By SEMA News Editors

Lucid Group has announced that all Lucid vehicles built with the current Combined Charging System (CCS) will be able to charge at stations in the Tesla Supercharger network by using an adapter in 2025.

In addition, Lucid will integrate the North American Charging Standard (NACS) into future vehicles in 2025.

“Adopting NACS is an important next step to providing our customers with expanded access to reliable and convenient charging solutions for their Lucid vehicles,” said Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO at Lucid. “We believe that a unified charging standard, backed by the nationwide rollout of future-ready higher-voltage charging stations, will be a critical step in empowering American consumers to adopt electric vehicles.”

For more information, visit lucidmotors.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Chevrolet Performance Extends NMCA Sponsorship

A longtime supporter of the NMCA Muscle Car Nationals, Chevrolet Performance has confirmed its commitment to grassroots competition by signing a new three-year deal, continuing as a major sponsor with the national event series. 

In addition to its presenting sponsorship of NMCA through 2026, Chevrolet Performance continues as the presenting sponsor of several core classes, including LME Street King, Proform Rumble and the all-new Scoggin Dickey Street Warrior 10.10.

Chevrolet Performance also retains its position as title sponsor of the COPO Camaro Shootout in Norwalk, Ohio, the LSX Shootout in Madison, Illinois, and the presenting sponsor of the NMCA World Finals in Indianapolis. Additionally, Chevrolet continues as the "Official Truck" and "Official Tow Vehicle" of the NMCA Muscle Car Nationals.

For more information, visit NMCAdigital.com and Chevrolet.com/performance-parts.

FIA Selects Hoosier Tire for World Rallycross Championship

The FIA has named Hoosier Tire, based in Plymouth, Indiana, as its exclusive tire supplier for the FIA World and European Rallycross Championship.

Hoosier and the FIA have entered into a three-year agreement. The deal extends from 2024 to 2026.

"This is the right step forward for us to continue the growth of our brand internationally," said Joerg Burfien, president and CEO of Hoosier Racing Tire. "It is a great opportunity allowing us to showcase our product performance."

For more information, visit hoosiertire.com.

Tony Stewart to Drive in NHRA Top Fuel Category in 2024

Leah Pruett, driver of the Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Dodge NHRA Top Fuel dragster, is stepping aside from racing in 2024 to focus on starting a family with husband Tony Stewart.

Stewart will make his Top Fuel debut in 2024 on behalf of Pruett at TSR when the NHRA opens the year in March with the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

Stewart, who has earned 13 championships across NASCAR, IndyCar and USAC, along with hundreds of victories on oval tracks, dirt tracks and road courses, finished second in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series sportsman ranks in 2023, earning four victories in his first full year of drag racing.

For more information, visit nhra.com.

Formula E Expands Girls on Track Initiative for 2024 

Formula E is expanding the FIA Girls on Track program at Formula E races in 2024.

The program for girls aged 12 to 18 will extend to all 11 race weekends in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in 2024, up from five race weekends in earlier seasons. More than 1,650 girls will take part in the program over the course of the season.

The program includes leading female figures from a range of professions across the Formula E paddock delivering inspirational and educational workshops.

Other highlights include immersive work experiences during race week, participation in the podium celebration and more.

For more information, visit FIAFormulaE.com.

For additional racing news, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website. 

SEMA News sources recently photographed a Rolls-Royce Cullinan prototype near BMW’s Munich, Germany, research and development center.

Plastic cladding obscured updates to the front fascia.

Five years after its official debut, the apparent prototype signals a mid-cycle facelift for the SUVs.

While the Cullinan prototype is hiding modifications to the front fascia, an undisguised new bumper with prominent exhaust tips is exposed at the rear. Although the changes underneath the gray plastic cladding remain unknown, the front bumper appears to have taller air intakes on both sides of the center section below the registration plate.

The prototype included an updated rear bumper with exposed exhaust tips.

Other features, like the side panels and greenhouse, remain unchanged, but insiders are predicting new upholstery, updated tech features and modifications to the engine and auto gearboxes.

Expect an official debut in 2024.

By SEMA News Editors

Audi and Porsche are sharing development of a new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, and one of the first Audi models to use the new underpinnings will be the Q6 e-Tron SUV and its Sportback variant. SEMA News sources recently photographed prototypes of both testing in Germany.

Confirmed for launch in 2024, the SUV and Sportback variants will sit between the Q4 e-Tron, which uses the VW Group's MEB platform, and the full-sized e-Tron flagship, which is based on a modified version of the MLB SUV architecture. Both Q6 e-Tron variants will be built in Ingolstadt, Germany, where Audi is also building a new battery production facility to serve its expanding EV lineup, according to industry sources.

The Q6 e-Tron will be one of the first Audi models built on the PPE platform developed with Porsche.

