The shooters at KGP Photography recently got their first look into the cockpit of the ’15 SRT Challenger, providing a taste for the extensive, long-overdue changes destined for the retro-inspired musclecar.

Despite the thorough camouflage, the Challenger's interior will get a complete overhaul, with a new dash, switchgear, instrumentation and quality level. The Challenger finally gets the larger 8.4-in. Uconnect LCD screen, now framed in with new vertical air vents. An all-new center stack can be seen aft of the manual transmission on this prototype. A new steering wheel is boldly emblazoned with an SRT badge. The Challenger's gauge cluster gets a welcome dose of style, and clearly contains new instrumentation that appears to be a massive step forward from the simplistic design hobbling the current model.

The transmission tunnel shows handsome contrasting stitching effects—a clear sign that the current Challenger's cheap, plastic interior will finally be banished. With the Mustang's improved interior quality, these changes are a necessity if the Challenger is to remain competitive in the musclecar ranks.

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

As of now, this is the most complete look at the changes due for the ’15 Challenger.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography recently got their first look into the cockpit of the ’15 SRT Challenger, providing a taste for the extensive, long-overdue changes destined for the retro-inspired musclecar.

Despite the thorough camouflage, the Challenger's interior will get a complete overhaul, with a new dash, switchgear, instrumentation and quality level. The Challenger finally gets the larger 8.4-in. Uconnect LCD screen, now framed in with new vertical air vents. An all-new center stack can be seen aft of the manual transmission on this prototype. A new steering wheel is boldly emblazoned with an SRT badge. The Challenger's gauge cluster gets a welcome dose of style, and clearly contains new instrumentation that appears to be a massive step forward from the simplistic design hobbling the current model.

The transmission tunnel shows handsome contrasting stitching effects—a clear sign that the current Challenger's cheap, plastic interior will finally be banished. With the Mustang's improved interior quality, these changes are a necessity if the Challenger is to remain competitive in the musclecar ranks.

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

As of now, this is the most complete look at the changes due for the ’15 Challenger.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

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.

• Air Lift Co., located in Lansing, Michigan, is hiring a marketing manager to evaluate customer and market intelligence to strategize and implement marketing plans, and oversee all marketing, advertising and promotional activities for the Performance Division. The successful candidate will have 5–8 years' experience in marketing management-related work. Automotive aftermarket experience is a plus.

• The McKinley Group is hiring a mining/heavy equipment salesperson in the Northeastern United States. The individual must have knowledge of mining equipment and several years of sales experience.

• A manufacturer/distributor of automotive and marine parts is seeking an experienced phone salesperson for an in-house position. Automotive and/or marine aftermarket parts knowledge is a big plus. Successful candidates must have a professional phone presence and basic computer skills.

• T-REX Grilles, located in Corona, California, is hiring a marketing assistant/graphic designer/tech writer to assist the sales and marketing departments with designing, creating and delivering marketing and advertising materials. The right candidate will have knowledge of graphic design and an interest in the automotive world.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

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.

• Air Lift Co., located in Lansing, Michigan, is hiring a marketing manager to evaluate customer and market intelligence to strategize and implement marketing plans, and oversee all marketing, advertising and promotional activities for the Performance Division. The successful candidate will have 5–8 years' experience in marketing management-related work. Automotive aftermarket experience is a plus.

• The McKinley Group is hiring a mining/heavy equipment salesperson in the Northeastern United States. The individual must have knowledge of mining equipment and several years of sales experience.

• A manufacturer/distributor of automotive and marine parts is seeking an experienced phone salesperson for an in-house position. Automotive and/or marine aftermarket parts knowledge is a big plus. Successful candidates must have a professional phone presence and basic computer skills.

• T-REX Grilles, located in Corona, California, is hiring a marketing assistant/graphic designer/tech writer to assist the sales and marketing departments with designing, creating and delivering marketing and advertising materials. The right candidate will have knowledge of graphic design and an interest in the automotive world.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.

Visit MPMC's website.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Plan for the Future

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) will host a general membership meeting Monday, January 20, from 2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. in the La Jolla Room at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California.

One hundred MPMC-member companies will already be on-site for the Media Trade Conference, providing the perfect opportunity to discuss the future of the council. Members are encouraged to bring feedback and ideas to share with council leadership. Attendees will impact future council programs as they brainstorm new ideas during an interactive goal-setting session.

All employees of MPMC-member companies are invited to attend, even if they are not exhibiting at the Media Trade Conference. RSVP to reserve your spot. For more information about the event, contact Council Director Jim Skelly. 

	The MPMC mixer is a chance for SEMA members to meet fellow industry professionals, motorsports manufacturers, young executives and automotive businesswomen in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

Industry Mixer for Performance Professionals

By SEMA Editors

A networking opportunity for members of the specialty-equipment industry will take place in conjunction with the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, Thursday, January 23, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Those traveling to the MPMC Media Trade Conference and anyone living or working in the greater Los Angeles/Orange County area are invited to attend the event. MPMC, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) and the Young Executive’s Network (YEN) will host the networking mixer in the lounge of the Embassy Suites Santa Ana – Orange County Airport North.

