By Richard Hail

Join Adrienne “AJ” Janic, co-host of Overhaulin’ and “SEMA Battle of the Builders,” as she chats with top contenders from the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

SEMA’s exciting new Battle of the Builders web series, "Ready for Battle with AJ,” has just launched on YouTube.

Join Adrienne “AJ” Janic, co-host of “Overhaulin’” and “SEMA Battle of the Builders,” as she chats with top contenders from the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. Get an exclusive look into the lives of these builders and you might even see what they’ve got in store for the 2020 SEMA Show.

Janic’s first stop is Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers out of Orchard City, Colorado. Founded in 1995, Jeremiah Proffitt and his team have restored more than 100 Land Cruisers, completed more than 200 engine conversions and performed countless other custom fabrications and modifications.

Proffitt discusses everything Land Cruiser, from LS swaps to paint jobs, and he shares who he thinks his biggest competition will be at the 2020 SEMA Show. Last year, AJ and Tanner Foust co-hosted the 2019 Battle of the Builders TV special, which appeared on FYI and History’s DRIVE Block and featured Proffitt, RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s) and Cam Miller (HS Customs) as judges for the competition.

Visit the SEMA Show YouTube Channel for more videos and builder interviews, and be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss future episodes leading up to the 2020 SEMA Show.

For more details about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, visit www.semabotb.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The upgraded ’19 Honda Talon 1000R that was customized by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) and students has been auctioned for $23,000, with proceeds benefiting students and future industry leaders.

The upgraded ’19 Honda Talon 1000R that was customized by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) and students has been auctioned for $23,000, with proceeds benefiting students and future industry leaders.

Sold through Bring a Trailer, the modified UTV was created as part of a unique program in which young industry professionals served as mentors for high school students. A group of dedicated students from the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts, located in Pomona, California, modified the UTV with more than a dozen custom parts and accessories, including custom paint, a fabricated light bar, upgraded performance exhaust and more.  

Fifty percent of the proceeds from the auction will go toward the SEMA Education Loan Forgiveness Program, while the other 50% will be donated to the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts to support the ongoing education of young people interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry.

“We are very grateful to have been selected to participate in a program that has exposed our students to the various career paths available within the industry through hands-on-learning,” said Theresa Contreras, AXC automotive program specialist. “The vehicle’s proceeds will play a huge role in helping us expand our reach and continue to encourage our youth about the automotive hobbyist lifestyle.”

In addition to the guidance provided by YEN members, the build’s influence expanded beyond hands-on learning and instilled the participating students with the responsibility, punctuality and team-building skills necessary to pursue a career in the automotive aftermarket.

SEMA YEN provides year-round various education and networking opportunities to the industry by helping cultivate young talent in the automotive aftermarket. For more information, visit SEMA YEN’s website.

By Ashley Reyes

The upgraded ’19 Honda Talon 1000R that was customized by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) and students has been auctioned for $23,000, with proceeds benefiting students and future industry leaders.

The upgraded ’19 Honda Talon 1000R that was customized by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) and students has been auctioned for $23,000, with proceeds benefiting students and future industry leaders.

Sold through Bring a Trailer, the modified UTV was created as part of a unique program in which young industry professionals served as mentors for high school students. A group of dedicated students from the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts, located in Pomona, California, modified the UTV with more than a dozen custom parts and accessories, including custom paint, a fabricated light bar, upgraded performance exhaust and more.  

Fifty percent of the proceeds from the auction will go toward the SEMA Education Loan Forgiveness Program, while the other 50% will be donated to the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts to support the ongoing education of young people interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry.

“We are very grateful to have been selected to participate in a program that has exposed our students to the various career paths available within the industry through hands-on-learning,” said Theresa Contreras, AXC automotive program specialist. “The vehicle’s proceeds will play a huge role in helping us expand our reach and continue to encourage our youth about the automotive hobbyist lifestyle.”

