Thu, 12/11/2025 - 08:41

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA MPMC Awards graphic

 

There is still time to submit nominations for the SEMA Motorsports Products & Media Council (MPMCRobert E. Petersen Media Award, an award that honors an automotive journalist for their impact on the motorsports industry.  

👉 Nominate here by January 2.  

Created in memory of Hot Rod magazine founder Robert E. Petersen, the award recognizes a journalist who has elevated the stature and raised awareness of the motorsports industry with positive content.  

"Journalists play a vital role in telling the stories of this great industry," said MPMC Council Director Marcy Yanus. "This award honors their contributions and ensures that their legacy and impact are never forgotten."  

The Robert E. Petersen Award recipient will be announced in January 2026 during the reception at the MPMC Media Trade Conference, an exclusive event that brings together manufacturers and media for three days of networking and collaboration, January 27-29, 2026, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim South in Anaheim, California.

Don't miss your chance to join MPMC in celebrating the content that moves the motorsports industry forward. 

NOMINATE HERE button for MPMC Awards
Thu, 12/11/2025 - 08:34

By SEMA News Editors

PRI Show Racing News

 

PRI Show Opens in Indianapolis

 

The 37th PRI Show officially opens today in Indianapolis, kicking off with the Grand Opening Breakfast featuring welcome remarks from Indiana Governor Mike Braun and a conversation with motorsports legend Mario Andretti

Taking place December 11-13 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, the PRI Show is the largest trade show in Indiana and the premier destination for motorsports professionals worldwide. Produced by Performance Racing Industry, the event serves as the ultimate platform for innovation, networking and business development across all forms of racing. 

Industry Support Stronger Than Ever 

The 2025 PRI Show is on track to be one of the largest in nearly two decades, with more than 1,060 exhibitors confirmed, including 161 first-time participants. This overwhelming response underscores the industry's deep commitment to PRI as the central hub for connecting, innovating, and driving business forward. 

"The PRI Show reflects the strength and passion of the motorsports industry," said PRI President Michael Good. "Every year, we bring together the people, products, and ideas that shape the future of racing. This year's event is bigger than ever, and we're proud to provide a platform where innovation and opportunity converge." 

A Major Economic Driver 

Motorsports is a major economic force in the United States, generating $69.2 billion in economic activity (and $2.75 billion in the State of Indiana), supporting 318,560 full-time jobs, and delivering $22.2 billion in wages and benefits, according to PRI's Motorsports Economic Impact Study. The PRI Show amplifies this impact by serving as the global gathering point for the industry, where business deals are made, partnerships are formed, and innovation is showcased. 

According to Visit Indy, the PRI Show contributes tens of millions of dollars in economic impact--estimated at $70 million--as thousands of attendees and exhibitors fill every corner of the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. This convergence of industry leaders and innovators reinforces PRI's role in shaping the future of motorsports through stronger relationships with sanctioning bodies, expanded educational programs, and a growing presence at race tracks nationwide. 

2025 Show Highlights 

Attendees will experience an immersive showcase of innovation and engagement, including: 

  • PRI SIM Racing Arena: a dedicated space for sim racing technology and demonstrations. 
  • Featured Products Showcase: highlighting the newest and most popular motorsports products. 
  • Hammertown @ PRI: a new off-road racing exhibit featuring championship-winning vehicles and leading brands. 
  • Machinery Row: live demonstrations of race machining equipment and technology. 
  • Trailer and RV Exhibits: the latest in racing trailers and motorcoaches inside Lucas Oil Stadium. 
  • PRI Hall of Fame Induction: the Class of 2025 was honored for their contributions to motorsports. 
  • T.O.P.S. HQ presented by MyRacePass: a dedicated hub for track operators, promoters and sanctioning bodies featuring a full schedule of sessions focused on track operations, event promotion and industry collaboration. 

"Attendees will experience the most comprehensive showcase in motorsports, from cutting-edge products and live demonstrations to immersive activations like Hammertown and the PRI SIM Racing Arena," said PRI Show Director Karin Davidson. "This event is designed to spark connections, deliver hands-on learning, and provide insights that help businesses and race teams thrive in the year ahead." 

Several key industry organizations will also host events during the Show, including Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA), Race Track Business Conference (RTBC)International Council of Motorsports Sciences (ICMS) and more, underscoring PRI's commitment to nurturing relationships across the motorsports ecosystem. 

Driving the Future of Motorsports 

The PRI Show continues to evolve with programs that reflect emerging trends, such as sim racing and workforce development initiatives. Through education tracks, networking events, and competitions like the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow National Championship, PRI is connecting the next generation of talent with industry leaders to ensure a strong future for motorsports. 

 

PRI Welcomes Three New Members into Hall of Fame

 

PRI welcomed three new members into its Hall of Fame during the 2025 PRI Show Grand Opening Breakfast at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Now in its second year, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose careers, leadership and innovation have made a lasting impact on motorsports. Inductees are selected by an industry committee based on their achievements, years of involvement and integrity.

