2013 SEMA Show Highlights
Fri, 12/27/2013 - 16:03

SEMA News—January 2014

EVENTS
By SEMA News Staff

The Best of SEMA 2013

Empowering an Industry

 More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth.
  

The 2013 SEMA Show left no doubt that the automotive specialty-equipment industry is stronger than ever. While final attendance figures were being audited at press time, organizers reported that more than 126,000 credentials were issued prior to the event, with thousands more processed on site.

More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth.

“A trade show is a reflection of the industry it serves,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The unprecedented participation levels this year indicate that the industry is moving into growth mode. This was a record-breaking year, and we’re seeing companies ready and eager to do business.”

There were 2,381 exhibiting companies on the Show floor representing all facets of the automotive specialty-equipment market, including accessory and appearance products, performance products, wheels, tires and suspension—basically anything and everything anyone could want in order to personalize the more than 200 million cars, trucks, SUVs and powersports vehicles on and off the road.

More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth. More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth. More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth.
     
More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth. More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth. More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth.
On the pages below, we’ve selected a few highlights from the 2013 SEMA Show.
The SEMA Show has become a world stage that the biggest manufacturers use to build their brands and exploit media fascination. Honda was among the major manufacturers that took the opportunity to stage a world debut for a ’14 model, highlighting new performance equipment and sporty attributes.
Spotlight

The SEMA Show has become a world stage that the biggest manufacturers use to build their brands and exploit media fascination. Honda was among the major manufacturers that took the opportunity to stage a world debut for a ’14 model, highlighting new performance equipment and sporty attributes.

 
It was a record year for the New Products Showcase, an indication that exhibitors are looking for and taking advantage of ways to get the most out of their Show investments. The New Product Showcase is one of the best ways to put products in front of the more than 60,000 buyers who attended the Show. There were more than 2,000 entries, with the best of the best receiving special recognition.
Showcase

It was a record year for the New Products Showcase, an indication that exhibitors are looking for and taking advantage of ways to get the most out of their Show investments. The New Product Showcase is one of the best ways to put products in front of the more than 60,000 buyers who attended the Show. There were more than 2,000 entries, with the best of the best receiving special recognition.

 
The SEMA Show has become a world stage that the biggest manufacturers use to build their brands and exploit media fascination. Honda was among the major manufacturers that took the opportunity to stage a world debut for a ’14 model, highlighting new performance equipment and sporty attributes.
Experience

SEMA is more than a Show; it’s an experience with more than a million square feet packed with memories waiting to happen. Attendees could lend a hand building custom vehicles with West Coast Customs, get a thrill ride in a high-performance car, dyno-test a Harley-Davidson, put artistic skills to use or share a moment with a celebrity.

 
Nearly 3,700 individuals were approved for media credentials for the 2013 SEMA Show, giving exhibiting manufacturers unprecedented coverage in television, radio and Internet publications worldwide. A spike in social media hit as bloggers and web reporters raced each other to the Internet. Print publications will provide a long tail of feature articles that will continue to hit newsstands in the coming weeks and months.
Communicate

Nearly 3,700 individuals were approved for media credentials for the 2013 SEMA Show, giving exhibiting manufacturers unprecedented coverage in television, radio and Internet publications worldwide. A spike in social media hit as bloggers and web reporters raced each other to the Internet. Print publications will provide a long tail of feature articles that will continue to hit newsstands in the coming weeks and months.

 
The SEMA Show creates an opportunity for the industry to come together and a reason to share assets and information. One example is the SEMA Award, which spotlights the most popular new vehicles as measured through the participation of SEMA exhibitors. As SEMA exhibitors work with OEMs to build cars for the Show, advanced technologies become accessible to their companies. OEMs gain aftermarket partners and get a marketing boost in the process.
Collaborate

The SEMA Show creates an opportunity for the industry to come together and a reason to share assets and information. One example is the SEMA Award, which spotlights the most popular new vehicles as measured through the participation of SEMA exhibitors. As SEMA exhibitors work with OEMs to build cars for the Show, advanced technologies become accessible to their companies. OEMs gain aftermarket partners and get a marketing boost in the process.

