond the hands-on work in the garage. Students are expected to successfully complete “prework” aimed to instill responsibility, punctuality and team building before starting the work in the garage.

For more updates, visit www.sema.org/utv-build.

If you have any questions, or are interested in helping with the build process, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison.

This is the long-rumored (U.S. market) Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel.

Caught while testing in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel is finally becoming a reality. According to Jeep, only the Wrangler Unlimited models will offer the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 as a powertrain option. The updated version of the 3.0L EcoDiesel will be rated at around 260 hp and 442 lb.-ft of torque. It will also feature Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology on all EcoDiesel models. Power will be mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.

According to MoparInsiders, “The updated EcoDiesel will implement new turbocharger technology featuring a low-friction bearing, which is designed for low-end and transient performance. Low-friction pistons will also help improve fuel economy, while a new injector nozzle design, piston bowl and glow plug with integrated combustion pressure sensor help to optimize combustion.”

Expect an official debut in the coming months, with an on-sale date sometime in November.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the long-rumored (U.S. market) Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel.

Caught while testing in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel is finally becoming a reality. According to Jeep, only the Wrangler Unlimited models will offer the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 as a powertrain option. The updated version of the 3.0L EcoDiesel will be rated at around 260 hp and 442 lb.-ft of torque. It will also feature Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology on all EcoDiesel models. Power will be mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.

According to MoparInsiders, “The updated EcoDiesel will implement new turbocharger technology featuring a low-friction bearing, which is designed for low-end and transient performance. Low-friction pistons will also help improve fuel economy, while a new injector nozzle design, piston bowl and glow plug with integrated combustion pressure sensor help to optimize combustion.”

Expect an official debut in the coming months, with an on-sale date sometime in November.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the long-rumored (U.S. market) Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel.

Caught while testing in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel is finally becoming a reality. According to Jeep, only the Wrangler Unlimited models will offer the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 as a powertrain option. The updated version of the 3.0L EcoDiesel will be rated at around 260 hp and 442 lb.-ft of torque. It will also feature Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology on all EcoDiesel models. Power will be mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.

According to MoparInsiders, “The updated EcoDiesel will implement new turbocharger technology featuring a low-friction bearing, which is designed for low-end and transient performance. Low-friction pistons will also help improve fuel economy, while a new injector nozzle design, piston bowl and glow plug with integrated combustion pressure sensor help to optimize combustion.”

Expect an official debut in the coming months, with an on-sale date sometime in November.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the long-rumored (U.S. market) Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel.

Caught while testing in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel is finally becoming a reality. According to Jeep, only the Wrangler Unlimited models will offer the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 as a powertrain option. The updated version of the 3.0L EcoDiesel will be rated at around 260 hp and 442 lb.-ft of torque. It will also feature Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology on all EcoDiesel models. Power will be mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.

According to MoparInsiders, “The updated EcoDiesel will implement new turbocharger technology featuring a low-friction bearing, which is designed for low-end and transient performance. Low-friction pistons will also help improve fuel economy, while a new injector nozzle design, piston bowl and glow plug with integrated combustion pressure sensor help to optimize combustion.”

Expect an official debut in the coming months, with an on-sale date sometime in November.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the long-rumored (U.S. market) Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel.

Caught while testing in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel is finally becoming a reality. According to Jeep, only the Wrangler Unlimited models will offer the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 as a powertrain option. The updated version of the 3.0L EcoDiesel will be rated at around 260 hp and 442 lb.-ft of torque. It will also feature Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology on all EcoDiesel models. Power will be mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.

According to MoparInsiders, “The updated EcoDiesel will implement new turbocharger technology featuring a low-friction bearing, which is designed for low-end and transient performance. Low-friction pistons will also help improve fuel economy, while a new injector nozzle design, piston bowl and glow plug with integrated combustion pressure sensor help to optimize combustion.”

Expect an official debut in the coming months, with an on-sale date sometime in November.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the long-rumored (U.S. market) Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel.

Caught while testing in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel is finally becoming a reality. According to Jeep, only the Wrangler Unlimited models will offer the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 as a powertrain option. The updated version of the 3.0L EcoDiesel will be rated at around 260 hp and 442 lb.-ft of torque. It will also feature Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology on all EcoDiesel models. Power will be mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.

According to MoparInsiders, “The updated EcoDiesel will implement new turbocharger technology featuring a low-friction bearing, which is designed for low-end and transient performance. Low-friction pistons will also help improve fuel economy, while a new injector nozzle design, piston bowl and glow plug with integrated combustion pressure sensor help to optimize combustion.”

Expect an official debut in the coming months, with an on-sale date sometime in November.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

The top 15 applicants in the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad will advance to the six-week online voting stage to determine the finalists who will go on to pitch industry experts in front of a live audience at the 2019 SEMA Show.

The top 15 applicants in the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad, presented by the Young Executives Network (YEN), have been selected and will advance to the six-week online voting stage. The public will be invited to vote from July 29–September 8, thereby determining the finalists who will go on to pitch industry experts in front of a live audience at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, during the SEMA Show Student Program. One winner will be selected for the top prize that includes $10,000 and exhibit space at the SEMA Show.

