BMW Speedtop Concept Coming to Life

At the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2025, the renowned celebration of historic vehicles on the shores of Lake Como in Italy, the BMW Group presented an exclusive concept car that will subsequently be made available for purchase in a small series. Our recent spy shots of a prototype testing on the German Nürburgring prove how far BMW has come.
 

The BMW Concept Speedtop reimagines the sporty Touring, blending the elegance of a shooting brake with unique proportions. "A true BMW exudes dynamism and elegance even when it's standing still," Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, said last year. The Speedtop is characterized first and foremost by its profile, which is highly unique in the automotive industry. "In this way, we have created an exclamation mark for our entire lineup of vehicles, especially the Touring models."
 

The Speedtop shares its eye-catching design language with the BMW Skytop and will be offered to collectors and connoisseurs in a strictly limited production run.

The concept car's engine ensures it excels not only in terms of design but also performance. It is fitted with the most powerful V8 engine currently offered by BMW.
 

"Back in 2024, the presentation of the BMW Concept Skytop at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on Lake Como generated great enthusiasm among connoisseurs and automotive enthusiasts," said Bernd Körber, senior vice president of BMW brand and product management. "This led to a strictly limited production run of 50 units. Thanks to this positive response, we decided last year to also offer the BMW Concept Speedtop in a limited production run of 70 units." A prototype of the vehicle has now been spotted testing publicly.

Ferrari Continues Work on First All-Electric Sportscar

Almost every brand now has at least one electric car in its lineup, with only pure sports car manufacturers still lagging behind. However, in Ferrari's case, this is set to change soon, as its first electric model is due to be unveiled before the end of this month.
 

Ferrari boss Benedetto Vigna confirmed the plans to the British magazine Autocar. Vigna did not reveal whether it will be a sports car, a sedan, a crossover or an SUV. However, these prototype images of the car testing in Italy may provide some clues.

Ferrari's first electric car has already covered several thousand miles in public-road testing, according to reports. The photographed prototype finally wears the production body, though it remains hidden under heavy plastic camouflage that leaves plenty of room for imagination and interpretation.
 

According to Vigna, the car is designed to be fun to drive and is intended to appeal to both existing Ferrari customers and newcomers to the brand. "People buy a Ferrari because they have a lot of fun with it. They don't buy a Ferrari because A, B, C, D or a single element is right. It's a combination of things," Vigna said.

In any case, customers will need deep pockets. According to a report by Reuters, the car will cost more than half a million dollars, equivalent to at least 450,000 euros. This does not include extras and customization, which usually account for 15% to 20% of the Ferrari's price. According to the report published last June, Ferrari is also developing a second electric car in addition to its first battery-electric vehicle.

Ferrari's electric vehicle will be built in the new e-factory on the company's campus in Maranello. Ferrari also plans to produce batteries, motors and axles for its upcoming electric vehicles there. The battery cells themselves, however, will come from suppliers.

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia 

By SEMA News Editors

Get inside the world of the automotive aftermarket with free digital access to SEMA magazine, now available to everyone. The latest issue is packed with industry insights, trend analysis, standout builds and stories from the people driving enthusiast car culture forward.
 

In the May/June 2026 issue, readers will get an exclusive look at the passion, craftsmanship and innovation fueling the aftermarket industry, including an in-depth conversation with renowned builder Troy Trepanier about Fenderless, the stunning winner of the 2025 Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish at last year’s SEMA Show. Additional coverage includes:

   • The SEMA Visionary 8 Awards: Nominations Open for Aspiring Young Leaders

   • Retro Revivals: Are Imports the Next Big Movement in Restomod Culture?

   • State of the Automotive Art: Auto Restoration and Hot-Rodding Trends

   • Drag Racing's Phoenix: The Rise, Fall and Rise Again of Import Drag Racing

   • Building(s) for the Future: How SEMA Garage Is Helping Members Innovate

As a reminder, SEMA magazine is now available to everyone--at no cost--online by claiming your complimentary subscription. Haven't claimed yours yet? Here's how:
 

   • Claim your coupon voucher HERE

   • Fill in the mandatory fields and questions regarding your automotive interests

   • Subscribe

   • Download the SEMA magazine app

   • Sign in to access a year's worth of valuable industry knowledge

   • Start reading!