 
The specialty products industry has a knack for distilling the essence of the legendary, the iconic, the unforgettable elements of the past, and letting them live again. In the process, we make them better than they ever were—stronger, cleaner and more reliable. The art of restoring and re-engineering the antique engine we see here is only one example of the ways SEMA companies demonstrate boundless ingenuity and originality. Why do they do it? Because it’s cool.
Regeneration

The specialty products industry has a knack for distilling the essence of the legendary, the iconic, the unforgettable elements of the past, and letting them live again. In the process, we make them better than they ever were—stronger, cleaner and more reliable. The art of restoring and re-engineering the antique engine we see here is only one example of the ways SEMA companies demonstrate boundless ingenuity and originality. Why do they do it? Because it’s cool.

 
The annual SEMA Cruise—the only part of the SEMA Show that is open to the public—once again gave thousands of Las Vegas locals a chance to enjoy a parade of rolling art. Crowds filled the grandstands in front of the North Hall and lined the route from the Convention Center all the way to Paradise Road. The throng saw hundreds of custom cars from builders, such as Chip Foose and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. The crowds continued to cheer even as the sun went down, celebrating for more than two hours as hundreds of cars, trucks, motorcycles, Jeeps and exotics took their final bows.
Take a Bow!

The annual SEMA Cruise—the only part of the SEMA Show that is open to the public—once again gave thousands of Las Vegas locals a chance to enjoy a parade of rolling art. Crowds filled the grandstands in front of the North Hall and lined the route from the Convention Center all the way to Paradise Road. The throng saw hundreds of custom cars from builders, such as Chip Foose and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. The crowds continued to cheer even as the sun went down, celebrating for more than two hours as hundreds of cars, trucks, motorcycles, Jeeps and exotics took their final bows.

 
The SEMA Show has become a world stage that the biggest manufacturers use to build their brands and exploit media fascination. Honda was among the major manufacturers that took the opportunity to stage a world debut for a ’14 model, highlighting new performance equipment and sporty attributes.
Celebrate

The SEMA Show has become a world stage that the biggest manufacturers use to build their brands and exploit media fascination. Honda was among the major manufacturers that took the opportunity to stage a world debut for a ’14 model, highlighting new performance equipment and sporty attributes.

2013 SEMA Show Highlights
Fri, 12/27/2013 - 16:03

SEMA News—January 2014

EVENTS
By SEMA News Staff

The Best of SEMA 2013

Empowering an Industry

 More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth.
  

The 2013 SEMA Show left no doubt that the automotive specialty-equipment industry is stronger than ever. While final attendance figures were being audited at press time, organizers reported that more than 126,000 credentials were issued prior to the event, with thousands more processed on site.

More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth.

“A trade show is a reflection of the industry it serves,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The unprecedented participation levels this year indicate that the industry is moving into growth mode. This was a record-breaking year, and we’re seeing companies ready and eager to do business.”

There were 2,381 exhibiting companies on the Show floor representing all facets of the automotive specialty-equipment market, including accessory and appearance products, performance products, wheels, tires and suspension—basically anything and everything anyone could want in order to personalize the more than 200 million cars, trucks, SUVs and powersports vehicles on and off the road.

More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth. More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth. More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth.
     
More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth. More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth. More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth.
On the pages below, we’ve selected a few highlights from the 2013 SEMA Show.
The SEMA Show has become a world stage that the biggest manufacturers use to build their brands and exploit media fascination. Honda was among the major manufacturers that took the opportunity to stage a world debut for a ’14 model, highlighting new performance equipment and sporty attributes.
Spotlight

The SEMA Show has become a world stage that the biggest manufacturers use to build their brands and exploit media fascination. Honda was among the major manufacturers that took the opportunity to stage a world debut for a ’14 model, highlighting new performance equipment and sporty attributes.

 
It was a record year for the New Products Showcase, an indication that exhibitors are looking for and taking advantage of ways to get the most out of their Show investments. The New Product Showcase is one of the best ways to put products in front of the more than 60,000 buyers who attended the Show. There were more than 2,000 entries, with the best of the best receiving special recognition.
Showcase

It was a record year for the New Products Showcase, an indication that exhibitors are looking for and taking advantage of ways to get the most out of their Show investments. The New Product Showcase is one of the best ways to put products in front of the more than 60,000 buyers who attended the Show. There were more than 2,000 entries, with the best of the best receiving special recognition.

