If you're looking for evidence that Ford will produce a second-generation Raptor based on its all-new F-150, this may be the smoking gun. 

The shooters at KGP Photography caught this test mule, which combines the aluminum Crew Cab from the ’15 F-150 with the front and rear sections from the current Ford Raptor. The new kick up at the truck's C-pillar and the transition between the cab and the front and rear fenders make it clear that Ford is mixing and matching parts as it begins adapting the Raptor's baja-busting bits to the all-new F-Series platform.

The mule also shows signs of an altered hood with a camouflaged design marked by a noteworthy bump in the center. A new grille is also grafted on, and sits uncomfortably between the headlights of the current Raptor. The grille behind the camouflage is revealed to have a mesh finish with a couple of horizontal bars. In this guise, it appears that the bold "Ford" letters emblazoned on the current Raptor's grille are MIA, but it's still too early to make any styling determinations on this initial test mule.

The shooters at KGP look forward to getting a closer look at this mule to see what it's really made of underneath. But for now, this appears to be clear-cut evidence that a Raptor 2.0 is now a real engineering project that looks destined for production.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

If you're looking for evidence that Ford will produce a second-generation Raptor based on its all-new F-150, this may be the smoking gun. 

The shooters at KGP Photography caught this test mule, which combines the aluminum Crew Cab from the ’15 F-150 with the front and rear sections from the current Ford Raptor. The new kick up at the truck's C-pillar and the transition between the cab and the front and rear fenders make it clear that Ford is mixing and matching parts as it begins adapting the Raptor's baja-busting bits to the all-new F-Series platform.

The mule also shows signs of an altered hood with a camouflaged design marked by a noteworthy bump in the center. A new grille is also grafted on, and sits uncomfortably between the headlights of the current Raptor. The grille behind the camouflage is revealed to have a mesh finish with a couple of horizontal bars. In this guise, it appears that the bold "Ford" letters emblazoned on the current Raptor's grille are MIA, but it's still too early to make any styling determinations on this initial test mule.

The shooters at KGP look forward to getting a closer look at this mule to see what it's really made of underneath. But for now, this appears to be clear-cut evidence that a Raptor 2.0 is now a real engineering project that looks destined for production.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

If you're looking for evidence that Ford will produce a second-generation Raptor based on its all-new F-150, this may be the smoking gun. 

The shooters at KGP Photography caught this test mule, which combines the aluminum Crew Cab from the ’15 F-150 with the front and rear sections from the current Ford Raptor. The new kick up at the truck's C-pillar and the transition between the cab and the front and rear fenders make it clear that Ford is mixing and matching parts as it begins adapting the Raptor's baja-busting bits to the all-new F-Series platform.

The mule also shows signs of an altered hood with a camouflaged design marked by a noteworthy bump in the center. A new grille is also grafted on, and sits uncomfortably between the headlights of the current Raptor. The grille behind the camouflage is revealed to have a mesh finish with a couple of horizontal bars. In this guise, it appears that the bold "Ford" letters emblazoned on the current Raptor's grille are MIA, but it's still too early to make any styling determinations on this initial test mule.

The shooters at KGP look forward to getting a closer look at this mule to see what it's really made of underneath. But for now, this appears to be clear-cut evidence that a Raptor 2.0 is now a real engineering project that looks destined for production.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

	Exhibitor Summit attendees were given insight into helping maximize media coverage at the SEMA Show.

• Supply print journalists with simple word documents with high-res jpegs. Avoid PDFs, EPSs and other file formats that are difficult to copy and paste or have limited compatibilities.

• Call the media back. Companies featured in the media are typically those who called back in a timely manner. Surprisingly, companies often do not return phone calls, which means they will not be included in the coverage.

• Participate in the New Products Showcase. All three of the media panelists said that they rely on the showcase for content. Since exhibitors can submit one product at no cost, it's a no-brainer!

• Develop a relationship with key targets. Set realistic goals and rather than trying to be included in all media outlets, target those that are relevant to your product. Then, develop a relationship with those editors. It's unlikely that you will see results overnight, so cultivate a relationship and plan for the future.

	Exhibitor Summit attendees were given insight into helping maximize media coverage at the SEMA Show.

• Supply print journalists with simple word documents with high-res jpegs. Avoid PDFs, EPSs and other file formats that are difficult to copy and paste or have limited compatibilities.

• Call the media back. Companies featured in the media are typically those who called back in a timely manner. Surprisingly, companies often do not return phone calls, which means they will not be included in the coverage.