For step-by-step instructions on how to claim your free SEMA magazine subscription, click HERE.

By SEMA News Editors

FIA Sustainable Innovation Series Launches 2026 Global Program in Montréal

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsports and the federation for mobility organizations worldwide, hosted its Sustainable Innovation Series (SIS) in Montreal, kicking off the 2026 edition ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.

Leaders from motorsports, technology, government and academia gathered to discuss one of the defining challenges of our time: How do we build transport systems that are safer, cleaner and smarter for everyone?

Supported by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), the event brought the Series to life under the theme "Track-to-City: Sustainable Innovation in Motorsports and Mobility," focusing on the technologies and partnerships that deliver practical change.

Motorsports has long been a proving ground for road innovation, from ABS brakes to advanced tire technology. Today, that same transfer is helping accelerate sustainable fuels, electric vehicle batteries, hydrogen performance and data-led transport systems that can improve safety, reduce emissions and ease congestion.

Willem Groenewald, FIA secretary general for Mobility, Sustainability and Tourism, said: "Motor sport has always been a proving ground for the precision thinking and technological ambition the world needs today. Through the Sustainable Innovation Series, we are making that connection explicit and actionable. The tools that make racing safer and more efficient can also save lives on public roads and cut emissions in our cities. The FIA was proud to launch this year's Series in Montreal."

Tim Shearman, CAA president and FIA deputy president for Mobility, said: "Montreal is an ideal place to launch the 2026 FIA Sustainable Innovation Series, bringing together a strong mobility and innovation ecosystem alongside an iconic motor sport event. Road safety, congestion, climate resilience and reliable transport affect people every day, and the discussions showed how data, AI and innovation can move beyond the track to deliver real-world benefits."

The Montreal program featured keynote addresses, expert panels and strategic exchanges on predictive mobility systems, AI-driven road safety and data governance. Speakers included representatives from the FIA, Formula 1, Transport Canada, Google and official FIA partners Siemens and Tomorrow.io.

The Sustainable Innovation Series will next convene at the FIA World Endurance Championship 24 Hours of Le Mans in France, taking the discussion into new regions, industries and communities of practice.

Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Joins S&P SmallCap 600 Index

Good news for the industry: Universal Technical Institute, Inc., one of the primary feeder schools for motorsports technicians, has announced it has joined the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, effective prior to the opening of trading on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The S&P SmallCap 600 Index seeks to measure the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity market, and signals stronger credibility and financial performance for the company.

"Our inclusion in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index represents a significant achievement for our company, students, and shareholders and reflects the successful execution of our North Star strategy to date," said Jerome Grant, CEO of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. "As the significant demand for skilled-collar and healthcare professionals is accelerated by AI-driven investments reshaping the economy, we believe UTI is uniquely positioned to continue to train the workforce of the future. We are pleased to see the progress in our business model recognized by the broader investment community."

Universal Technical Institute's North Star strategy is a multi-year initiative to address America's skilled labor shortage. The company's industry-aligned training programs are offered at two divisions: Universal Technical Institute (UTI), which focuses on transportation, skilled trades, electrical and energy education; and Concorde Career Colleges, which specializes in health professions.

Now in Phase II, the North Star strategy's core tenets of growth, diversification and optimization include opening multiple campuses annually between 2026 and 2029; launching 10-20 new programs annually at existing campus locations; and enhancing its operations to make the most efficient use of resources, according to UTI.

In March, the company opened UTI-San Antonio, its first-ever campus focused exclusively on skilled trades programs, with offerings in welding and an electrical training suite of robotics, industrial maintenance and electrical/electronics, among other focuses.

Later this summer, the company will open UTI-Atlanta, its first campus in Georgia that will offer multiple training programs supported by advanced classrooms and specialized labs for automotive, diesel, aviation, electrical, robotics and automation, plus HVACR and welding.

In addition, the company has also announced plans for a new UTI campus in Salt Lake City. All campuses are subject to regulatory approvals.

For more information, visit uti.edu.