 
The SEMA Show has become a world stage that the biggest manufacturers use to build their brands and exploit media fascination. Honda was among the major manufacturers that took the opportunity to stage a world debut for a ’14 model, highlighting new performance equipment and sporty attributes.
Experience

SEMA is more than a Show; it’s an experience with more than a million square feet packed with memories waiting to happen. Attendees could lend a hand building custom vehicles with West Coast Customs, get a thrill ride in a high-performance car, dyno-test a Harley-Davidson, put artistic skills to use or share a moment with a celebrity.

 
Nearly 3,700 individuals were approved for media credentials for the 2013 SEMA Show, giving exhibiting manufacturers unprecedented coverage in television, radio and Internet publications worldwide. A spike in social media hit as bloggers and web reporters raced each other to the Internet. Print publications will provide a long tail of feature articles that will continue to hit newsstands in the coming weeks and months.
Communicate

Nearly 3,700 individuals were approved for media credentials for the 2013 SEMA Show, giving exhibiting manufacturers unprecedented coverage in television, radio and Internet publications worldwide. A spike in social media hit as bloggers and web reporters raced each other to the Internet. Print publications will provide a long tail of feature articles that will continue to hit newsstands in the coming weeks and months.

 
The SEMA Show creates an opportunity for the industry to come together and a reason to share assets and information. One example is the SEMA Award, which spotlights the most popular new vehicles as measured through the participation of SEMA exhibitors. As SEMA exhibitors work with OEMs to build cars for the Show, advanced technologies become accessible to their companies. OEMs gain aftermarket partners and get a marketing boost in the process.
Collaborate

The SEMA Show creates an opportunity for the industry to come together and a reason to share assets and information. One example is the SEMA Award, which spotlights the most popular new vehicles as measured through the participation of SEMA exhibitors. As SEMA exhibitors work with OEMs to build cars for the Show, advanced technologies become accessible to their companies. OEMs gain aftermarket partners and get a marketing boost in the process.

 
The specialty products industry has a knack for distilling the essence of the legendary, the iconic, the unforgettable elements of the past, and letting them live again. In the process, we make them better than they ever were—stronger, cleaner and more reliable. The art of restoring and re-engineering the antique engine we see here is only one example of the ways SEMA companies demonstrate boundless ingenuity and originality. Why do they do it? Because it’s cool.
Regeneration

The specialty products industry has a knack for distilling the essence of the legendary, the iconic, the unforgettable elements of the past, and letting them live again. In the process, we make them better than they ever were—stronger, cleaner and more reliable. The art of restoring and re-engineering the antique engine we see here is only one example of the ways SEMA companies demonstrate boundless ingenuity and originality. Why do they do it? Because it’s cool.

 
The annual SEMA Cruise—the only part of the SEMA Show that is open to the public—once again gave thousands of Las Vegas locals a chance to enjoy a parade of rolling art. Crowds filled the grandstands in front of the North Hall and lined the route from the Convention Center all the way to Paradise Road. The throng saw hundreds of custom cars from builders, such as Chip Foose and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. The crowds continued to cheer even as the sun went down, celebrating for more than two hours as hundreds of cars, trucks, motorcycles, Jeeps and exotics took their final bows.
Take a Bow!

The annual SEMA Cruise—the only part of the SEMA Show that is open to the public—once again gave thousands of Las Vegas locals a chance to enjoy a parade of rolling art. Crowds filled the grandstands in front of the North Hall and lined the route from the Convention Center all the way to Paradise Road. The throng saw hundreds of custom cars from builders, such as Chip Foose and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. The crowds continued to cheer even as the sun went down, celebrating for more than two hours as hundreds of cars, trucks, motorcycles, Jeeps and exotics took their final bows.