This mixer is a chance for SEMA members to meet fellow industry professionals, motorsports manufacturers, young executives and automotive businesswomen in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Along with the cash bar, karaoke will be open throughout the evening, giving attendees an opportunity to showcase their vocal abilities.

Members planning to attend should RSVP to SEMA's Senior Manager of Networks Bryan Harrison via e-mail or at 909-978-6691.

	The 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North.

Media Registration Open for 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference

By SEMA Editors

Reporters, editors and freelance journalists: Conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers during the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference. Registration is now open and available. The 2014 event takes place January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California.

The annual Media Trade Conference, which features 100 companies from SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), brings together members of the working press with motorsports parts producers for face-to-face private meetings. Media reps have the opportunity to meet with up to 14 exhibitors each day of the conference—for a total of 42 quality meetings throughout the event's three days.

Media will select the manufacturers they most want to meet with and indicate those which they do not want to meet with when registering online. A personalized schedule will then be created for the registered media, and sent out in early January. Register now! Questions? Media inquiries can be directed to dellad@sema.org. All manufacturer questions or general questions about the event can be directed to jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

View the list of participating exhibitors.

Date: January 21–23, 2014
Location: Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North
1325 East Dyer Rd.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

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Visit ARMO's website.

Restoration Parts Registration Open for Hot Products Showcase

Registration is now open for the Automotive Restoration Market Organization’s (ARMO) Hot Products Showcase, which will take place April 23–26, 2014, at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

This event is an opportunity for council members to display one or more products in front of one of the single-largest gatherings of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the world.

In addition to having products on display in the Hot Products tent, a professional photographer will photograph each one. The photos will be available to manufacturers, and will also be used in a slideshow at the ARMO booth and reception at the SEMA Show. A gallery on the ARMO webpage also houses each of the photos, along with a product description for those unable to attend the event. This publicity is available to ARMO members for only the cost of shipping the product entries to the Carlisle Fairgrounds.

Product entries must meet the following criteria:

• Must be the product of an ARMO member-company.
• Must be available for sale (market-ready) by the opening of the Showcase, April 23. 
• Must demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a benefit to the restoration industry.

Members can register products by filling out the online application. All applications must be received by April 18, 2014. Not an ARMO member? Join today to gain access to this event and other council benefits.

Restoration Professionals Gather for Networking at the Hot Products Showcase

ARMO will host a networking mixer in the Hot Products Tent at the Showcase, Thursday, April 24, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. The mixer will be a chance for members to grab a drink and spend some time interacting one-on-one with council leadership and fellow ARMO members. The council leadership believes this event holds enormous potential for new ideas and partnerships to be formed as members network with new and old industry friends. RSVP to save your spot.

Make Your Voice Heard at the ARMO Industry Discussion

This year, the council will also hold an industry discussion, Friday, April 25, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at the Hot Products Tent. The session will allow members and others interested in joining the council to voice their concerns, ask questions and offer input to the group. For members who would like to be a part of shaping future projects and events, this will be a chance to make their voices heard. Send in your RSVP today.

For more information about any of these events, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.

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Visit ETTN's website

Sneak a Peek into the Future at the New SEMA Garage

The Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) will kick off the New Year with an event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, Monday, January 20, 2014, from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

While touring the Garage, attendees will watch live demonstrations of SEMA’s FARO arm scanner, 3D printer, emissions certification lab and more to learn about the many ways this new member benefit will help manufacturers develop new products.

Following the tour of the SEMA Garage, ETTN will lead a discussion focused on emerging trends that specifically impact the specialty-equipment market.

The day will also include networking over breakfast and lunch with other members.

All SEMA members are invited to participate. Register today to save your spot. For more information about ETTN or the meeting, contact Senior Manager of Networks Bryan Harrison. 

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Visit HRIA's website

	HRIA Education Day will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

Hot Rod Council to Present Education Day at 2014 Detroit Autorama

By Della Domingo

The annual SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Day will be held, for the first time, in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama—the 60-year-old custom car show taking place in March 2014 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The program will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

“For more than 10 years, HRIA Education Day has proven to be a key event for helping manufacturers share detailed, and sometimes technical, information about their products with their customers,” said Jim Skelly, SEMA director of councils. “Holding the Education Day program at the Detroit Autorama will allow HRIA members to expand and reach a new audience.”

HRIA previously held its Education Day program at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The move to the Detroit Autorama will enable manufacturers to reach a new, expanded audience. Autorama, which is well known for having the world’s most coveted hot rods, prestigious awards competitions, as well as top celebrities and student programs, attracts more than 150,000 individuals annually. Education Day will take place Thursday, March 6, 2014 (the day before Autorama officially opens), and is open to all hot-rod shops and businesses, as well as to all Autorama attendees.