The Q6s will serve as sister cars to the expected electric version of the Porsche Macan, according to insiders, with the Porsche expected to arrive several months before the Audi Q6 e-Tron SUV.

The PPE architecture, based on the J1 platform used for the Taycan and e-Tron GT, is designed for full-sized luxury models, both in low-slung and SUV forms.

The prototypes suggest heavy influence from the full-sized e-Tron, with the Q6 SUV and Sportback adopting a cab-backward silhouette, a gently sloping roof line and bulky rear arches.

The Q6 will also be available as the e-Tron Sportback.

Both Q6 e-Tron will have a performance focus than the current combustion car, sources said. The most powerful variants, likely badged as RS models in line with Audi's plan to electrify its performance division, should send around 590 hp to both axles, a departure for the standard rear-mounted electric motor.

The PPE platform also has 800-volt charging functionality built in, which means the Macan EV and Q6 E-Trons will be able to charge at speeds of up to 350 kW. The expected range is in excess of 315 miles, those with information on the prototype said. The Q6 e-Tron is also expected to offer inbuilt torque-vectoring and rear-axle steering functionality on some models.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA News highlights new products from industry companies when available. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

DSR Performance

GEN III Crate Engine Line

DSR Performance, the performance aftermarket division of Don Schumacher Racing, introduced its latest series of Schumacher Crate Engines.

The new line, unveiled at the PRI Show, includes the Schumacher SC, a supercharged 426ci GEN III crate engine, and the Schumacher LB, a 426ci GEN III long-block. The Schumacher SC is expected to produce between 1,200 and 1,300 hp, the company said.

For more information, visit dsrperformance.com.

Hot Shot’s Secret

Adrenaline Racing Top Lube

Hot Shot’s Secret recently announced the launch of its Adrenaline Racing Top Lube (RTL), the latest addition to its Adrenaline racing line.

The lubricating additive completely blends with all race fuels, according to the company, and reduces wear on valves and valve seats and provides protection for pistons, rings and cylinders.

For more information, visit hotshotsecret.com.

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 some of the latest postings.

The Wheel Group

International Sales Director (Remote)

The Wheel Group, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of branded automotive aftermarket products, is searching for a director of international sales to manage all aspects of international sales strategy and operations. The primary objective of this position is to expand the company's global market presence, drive profitable revenue growth and achieve sales and margin targets in international markets outside the United States and Canada.

The Edelbrock Group

Product Development Engineer in Olive Branch, Mississippi

The ideal candidate will be an experienced mechanical engineer with a demonstrated ability utilizing 3D CAD software. In this role, the product development engineer will design castings, machined parts, engine components and complex assemblies to meet performance and manufacturing requirements.

Whipple Superchargers

Sales and Support Specialist in Fresno, California

Whipple Superchargers is seeking a customer support specialist for its Fresno, California-based team. This role encompasses various responsibilities, with a focus on sales and customer service.

BluePrint Engines

Design Engineering Manager in Kearney, Nebraska

BluePrint and Origin Engines is looking for a design engineering manager to oversee its design engineering team. The selected candidate will lead work on engineering systems and processes, design reviews, new component designs and more.  

By SEMA News Editors

Velocity Capital Management Acquires Parella Motorsports Holdings

Velocity Capital Management, a New York-based private equity firm specializing in sports, media and entertainment, has acquired Parella Motorsports Holdings, the owner and operator of the SpeedTour event series.

The SpeedTour includes on-track action from the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association, the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Prototype Sprint Series Association presented by Hankook, Formula Regional Americas Championship and Formula 4 United States Championship. The organization is also launching the TA2 Club class, a feeder series for the Trans Am TA2 Series, and the Ligier JS F4 Series for first generation Ligier JS F4 chassis.

For more information, visit speedtour.net.

Goodyear Names Joe Burke Vice President of North America Commercial Business

The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company has named Joe Burke as vice president of its North America commercial business. He will report to Steve McClellan, president, Goodyear Americas.

Burke succeeds Dave Beasley, who will retire after nearly 40 years with Goodyear.

Burke joined Goodyear in 2015 and most recently served as the general manager of Goodyear’s global aviation business.

For more information, visit goodyear.com.

Hennessey Special Vehicles Hires David Donohue for Venom F5 Track Development

Hennessey Special Vehicles, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer, has hired David Donohue for advanced track development of its Venom F5 hypercar.

Donohue is a 24 Hours of Le Mans champion, Rolex 24 at Daytona overall winner and Pikes Peak International Hill Climb record holder.

For more information, visit hennesseyspecialvehicles.com.

EnerSys Included on List of Most Responsible Companies

EnerSys, the parent company of ODYSSEY Battery, was named to Newsweek's 2024 list of America's Most Responsible Companies 2024. EnerSys was ranked 352 out of 500 companies on the list.