• Participate in the New Products Showcase. All three of the media panelists said that they rely on the showcase for content. Since exhibitors can submit one product at no cost, it's a no-brainer!

• Develop a relationship with key targets. Set realistic goals and rather than trying to be included in all media outlets, target those that are relevant to your product. Then, develop a relationship with those editors. It's unlikely that you will see results overnight, so cultivate a relationship and plan for the future.

By SEMA Editors

Honda is offering the ’15 Fit for project vehicle builds culminating in a display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Honda is offering the ’15 Fit for project car builds culminating in a display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Approved projects will maintain at least the original engine (no engine swaps, but other power-adding options are open), maintain the original five-door configuration and honor Honda logo usage restrictions. Themes that support some or all of the stock ’15 Fit’s strengths are encouraged, with uniqueness, style and ambition earning extra consideration.

The all-new ’15 Honda Fit is a premium small car that offers a class-leading combination of fuel-efficiency, passenger and cargo space, standard feature content and innovative connectivity technology, according to the manufacturer. It's powered by a 130hp 1.5L DOHC 16-valve direct-injected i-VTEC engine and an available six-speed manual transmission. The Fit has the ability to both comfortably seat five passengers and haul a cargo despite its small size.

Proposal Submission Deadline: June 2, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: by June 16, 2014
Vehicle Delivery: Late June/Early July 2014

Project Car Offer and Benefits

• Giveaway of a ’15 Honda Fit EX with a six-speed manual transmission (black exterior and black interior) to create and promote accessories and/or vendor capabilities. Value of the giveaway vehicle will be less than $22,000.

• Promotion of the project vehicle build process via a Honda-branded website and social media channels.

• Display of the modified Fit in the official Honda display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

• Potential display of the modified Fit at major auto shows around the country and at Honda promotional events.

• Potential media coverage of the modified Fit and therefore the vendor name from the SEMA Show and through other media outreach.

Requirements

Honda requests that interested parties submit their detailed project proposals to hondaevents@hna.honda.com before June 1, 2014. Include details in the categories listed below:

• Vehicle Theme: Describe very clearly your overall build theme, target audience, etc.

• Proposed vehicle modifications.

• New products potentially being developed for the Fit through the project.

• Promotional, media and social media outreach plan prior to and beyond the SEMA Show (i.e. tour of events, specific magazine feature articles, online promotion, etc.). Having your own Tumblr page is preferred for integration with Honda's promotional plans.

• Examples of previous project vehicles and promotional activities by the applicant.

• Detailed renderings of the proposed vehicle in .jpg format.

For Customizers:

Aftermarket companies requesting vehicles should have the following capabilities:

• Be financially and technically capable of building a one-off show car without financial or parts support from American Honda Motor Co. Inc.

• Be willing to partner with other non-competing aftermarket companies or enthusiast publications to enhance the vehicle project.

• A history of active promotion of vehicle projects with an established marketing plan.

For Project Vehicle Recipients:

• Commit to creating weekly progress reports during the vehicle build process, including photos, video and commentary. (Likely to be featured on a Tumblr page created by and for each participant.)

• Grant Honda the right to use content from the weekly progress reports and assist Honda in acquiring usage rights from any sponsors or individuals whose logos or images might appear in that content.

• Commit to make the vehicle available to Honda or its dealers, if requested, for additional shows and exhibits for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.

• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Honda and model logos intact and visible.

• Commit to provide regular reports to Honda Public Relations regarding media coverage and event activity for the project vehicle for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.

• Commit to have the completed vehicle available for photography in Torrance, California, by Monday, October 27, 2014.

• Pay applicable federal and state gift taxes on the value of the giveaway vehicle. Value of vehicle will not exceed $22,000.

To obtain digital images of the vehicle for your rendering, submit a request to hondaevents@hna.honda.com. These images or renderings based upon them may not be used for any outside promotion. Full details about and viewable photos of the ’15 Honda Fit are available at www.hondanews.com.

By SEMA Editors

Honda is offering the ’15 Fit for project vehicle builds culminating in a display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Honda is offering the ’15 Fit for project car builds culminating in a display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Approved projects will maintain at least the original engine (no engine swaps, but other power-adding options are open), maintain the original five-door configuration and honor Honda logo usage restrictions. Themes that support some or all of the stock ’15 Fit’s strengths are encouraged, with uniqueness, style and ambition earning extra consideration.