“As one the nation’s premier indoor custom car shows, the Detroit Autorama attracts thousands of businesses and enthusiasts who are passionate and deeply vested in new hot-rod products,” said Peter A. Toundas, president of Championship Auto Shows Inc.—promoter of the event. “The HRIA Education Day program will add a valuable element to the event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers, which would be difficult for them to do on their own.”

Attendee registration is now open. Reserve your spot today.

For more information about HRIA, contact Jim Skelly.

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Visit WTC's website

Wheel and Tire Experts Explore Challenges and Opportunities at February Meeting

Members of the wheel and tire industry will gather at the SEMA Garage Industry Innovations Center for an industry discussion, Wednesday, February 5, from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

On the agenda is a tour of the updated SEMA Garage, an address by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting, discussions of the latest developments from the Wheel & Tire Council’s (WTC) partnership with Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), updates on the progress of the SAE J3010 certification and discussions and resources related to the protection of intellectual property. By participating in the discussion, individuals can help determine the focus and direction of the council for the next year and beyond.

The meeting will be followed by a networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC-member companies are invited to attend the event. Register today to save your seat.

For more information about WTC or this event, contact Senior Manager of Councils Clayton Drescher.

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NEWS NUGGETS

MILLICAN AND TUTTLE PARTNER FOR 2014 SEASON: Clay Millican received the holiday gift he was hoping for when he finalized a multiyear partnership with Parts Plus on Christmas Eve. The start of the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season will mark a new era in Millican’s career as he will collaborate with Dexter Tuttle and Tuttle Motorsports. The Parts Plus sponsorship will provide funding for Millican and the team for several years, giving Tuttle the security that comes with a multiyear contract.

"This really is a great fit all the way around," Millican said. "Once the Parts Plus folks met Dexter, we all knew this was the right direction for all of us to go. I can't tell you how excited I am to see what comes next.”

Visit www.NHRA.com for more information.

CIRCLE K TO SPONSOR NHRA WINTERNATIONALS: Circle K, one of the nation’s premier convenience retailers, has been named the title sponsor for the 2014 NHRA Winternationals. The tradition-rich season-opening event for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, scheduled for February 6–9 at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California, is always a fan-favorite event where NHRA race teams unveil their new cars, sponsors and paint schemes and begin their quest to win NHRA world championship titles. Visit www.NHRA.com for more information.

FULL FIELDS PREPARE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLES IN 2014: With less than a month to go before the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season launches with the Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, race teams across the country already are either deep into preparations for or already engaged in preseason testing for what is promising to be another hotly contested series of championships. Vehicle counts remain strong across all four of the classes in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, with fields expected to remain at the same strength as last season despite a still-tough economy. Visit www.NHRA.com for more information.


COMING ATTRACTIONS

CIRCLE K NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, February 6–9: The Circle K NHRA Winternationals starts the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series at one of the most historic facilities on the NHRA circuit—Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Courtney Force (Funny Car) and Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) will attempt to defend their 2013 wins and start the season on a positive note.

CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS, Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, February 21–23: For the 30th season, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series races into the Valley of the Sun for the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals. The venerable facility south of Phoenix has hosted many historic performances throughout the years. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) recorded wins at the track in 2013 and will again be among the favorites to claim early-season victories. 


HE SAID, SHE SAID

“A lot of people are amazed that I was chosen to drive one of the best Top Fuel cars around, and I understand that thought as I’m still pinching myself. It's the most awesome thing to ever happen to me in my professional life. I know there have been some great people before me to transition from crew member to driver, and I can only hope to follow in their footsteps.”

—Richie Crampton, who takes over driving duties in 2014 for Morgan Lucas in the GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster, and is the newest NHRA.com blogger.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

6: Number of Top Fuel wins that Don Garlits and Tony Schumacher have at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona—the most at the track. Garlits has five victories at the season-opening event, and Schumacher has won the first race twice. Schumacher will attempt to add to his total with Mike Green and his U.S. Army team when the season starts February 6–9.

DID YOU KNOW…

FORCE SISTERS FEATURED ON "THE QUEEN LATIFAH SHOW:" The three racing Force daughters were guests on "The Queen Latifah Show" that aired Wednesday, January 8. Ashley Force Hood and Brittany and Courtney Force sat down with the versatile Queen Latifah, the talk show host/actress/singer, to talk about racing as well as being role models for women around the country. After the in-studio segment, the four women took it to the “track” for a fun racing segment that included actor James Van Der Beek.

“Those Krazy Karts were so much fun. It was awesome to race James Van Der Beek and Queen Latifah. James got the win, but I was spinning in circles, and he got around me at the last second,” said Courtney. “It was an honor to be on her show, and we are looking forward to having her come out to the Winternationals in Pomona. It is fun to do a show with someone who is that enthusiastic about girl power, fast cars and racing.”