Thu, 10/28/2021 - 14:29

By Juan Torres

SEMA Ignited, the official after-party of the SEMA Show, returns to Las Vegas, on Friday, November 5. Since 2014, SEMA Ignited has taken place at the conclusion of the four-day trade-only SEMA Show, providing consumers and the general public an opportunity to see and experience the mystique from the exclusive automotive aftermarket trade event. This year’s SEMA Ignited takes place Friday, November 5, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. (PDT), at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) West Hall parking lot.

SEMA Ignited

At the conclusion of the SEMA Show, hundreds of custom-built vehicles roll out of the Convention Center and cruise to assemble at SEMA Ignited.

The family-friendly SEMA Ignited consists of an outdoor extravaganza that includes iconic builders, celebrities, customized SEMA Show vehicles, drift demonstrations, food, entertainment and much more.

“Our official after-party, SEMA Ignited, is the best opportunity enthusiasts have to connect with the automotive community, see the custom builds and meet automotive celebrities, all while enjoying food and entertainment,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “There is something for everyone at the event, and we invite everyone, whether you are an automotive enthusiast or a family looking for quality entertainment, to attend SEMA Ignited.”

At the conclusion of the SEMA Show, hundreds of custom-built vehicles roll out of the Convention Center and cruise to assemble at SEMA Ignited, where the public can see the elaborate work performed by the builders, along with some of the newest and most innovative products used on the builds.

SEMA Show attendees receive complimentary admission with their Show badge, while general admission to SEMA Ignited is $20. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a paid general admission ticket.   

For more information about SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com. To learn more about the SEMA Show and apply for credentials, visit www.semashow.com.   

Thu, 10/28/2021 - 13:25

By Ashley Reyes

In episode five of the SEMA Launch Pad series, viewers get to know the five finalists who will pitch their products and vie for a grand-prize package valued at $100,000 during the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The SEMA Launch Pad is the automotive aftermarket’s premier product-pitching competition designed to encourage automotive entrepreneurship and help inventors launch new products into the marketplace. The final five competitors, who will pitch their products at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, are:

  • Jonathan Hurley, ToolBox Widget
  • Brendan McGrath, Dyme Performance Systems Inc.
  • Kevin Robinson, TRAC LLC
  • Tom Sawarynski, Off-Road Research
  • Dustin Woolf, Woolfpack Racing 

Newly released video hones in on the finalists as they share their reactions and details on their journey so far, what they would do differently and how they plan to prepare for the final round of pitching taking place at the SEMA Show. Viewers will also get to watch behind-the-scenes interviews with industry judges Chip Foose of Foose Design, Jared Hare of Addictive Desert Designs, Myles Kovaks of DUB magazine and TIS Wheels, and Alex Parker of Redline Detection as they share their expectations from the competitors in the final round of pitching.  

The third-place winner and top two finalists will be announced at the SEMA Show on November 3 in SEMA Central, before the top two advance to compete in a final round on November 4 at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, where the winner will be announced.   

To learn more about SEMA Launch Pad , visit www.sema.org/launchpad

Thu, 10/28/2021 - 13:15
Range Rover

With a full reveal expected to be just months away, Land Rover engineers are entering an advanced stage of development for the fifth-generation Range Rover, and our photographers have captured a prototype of the plug-in hybrid variant on public roads.

It’s the latest in a series of sightings of Britain’s reinvented flagship, following recent glimpses of the standard SUV, the lower-slung Range Rover Sport and the top-rung long-wheelbase model. Here, mandatory stickers and a just-visible charging port give the test mule’s electrified powertrain away. Otherwise, like the current Range Rover P400e, it looks like the PHEV will be completely identical to its ICE sibling.

The new Range Rover will play a vital role in facilitating Jaguar Land Rover's recovery from the pandemic and chip shortage, and its new MLA platform, which will go on to underpin a number of other models in Land Rover's lineup, will be a cornerstone of the marque’s push towards full electrification.

The plug-in hybrid spotted here is likely to use an evolved version of the current P400e model’s gas-electric setup, which mates an Ingenium 2.0L turbo four with a 143hp electric motor and a 17.1-kWh battery for around 30 miles of range. However, a more-potent PHEV option with two electric motors is in the cards, no doubt with superior off-road ability courtesy of a boost in low-end torque.

Elsewhere in the lineup, we are expecting to see the Range Rover retain its 48-V mild-hybridized Ingenium 3.0L straight six, while the range-topping model will use technical partner BMW’s 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 with upwards of 500 hp.

