Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

BMW M5 Touring Retouched for '28 Model Year

Originally spotted with a decidedly Neue Klasse front end, the '28-model-year M5 facelift has reverted to a more conventional aesthetic with only a hint of Neue Klasse in its design. Pictured in Touring specification, the mid-cycle refresh debuts a pair of slimmer headlight clusters and kidney grilles.

Emphasizing width, the new front end also integrates a different lower fascia with multiple vertical sections for the air intakes. The wagon-bodied prototype in these pictures also shows the quad exhaust peeking through a resculpted bumper. There will be new taillights as well, and similar to the front units the signature lighting also emphasizes width.

Given the extensive interior camouflage, the Bavarian automaker is most likely adapting the iX3’s infotainment system and Panoramic Vision setup for internal-combustion models. Panoramic Vision is a projection system that uses the entire width of the lower windshield to create a digital space for both the driver and the front passenger.

BMW Operating System X with Panoramic Vision will also lead to the elimination of the iDrive controller in favor of a voice- and touch-first interface along with more advanced steering wheel controls. The interior redesign should further include a larger and better integrated central touchscreen display along with an optional 3D head-up display. There is also talk of an optional passenger display.

Beyond the tech-heavy makeover, the interior is also expected to lean more heavily into premium trim pieces and materials. Preliminary information suggests that production of the M5 Touring will continue into mid-2032 with V8 power. For the first model year of the facelift, new exterior colors are reportedly in the works as well.

S68 is BMW’s code name for the 4.4L engine of the M5 Sedan and M5 Touring, an engine that recently lost a few horsepower in preparation for Euro 7 regulations. The S68 used in US-market vehicles has not lost any power. In Europe, however, BMW and the M division have introduced new electric drive and battery software that makes up for the lost internal combustion muscle. The G90 sedan and G99 wagon produce a combined 717 hp and 738 lb.-ft. of torque in their current iterations, with BMW claiming 3.5 seconds for the sprint from zero to 62 mph. When properly optioned both can reach a top speed of 190 mph.

Refined Rather Than Reinvented: Facelift for Jeep Avenger

Besides a few long-distance detail shots, these are the first clear images of a prototype for the facelifted Jeep Avenger. The refreshed model is expected to reach the market next year, although Jeep has not yet announced an official debut date. Most sources point to 2027 as the most likely timeframe, considering the model’s life cycle and the advanced stage of road testing. Interest around this facelift remains high, especially since the Avenger has proven to be a major commercial success across Europe.

A closer look at the camouflaged prototype suggests a fairly conservative update. The test vehicle spotted on public roads points to a light refresh rather than a radical redesign. The changes appear limited to specific details such as the bumpers, lighting signature and internal elements of the headlights. The body shape and proportions remain largely unchanged. All in all, the makeover will consist of subtle but carefully planned updates aimed at refreshing the look without altering the model’s identity.

This approach aligns well with Jeep’s strategy. The brand intends to preserve the recognizable character of a model that already enjoys strong customer approval while making targeted improvements to keep it up to date with current standards. The facelift therefore seems designed to refine rather than reinvent.

It comes as no surprise that the Avenger continues to attract attention from designers and enthusiasts alike. The model now plays a key role in Stellantis’ European lineup. Production takes place at the Tychy plant in Poland alongside the Fiat 600 and Alfa Romeo Junior, and among the three the Avenger recorded the strongest sales figures in 2025.

More details will likely emerge in the coming months, both in terms of design and technical updates. At that point, Jeep should also clarify when it plans to officially unveil the refreshed Avenger and which changes will accompany the debut of one of its most successful recent models.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI staff meet with West Virginia lawmakers at the West Virginia State Capitol during West Virginia Adventure Motorsports Day.

The annual, SEMA- and PRI-supported West Virginia Adventure Motorsports Day returned to the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston, February 12, 2026, bringing together racers, off-road enthusiasts, builders and small businesses from across the state to highlight the growing impact of motorsports and off-road recreation on West Virginia's economy and culture. 

• The economic footprint of the industry in West Virginia is significant. Motorsports and related activity generate $174.94 million in total economic output, support nearly 1,000 jobs, provide $53.35 million in total wages and benefits and contribute $13.70 million in state and local taxes.  