By SEMA News Editors

The New Product Showcase is one of the most important destinations at the SEMA Show. It's where innovation is celebrated, discovery is constant and attendees instinctively slow down to explore what's new. It's also where SEMA makes a clear promise to exhibitors: your product will be seen.
 

Exhibiting at the 2026 SEMA Show? Entries for the New Products Showcase will be open soon. Stay updated on all of the latest SEMA Show information with SEMA News and semashow.com.
 

What's been historically difficult to prove is how often those products were actually seen and if that visibility translated to meaningful engagement.
 

That challenge led SEMA to partner with FastSensor to measure the New Product Showcase at the most recent SEMA Show, pairing the energy of the floor with behavioral data to understand how attendees truly experienced the space and how that value could be communicated back to exhibitors.
 

FastSensor's data validated the Showcase's role as a discovery engine. Over the course of the show, the Showcase generated more than 620,000 brand impressions and nearly 614,000 exhibit hall attendees walked just outside the Showcase footprint. Positioned near a major hall entrance, the space delivered sustained, high-density visibility repeatedly throughout the show. Visibility was only the starting point.
 

FastSensor also revealed that thousands of people entered the Showcase. Inside the space, engaged visitors spent meaningful time exploring products and sections. On average, these visitors spent 21 minutes in the New Products Showcase, far beyond a quick pass-through. Nearly 45% of the qualified visitors engaged even more deeply, exploring specific product sections or multiple sections with sustained dwell.
 

Reviewing the data, SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins captured the opportunity clearly.

"It's really interesting to see where the audience eyeballs are actually gathering. And as attendees engage with products in the Showcase, it became an invitation to visit the Exhibitor's booth to learn more," Tompkins said.

When FastSensor layered engagement data onto the floor plan using heatmaps and journey analysis, the story became even clearer. Central, hands-on product areas consistently drove higher engagement and longer dwell.
 

The data also challenged exhibitor assumptions about their product placement within the Showcase.
 

As SEMA Trade Show Operations Manager Justine Hubbard noted, "Though the SEMA Show is bustling in all areas and sections, we did have exhibitors who didn't think they were in a good spot. Seeing the heatmap––where their area was a bright red engagement hotspot––completely changed that conversation."
 

For the first time, SEMA could separate product performance from perception and validate placement decisions with objective proof. The impact went beyond a single report.
 

"SEMA had been looking for a solution to track attendee data in this marquee area to help promote the value of the Showcase in new ways. We found that with FastSensor," said Hubbard.
 

The New Products Showcase has always delivered buzz and discovery. What FastSensor added was clarity––giving SEMA a new way to explain, defend and elevate the value of the Showcase with evidence to match the experience.
 

Want to take advantage of this powerful lead generator at the 2026 SEMA Show? New Products Showcase entry forms will open soon. Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest updates. 
 

FastSensor is the official data and measurement partner of the SEMA Show and offers a variety of solutions to track engagement for exhibitors. Visit hs.fastsensor.com/sema-2026 to learn more.

By SEMA News Editors

Joe Hrudka, the Cleveland-born founder of Mr. Gasket Co. and SEMA Hall of Famer, passed away on May 24, 2026. He was 87. Joe founded the company with his brother, Tom Hrudka.
 

An accomplished drag-racer himself, Hrudka used his own '57 Chevy as a rolling test bed for the development of specialized, heat-resistant gaskets for his race cars before ultimately launching Mr. Gasket Co. in 1964.
 

Selling the gaskets out of the trunk of his car, word got around to other drivers, and soon Hrudka was literally "Mr. Gasket," selling the sealers, at first under the Speed Specialties name, then as Mr. Gasket Co., selling a line of head gaskets, exhaust gaskets, oil pan gaskets and fasteners. Today, the Mr. Gasket brand is part of Holley Performance Brands.
 

In addition to being inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 1980, Hrudka was a SEMA Memorial Scholarship subfund sponsor and member of the East Coast Drag Racing Hall of Fame.

Traci Hrudka, niece of Joe Hrudka and daughter of Tom Hrudka, shared the following message on social media (edited for length):

To all who knew him, his extraordinary and legendary accomplishments in the entire racing and performance industry are all well known and revered.