 
The SEMA Show has become a world stage that the biggest manufacturers use to build their brands and exploit media fascination. Honda was among the major manufacturers that took the opportunity to stage a world debut for a ’14 model, highlighting new performance equipment and sporty attributes.
Celebrate

The SEMA Show has become a world stage that the biggest manufacturers use to build their brands and exploit media fascination. Honda was among the major manufacturers that took the opportunity to stage a world debut for a ’14 model, highlighting new performance equipment and sporty attributes.

Racing News: World of X-Games Documentary on 46th Annual SCORE Baja 1000 Airs This Weekend
Fri, 12/27/2013 - 15:35

Compiled by SEMA Editors

World of X-Games to Air Special on 46th Annual SCORE Baja 1000
ESPN’s action sports television series World of X-Games will air a one-hour documentary on the 46th annual SCORE Baja 1000 on Saturday, December 28, at 4:00 p.m. (EST) on ABC.

Hosted by British motorsports commentator Toby Moody, the one-hour program features the superstars of off-road truck racing and the battle for both the race win and the overall SCORE season points championship. Past Baja champions BJ Baldwin, Rob MacCachren, Bryce Menzies, Robby Gordon, Vildolsola Racing and many others are featured in this ultimate battle of 800+ horsepower Trophy Trucks. 

A sneak peek of the program is available on the ESPN X-Games website.

 Horseless Carriage Club, Irwindale Speedway
The Horseless Carriage Club of America will stage the start of its annual Holiday Excursion at the Irwindale Speedway, Sunday, December 29.
  

Horseless Carriage Club Holiday Motor Excursion at Irwindale Speedway
The Horseless Carriage Club of America will stage the start of its annual Holiday Excursion at the Irwindale Speedway, Sunday, December 29. The special run for classic motor vehicles built before 1933 is one of the most unique and colorful automotive traditions of the Los Angeles Holiday season with roots back to the earliest days of the motorcar in Southern California.
 
Gates to the Speedway will open at 7:00 a.m. for fans to view the machines and to talk to their owners about the history of each automobile. At 9:45 a.m. the tour drivers and their passengers will meet to be issued route books for the day. Between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., the assembled machines (more than 250 are anticipated) will parade one-by-one out of the Speedway parking lot and on to the 2013 excursion route. 

Formula DRIFT Announces 10-Year Anniversary Book in Partnership With Performance Publication Media Group
Formula DRIFT has announced a print collaboration with Performance Publication Media Group to release a 10-Year Anniversary Book. Book deliveries will begin before the start of the 2014 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship season. The 11x9-in. perfect-bound book features a "rubberized" gate fold cover with 128 acid-free, archival-quality pages inside. The past 10 years of action will be showcased with photography and curated by well-known photographer Larry Chen. The 10-Year Anniversary Book will be available in a limited quantity. Only 2,000 numbered copies will be printed, and the custom die-cut sleeve will include 10 limited-edition Formula DRIFT trading cards.

 VP Racing Fuel, Rally America
VP Racing Fuel will continue to serve as the “Official Fuel of the Rally America National Championship.”
  

VP Racing Fuel Extends Agreement With Rally America
Officials with Rally America renewed an agreement with VP Racing Fuel that will extend technical expertise and fuel delivery for Rally America national events through 2016. The racing fuel manufacturer will continue to serve as the “Official Fuel of the Rally America National Championship.” VP Racing Fuel’s Rally Max, MS100 and MS109E racing fuels have been designated the spec fuels for Rally America’s Open Class for 2014.

VP Racing Fuel will continue to provide the 2014 Rally America National Championship season with fuel delivered at the following national events:

  • January 24–25: Sno*Drift Rally - Atlanta, MI
  • February 21–22: Rally of the 100 Acre Wood - Salem, MO 
  • May 2–4: Oregon Trail Rally - Portland, OR 
  • May 30–31: Susquehannock Trail Rally - Wellsboro, PA 
  • June 28: Mt. Washington HillClimb - Gorham, NH
  • July 18–19: New England Forest Rally - Newry, ME
  • August 22–23: Ojibwe Forests Rally - Detroit Lakes, MN
  • October 17–18: Lake Superior Performance Rally - Houghton, MI     

Both Regional and National rally teams must pre-order VP Rally Max, MS100 or MS109E Racing Fuel from VP’s regional distributors in advance of each round. Pre-order fuel will be delivered to teams at all events during a specified delivery time on the first day of practice.