More than 30 display vehicles filled the Capitol grounds, showcasing everything from dedicated racecars and lifted trucks to side-by-sides and custom off-road builds. More than 30 businesses participated, representing the manufacturers, builders and service providers that support the state's vibrant motorsports community. 

Attendees also met with legislators to advocate for Right-to-Race legislation (SB 655/HB 4478) introduced by Sen. Mark Maynard and Del. Gary Howell. The proposal would protect established race tracks from nuisance lawsuits filed by individuals who move near a track after it has already been constructed and is operating. The legislation is designed to provide certainty for long-standing facilities and preserve the ability of tracks to continue hosting races, events and community activities without the threat of costly litigation. 

"West Virginia understands that motorsports and off-road recreation are more than hobbies. They are part of the state's identity and a meaningful driver of economic activity," said Christian Robinson, SEMA and PRI senior director of state government affairs. "Events like this give small businesses, racers and track operators the opportunity to connect directly with lawmakers and ensure that policies protect both competition and the facilities that make it possible." 

For more information about SEMA & PRI's Right to Race initiative, email Robinson at christianr@sema.org. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI staff meet with West Virginia lawmakers at the West Virginia State Capitol during West Virginia Adventure Motorsports Day.

The annual, SEMA- and PRI-supported West Virginia Adventure Motorsports Day returned to the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston, February 12, 2026, bringing together racers, off-road enthusiasts, builders and small businesses from across the state to highlight the growing impact of motorsports and off-road recreation on West Virginia's economy and culture. 

• The economic footprint of the industry in West Virginia is significant. Motorsports and related activity generate $174.94 million in total economic output, support nearly 1,000 jobs, provide $53.35 million in total wages and benefits and contribute $13.70 million in state and local taxes.  

More than 30 display vehicles filled the Capitol grounds, showcasing everything from dedicated racecars and lifted trucks to side-by-sides and custom off-road builds. More than 30 businesses participated, representing the manufacturers, builders and service providers that support the state's vibrant motorsports community. 

Attendees also met with legislators to advocate for Right-to-Race legislation (SB 655/HB 4478) introduced by Sen. Mark Maynard and Del. Gary Howell. The proposal would protect established race tracks from nuisance lawsuits filed by individuals who move near a track after it has already been constructed and is operating. The legislation is designed to provide certainty for long-standing facilities and preserve the ability of tracks to continue hosting races, events and community activities without the threat of costly litigation. 

"West Virginia understands that motorsports and off-road recreation are more than hobbies. They are part of the state's identity and a meaningful driver of economic activity," said Christian Robinson, SEMA and PRI senior director of state government affairs. "Events like this give small businesses, racers and track operators the opportunity to connect directly with lawmakers and ensure that policies protect both competition and the facilities that make it possible." 

For more information about SEMA & PRI's Right to Race initiative, email Robinson at christianr@sema.org. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

California lawmakers have introduced legislation (AB 1613) to establish a statewide Off-Highway Vehicle Safety and Stewardship Program that would require operators to complete a safety education course before riding on public lands. The course would be required for operators age 16 and older, beginning in 2029, and would be developed through a stakeholder-driven process. 

• SEMA is working to refine provisions of this bill so as not to impose unnecessary burdens on experienced riders or create cost barriers for enthusiasts and families. 

SEMA supports efforts to promote rider safety and responsible recreation. We've engaged with aligned stakeholder groups, including the American Sand Association, the California Off-Road Vehicle Association, the California Four Wheel Drive Association, AMA District 36 and the San Diego Off-Road Coalition to seek targeted amendments that ensure the program remains practical, affordable and focused on safety. 

For more information, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org.  

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | ZeelichSheng

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

California lawmakers have introduced legislation (AB 1613) to establish a statewide Off-Highway Vehicle Safety and Stewardship Program that would require operators to complete a safety education course before riding on public lands. The course would be required for operators age 16 and older, beginning in 2029, and would be developed through a stakeholder-driven process. 

• SEMA is working to refine provisions of this bill so as not to impose unnecessary burdens on experienced riders or create cost barriers for enthusiasts and families. 

SEMA supports efforts to promote rider safety and responsible recreation. We've engaged with aligned stakeholder groups, including the American Sand Association, the California Off-Road Vehicle Association, the California Four Wheel Drive Association, AMA District 36 and the San Diego Off-Road Coalition to seek targeted amendments that ensure the program remains practical, affordable and focused on safety. 

For more information, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org.  

