By SEMA Editors

NASCAR driver Brian Blaney and the Blaney Bronco, which features an Eaton ELocker locking front differential, a Detroit Truetrac limited slip rear differential and a Harrop Supercharger featuring Eaton TVS technology.

Eaton has announced its support for the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation and restoration company Gateway Bronco in the development of a custom-built ’74 Ford Bronco that will be auctioned for charity. Eaton hosted NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney and Gateway Bronco founder Seth Burgett for a press conference at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas to debut the classic Bronco restored in memory of Blaney’s grandfather, Lou Blaney, who passed away following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Established by Ryan Blaney in 2018, the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation commissioned Gateway Bronco to restore the classic SUV, which features an Eaton ELocker front differential and Eaton Detroit Truetrac rear differential, as well as a Harrop USA supercharger with Eaton Twin Vortices Series (TVS) technology. The vehicle will be sold at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company in January 2020 in Scottsdale, Arizona, with proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association.

Ryan Blaney is a third-generation racecar driver in his eighth season with Team Penske and his second season racing full-time in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. His grandfather was a legendary racecar driver who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2001 before succumbing to complications from the disease in 2009.

To honor the elder Blaney, who operated a sawmill when he wasn’t racing, Gateway Bronco lined the tailgate of the restored Bronco with original barnwood etched with the words “Blaney & Sons Lumber – Special.”

By SEMA Editors

The upcoming SEMA Battle of the Builders competition will include nearly 300 vehicle builders vying for the top title in the competition. Unfolding annually at the SEMA Show, Battle of the Builders serves as the focal point for a nationwide television special.

This year’s SEMA Battle of the Builders is filmed for a television special that will air for the first time ever on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block. Jeremiah Proffitt, one of 2018’s Top 12 competitors and RJ DeVera from Meguiar’s serve as judges.

The three SEMA Battle of the Builders judges will select the top builders in the hot rod, truck/off-road and sport compact categories, while social media influencers select top builders in the category referred to as “Young Guns,” which represents builders age 27 or younger.

The Top 12 finalists were announced Wednesday, November 6. The finalists then serve as judges to crown the ultimate winner, who is named at SEMA Ignited held on November 8.

By SEMA Editors

The upcoming SEMA Battle of the Builders competition will include nearly 300 vehicle builders vying for the top title in the competition. Unfolding annually at the SEMA Show, Battle of the Builders serves as the focal point for a nationwide television special.

This year’s SEMA Battle of the Builders is filmed for a television special that will air for the first time ever on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block. Jeremiah Proffitt, one of 2018’s Top 12 competitors and RJ DeVera from Meguiar’s serve as judges.

The three SEMA Battle of the Builders judges will select the top builders in the hot rod, truck/off-road and sport compact categories, while social media influencers select top builders in the category referred to as “Young Guns,” which represents builders age 27 or younger.

The Top 12 finalists were announced Wednesday, November 6. The finalists then serve as judges to crown the ultimate winner, who is named at SEMA Ignited held on November 8.

Legendary builder Stephan Papadakis has developed a four-part YouTube series revealing what it takes to modify an all-new 2020 Toyota GR Supra engine into a 1,000 horsepower monster. The series explores the limits of the Mark V Supra B58 engine.

Legendary builder Stephan Papadakis has developed a four-part YouTube series revealing what it takes to modify an all-new 2020 Toyota GR Supra engine into a 1,000 horsepower monster. The series explores the limits of the Mark V Supra B58 engine.

By SEMA Editors

Here are several exhibitor announcements made at the 2019 SEMA Show.