Racing News: World of X-Games Documentary on 46th Annual SCORE Baja 1000 Airs This Weekend
Fri, 12/27/2013 - 15:35

Compiled by SEMA Editors

World of X-Games to Air Special on 46th Annual SCORE Baja 1000
ESPN’s action sports television series World of X-Games will air a one-hour documentary on the 46th annual SCORE Baja 1000 on Saturday, December 28, at 4:00 p.m. (EST) on ABC.

Hosted by British motorsports commentator Toby Moody, the one-hour program features the superstars of off-road truck racing and the battle for both the race win and the overall SCORE season points championship. Past Baja champions BJ Baldwin, Rob MacCachren, Bryce Menzies, Robby Gordon, Vildolsola Racing and many others are featured in this ultimate battle of 800+ horsepower Trophy Trucks. 

A sneak peek of the program is available on the ESPN X-Games website.

 Horseless Carriage Club, Irwindale Speedway
The Horseless Carriage Club of America will stage the start of its annual Holiday Excursion at the Irwindale Speedway, Sunday, December 29.
  

Horseless Carriage Club Holiday Motor Excursion at Irwindale Speedway
The Horseless Carriage Club of America will stage the start of its annual Holiday Excursion at the Irwindale Speedway, Sunday, December 29. The special run for classic motor vehicles built before 1933 is one of the most unique and colorful automotive traditions of the Los Angeles Holiday season with roots back to the earliest days of the motorcar in Southern California.
 
Gates to the Speedway will open at 7:00 a.m. for fans to view the machines and to talk to their owners about the history of each automobile. At 9:45 a.m. the tour drivers and their passengers will meet to be issued route books for the day. Between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., the assembled machines (more than 250 are anticipated) will parade one-by-one out of the Speedway parking lot and on to the 2013 excursion route. 

Formula DRIFT Announces 10-Year Anniversary Book in Partnership With Performance Publication Media Group
Formula DRIFT has announced a print collaboration with Performance Publication Media Group to release a 10-Year Anniversary Book. Book deliveries will begin before the start of the 2014 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship season. The 11x9-in. perfect-bound book features a "rubberized" gate fold cover with 128 acid-free, archival-quality pages inside. The past 10 years of action will be showcased with photography and curated by well-known photographer Larry Chen. The 10-Year Anniversary Book will be available in a limited quantity. Only 2,000 numbered copies will be printed, and the custom die-cut sleeve will include 10 limited-edition Formula DRIFT trading cards.

 VP Racing Fuel, Rally America
VP Racing Fuel will continue to serve as the “Official Fuel of the Rally America National Championship.”
  

VP Racing Fuel Extends Agreement With Rally America
Officials with Rally America renewed an agreement with VP Racing Fuel that will extend technical expertise and fuel delivery for Rally America national events through 2016. The racing fuel manufacturer will continue to serve as the “Official Fuel of the Rally America National Championship.” VP Racing Fuel’s Rally Max, MS100 and MS109E racing fuels have been designated the spec fuels for Rally America’s Open Class for 2014.

VP Racing Fuel will continue to provide the 2014 Rally America National Championship season with fuel delivered at the following national events:

  • January 24–25: Sno*Drift Rally - Atlanta, MI
  • February 21–22: Rally of the 100 Acre Wood - Salem, MO 
  • May 2–4: Oregon Trail Rally - Portland, OR 
  • May 30–31: Susquehannock Trail Rally - Wellsboro, PA 
  • June 28: Mt. Washington HillClimb - Gorham, NH
  • July 18–19: New England Forest Rally - Newry, ME
  • August 22–23: Ojibwe Forests Rally - Detroit Lakes, MN
  • October 17–18: Lake Superior Performance Rally - Houghton, MI     

Both Regional and National rally teams must pre-order VP Rally Max, MS100 or MS109E Racing Fuel from VP’s regional distributors in advance of each round. Pre-order fuel will be delivered to teams at all events during a specified delivery time on the first day of practice.