Range Rover

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 10/28/2021 - 13:15
Range Rover

With a full reveal expected to be just months away, Land Rover engineers are entering an advanced stage of development for the fifth-generation Range Rover, and our photographers have captured a prototype of the plug-in hybrid variant on public roads.

It’s the latest in a series of sightings of Britain’s reinvented flagship, following recent glimpses of the standard SUV, the lower-slung Range Rover Sport and the top-rung long-wheelbase model. Here, mandatory stickers and a just-visible charging port give the test mule’s electrified powertrain away. Otherwise, like the current Range Rover P400e, it looks like the PHEV will be completely identical to its ICE sibling.

The new Range Rover will play a vital role in facilitating Jaguar Land Rover's recovery from the pandemic and chip shortage, and its new MLA platform, which will go on to underpin a number of other models in Land Rover's lineup, will be a cornerstone of the marque’s push towards full electrification.

The plug-in hybrid spotted here is likely to use an evolved version of the current P400e model’s gas-electric setup, which mates an Ingenium 2.0L turbo four with a 143hp electric motor and a 17.1-kWh battery for around 30 miles of range. However, a more-potent PHEV option with two electric motors is in the cards, no doubt with superior off-road ability courtesy of a boost in low-end torque.

Elsewhere in the lineup, we are expecting to see the Range Rover retain its 48-V mild-hybridized Ingenium 3.0L straight six, while the range-topping model will use technical partner BMW’s 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 with upwards of 500 hp.

Range Rover

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 10/28/2021 - 13:12

Ford Motor Co. will recognize the customization and vehicle crafting ability of several builders through the automaker’s design awards at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Ford presents the awards annually to the SEMA Show Ford vehicles that make a significant contribution to vehicle design and stand apart from all others at the Show.

Ford

A ’20 F-450 by Deberti Design won the Oustanding Achievement Award at the 2019 SEMA Show.

If you would like to have your vehicle considered for the Ford Design awards, please send the following to semainfo@ford.com no later than Sunday, October 31, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT):

  • Year and model of vehicle
  • Booth name and number
  • On-site contact (email and cell #)

Note: In order for the vehicle to be considered, it must have a Ford powertrain.

Ford Design awards will be presented on Tuesday, November 2, at 9:30 a.m. (PDT) in the Ford booth #22200.

Thu, 10/28/2021 - 13:05

Compiled by SEMA Editors

CorvetteChevrolet Unveils ’23 Corvette Z06

Chevrolet has revealed the all-new ’23 Corvette Z06, a 670hp supercar. The Z06 features an all-new 5.5L LT6, the highest horsepower, naturally-aspirated V8 to hit the market in any production car. An all-new flat-plane crankshaft design entices offers 8,600 rpm. Additional highlights of the ’23 Corvette Z06 include:

  • Unique front and rear fascias, a first for Z06. The front fascia is designed to optimize the Z06’s cooling needs, including channeling air to a center heat exchanger, which is one of five for maximum cooling performance.
  • A standard reconfigurable rear spoiler with adjustable wickerbill elements designed to improve high-speed stability and cornering capability on a race track.
  • Standard 20-in. front and 21-in. rear forged aluminum “spider” wheels (with five available finishes)—the largest wheels ever available on a production Corvette.
  • Available lightweight and rigid carbon-fiber wheels that deliver a 41-lb. reduction in unsprung mass, which is designed to contribute to more agile and responsive handling.
  • Specific suspension tuning, including Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and six-piston front brakes.
  • Eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with a specific, 5.56 final drive ratio.
  • Elevated cockpit surrounding the driver, including more carbon-fiber trim and new options.
  • Available Z07 performance package provides 734 lbs. of downforce at 186 mph, more than any Corvette ever. It includes a carbon-fiber high rear wing and ground effects, specific chassis tuning, specific Magnetic Ride Control calibration, and Michelin Cup 2 R ZP tires, along with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and optional carbon-fiber wheels

For more information on the car, visit the Chevrolet website here.

YANG Top Golf Event a Success for AACF

The Young AutoCare Network Group (YANG) and its leadership were looking for an event to kick-off the renewal of its series of “Meet-Up” networking events after a lengthy delay due to the pandemic. The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) had an established relationship with Top Golf after having utilized their format to conduct a annual golf outing in 2020 to replace the traditional golf event that was canceled as part of Industry Week events aligned with AAPEX and SEMA.