DEI Releases 25th Anniversary Edition Catalog DEI announced the release of the company’s 25th Anniversary Edition full line catalog at the 2019 SEMA Show. The new 56-page catalog is packed with new products for multiple markets—automotive, powersports, marine, aviation, RV/Van and more, and offers a comprehensive line of heat and sound control products for race, street, off-road/Jeep, restoration and show, UTV/ATV and motorcycle. With more than 30 new products and 100 new part numbers covering all the company’s brands—DEI, Boom Mat, CryO2 and Radiator Relie—this catalog is designed as a one-stop shop for heat and sound control products that can be used for any home, business or race team. DEI’s new catalog also offers a full line of thermal control products for powersports and a large number of application-specific products in addition to a full line of products for the Jeep Wrangler and the new Jeep Gladiator. Download DEI's 25th Anniversary Edition catalog. For more information visit DesignEngineering.com.
Nexen Debuts Roadian GTX Nexen Tire America Inc. debuted the all-new Roadian GTX grand-touring tire at the 2019 SEMA Show. The Roadian GTX encompasses all the company’s latest technological advances in tire development and manufacturing and will cater to the small crossover- and midsize-SUV segments. The crossover and midsize-SUV vehicle segment is one of the fastest-growing automotive segments in the United States, and the Roadian GTX tire gives drivers a top-tier, high-performance tire at an affordable price. Specifications of the all-new Roadian GTX grand-touring all-season tire include: 680 A A U.T.Q.G. treadwear rating; available in more than 34 sizes ranging from 17- to 22-inches; and speed rating H, V & W available.
AudioControl Debuts New 5-Channel Amps, Load Generating Devices At the 2019 SEMA Show, AudioControl introduced new 5-channel amplifiers with 1300 watts of total system power and available DSP, as well as several new Load Generating Devices (LGD’s) that enable technicians to add aftermarket audio components to a wide range of OEM entertainment systems. New 5-Channel Amplifiers: The two new 5-channel amplifiers offer 125 watts X4-channels RMS at 4-Ohm (200watts RMS X4 at 2-Ohm) and 500 watts X1-channel at 2-Ohm along with eight speaker-level inputs with selectable summing capability. The D-5.1300 delivers onboard DSP control of all amplified outputs and a pair of low-level outputs as well. OEM Integration - New Load Generating Devices (LGD): Crafted by engineers with the goal of maximizing the upgrade opportunities for 12-volt retailers, the AudioControl LGD series of solutions seamlessly interfaces newer OEM systems with aftermarket amplifiers.
Baja Designs Shows Off New Lighting Solutions Baja Designs (#23027) introduced new off-road LED lighting solutions and showcased the company's next-generation laser technology during the 2019 SEMA Show. LP4 Off-Road LED: The LP4 Off-Road LED, the latest edition to the LP family, is only 5.1 inches in size, but still produces 8,750 total lumens via four LEDs and four reflectors. Proprietary Integrated Peripheral Technology (IPT) projects 1,700 lumens sideways for a wider, smoother field of vision. XL Linkable Mounting System: The innovative XL Linkable Mounting System allows between four and eight of the popular Baja Designs XL Series lights to be mounted in series. This creates overall lengths ranging between 20 and 50 inches. The system allows adjustment of each light individually: ideal for UTVs, overland vehicles, Jeeps, trucks, and more. S1: The highly versatile S1 2-inch light will be offered in both LED and laser versions. Available in spot, wide-cornering, work/scene, and laser configurations, at least one variation of the S1 should have a home on every vehicle requiring auxiliary lighting. LaserLight Chips: Powered by SLD Laser, Baja Designs's  LaserLight Chips technologies will be integrated in the company’s laser line: S1, XL, and OnX6. Long-range illumination is consistent with the existing laser technology.	XL Linkable Mounting System LaserLight Chips
E3 Spark Plugs Enters Lithium Battery Market E3 Spark announced that it has entered the Lithium battery market with the company's new E3 Lithium high-performance 12-volt battery. Designed for the street and track, the E3 Lithium line of batteries utilizes same UltraPhosphate technology specified by the world’s supercar manufacturers and proven on the Formula 1 circuit. By utilizing advanced chemistry and system design, E3 Lithium offers outstanding cycle life, high charge acceptance, and up to a 60% weight reduction over lead-acid batteries in addition to outstanding cold cranking power unmatched in the industry. For more information about E3’s Lithium high performance 12 volt battery and other E3 high performance ignition products, visit www.e3lithium.com.
Yakima LockNLoad Platform Collection Now Available Yakima’s new LockNLoad heavy-duty platform roof rack collection is designed to haul overlanding equipment as well as bikes, boats, boards and skis. A series of accessories allow the user to maximize the rack’s utility. LockNLoad accessories include perimeter rails, a light bar bracket, a high-lift jack holder, a spare tire restraint, a jerry can holder, and corner brackets for securing coolers and hard-shell containers. The platforms mount directly to Yakima SkyLine and TimberLine towers with LockNLoad SL adapters. They also attach to any Yakima crossbars and nearly any factory or competitor crossbars with LockNLoad crossbar clamps. Integrated T-slots in every slat and the outer frame allow for the simple attachment of T-slot accessories.

By Ashley Reyes

Gavin Knapp (left), SEMA director of Market Research, spoke with Myles Kovacs about the status of the automotive retail industry on the The STAGE at the 2019 SEMA Show.

Eighty-three percent of automotive specialty-equipment retailers report stable or growing sales in recent years, dispelling reports of a “retailpocalypse” and showing that the more than 3,000 SEMA-member retailers are primed for continued growth, according to the new “SEMA Retail Landscape Research Report.”

The internet and e-commerce are becoming normal aspects of doing business, with many specialty automotive retailers selling products online or using the internet to advertise and promote themselves. However, retailers surveyed reported that most 2018 sales were made through in-store purchases and believed that offering personalized advice to their customers was the key to helping them succeed in the future.