In addition to the guidance provided by YEN members, the build’s influence expanded beyond hands-on learning and instilled the participating students with the responsibility, punctuality and team-building skills necessary to pursue a career in the automotive aftermarket.

SEMA YEN provides year-round various education and networking opportunities to the industry by helping cultivate young talent in the automotive aftermarket. For more information, visit SEMA YEN’s website.

By Ashley Reyes

The upgraded ’19 Honda Talon 1000R that was customized by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) and students has been auctioned for $23,000, with proceeds benefiting students and future industry leaders.

The upgraded ’19 Honda Talon 1000R that was customized by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) and students has been auctioned for $23,000, with proceeds benefiting students and future industry leaders.

Sold through Bring a Trailer, the modified UTV was created as part of a unique program in which young industry professionals served as mentors for high school students. A group of dedicated students from the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts, located in Pomona, California, modified the UTV with more than a dozen custom parts and accessories, including custom paint, a fabricated light bar, upgraded performance exhaust and more.  

Fifty percent of the proceeds from the auction will go toward the SEMA Education Loan Forgiveness Program, while the other 50% will be donated to the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts to support the ongoing education of young people interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry.

“We are very grateful to have been selected to participate in a program that has exposed our students to the various career paths available within the industry through hands-on-learning,” said Theresa Contreras, AXC automotive program specialist. “The vehicle’s proceeds will play a huge role in helping us expand our reach and continue to encourage our youth about the automotive hobbyist lifestyle.”

In addition to the guidance provided by YEN members, the build’s influence expanded beyond hands-on learning and instilled the participating students with the responsibility, punctuality and team-building skills necessary to pursue a career in the automotive aftermarket.

SEMA YEN provides year-round various education and networking opportunities to the industry by helping cultivate young talent in the automotive aftermarket. For more information, visit SEMA YEN’s website.

Here’s the upcoming Ford Bronco four-door model undergoing testing without its roof camo, providing the best look yet at the upcoming SUV’s roofline.

Though prior leaks have shown the vehicle with no camo, those models have all worn roof racks. This model, on the other hand, seems to have a bare roof.

The trim level seen here seems to be the middle-of-the-range model, slotting below the offroad-focused model, yet above the base models photographed prior.

The Bronco is expected to debut later this year and launch in 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the upcoming Ford Bronco four-door model undergoing testing without its roof camo, providing the best look yet at the upcoming SUV’s roofline.

Though prior leaks have shown the vehicle with no camo, those models have all worn roof racks. This model, on the other hand, seems to have a bare roof.

The trim level seen here seems to be the middle-of-the-range model, slotting below the offroad-focused model, yet above the base models photographed prior.

The Bronco is expected to debut later this year and launch in 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the upcoming Ford Bronco four-door model undergoing testing without its roof camo, providing the best look yet at the upcoming SUV’s roofline.

Though prior leaks have shown the vehicle with no camo, those models have all worn roof racks. This model, on the other hand, seems to have a bare roof.

The trim level seen here seems to be the middle-of-the-range model, slotting below the offroad-focused model, yet above the base models photographed prior.

The Bronco is expected to debut later this year and launch in 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the upcoming Ford Bronco four-door model undergoing testing without its roof camo, providing the best look yet at the upcoming SUV’s roofline.

Though prior leaks have shown the vehicle with no camo, those models have all worn roof racks. This model, on the other hand, seems to have a bare roof.

The trim level seen here seems to be the middle-of-the-range model, slotting below the offroad-focused model, yet above the base models photographed prior.

The Bronco is expected to debut later this year and launch in 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the upcoming Ford Bronco four-door model undergoing testing without its roof camo, providing the best look yet at the upcoming SUV’s roofline.

Though prior leaks have shown the vehicle with no camo, those models have all worn roof racks. This model, on the other hand, seems to have a bare roof.