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | ZeelichSheng

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Austin Huffman, founder of Valvetronic, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

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

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

Austin Huffman: If anybody can do it, I can do it. This was advice that was given to me by my father when working on various projects--from business operations improvements to just building Legos, he always stressed that if anybody can do it, I can do it.

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

AH: The automotive world is unlike any other community. People bond over sports, music or whatever their passion might be, but nothing compares to how cars and trucks bring people together. The culture is vast and diverse, from luxury supercars to lifted trucks to off-road builds, and it creates connections that cross every boundary.

What excites me most is seeing new enthusiasts discover it for the first time, a kid pointing at a Ferrari or Porsche and yelling "race car!" or a group of friends wrenching on their first project. That sense of wonder and excitement is universal, and it never fades. The automotive world offers a place where passion, craftsmanship and community collide, and it's that shared thrill that makes it so special.

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

AH: My life is about self-improvement. You'll find me cooking new recipes, enjoying new adventures, flying a Cessna 172 or at the gym hustling. I love to be in motion.

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

AH: Usually, an important meeting will involve negotiation, even though it might be between you and your own peers regarding an opportunity for an expense. Preparation comes from making sure you're able to listen and hear what the key information is and what the other person wants out of the meeting.

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

AH: Elon Musk. He is such an interesting, creative visionary. Whether you like him or not, you have to respect that he has a knack for entrepreneurship and has an uncommitted approach to his objectives and maximum efficiency.

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

Female aftermarket professionals have limited time to register for the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Women's Leadership Forum , featuring industry-tailored education, networking, and skill building.  

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Women's Leadership Forum returns in 2026 with all-new programming that will empower women in the automotive aftermarket to reach new levels of career success. Taking place March 3-5 in San Diego, California, the Forum will feature education sessions, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities that will help attendees grow their organizational value and build more engaged and stronger teams.   

Why The Conference Matters Now  

Unlike other leadership conferences that cater to all industries, the SBN Women's Leadership Forum was built by women in the aftermarket industry, for women in the aftermarket industry.  

Attendees will gain access to:  

• Industry-focused insights: Keynotes and panels focused on leadership, innovation and trends shaping the automotive aftermarket. 
• Skill-building workshops: Hands-on sessions that strengthen communication, strategic thinking and decision-making. 
• Confidence development: Tools to help women lead with authority, navigate challenges and influence outcomes. 
• Networking and mentorship: Connections with peers, executives and industry leaders across the automotive sector. 
• Measurable business impact: Actionable takeaways that enhance leadership performance and organizational effectiveness. 

Last Chance to Register  

Registration is $899 for members and $1,099 for non-members up to the day of the conference. 

Secure a seat here and gain confidence and connections to make an impact as a leader in the industry in 2026 and beyond.

By Ashley Reyes

Automotive aftermarket companies have limited time left to sign up for the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) Career Fair, happening Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.  

The ETTN Career Fair, held in partnership with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) SoCal chapter and SEMA Garage, provides the opportunity to connect with top engineering and technical students from local universities and trade schools who are eager to join the automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries.  
 

One Afternoon, Multiple Connections  

During the event, company representatives will host a table, network with students and share valuable information about career paths in their company. As students seek to better understand what the industry offers, companies can help increase awareness of what the 'aftermarket' is to the next generation while building their talent pool.   

Additionally, companies will have their brand showcased within the inspiring setting of the SEMA Garage, where students will be exposed to innovative technologies including ADAS, emissions compliance, Tech Transfer, 3D printing and more. 
 

Join Leading Brands  

The Career Fair will welcome students from SAE programs and beyond, along with SAE and SEMA industry professionals, for a full day of activities. Registered companies already include Blacmotor, Edelbrock, Ford, Formosa EV, Haas Automation, Honda Racing Corporation USA, HP Tuners, Hyundai America Technical Center, Hyundai Motor America, Pedal Commander, PRI/SIM, Searchtec Consulting Group and more--representing a broad cross-section of performance, manufacturing, engineering and technology-focused organizations.   
 

Secure Your Table Today  

Registration is complimentary for SEMA member companies, while non-member companies may participate for a $500 fee through SAE SoCal, which covers up to four attendees. 
 

Secure your spot today and help shape the future of the aftermarket.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A new SEMA-sponsored Senate bill aims to speed approvals, reduce costs and ensure emissions-compliant aftermarket products reach consumers faster.