“‘The SEMA Retail Landscape Report’ shows that the heavily publicized death of traditional retail is greatly exaggerated,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of Market Research. “The positive news is that most retailers in our industry are doing well. While the internet and e-commerce have impacted their businesses, savvy retailers are learning how to incorporate online sales into the mix and finding great success.”

For specialty-automotive retailers who find opportunity online, 54% sell products through their company’s website and 39% sell their products through an online marketplace, such as Amazon, eBay and Walmart.

The web and social media are vital for marketing with 81% of retailers using social media to market their businesses. Facebook and Instagram are the main—but by no means the only—platforms used, while 71% of specialty auto retailers use their company’s website to advertise their business.

To learn more about the state of retail in the specialty automotive aftermarket and find insights that can help your business, download the “SEMA Retail Landscape Report” for free today at www.sema.org/research.

By Ashley Reyes

Gavin Knapp (left), SEMA director of Market Research, spoke with Myles Kovacs about the status of the automotive retail industry on the The STAGE at the 2019 SEMA Show.

Eighty-three percent of automotive specialty-equipment retailers report stable or growing sales in recent years, dispelling reports of a “retailpocalypse” and showing that the more than 3,000 SEMA-member retailers are primed for continued growth, according to the new “SEMA Retail Landscape Research Report.”

The internet and e-commerce are becoming normal aspects of doing business, with many specialty automotive retailers selling products online or using the internet to advertise and promote themselves. However, retailers surveyed reported that most 2018 sales were made through in-store purchases and believed that offering personalized advice to their customers was the key to helping them succeed in the future.

“‘The SEMA Retail Landscape Report’ shows that the heavily publicized death of traditional retail is greatly exaggerated,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of Market Research. “The positive news is that most retailers in our industry are doing well. While the internet and e-commerce have impacted their businesses, savvy retailers are learning how to incorporate online sales into the mix and finding great success.”

For specialty-automotive retailers who find opportunity online, 54% sell products through their company’s website and 39% sell their products through an online marketplace, such as Amazon, eBay and Walmart.

The web and social media are vital for marketing with 81% of retailers using social media to market their businesses. Facebook and Instagram are the main—but by no means the only—platforms used, while 71% of specialty auto retailers use their company’s website to advertise their business.

To learn more about the state of retail in the specialty automotive aftermarket and find insights that can help your business, download the “SEMA Retail Landscape Report” for free today at www.sema.org/research.

By Ashley Reyes

Gavin Knapp (left), SEMA director of Market Research, spoke with Myles Kovacs about the status of the automotive retail industry on the The STAGE at the 2019 SEMA Show.

Eighty-three percent of automotive specialty-equipment retailers report stable or growing sales in recent years, dispelling reports of a “retailpocalypse” and showing that the more than 3,000 SEMA-member retailers are primed for continued growth, according to the new “SEMA Retail Landscape Research Report.”

The internet and e-commerce are becoming normal aspects of doing business, with many specialty automotive retailers selling products online or using the internet to advertise and promote themselves. However, retailers surveyed reported that most 2018 sales were made through in-store purchases and believed that offering personalized advice to their customers was the key to helping them succeed in the future.

“‘The SEMA Retail Landscape Report’ shows that the heavily publicized death of traditional retail is greatly exaggerated,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of Market Research. “The positive news is that most retailers in our industry are doing well. While the internet and e-commerce have impacted their businesses, savvy retailers are learning how to incorporate online sales into the mix and finding great success.”

For specialty-automotive retailers who find opportunity online, 54% sell products through their company’s website and 39% sell their products through an online marketplace, such as Amazon, eBay and Walmart.

The web and social media are vital for marketing with 81% of retailers using social media to market their businesses. Facebook and Instagram are the main—but by no means the only—platforms used, while 71% of specialty auto retailers use their company’s website to advertise their business.

To learn more about the state of retail in the specialty automotive aftermarket and find insights that can help your business, download the “SEMA Retail Landscape Report” for free today at www.sema.org/research.

By SEMA Editors

MetroWrapz of Hollywood, Florida, has earned the “King of the Wrap World” title for the second consecutive year.

Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions announced Tuesday, November 5, that MetroWrapz of Hollywood, Florida, has earned the “King of the Wrap World” title for the second consecutive year. The company, chosen from 155 global entries, pushed creativity to the limits with its “Creature from the Wrap Lagoon” wrap, transforming a ’17 Acura NSX. The winner was announced at Avery Dennison’s booth at the 2019 SEMA Show.

According to the MetroWrapz team, the inspiration for the wrap came from the 1954 film “Creature From the Black Lagoon” and required full use of the team’s skills to set new standards for speed of application and quality of finish.

The team used Avery Dennison Conform Chrome Silver Film with DOL 1370 Luster laminate to create a chilling, realistic shiny silky skin, enhanced by amphibian hues of yellow and green.