Joe's biggest passion in the industry was taking care of racers, and being an avid racer himself, he knew where the need was and made sure it was done.

Joe's mentor and inspiration was Chris "The Greek" Karamesines, and his hero was John Force. Oh, how many times he would call me when John was at a race, putting his two cents in. 

The industry just became a lot dimmer with his loss, yet the legacy will always shine brightly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Joe Hrudka's name to The Alzheimer's Association. Read Hrudka's full obituary.

By Ashley Reyes

Automotive restylers can showcase their skills at the 2026 SEMA Show by entering the SEMA PRO Cup Challenge, presented by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO).
 

The SEMA PRO Cup Challenge is the aftermarket industry's premier competition spotlighting the creativity, craftsmanship and passion of automotive restylers. The deadline to apply is July 24 at www.semapcc.com.
 

"The PRO Cup Challenge is the best program for automotive restylers to gain industry recognition, build connections and boost their brand," said PRO Council Director Denise Waddingham. "It's where automotive customization takes center stage and restylers are celebrated and awarded for their unique talents and ideas."
 

How The PRO Cup Challenge Works

Restylers can choose any popular new-model vehicle as the base, then create and install a package of accessories designed to appeal to a mass audience. The goal is to appeal to as broad an audience as possible to show fellow restylers, dealers and accessory manufacturers the value of designing a marketable package rather than a "one-time" vehicle.
 

Six shops will be selected to compete following a review of all entries, and those competing will have their vehicle showcased in the PRO booth #50237 in the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall during the SEMA Show.
 

Applications must meet the following package requirements:
 

• The accessory package must take 50 hours or less to install.

• The cost of the accessory package should not exceed $14,500.

• Builders must be present at the SEMA Show to discuss builds during judging in the PRO Cup Challenge Booth and at the PRO Happy Hour.
 

Awards and Judging

At the Show, a panel of expert judges will select the PRO Cup Challenge winner based on vehicle marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity and profitability. Showgoers can also vote for their favorite build, recognizing it with the People's Choice Award. The competition will culminate on Wednesday, where the winner of both Awards will be announced at the PRO Booth Happy Hour.
 

Ready to Stand Out? Apply Today

If you're ready to join the ranks of automotive restylers who have already benefited from increased exposure, access to a network of top restylers and B2B partnerships with accessory manufacturers and dealers, now your chance to make your mark.
 

Apply now to showcase your expertise, grow your brand and compete alongside the best in the industry. The deadline to enter is July 24, 2026.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days program returns to two major industry events in summer 2026, offering attendees free, manufacturer-led educational seminars tailored to hot-rod builders, enthusiasts and professionals.
 

2026 Dates & Locations

July 10-11: Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals, Columbus, Ohio

August 5-7: National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals, Louisville, Kentucky (Includes an HRIA general membership meeting and networking event on August 5). 
 

As new hot-rod products, technology and trends shape how builders and enthusiasts approach their projects, HRIA Education Days provides a high-value opportunity to stay informed on best practices, systems and building fundamentals.

Why Attend

• Learn product installation, operation and best practices from leading manufacturers, technical experts and product development teams.

• Stay updated on industry trends, innovations and technologies.

• Network with other builders and professionals.

• Take away practical tips to improve your projects or business. 

All seminars are free to Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals and NSRA Street Rod Nationals attendees.
 

View the full schedule of sessions closer to each event at www.sema.org/hria-education-days.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Jeffrey Banyas, manager of legal production at Sisson & Banyas, Attorneys at Law, LLC, as its newest allyship honoree.
 

Learn how Banyas supports women in the industry and promotes the ally mindset in the SEMA News interview below. 

SEMA News: What do you do to support the ally mentality and women's empowerment?

Jeffrey Banyas: I've served as an advisor and mentor for several women within the firm and in the industry. I provide advice, guidance and am a sounding board for career opportunities and growth as well as dealing with personal struggles. In addition, I volunteer my time on the SEMA SBN Male Ally Task Force.

SN: Can you share your favorite experience being an ally?  