“In speaking with some of YANG’s leadership and various members, it was clear they were seeking a high-profile event to re-ignite their “Meet-Up” series and get people back together again, safely” explained AACF Executive Committee and Board member Jon Owens of Epicor Software. “We had huge success last year with the folks from Top Golf and knew they could host an awesome event while accommodating the logistical aspects of nationwide availability and all safety precautions.”

Through participation and sponsorships, the event raised more than $15,000 for AACF.

HolleyHolley Launches Event for Electric Vehicle Enthusiasts

Holley has announced it will host an event for all-electric vehicles to take place November 13–14, 2021, at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California. Holley’s “High Voltage Experience” will be a playground for EV owners, drivers and enthusiasts alike, offering multiple high-performance driving events and an opportunity for the emerging EV culture to come together. Motorsports events will include autocross, road course, drag racing and a 3S Challenge, which combines performance aspects of all of the above. Driving instruction will be available by well-known professional driver and EV lap record holder Randy Pobst on the full Sonoma Raceway road course. The event will also feature a dedicated car show to provide enthusiasts a look at a wide variety of personalized vehicles and impressive EV conversions. THolley High Voltage will also include daily drifting exhibitions and drag racing passes by the world’s first 200-mph EV dragster. Holley High Voltage will bring together all walks of the EV community and will include attendance by premier influencers, builders, cars and drivers, such as Rich Rebuilds, Bisimoto Engineering, Jehu Garcia and more. For more information visit www.Holleyhighvoltage.com.

Motorsport ParkMotorsport Park Hastings Hires Jeff Lacina as General Manager

The ownership group of Motorsports Park Hastings has announced Jeff Lacina as general manager of the multi-use facility in Hastings, Nebraska. Lacina will oversee all daily track operations as well as all promotions, marketing, and event management functions, including group, corporate, and private event rentals. Prior to joining Motorsport Park Hastings, Lacina served as an international sales representative for Sydney, Australia-based Speedmaster. He also worked with LTA Manufacturing and Castle Creations in the Olathe, Kansas area; John Deere Financial in Johnston, Iowa; and Accessible Technologies/ProCharger Superchargers/Inovair in Lenexa, Kansas. Lacina has also contributed as a freelance writer for several automotive and motorsports publications and is an avid road course racer. He launched the Track Guys Performance Driving Events in 2002.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Thu, 10/28/2021 - 12:59

The monorail is a great option for getting to the SEMA Show each day. Trains arrive every 4–8 minutes and will begin operation at 6:00 a.m. on SEMA Show days (Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5).

Monorail

There  are  seven  stations  along the Las Vegas Monorail route. With a  total  of  nine  running  trains,  one  train  arrives at each station every few minutes.

The extended Show hours are:

  • Monday, November 1: 6:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.
  • Tuesday, November  2–Thursday, November 4: 6:00 a.m.–2:00 a.m.
  • Friday, November 5: 6:00 a.m.–3:00 a.m.

Stations:

  • MGM Grand Station
  • Bally’s/Paris Station
  • Flamingo/Caesars Palace Station
  • Harrah’s/The LINQ Station
  • Las Vegas Convention Center Station
  • Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Monorail Station
  • SAHARA Las Vegas Station

Look for Monorail kiosks throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center and at participating hotels to purchase discounted tickets. Showgoers can save money and purchase discounted multi-day Monorail passes. For more information, call 702-699-8200.

Discounted Ride Passes:

  • Single Ride: $5
  • 24-Hour Pass: $13
  • Two-Day Pass: $23
  • Three-Day Pass: $25
  • Four-Day Pass: $32
  • Five-Day Pass: $38
  • Seven-Day Pass: $49
Thu, 10/28/2021 - 12:50

The Shuttle Bus SEMA Show Loop is available to transport Showgoers from one side of the Convention Center to the other. Shuttles run every 15 minutes and stop at the LVCC West Hall Transportation Lot (Majestic Lot), back of Central Hall Door 9, and east end of the Bronze Lot (back of South Hall). There will be 25-passenger mini buses marked “SEMA Show Loop.”

Hours of Operation:

Saturday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Monday: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Tuesday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

The 2021 SEMA Show will be held November 2–5, in Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Thu, 10/28/2021 - 12:47

Exclusive for SEMA Show 2021 participants, Las Vegas hotels are offering unbeatable nightly rates—but only when you book through the SEMA Show hotel block on www.SEMAShow.com.