EnerSys, along with other esteemed recipients, underwent an evaluation of corporate responsibility by Newsweek, considering three areas: environmental, social and governance. Publicly available key performance indicators covering corporate social responsibility (CSR) topics were researched for the ranking and a public survey was conducted to gage companies’ CSR reputations, according to the publication.

For more information, visit enersys.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) has released a new video highlighting the product development process, specifically on prototyping tools and new technology.

The video features Heath Moore, managing director of Harrop Engineering, and includes an insightful discussion on new technologies that have enabled faster product development, including what tools are must-haves for the development of new products.

Watch now and gain insight into: 

• How to overcome product development obstacles. 
• What tools are being used for reverse engineering.
• New technologies that have changed the product development landscape.
• How metal 3D printing changes the industry.
• New software that was not available several years ago.

The information shared will help SEMA members learn about new technologies and methods to reduce cost and improve development time. After watching, go to the ETTN Facebook page and join the conversation in the video comments. 

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA's inaugural General Membership Meeting at the 2023 SEMA Show provided business members with essential knowledge on the state of the industry, year-round benefits and the association's latest initiatives to help aftermarket businesses grow and succeed. Following is a recap of information covered during the event. 

"Economic Impact Report" 

SEMA released its first-ever "Economic Impact Report," illustrating the significant impact the industry has on America's economy and what it means for people across the country. Findings include that the total economic output of the automotive aftermarket industry is $336 billion. It supports 1.3 million jobs, pays $104 billion in total wages and $41 billion in taxes. Additionally, consumers spent $52 billion on specialty automotive aftermarket products in 2022.

This is important because it helps SEMA educate legislators about the contribution the industry makes to the American economy and the negative impact harmful legislation can have on the automotive aftermarket. 

Advocacy 

SEMA advocacy activities are grounded in the association's commitment to safeguard the interests of the automotive specialty-equipment market and performance racing industries.

SEMA's experts in Washington, D.C., have seen firsthand how the decisions made in Congress and the halls of state capitols can have a lasting impact on the association's members and the industry more broadly—from how automotive aftermarket products are made, distributed and marketed. That's why the public and government affairs team is advocating for policy issues that are core to the association's mission by ensuring policymakers hear a clear, strong and unified voice representing not only SEMA members, but also the specialty-equipment industry and auto enthusiasts.

Learn more about key advocacy issues and how best to support here. 

Current Initiatives and the Future of SEMA 

SEMA is focused on building and fostering communities of impact. 

Part of that effort this year focused on SEMA Individual Membership to help galvanize and strengthen SEMA's collective reach by creating a space for enthusiasts to be a part of the Association.  

Joining Industry Communities, Councils and Networks

SEMA members are invited and encouraged to increase their involvement and participation in the industry by volunteering for a leadership role. Volunteers are vital to shaping the industry and addressing issues or concerns. When you raise your hand to volunteer, you'll receive leadership development training and work with SEMA staff to build community within your market segment or group. Our volunteers create awareness with legislative leaders, identify challenges and develop solutions to strengthen the industry. Most of all, you will be contributing to and be a part of something bigger. Learn more today!

Additionally, SEMA assembled a task force to understand how the association can reach and welcome new and diverse members. Looking to the future, SEMA aims to continue to reach new audiences, grow membership and create a welcoming environment for everyone who wants to be a part of the SEMA community.

Your Membership 

SEMA is continuously releasing new content and benefits to provide the marketplaces and tools that address the needs of its members and industry. Take full advantage of your membership by accessing free market research reports and education, as well as exclusive discounts on services from SEMA Data, SEMA Garage and the online SEMA Career Center. More information can be found here. 

Have questions about SEMA Membership? Contact the SEMA Membership Team at 909-610-2030 or member@sema.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

Media registration for the 2024 MPMC Media Trade Conference is now open. The event will take place in person at the Embassy Suites Anaheim South in the city of Garden Grove, California, January 30-February 1, 2024. There is no cost for media to participate.

Unlike traditional trade shows or conferences, the Media Trade Conference consists of private, uninterrupted meetings where media members can interview and learn about a company's product and news.

Journalists, editors, writers, producers, podcasters, content creators and social-media influencers are invited to meet one-on-one with leading motorsports parts manufacturers by signing up for the event. Media can indicate which companies best meet their editorial needs and will receive a personalized schedule.

The Media Trade Conference is the best and most efficient way for media to connect with motorsports parts manufacturers in private, quality meetings.

Media are invited to register before December 15, 2023, to get the best possible schedule and to receive your schedule in advance. Otherwise, a schedule will be available onsite at registration.

For questions or more information, contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org.