JB: For me, it is more about the consistent practice of making sure that everyone's voice is heard, that feedback is provided in a timely manner, that appropriate actions are taken when issues arise and that every person has an opportunity to see and hear about the value they bring to an organization. I try to instill this into all the firm's employees, our customers and to all the individuals on the many boards, councils, networks and task forces for which I volunteer my time--no matter what that individual's role might be.

SN: Why do you feel that being an ally is important? 

JB: We have so-many talented women in this industry and in the workforce in general. Ignoring, overlooking--or worse, discounting--them and the knowledge, experience and skills they bring to an organization would be a serious misstep for any organization.

SN: What have you found to be the most important/valuable part of being an ally?

JB: The biggest benefit comes from the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others. It is one of the fastest and most effective ways to learn and to improve your own self and your organization. Those opportunities tend to come around more when you've demonstrated you can be a trusted ally for the individual as opposed to ignoring them--or worse, actively working against them.

SN: How long have you been in the industry?

JB: In my current role, nine years. Overall, my entire life.

SN: What advice do you have for those that want to become an ally?

JB: Take every opportunity you can to work on your communication and active listening skills. Strong communication and good active listening skills are critical to building the trust and rapport needed to serve as a mentor or ally to others.

SN: How does someone spread the ally mentality?

JB: Lead by example, letting your actions and behaviors set the tone for others to follow.

Fill out an SBN Ally Spotlight form to highlight how you or a colleague is being an ally to women in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on SBN's social media and in SEMA News.

By SEMA News Editors

Housing reservations are now open for the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, Las Vegas, and not only can you save on nightly rates by booking through onPeak, the SEMA Show's official housing provider, you can take advantage of reduced resort fees, too.
 

You won't find these deals anywhere else. See below for the list of hotels offering discounted nightly resort fees during your SEMA Show trip:
 

Note: Rates listed on the onPeak website include the resort fee. Click into each hotel to view resort fee inclusions.   
 

SEMA and onPeak have negotiated the best possible rates, giving Showgoers cost-saving benefits alongside a myriad of other perks, like fully flexible booking, possible hotel rewards points and group reservations at the best hotels in Las Vegas. SEMA Showgoers can only get the discounted rates when booking through the only official hotel provider, onPeak, here. 
 

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2026 SEMA Show. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Within the language of the recently approved Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 (H.R. 7389), the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce passed an amended version of the REPAIR Act that codifies the 2014 national memorandum of understanding (MOU) between automakers and the independent repair industry organizations regarding access to vehicle repair and diagnostic information.
 

Sec. 202 of H.R. 7389 notes that it would enact Sections 1 through 5 of the MOU into law for vehicles weighing under 14,000 lbs. (read the MOU here). For vehicles that weigh over 14,000 lbs., the bill would make Sections 2 through 8 of a 2015 MOU for heavy-duty vehicles enforceable under federal law (click here to view).
 

    •  SEMA is neutral on the REPAIR Act as currently configured. To understand why, read our Right to Repair and Modify Principles
 

The 2014 right-to-repair MOU for light-duty vehicles, which was based on Massachusetts's automotive right-to-repair law, established a nationwide framework intended to ensure vehicle owners could choose where to have their vehicles serviced after warranty expiration. Under the MOU, participating automakers agreed to make available to independent repair facilities the same diagnostic and repair information that is provided to franchised dealers. The agreement also called for the use of a standardized, non-proprietary interface beginning with model-year '18 vehicles to access repair and diagnostic data. Sec. 203 of H.R. 7389 makes the 2014 and 2015 MOUs enforceable and subject to civil penalties by the Federal Trade Commission.
 

Additionally, the Energy and Commerce Committee significantly narrowed the scope of the REPAIR Act, which previously included broader provisions related to telematics and direct wireless data access. Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), the lead sponsor of the REPAIR Act, expressed his desire for House leadership and his colleagues to expand the REPAIR Act when H.R. 7389 comes up for a vote on the House floor.
 

"While the version included in yesterday's markup represents some progress, the legislation considered by the committee does not fully reflect the original REPAIR Act and fails to protect consumers, independent repair shops and aftermarket manufacturers," said Rep. Dunn.
 

Questions? Contact Juan Mejia, SEMA senior manager for federal government affairs, at juanm@sema.org.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Kelvn