Hotels

Las Vegas hotels are offering unbeatable nightly rates—but only when you book through the SEMA Show hotel block on www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA Show management has compared rates against other online travel sites and found that you can save an average of 30% each night on the best available retail rates, and you can still accrue hotel loyalty rewards points.

Hotels That Save You $100 Per Night or More
  • ARIA
  • Bellagio
  • Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World
  • Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas
  • Encore
  • Excalibur
  • Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World
  • MGM Grand
  • SpringHill Suites - Las Vegas Convention Center
  • The Palazzo at The Venetian
  • The Signature at MGM Grand
  • The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
  • Vdara
  • Wynn
Hotels That Save You 50% Per Night or More
  • Bellagio
  • Encore
  • Excalibur
  • Luxor
  • The Signature at MGM Grand
  • Vdara
  • Wynn

Anticipation for the SEMA Show is high. People are eager to reconnect with friends, network with new contacts, get back down to business, and be inspired at the world's leading celebration of product ingenuity, vehicle-performance innovations and the passion for automobiles.

The SEMA Show takes place November 2–5, in Las Vegas. Book your hotel through the SEMA Show hotel block at www.SEMAShow.com.

Thu, 10/28/2021 - 12:40

 

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors are excited to make their announcements at the 2021 SEMA Show, taking place Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, in Las Vegas. Below is the official press conference schedule as of September 15.

Press Conference
Monday, November 1
  • 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m: SEMA Vehicle Reveal featuring the SEMA Award Presentation (outside the Grand Central Lobby entrance)
Tuesday, November 2
  • 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m: New Products Breakfast; breakfast will be served (Paradise Event Center, located in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino)
  • 10:00 a.m.–10:20 a.m: Toyota Motor North America Press Conference (Booth #24800)
  • 10:30 a.m.–10:50 a.m: Ford Motor Company – Reveal (Booth #22200)
  • 11:00 a.m.–11:20 a.m: 4WP Factory, Unveiling ’21 Ford Bronco (Booth #58141)
  • 11:30 a.m.–11:50 a.m: Red Line Oil, Advance Technology Vehicle Reveal (Booth #22419)
  • 12:00 p.m.–12:20 p.m: Jay Leno’s Garage, Jay Leno discusses the banner year for his detail products (Booth #10012)
  • 1:00 p.m.–1:20 p.m: Lexus Press Conference (Booth #21803)
  • 1:30 p.m.–1:50 p.m: SEMA: Battle of the Builders, Top 40 Finalists (SEMA Central)
  • 2:00 p.m.–2:20 p.m: Hushmat, Worldwide Unveil Big Oak Garage ’66 Cadillac (Booth #23195)
  • 2:30 p.m.–2:50 p.m: OPTIMA Batteries, Q&A with Mike Rowe (Booth #20323)
  • 3:30 p.m.–3:50 p.m: Redline Detection, OEM Chooses Redline for Essential Tool Program (Media Center, South Hall Skybridge Room S219)
  • 4:00 p.m.–4:20 p.m: Formula DRIFT Holdings LLC, 2022 Schedule and Announcements (Media Center, South Hall Skybridge Room S219)
Wednesday, November 3
  • 9:00 a.m.–9:20 a.m: Eaton Corp., New Builds with Eaton (Booth #23063)
  • 10:00 a.m.–10:20 a.m: Quadratec Inc., YJL Jeep Debut, Wholesale Program & New Products (Booth #55167)
  • 11:30 a.m.–11:50 a.m: HEXIS Group: Who We Are and What We Do (Media Center, South Hall Skybridge Room S219)
  • 1:30 p.m.–1:50 p.m: SEMA: Battle of the Builders, Top 12 Finalists (SEMA Central)
  • 2:00 p.m.–2:20 p.m: Truck Hero Partnerships and Announcements (Booth #70120)
Thursday, November 4
  • 9:00 a.m.–9:20 a.m: JM3 Oil Filter Wrench – Reinvented (Media Center, South Hall Skybridge Room S219)
  • 10:00 a.m.–10:20 a.m: ASA Automotive Systems, ASA Automotive Announces New Strategic Partnership (Booth #43053)
  • 12:30 p.m.–12:50 p.m: Legacy EV, Electrifying Classic Vehicles: Safeguarding the Hobby for Generations (Booth #23891)
Friday, November 5
  • 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m: SEMA: Battle of the Builders, Top 12 Judging (Booth #11875)
  • 2:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.: SEMA: Battle of the Builders, Top 4 Finalists Announced (Booth #11875)
  • 3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m: SEMA: Battle of the Builders, Winner Announced (Silver Drive)