The 15 SEMA Launch Pad semifinalists are:

• Eric  Amato (Radial Dynamics); Product: Vortex Steering Reservoir
• Alan Brentzel (Traveling Tint); Product: Removable Sun Shades & Window Tint
• Jason Denney (RIGd Supply); Product: UltraSwing
• TJ Hammerle (Trac-Top); Product: Trac-Top/Jeep Wrangler Top
• Thomas Judge (GJ Motorsports); Product: 3rd Brake Lights
• Riley Koidahl (The Paddock); Product: The Paddock
• Andrew Lien (KeyCages); Product: KeyCages
• Reid Lunde (Kaizen Speed); Product: Kaizen Relay
• Christopher Owens (Last Drop Wrench); Product: The Last Drop Wrench
• Wesley Poole (Forged Authority); Product: Aftermarket Truck Bed System
• Alexander Reid (Seville Auto Trim); Product: GloTrim/Fiber Optic Light Guide see OEM
• Zachary Saylor (The Wiper Group); Product: Wiper Packs
• John Schurman (Voxel Evolution/dba Luxe Auto Concepts); Product: Luxe LightWrap
• Sarah Smith (SoCur); Product: UV Cure Undercoat System for Automotive Refinish
• Justin Urban (Urban Custom Fabrications); Product: DIY Custom Flatbeds

“We were very impressed with the 15 Launch Pad semifinalists,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA Vice President of Councils & Membership. “Each year, the level of ingenuity and innovation gets better and better. We’re excited to share their ideas with the public and let them vote for their favorites.”

The Launch Pad is a competition designed to help and support young entrepreneurs in the automotive aftermarket. All 15 semifinalists will receive complimentary SEMA membership, as well as registration and airfare (up to $500) to attend the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, June 17–18 in Las Vegas. At the Exhibitor Summit, the semifinalists will learn new business strategies and film videos that will be used for the online voting process, which begins July 29.

The top five vote-getters will then pitch their products during the SEMA Launch Pad Live event, November 4, at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Hosted by industry celebrity Aaron Kaufman of “Shifting Gears With Aaron Kaufman” on the Discovery Network and owner of Arclight Fabrication, the Live Launch Pad competition will include a panel of industry experts serving as judges. One winner will receive the top prize of $10,000, a turn-key exhibit space with premium placement at the 2020 SEMA Show, free promotional support and more.

“While there is one grand-prize winner, all finalists will receive guidance and support and participate in the 2019 SEMA Show,” said Ridnouer. “The SEMA Launch Pad program is an amazing opportunity that inspires each participant to pursue their business goals and makes them aware of the avenues available to reach them in the specialty-equipment market.”

By SEMA Editors

The top 15 applicants in the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad will advance to the six-week online voting stage to determine the finalists who will go on to pitch industry experts in front of a live audience at the 2019 SEMA Show.

The top 15 applicants in the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad, presented by the Young Executives Network (YEN), have been selected and will advance to the six-week online voting stage. The public will be invited to vote from July 29–September 8, thereby determining the finalists who will go on to pitch industry experts in front of a live audience at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, during the SEMA Show Student Program. One winner will be selected for the top prize that includes $10,000 and exhibit space at the SEMA Show.

The 15 SEMA Launch Pad semifinalists are:

• Eric  Amato (Radial Dynamics); Product: Vortex Steering Reservoir
• Alan Brentzel (Traveling Tint); Product: Removable Sun Shades & Window Tint
• Jason Denney (RIGd Supply); Product: UltraSwing
• TJ Hammerle (Trac-Top); Product: Trac-Top/Jeep Wrangler Top
• Thomas Judge (GJ Motorsports); Product: 3rd Brake Lights
• Riley Koidahl (The Paddock); Product: The Paddock
• Andrew Lien (KeyCages); Product: KeyCages
• Reid Lunde (Kaizen Speed); Product: Kaizen Relay
• Christopher Owens (Last Drop Wrench); Product: The Last Drop Wrench
• Wesley Poole (Forged Authority); Product: Aftermarket Truck Bed System
• Alexander Reid (Seville Auto Trim); Product: GloTrim/Fiber Optic Light Guide see OEM
• Zachary Saylor (The Wiper Group); Product: Wiper Packs
• John Schurman (Voxel Evolution/dba Luxe Auto Concepts); Product: Luxe LightWrap
• Sarah Smith (SoCur); Product: UV Cure Undercoat System for Automotive Refinish
• Justin Urban (Urban Custom Fabrications); Product: DIY Custom Flatbeds

“We were very impressed with the 15 Launch Pad semifinalists,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA Vice President of Councils & Membership. “Each year, the level of ingenuity and innovation gets better and better. We’re excited to share their ideas with the public and let them vote for their favorites.”

The Launch Pad is a competition designed to help and support young entrepreneurs in the automotive aftermarket. All 15 semifinalists will receive complimentary SEMA membership, as well as registration and airfare (up to $500) to attend the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, June 17–18 in Las Vegas. At the Exhibitor Summit, the semifinalists will learn new business strategies and film videos that will be used for the online voting process, which begins July 29.

The top five vote-getters will then pitch their products during the SEMA Launch Pad Live event, November 4, at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Hosted by industry celebrity Aaron Kaufman of “Shifting Gears With Aaron Kaufman” on the Discovery Network and owner of Arclight Fabrication, the Live Launch Pad competition will include a panel of industry experts serving as judges. One winner will receive the top prize of $10,000, a turn-key exhibit space with premium placement at the 2020 SEMA Show, free promotional support and more.

“While there is one grand-prize winner, all finalists will receive guidance and support and participate in the 2019 SEMA Show,” said Ridnouer. “The SEMA Launch Pad program is an amazing opportunity that inspires each participant to pursue their business goals and makes them aware of the avenues available to reach them in the specialty-equipment market.”