By SEMA News Editors

Toyota has introduced the all-new '25 4Runner, the sixth generation of the off-road-focused SUV.

Built on the TNGA-F truck platform that is shared with the Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra and Sequoia, the 4Runner benefits from a high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame and a multi-link coil rear and double wishbone front suspension.

The Michigan-based CALTY design team designed the 4Runner alongside the Tacoma, and both share inspiration from the desert racing scene, according to the manufacturer.

The next-generation 4Runner will be available with two different turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder powertrains, including the i-FORCE engine with 278 hp and 317 lb.-ft. of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the i-FORCE MAX hybrid, which pairs the 2.4L engine with a 48hp electric motor, increasing total output to 326 hp. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid is available on TRD Off-Road and Limited models, while standard on the TRD Pro, Trailhunter and Platinum trim levels.

Designed for off-road capability, the new 4Runner will be offered with two-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive models have an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range along with active traction control and an automatic limited-slip differential. An electronic locking rear differential is standard on TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and Trailhunter grades. The Limited is offered with an available a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a center locking differential on i-FORCE MAX models, while this setup is standard on Platinum grades.

The 4Runner is also equipped with Toyota's latest interior accessories and appointments. A new 8-in. or available 14-in. multimedia touchscreen displays Toyota's latest audio multimedia system. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and pairs with an available Qi wireless charging pad with enhanced power output. A 7-inch gauge cluster is standard on lower grades and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard on higher grades.

For more information on the '25 Toyota 4Runner, visit toyota.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Hotel reservations are now open online here for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas, including at several new locations, available at the lowest possible nightly rates through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.  

The SEMA Show and onPeak offer attendees and exhibitors exclusive deals at an ever-growing list of the best hotels in Las Vegas. New properties are now available to book this year, giving SEMA Showgoers an extensive lineup of housing options for the world's premier automotive trade show.  

New hotels and exclusive nightly rates for the 2024 SEMA Show:   

• Circa - $139  
• Four Seasons - $299  
• Virgin Hotel - $279  

Booking a 2024 SEMA Show hotel through onPeak provides cost-saving rates, exclusive offerings and outstanding service. In addition, booking an official SEMA hotel also supports the Show, its participants and its partners, allowing for lower room rates, more concessions and exclusive benefits that best serve the industry for years to come. Book your SEMA Show hotel here. 

Securing housing is just one of the first steps on the road to the 2024 SEMA Show. Attendee and media registration opens on Monday, April 29, and the SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual and additional exhibitor resources will go live on Monday, April 29.  

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show and SEMA Fest. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has announced the following candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors: 

Manufacturer (Two Seats) 

• Rich Barsamian, Advanced Clutch Technology
• Brian Herron, OPUS IVS
• Kim Pendergast, Magnuson Products, Incumbent
• Melissa Scoles, QA1

Distributor Retailer (Two Seats) 

• Doug Lane, Motor State Distributing
• Kelle Oeste, V8 Speed Shop
• Josh Poulson, Auto Additions Inc.
• Rob Ward, Legacy EV

Service (One Seat) 

• Bill Bader, Summit Motorsports Park
• David Morton, Fifth Third Bank
• Todd Steen, Jackson Marketing

Voting will take place online between Tuesday, May 28 and Tuesday, June 11 and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company's primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company's designated primary contact beginning Tuesday, May 28. Winners will be announced by Friday, June 21. 

About SEMA

SEMA, founded in 1963, represents the $46.2 billion specialty automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as the leading trade show SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis. For more information, visit sema.org, semashow.com or performanceracing.com. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) named Roy Wragth, CEO of Wragth Motorsports--a veteran-owned company that specializes in parts and accessories for late model vehicles--as the network's newest spotlight member. 

Get to know Wragth in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Roy Wragth: Take action. You don't need to have all the answers, you just need to have a goal and take action. Give it all you got. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

RW: My passion for cars and being able to provide a therapeutic outlet for others through high-performance car builds. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  ‘ 

RW: The gym, working on cars or on the mats as a jiu-jitsu practitioner.  

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

RW: Usually we plan and understand high-level goals and steps needed to be taken to obtain those goals. From there, we make things happen. 

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be? 

RW: Jay Leno; he’s super humble and knowledgeable about cars. I would love to learn how he plans his day, his why and what drives him to continue to provide value. 

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) is hosting a networking Happy Hour at the 2024 Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on Thursday, April 18, at 5:00 p.m. in the Hot Products Showcase tent located between the stage and the grandstands.

All council members are invited to the gathering, where they will be able to network with industry friends, grab a bite to eat and a beverage and check out the hot new products on display from ARMO member companies.

Attendees will learn about ARMO's latest initiatives, meet members of the select committee and discover how to get more involved with the council. Prospective members are invited to attend, as it's a great way to introduce yourself and learn what ARMO membership has to offer. 

 RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

Time is running out for employees of SEMA member companies to increase their involvement and participation in the automotive specialty-equipment industry by volunteering for a SEMA council or network select committee leadership role. Submit your application by the Friday, April 19, deadline here.

Select committee volunteers are vital to the success of the association, bringing insight and knowledge to assist SEMA staff in providing the members of its niche specialized communities with essential resources for career and business growth. In-person networking events, educational webinars, market-specific programs, online membership meetings and leadership development programs are just a few examples of successful SEMA programs introduced by select committee volunteers.

By lending just a few hours a month, volunteers gain hands-on leadership experience, develop solutions to help strengthen the automotive aftermarket and can even help create industry awareness with legislative leaders. They also build valuable business connections and friendships in the process.

Applicants must be employed by a SEMA member company and be willing to serve a two-year term. Planning skills and aftermarket knowledge are helpful, but the most important trait is a passion for giving back to the industry. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to get more involved! Learn how you make can a difference and apply here. 

By SEMA News Editors

Prema Racing to Join NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2025

Prema Racing, the junior formula racing team based in Italy, will join the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2025 with two full-time entries.

The Prema Racing INDYCAR effort will operate out of a "state-of-the-art" facility located in Indiana. The team's two full-time entries will be powered by Chevrolet's 2.2L, twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid power units.

More details, including drivers, partners and sponsors, will be released at a later date.

For more information, see the full announcement on indycar.com.

World Racing Group Adds Fire and Rescue Team to ASCS National Tour Events

World Racing Group is expanding its safety efforts to the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) with the addition of the ASCS Fire and Rescue Team.

Like the addition of a traveling safety team for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series at the beginning of the season, the ASCS National Tour will also have its own safety crew at every event.

The team will be led by Billy Hurt, whose crew has been with the ASCS Warrior Region for several years, according to the series.

For more information, visit ascsracing.com.

USAC Reveals Hall of Fame Class of 2024

The United States Auto Club (USAC) has revealed the USAC Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

This year's class includes photographers Gene Crucean and John Mahoney; the Hoffman family of car owners; champion drivers Rickey Hood and Levi Jones; plus, promoter Tom Marchese and mechanic and car owner Jud Phillips.

The induction ceremony will take place at USAC headquarters in Speedway, Indiana, on September 27, 2024, during the Driven2SaveLives BC39 weekend for the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Championship at The Dirt Track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

For more information, including a biography of each inductee, see the full announcement.

Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Hotel reservations for the 2024 SEMA Show--November 5-8, Las Vegas--are now open online here. Show organizers have negotiated the lowest possible nightly rates at the best hotels in the area, only available through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.

"We're seeing increased interest in the SEMA Show; rooms are filling up more quickly than last year, and some hotels have limited inventories, so we advise exhibitors and attendees to book their hotels safely and securely through onPeak today," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. "Last year, Showgoers saved an average of $200 or more on their trip to SEMA at several sought-after hotels."

Booking a 2024 SEMA Show hotel through onPeak allows attendees and exhibitors to claim hotel loyalty rewards points and book their entire group online with immediate confirmation--knowing they've secured the lowest rate without needing to browse the web for hours.

Booking your hotel is just one of the first steps on the road to the 2024 SEMA Show. Attendee and media registration opens on Monday, April 29, and the SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual and additional exhibitor resources will go live on Monday, April 29. 

In addition, organizers have announced exclusive airline discounts for attendees, media members, influencers and exhibitors securing their travel plans for the 2024 SEMA Show. With these deals straight from SEMA Show partners--detailed at the bottom of this article--you can save up to 10% on your airline costs for this year's event. 

Available 2024 SEMA Show airline discounts:

Alaska Airlines

• Discount: 7% off published fares. 
• Valid Travel Dates: October 27-November 8, 2024.
• Online Reservations: visit alaskaair.com and enter discount code ECMK491 
• Phone Reservations: Contact Group Desk at 1-800-445-4435. A $15 per person ticketing fee will be applied to phone reservations. 

Delta Air Lines 

• Discount: Special fares for SEMA Showgoers.
• Online Reservations: Visit the Delta Air Lines special link here.
• Phone Reservations: Contact Delta Meeting Network at 1-800-328-1111, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST, and refer to Meeting Event Code NM3PY. There is no service fee for reservations booked and ticketed through the 800 number.

United Airlines 

• Discount: 2% to 10% off based on origin location. 
• Valid Travel Dates: November 2-11, 2024. 
• Online Reservations: Click on discount code ZPKE658685 or visit the special link here. 
• Phone Reservations: Please note that a service fee will be collected per ticket when booking by phone. Contact United Meetings at 1-800-426-1122 and provide them with the following information: 
  • Z Code: ZPKE.
  • Agreement Code: 91765. 