Spy Shots—New 2015 Dodge Challenger Shows More Redesign
Fri, 12/27/2013 - 14:36
 challenger

Testing of the revamped ’15 Dodge Challenger has accelerated into high gear, with the appearance of several new prototypes on the Detroit test circuit. The Challengers' revised camouflage scheme suggests numerous changes to the musclecar's front and rear fascias.

New Nose Hidden Under Revised Front-End Camouflage

Earlier Challenger prototypes had a minor bit of camouflage covering the front clip, with the existing grille and headlight set-up visible behind the disguise. The new camouflage is much more extensive, and we see what appears to be more extensive changes to the front fascia. Our latest shots show new LED accents ringing around the Challenger's new headlights. The outer LED ring also included amber turn signals, which were spotted, but could not be photographed.

New Hood Design Hidden Under Newly Applied Camouflage

Earlier Challenger prototypes had the existing hood, but this latest test car has a newly camouflaged hood, suggesting further design changes for the revamped Challenger.

New Rear Styling Now in Place Behind New Rear Camouflage

This latest Challenger test car also gives us our first look at a prototype with a camouflaged rear-end. The camouflage begins midway into the rear fender and covers the entire trunk and rear bumper. The taillights are well camouflaged, so it's impossible to discern how extensive the changes are to the rear lamps. There is currently no sign of the bright LED border that is found on all of the latest Dodge products, although it could still be hidden beneath the disguise.

We can see changes to the surface development of the rear bumper, with some sculpting applied around and above the exhaust tips. This is a new feature, which signals a subtle change from the notably clean, simple surfaces that make up the current Challenger's rear fascia.

Camouflaged Interior Points to Overhauled Interior

While there was nothing to photograph, we did get a glimpse into the cockpits of these latest prototypes, and the interiors were heavily camouflaged. There is now no question that an overhauled interior is part of this Challenger update.

With the modernized Mustang now a public entity, it appears that the Challenger—even with this facelift—will remain the most faithfully retro of Detroit's musclecars. Whether the updates under test here will be enough to keep it competitive with the Mustang and Camaro remains to be seen.

 challenger

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Spy Shots—New 2015 Dodge Challenger Shows More Redesign
Fri, 12/27/2013 - 14:36
 challenger

Testing of the revamped ’15 Dodge Challenger has accelerated into high gear, with the appearance of several new prototypes on the Detroit test circuit. The Challengers' revised camouflage scheme suggests numerous changes to the musclecar's front and rear fascias.

New Nose Hidden Under Revised Front-End Camouflage

Earlier Challenger prototypes had a minor bit of camouflage covering the front clip, with the existing grille and headlight set-up visible behind the disguise. The new camouflage is much more extensive, and we see what appears to be more extensive changes to the front fascia. Our latest shots show new LED accents ringing around the Challenger's new headlights. The outer LED ring also included amber turn signals, which were spotted, but could not be photographed.

New Hood Design Hidden Under Newly Applied Camouflage

Earlier Challenger prototypes had the existing hood, but this latest test car has a newly camouflaged hood, suggesting further design changes for the revamped Challenger.

New Rear Styling Now in Place Behind New Rear Camouflage

This latest Challenger test car also gives us our first look at a prototype with a camouflaged rear-end. The camouflage begins midway into the rear fender and covers the entire trunk and rear bumper. The taillights are well camouflaged, so it's impossible to discern how extensive the changes are to the rear lamps. There is currently no sign of the bright LED border that is found on all of the latest Dodge products, although it could still be hidden beneath the disguise.

We can see changes to the surface development of the rear bumper, with some sculpting applied around and above the exhaust tips. This is a new feature, which signals a subtle change from the notably clean, simple surfaces that make up the current Challenger's rear fascia.

Camouflaged Interior Points to Overhauled Interior

While there was nothing to photograph, we did get a glimpse into the cockpits of these latest prototypes, and the interiors were heavily camouflaged. There is now no question that an overhauled interior is part of this Challenger update.