The PRI Hall of Fame was introduced in 2024 to celebrate individuals whose vision and contributions have shaped the motorsports industry. The inaugural class featured Ed "Isky" Iskenderian, widely regarded as the "Camfather" for his pioneering camshaft innovations, and Steve Lewis, founder of PRI and architect of the PRI Trade Show. Their influence established a tradition of honoring leaders whose work drives progress and inspires future generations.

"The PRI Hall of Fame is about celebrating the visionaries and pioneers whose passion and dedication have shaped the motorsports industry," said PRI President Michael Good. "After launching the Hall of Fame in 2024 and honoring our inaugural inductees, we are proud to recognize this year's class whose achievements and leadership continue to inspire future generations of racers, innovators, and industry professionals."

PRI Hall of Fame Class of 2025

 

Paul "Scooter" Brothers

Paul "Scooter" Brothers has been immersed in motorsports and automotive performance his entire life. From his early days at Racing Head Service to leadership roles at Competition Cams and COMP Performance Group, Brothers consistently drove innovation in engine technology and performance products. As SEMA chairman of the board, he was instrumental in its acquisition of PRI in 2012, helping to strengthen the racing and performance industry. Brothers was recognized as the 2002 SEMA Person of the Year and a 2005 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee. His contributions to the Society of Automotive Engineers, NHRA, NASCAR and the broader racing industry have left a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and industry advancement. He is also a partner in Driven Racing Oil, which provides specially blended racing and high-performance motor oils.

 

John Kilroy

John Kilroy dedicated more than two decades to growing PRI Magazine and the PRI Show, serving as editor for 22 years before becoming vice president and general manager. Known for his deep respect for the racing industry and commitment to editorial excellence, Kilroy brought integrity, insight and passion to every facet of his work. He played a pivotal role in shaping PRI's coverage and the annual trade show experience, fostering industry growth and celebrating innovation. Kilroy passed away in 2022, leaving a legacy of dedication, professionalism and passion for motorsports that continues to inspire the PRI community.

Chris Raschke

Chris Raschke's enthusiasm, energy and commitment to motorsports were evident in every endeavor he undertook. Serving as director of sales and marketing at Automotive Racing Products (ARP), Raschke represented the brand at countless racing events, trade shows and car shows. He also pursued land speed racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats, earning the prestigious Red Hat and Black Hat for record-setting achievements, including driving the Speed Demon streamliner to 459.734 mph. Tragically, Raschke was killed in a land speed attempt in August 2025. His welcoming smile, quick wit and larger-than-life personality inspired everyone he encountered. His passion for racing, both on and off the track, left an enduring impact on the motorsports community.

Thu, 12/11/2025 - 07:40

 

web commerce graphic image courtesy of Shutterstock

 

The following is a guest column from the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) member updates:

 

By Matt Ryce, Marcosm LLC Founder

Shopify's upcoming integration with OpenAI's ChatGPT could redefine how consumers buy automotive parts online. In this article, [we break] down what this new era of conversational commerce means for the performance aftermarket, and how brands can prepare.
 

The Future of E-Commerce Is a Conversation

The next revolution in online retail isn't another platform or plugin, it's the ability to talk your way through a purchase. With Shopify and OpenAI partnering to launch ChatGPT "Instant Checkout," consumers will soon be able to discover, compare and purchase products directly within a chat window.

For the automotive aftermarket, where trust, accuracy and technical expertise drive every transaction, this shift represents an entirely new frontier.

"It's like putting your best salesperson inside every customer conversation, one that never sleeps and never guesses," said Ryce.
 

From Search Bars to Smart Conversations

Until now, online shopping required typing keywords and hoping for a match. Soon, a customer will simply type:

"I need rotors and pads for my '18 Mustang GT Autocross car."

ChatGPT will handle the rest, surfacing compatible products, checking availability, and processing payment through Shopify without a single page load.

It's frictionless, intuitive, and going to change how performance brands reach their buyers.
 

Fitment Is the New SEO

If you sell performance products, data quality is about to decide whether you even show up in the conversation. Chat-based shopping depends on structured, reliable fitment information: Year/Make/Model/Engine/Trim, compatibility notes and clear installation guidance.

If your catalog doesn't clearly define those attributes, AI will not recommend your products, no matter how great they are. 

"If your data's dirty, your sales disappear," Ryce says. "The system can't recommend what it doesn't understand."

Answers Sell Parts

Shoppers will stop browsing and start asking questions:

  • Will this turbo work with my converter?
  • Do I need upgraded studs for 30 psi?
  • What's the right cam for a 5.3 L with stock heads?

When those questions are asked, AI pulls from what it already knows, which means brands that publish detailed FAQs, installation guides and spec sheets will be the ones whose products are quoted back to customers in real time.

In other words, your knowledge becomes your marketing.
 