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show and SEMA Fest.

By SEMA News Editors

Fresh off the release of its inaugural EV, the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai's N performance division is expanding its lineup with the N edition of the Ioniq 6 sedan. SEMA News sources recently caught a glimpse of the first test mule of the sedan at Hyundai's test center near the Nürburgring in Germany.

While official confirmation of an Ioniq 6 N is pending, a recent report from Australia suggests that the model could hit the market in 2025, potentially offering even greater performance than the Ioniq 5 N.

According to sources, the Ioniq 6 is expected to draw inspiration from Hyundai's RN22e 'rolling lab' prototype, which showcased many of the technologies now featured in the Ioniq 5 N.

The upcoming Hyundai EV is likely to share many components with the Ioniq 5 N, according to insiders, including the same 84-kWh battery pack and upgraded front and rear electric motors. These components combine to produce 641 hp in its performance mode or 601 hp in regular driving modes. It's probable that the Ioniq 6 N will also feature the same driver-focused modes as the Ioniq 5 N, possibly including the synthetic eight-speed dual-clutch transmission function and the N Active Sound mode, which can replicate the sound of the N division's current 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder models.

By SEMA News Editors

Real Deal Revolution Announces 'Women, Wheels & Wine' Fundraiser Event, Workshops in Temecula Valley, Saturday, April 13

Automotive specialty-equipment market professionals are invited to Doffo Winery, a premier winery in Temecula Valley, California, on Saturday, April 13. The "Women, Wheels & Wine" charity event is presented by Real Deal Revolution, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit co-founded by Jessi Combs and Theresa Contreras with a goal to revolutionize the perception of skilled trades and women's roles in them, and MotoDoffo, a division of the family-owned winery.

The event will include hands-on, women-led workshops in welding, pinstriping and leatherwork, award-winning wine, local food and vendors, vineyard views, vintage motorcycles, a silent auction, prizes and presentations. The event is open to the public for the suggested donation of $10 per ticket. Workshop participation is on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration may be completed on-site, but advanced tickets at the suggested donation of $10 per person are highly recommended via Eventbrite.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to motorcycle skilled-trade educational programs for women, including internship and apprenticeship opportunities, scholarships and partner sponsorships through Real Deal Revolution. 

For more information, visit realdealrevolution.org.

Jason Smith Appointed President of USAC

The United States Auto Club (USAC), the Speedway, Indiana-based sanctioning body, has appointed Jason Smith as president of the organization.

The newly formed president position of USAC Racing will report to USAC CEO Kevin Miller and work alongside the executive team reporting to the USAC Board of Directors.

In his new position, Smith will oversee the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of USAC Racing, working closely with stakeholders to ensure the continued success and growth of the organization, the sanctioning body said. His vision for USAC includes enhancing the fan experience, fostering innovation in racing technology and cultivating a diverse and inclusive racing community.

For more information, visit usacracing.com.

Holley Appoints Chet Baker SVP of Sales, Expands Sales Team

Holley Performance Brands, based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, has named Chet Baker as its new senior vice president of sales as part of an overall expansion of its sales team.

In his new role, Baker will lead the company’s sales team, developing and executing strategies to drive growth across Holley’s portfolio of brands, the company said, and will work closely with Holley’s business and marketing teams to cultivate relationships with key distribution partners.

In addition to Baker’s new role, Holley Performance Brands has named four new sales leaders who will be responsible for overseeing sales for the company’s target consumer vertical groupings:

• Dan Waters has joined the organization as senior sales director for safety and racing.
• Scott McLaughlin, previously director of sales, has been promoted to the role of senior sales director for domestic muscle. In this new position, he will have sales accountability for classic truck, classic muscle and modern muscle.
• Mae Salehi recently joined Holley Performance Brands as sales director for national retailers. She will also be responsible for sales in the modern truck and off-road, and Euro and import verticals.
• Brent Morgulec joined Holley in late 2023 as sales director for the OE and export business.

For more information, visit holley.com.

Total Seal Piston Rings Achieves ISO Certification

Total Seal Piston Rings, located in Phoenix, Arizona, has conformed to the Quality Management System Standard ISO 9001:2015 for design, machining, fabrication and assembly of piston rings.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification establishes credibility and trust among consumers, clients and other business partners, according to the organization, and validates that an organization adheres to global standards of quality assurance, manufacturing and business.

"Congratulations to the team at Total Seal for their hard work and dedication in achieving this significant ISO milestone," said Matt Hartford, CEO of Total Seal. "It is a testament to their skills and commitment to quality, and it reflects the high standards upheld by the employees, managers and workers at the company. This accomplishment will surely bring about continued success and growth for Total Seal in the future."

For more information, visit totalseal.com.

Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.