With the modernized Mustang now a public entity, it appears that the Challenger—even with this facelift—will remain the most faithfully retro of Detroit's musclecars. Whether the updates under test here will be enough to keep it competitive with the Mustang and Camaro remains to be seen.

 challenger

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Spy Shots—New 2015 Dodge Challenger Shows More Redesign
Fri, 12/27/2013 - 14:36
 challenger

Testing of the revamped ’15 Dodge Challenger has accelerated into high gear, with the appearance of several new prototypes on the Detroit test circuit. The Challengers' revised camouflage scheme suggests numerous changes to the musclecar's front and rear fascias.

New Nose Hidden Under Revised Front-End Camouflage

Earlier Challenger prototypes had a minor bit of camouflage covering the front clip, with the existing grille and headlight set-up visible behind the disguise. The new camouflage is much more extensive, and we see what appears to be more extensive changes to the front fascia. Our latest shots show new LED accents ringing around the Challenger's new headlights. The outer LED ring also included amber turn signals, which were spotted, but could not be photographed.

New Hood Design Hidden Under Newly Applied Camouflage

Earlier Challenger prototypes had the existing hood, but this latest test car has a newly camouflaged hood, suggesting further design changes for the revamped Challenger.

New Rear Styling Now in Place Behind New Rear Camouflage

This latest Challenger test car also gives us our first look at a prototype with a camouflaged rear-end. The camouflage begins midway into the rear fender and covers the entire trunk and rear bumper. The taillights are well camouflaged, so it's impossible to discern how extensive the changes are to the rear lamps. There is currently no sign of the bright LED border that is found on all of the latest Dodge products, although it could still be hidden beneath the disguise.

We can see changes to the surface development of the rear bumper, with some sculpting applied around and above the exhaust tips. This is a new feature, which signals a subtle change from the notably clean, simple surfaces that make up the current Challenger's rear fascia.

Camouflaged Interior Points to Overhauled Interior

While there was nothing to photograph, we did get a glimpse into the cockpits of these latest prototypes, and the interiors were heavily camouflaged. There is now no question that an overhauled interior is part of this Challenger update.

With the modernized Mustang now a public entity, it appears that the Challenger—even with this facelift—will remain the most faithfully retro of Detroit's musclecars. Whether the updates under test here will be enough to keep it competitive with the Mustang and Camaro remains to be seen.

 challenger

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Last Chance to Submit Nominations for 2014 SEMA Board of Directors
Fri, 12/27/2013 - 14:30
  board
For this year’s SEMA Board of Directors election, there is one seat open in the manufacturer’s category and one seat open in the distributor/retailer category.
  

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the Association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience, and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election there is one seat open in the manufacturer’s category and one seat open in the distributor/retailer category.

Nominations for the 2014 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 2, 2014. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

Last Chance to Submit Nominations for 2014 SEMA Board of Directors
Fri, 12/27/2013 - 14:30
  board
For this year’s SEMA Board of Directors election, there is one seat open in the manufacturer’s category and one seat open in the distributor/retailer category.
  

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the Association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience, and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election there is one seat open in the manufacturer’s category and one seat open in the distributor/retailer category.

Nominations for the 2014 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 2, 2014. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

Job-Hunting? Top Automotive Jobs Here
Fri, 12/27/2013 - 14:29

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

  • The Wheel Group, located in City of Industry, California, is hiring a salesperson to provide information regarding products, account inquiries and order status via phone or e-mail. The successful candidate will have prior sales experience and strong customer service skills. Aftermarket wheel experience and bilingual candidates (Spanish/English) are preferred.
  • Power Stop LLC, located in Chicago, is hiring a product manager to manage the distribution and timeliness of the company's internal data systems and facilitate a smooth operation and act as a resource of technical information for customers and employees. The successful candidate will have prior data and catalog management experience.
  • MGP Caliper Covers, located in San Diego, is hiring two inside salespeople. Applicants should have exceptional communication, computer, time management and organizational skills, and the ability to generate new customers, close new accounts and nurture and grow existing accounts.
  • Coker Tire, located in City of Industry, California, is hiring a highly motivated sales and customer service representative with a coachable attitude and strong desire to succeed.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.