The all-new ’15 Honda Fit is a premium small car that offers a class-leading combination of fuel-efficiency, passenger and cargo space, standard feature content and innovative connectivity technology, according to the manufacturer. It's powered by a 130hp 1.5L DOHC 16-valve direct-injected i-VTEC engine and an available six-speed manual transmission. The Fit has the ability to both comfortably seat five passengers and haul a cargo despite its small size.

Proposal Submission Deadline: June 2, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: by June 16, 2014
Vehicle Delivery: Late June/Early July 2014

Project Car Offer and Benefits

• Giveaway of a ’15 Honda Fit EX with a six-speed manual transmission (black exterior and black interior) to create and promote accessories and/or vendor capabilities. Value of the giveaway vehicle will be less than $22,000.

• Promotion of the project vehicle build process via a Honda-branded website and social media channels.

• Display of the modified Fit in the official Honda display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

• Potential display of the modified Fit at major auto shows around the country and at Honda promotional events.

• Potential media coverage of the modified Fit and therefore the vendor name from the SEMA Show and through other media outreach.

Requirements

Honda requests that interested parties submit their detailed project proposals to hondaevents@hna.honda.com before June 1, 2014. Include details in the categories listed below:

• Vehicle Theme: Describe very clearly your overall build theme, target audience, etc.

• Proposed vehicle modifications.

• New products potentially being developed for the Fit through the project.

• Promotional, media and social media outreach plan prior to and beyond the SEMA Show (i.e. tour of events, specific magazine feature articles, online promotion, etc.). Having your own Tumblr page is preferred for integration with Honda's promotional plans.

• Examples of previous project vehicles and promotional activities by the applicant.

• Detailed renderings of the proposed vehicle in .jpg format.

For Customizers:

Aftermarket companies requesting vehicles should have the following capabilities:

• Be financially and technically capable of building a one-off show car without financial or parts support from American Honda Motor Co. Inc.

• Be willing to partner with other non-competing aftermarket companies or enthusiast publications to enhance the vehicle project.

• A history of active promotion of vehicle projects with an established marketing plan.

For Project Vehicle Recipients:

• Commit to creating weekly progress reports during the vehicle build process, including photos, video and commentary. (Likely to be featured on a Tumblr page created by and for each participant.)

• Grant Honda the right to use content from the weekly progress reports and assist Honda in acquiring usage rights from any sponsors or individuals whose logos or images might appear in that content.

• Commit to make the vehicle available to Honda or its dealers, if requested, for additional shows and exhibits for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.

• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Honda and model logos intact and visible.

• Commit to provide regular reports to Honda Public Relations regarding media coverage and event activity for the project vehicle for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.

• Commit to have the completed vehicle available for photography in Torrance, California, by Monday, October 27, 2014.

• Pay applicable federal and state gift taxes on the value of the giveaway vehicle. Value of vehicle will not exceed $22,000.

To obtain digital images of the vehicle for your rendering, submit a request to hondaevents@hna.honda.com. These images or renderings based upon them may not be used for any outside promotion. Full details about and viewable photos of the ’15 Honda Fit are available at www.hondanews.com.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

	Legislation that would have required official inspection stations to test vehicles to determine if their exhaust systems “emit noise noticeably greater than that emitted by the vehicle as equipped from the factory” died when the legislature adjourned for the year.

Legislation that would have required official inspection stations to test vehicles to determine if their exhaust systems “emit noise noticeably greater than that emitted by the vehicle as equipped from the factory” died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill had not been given committee consideration. The bill unfairly provided no objective standard by which vehicles could be tested and did not provide inspection stations with decibel readings on factory-installed exhaust systems. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org. 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

	Legislation that would have required official inspection stations to test vehicles to determine if their exhaust systems “emit noise noticeably greater than that emitted by the vehicle as equipped from the factory” died when the legislature adjourned for the year.

Legislation that would have required official inspection stations to test vehicles to determine if their exhaust systems “emit noise noticeably greater than that emitted by the vehicle as equipped from the factory” died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill had not been given committee consideration. The bill unfairly provided no objective standard by which vehicles could be tested and did not provide inspection stations with decibel readings on factory-installed exhaust systems. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org. 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

	Legislation that would have required official inspection stations to test vehicles to determine if their exhaust systems “emit noise noticeably greater than that emitted by the vehicle as equipped from the factory” died when the legislature adjourned for the year.

Legislation that would have required official inspection stations to test vehicles to determine if their exhaust systems “emit noise noticeably greater than that emitted by the vehicle as equipped from the factory” died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill had not been given committee consideration. The bill unfairly provided no objective standard by which vehicles could be tested and did not provide inspection stations with decibel readings on factory-installed exhaust systems. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.