SEMA is sponsoring legislation to provide more certainty in the process by which the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approves aftermarket emissions products seeking clearance to be sold in the state.

Senate Bill 1069, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson, D-Concord, would provide specific timelines to which CARB must adhere when manufacturers navigate the board's Executive Order (EO) process. EOs for aftermarket parts ensure companies are in compliance with CARB emissions standards and serve to greenlight the manufacturing, sale or installation of an aftermarket product in California. Under the bill, companies would be refunded a portion of the application costs incurred if the time it takes to receive an EO becomes unreasonable.

• The application to receive a CARB EO was once free, with fees later added to help speed the process and enable the hiring of staff who could facilitate the review of these applications. But despite this administrative support provided via the monetary investment of applicants, the process continues to lag and deprive well-meaning companies of their opportunity to reach the California market with their innovative, emissions-compliant products.

According to SEMA research, it currently can take CARB 12-18 months to approve EOs and sometimes up to two years. Businesses cannot afford to wait that long to bring products to market.

"This is a necessary bill for lawmakers to prove to their constituents that they're serious about clean air in California and providing small businesses with a pathway to thrive. SEMA has invested heavily to support aftermarket businesses that seek to serve the California marketplace with innovative products that adhere to state and federal emissions laws. We have known for a long time that the CARB EO process is in sore need of reform; it is slow, costly, and wrought with administrative delays that are a disservice to companies and consumers. We thank Senator Grayson for authoring this bill, which encourages companies to continue their good-faith efforts to adhere to California laws, while improving compliance and ensuring that California consumers have access to the cleanest aftermarket products available," said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola.

"California's automotive enthusiasts deserve the opportunity to buy these products for their cars and trucks, and the path must be cleared for businesses that have committed to work to meet our state's standards," said Sen. Grayson. "When I attend the SEMA Show, I always marvel at the innovation brought forth by the automotive aftermarket, highlighted by advanced, clean-emissions products for consumers' vehicles. Supporting car culture is not a zero-sum game with environmental stewardship and this bill reflects that--a tangible path toward cleaner air, business success and consumer satisfaction."

ABOUT THE BILL

The legislation will provide the following reforms:

• After companies submit their applications for an EO, CARB would have 30 days to state whether the application is in order, and then 60 more days to approve or deny the application.
• If an application is denied, CARB is to provide the applicant a list of reasons for the denial; applicants will then have a 30-day "cure" period to keep an application on track.
• If CARB fails to adhere to this reasonable timeline, applicants are entitled to a 50% refund of their fees.

Fees for CARB EOs can reach thousands of dollars. Currently, those fees are:

• $500 for companies with fewer than 100 employees, and
• $1,000 for companies with 100 or more employees.

Analysis conducted for 2025 by the SEMA Garage shows that aftermarket companies pay $1,600-$3,200 per product for which they seek an EO, based on an average of 3.2 application breakouts, which result in three distinct charges for the same product.

• In some examples, there are enough breakouts to cost companies well beyond $20,000 for a single product. Such cases force companies to make difficult decisions over whether to even apply for coverage on all their products.

BACKGROUND

SEMA has invested more than $30 million in the past ten years to help the aftermarket industry with emissions compliance. SEMA has two emissions compliance centers--Diamond Bar, California, and Plymouth, Michigan--with each offering a suite of aftermarket product testing optimized with state-of-the-art testing equipment. SEMA has made it its mission to hire experienced professional emissions staff to educate the industry and its members on emissions issues and the need for compliance.

In California, SEMA works with CARB to issue EOs.

• SEMA's Diamond Bar, California, Emissions Compliance Center, part of the SEMA Garage, is recognized by CARB as a Certification Ready Automotive Emissions Testing Laboratory. This facility is integral to SEMA's work with CARB, offering SEMA members a complete product development resource, geared toward manufacturers and providing assistance in all aspects of securing CARB EOs and EPA emissions compliance to demonstrate that vehicles are emissions-compliant after a product is installed.

Over the last ten years, SEMA has assisted with approximately 50% of all aftermarket EOs issued by CARB, and its compliance team has completed over 800 CARB EO applications for members. The SEMA Garage helps our member companies and other aftermarket businesses to test and sell emissions-compliant products.

This article was originally published on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Robert Schlie

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A new SEMA-sponsored Senate bill aims to speed approvals, reduce costs and ensure emissions-compliant aftermarket products reach consumers faster.