The trim level seen here seems to be the middle-of-the-range model, slotting below the offroad-focused model, yet above the base models photographed prior.

The Bronco is expected to debut later this year and launch in 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA eNews highlights products from member-companies each week. This week's submissions are listed below.

The companies included with the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) logo are also members of the SDC, the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

Submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Flowmaster Flowfx Exhaust View Product Video Flowmaster has released its FlowFX cat-back exhaust system for ’99–’07 classic-body GM Silverado/Sierra 1500 trucks with 4.3L, 4.8L and 5.3L engines. The system is designed to enhance looks, performance and sound. Featuring 409SS construction and 16-gauge mandrel-bent tubing, the system is engineered to boost improved durability and unrestricted flow over stock. The installation of this kit is expected to yield 6.7 hp and 6.5 lb.-ft. torque. The system is constructed to fit extended-cab 6.5-ft. truck bed as well as the crew-cab trucks with 5.5-ft. beds that feature a 143.5-in. wheelbase. The kit includes instructions and all hardware necessary for installation. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 717873
Sinister Diesel Hexagon 6.0 Intake Elbow Sinister Diesel announces the launch of its Hexagon 6.0 Intake Elbow for the ’03–’07 Ford F-250, F-350 Super Duty or ’03–’05 Excursion 6.0. The increased diameter and larger volume is engineered to reduce restriction within the intake for an increase in performance while the stronger aluminum construction and CNC-machined base plate are designed to hold higher boost levels. Note: Not for sale in California. 888-966-6543 www.sinisterdiesel.com PN: SD-6.0HIE03-01-20
Hooker BlackHeart Mid-Length Exhaust Systems Hooker BlackHeart announces the release of its exhaust system for the ’72–’93 Dodge D100/D150 2WD shortbed pickup. They are available in either 3-in. single outlet, or 2.5-in. dual outlet options, with a straight-through 409 stainless steel muffler and 409 stainless-steel mandrel-bent exhaust tubing. This exhaust system is designed for optimized component clearances. The system features a passenger-side exhaust outlet, ending just behind the rear tire. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: BH2356
STS Turbo Multi Fit Single Turbo Pipe Kit STS Turbo introduces its multi-fit single turbo pipe kit. The pipe kits include mandrel bent tubing, quality silicone couplers, stainless-steel hose clamps and hangers. The kits are available in mild steel, aluminized steel or 304SS pipe options to match your budget or fabrication abilities. Simply add the flanges required for your specific turbo, wastegate and blow-off valve. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: STS10UAS
Raybestos Element3 Brake Caliper Raybestos introduces its Element3 Brake Caliper for the following vehicles: Toyota: Tundra ’15–’18; Sequoia ’15–’18 Ford: Expedition ’10–’17; Expedition EL ’15–’16; F-150 ’10–’11; F-150 ’15–’17;  F-350 Super Duty ’13–’16; F-450 Super Duty ’13–’14 Lincoln: Navigator ’09–’17 Chevrolet: Silverado 2500 HD ’11–’19; Silverado 3500 HD ’11–’19; Suburban ’16–’19 GMC: Sierra 2500 HD ’11–’19; Sierra 3500 HD ’11–’19 Nissan: NV1500/2500/3500 ’18; Titan XD ’18 815-363-9000 www.brakepartsinc.com PN: Vary
Continental ATE Plastilube Brake Lubricant Continental offers its performance-proven ATE Plastilube Brake Lubricant to the North American market. Formulated to effectively reduce brake pad noise, ATE Plastilube is engineered to provide long-lasting protection against corrosion for caliper guide surfaces including caliper slide pins and the areas between the piston and backing plate. The lubricant is manufactured to improve brake service life and reduce maintenance frequency. The lubricant is constructed to help keep all moving brake parts lubricated and operating smoothly in all weather conditions and to be non-corrosive and compatible with all metals and most O-ring materials. 800-564-5066 www.us.continental-aftermarket.com PN: 700015