SEMA is sponsoring legislation to provide more certainty in the process by which the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approves aftermarket emissions products seeking clearance to be sold in the state.

Senate Bill 1069, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson, D-Concord, would provide specific timelines to which CARB must adhere when manufacturers navigate the board's Executive Order (EO) process. EOs for aftermarket parts ensure companies are in compliance with CARB emissions standards and serve to greenlight the manufacturing, sale or installation of an aftermarket product in California. Under the bill, companies would be refunded a portion of the application costs incurred if the time it takes to receive an EO becomes unreasonable.

• The application to receive a CARB EO was once free, with fees later added to help speed the process and enable the hiring of staff who could facilitate the review of these applications. But despite this administrative support provided via the monetary investment of applicants, the process continues to lag and deprive well-meaning companies of their opportunity to reach the California market with their innovative, emissions-compliant products.

According to SEMA research, it currently can take CARB 12-18 months to approve EOs and sometimes up to two years. Businesses cannot afford to wait that long to bring products to market.

"This is a necessary bill for lawmakers to prove to their constituents that they're serious about clean air in California and providing small businesses with a pathway to thrive. SEMA has invested heavily to support aftermarket businesses that seek to serve the California marketplace with innovative products that adhere to state and federal emissions laws. We have known for a long time that the CARB EO process is in sore need of reform; it is slow, costly, and wrought with administrative delays that are a disservice to companies and consumers. We thank Senator Grayson for authoring this bill, which encourages companies to continue their good-faith efforts to adhere to California laws, while improving compliance and ensuring that California consumers have access to the cleanest aftermarket products available," said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola.

"California's automotive enthusiasts deserve the opportunity to buy these products for their cars and trucks, and the path must be cleared for businesses that have committed to work to meet our state's standards," said Sen. Grayson. "When I attend the SEMA Show, I always marvel at the innovation brought forth by the automotive aftermarket, highlighted by advanced, clean-emissions products for consumers' vehicles. Supporting car culture is not a zero-sum game with environmental stewardship and this bill reflects that--a tangible path toward cleaner air, business success and consumer satisfaction."

ABOUT THE BILL

The legislation will provide the following reforms:

• After companies submit their applications for an EO, CARB would have 30 days to state whether the application is in order, and then 60 more days to approve or deny the application.
• If an application is denied, CARB is to provide the applicant a list of reasons for the denial; applicants will then have a 30-day "cure" period to keep an application on track.
• If CARB fails to adhere to this reasonable timeline, applicants are entitled to a 50% refund of their fees.

Fees for CARB EOs can reach thousands of dollars. Currently, those fees are:

• $500 for companies with fewer than 100 employees, and
• $1,000 for companies with 100 or more employees.

Analysis conducted for 2025 by the SEMA Garage shows that aftermarket companies pay $1,600-$3,200 per product for which they seek an EO, based on an average of 3.2 application breakouts, which result in three distinct charges for the same product.

• In some examples, there are enough breakouts to cost companies well beyond $20,000 for a single product. Such cases force companies to make difficult decisions over whether to even apply for coverage on all their products.

BACKGROUND

SEMA has invested more than $30 million in the past ten years to help the aftermarket industry with emissions compliance. SEMA has two emissions compliance centers--Diamond Bar, California, and Plymouth, Michigan--with each offering a suite of aftermarket product testing optimized with state-of-the-art testing equipment. SEMA has made it its mission to hire experienced professional emissions staff to educate the industry and its members on emissions issues and the need for compliance.

In California, SEMA works with CARB to issue EOs.

• SEMA's Diamond Bar, California, Emissions Compliance Center, part of the SEMA Garage, is recognized by CARB as a Certification Ready Automotive Emissions Testing Laboratory. This facility is integral to SEMA's work with CARB, offering SEMA members a complete product development resource, geared toward manufacturers and providing assistance in all aspects of securing CARB EOs and EPA emissions compliance to demonstrate that vehicles are emissions-compliant after a product is installed.

Over the last ten years, SEMA has assisted with approximately 50% of all aftermarket EOs issued by CARB, and its compliance team has completed over 800 CARB EO applications for members. The SEMA Garage helps our member companies and other aftermarket businesses to test and sell emissions-compliant products.

This article was originally published on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Robert Schlie