How to Prepare Your Brand
  1. Clean Your Catalog: Ensure product data is structured, complete and machine-readable. Fitment accuracy and detailed specs are no longer optional, they're your visibility engine.
  2. Write Like a Mechanic, Not a Marketer: Use real-world language: horsepower goals, boost levels, towing capacity. AI understands conversational phrasing better than buzzwords.
  3. Sell Solutions, Not SKUs: Bundle parts into complete kits, such as Stage 1 Street/Strip, Tow Package Upgrade and Turbo and Fuel Combo. The chat model sells answers, not line items.
  4. Educate Through Content: Installation videos, troubleshooting guides and tuning tips are now part of your sales funnel. If it's public, the chatbot can quote it.
  5. Clarify Everything: Simplify shipping, warranty and return policies so that AI can recite them confidently. Uncertainty kills conversions; clarity closes deals.

 

The Human Element Still Wins

While automation is reshaping retail, the heart of this industry remains personal. Relationships, craftsmanship and reputation will always matter. AI doesn't replace that, it amplifies it.

"Think of ChatGPT as the new counter guy," Ryce explains. "But he's only as good as the notes you give him."

Brands that combine solid data with authentic storytelling will thrive. This is your opportunity to teach the machine who you are and why your brand and products are trusted throughout the industry. 

 

A Shift Worth Preparing For

As conversational commerce becomes mainstream, success won't come from spending more on ads, it'll come from providing the best answers when customers start asking questions.

For those who've built their reputations on performance, precision and passion, this new technology is an invitation, not a threat.

Because in the next generation of shopping, the winners aren't the loudest voices, they're the clearest.
 

🏁 About the Author

Ryce is the founder of Marcosm LLC, a creative marketing agency that serves the automotive performance industry. As a lifelong racer and content strategist, Ryce helps brands merge storytelling, data and technology to grow their businesses across digital platforms.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Thu, 12/11/2025 - 07:28

By Kyle Fischer

Guest Column SEMA Show


 

Every year, the SEMA Show reminds us that American ingenuity is alive and well--and it's thriving in the hands of our manufacturers. The real stars of this industry aren't the flashing lights or over-the-top displays; they're the companies that design, test and build the parts that keep the motorsports world engaged and accelerating forward.

This year's new products once again proved that the future of the automotive aftermarket is being shaped by those who dare to rethink performance. The Motorsports Parts & Media Council (MPMC) exists to serve, support and champion these manufacturers--the beating heart of the automotive aftermarket. We have selected six standout products from the 2025 SEMA Show that embody what makes this community special: innovation, craftsmanship and a relentless drive to engineer something better.
 

1. Wilwood Brakes | Aluminum 2" Drop Front ProSpindle Kit with Hub
Wilwood

 

Wilwood's reputation for precision braking components meets chassis innovation with its new Aluminum 2" Drop Front ProSpindle Kit with Hub. This lightweight design improves suspension geometry, lowers ride height and strengthens overall handling without adding complexity. With its integrated hub and simplified installation, the kit helps builders achieve both form and function in one move. It's a refined solution that elevates stance, control and performance — another reminder that Wilwood doesn't just make brakes, it makes better handling cars.

Mike Hamrick, events and promotions manager at Wilwood Brakes, noted the buzz behind the new release:

"It's something everyone has been asking about for some time. And now that this product has come to fruition, I can't wait to see exactly how many of our customers will find it's going to fit what they're doing with their business model moving forward."

 

2. DeatschWerks | DW620R Universal Fuel Pump
Deatschwerks

 

DeatschWerks delivers serious flow and flexibility with its DW620R Universal Fuel Pump. Designed to support up to 1,200 horsepower on ethanol and more on gasoline, this compact, high-output pump is built for modern power levels across a wide range of applications. Its brushless design ensures cooler operation, longer life and quiet efficiency, and it's all wrapped in a compact package that simplifies installation. The DW620R doesn't just feed power — it future-proofs builds for the next generation of performance demands.

Mark Campbell, director of sales and marketing at DeatschWerks, praised the team's effort:

"We've been working hard this year for sure. Matt and Patrick, and all of our development team, have just been absolutely killing it. We're really excited about the new fuel pumps that we have this year. We've stepped it up even more."

 

3. Coker Tire | Pro-Trac Street Pro III
Coker Tire

 

Coker Tire continues its legacy of blending classic styling with modern performance through the new Pro-Trac Street Pro III. This Ultra High Performance raised white letter tire brings an unmistakably nostalgic aesthetic to today's performance vehicles — while delivering the advanced grip, stability, and construction technology demanded by modern street performance builds. It's a perfect fusion of vintage cool and cutting-edge engineering, redefining what a raised white letter tire can be.

Mark Mooberry, vice president of commercial at Coker Group, shared his excitement:

"This is an Ultra High Performance, raised white letter tire. Never been one in existence before. Iconic look of a raised white letter and this has the most up-to-date technology in this tire ever. We're very excited."

 

4. ProCharger | M8 Supercharger Kit for '24–'25 Harley-Davidson
ProCharger

 

ProCharger's new M8 Supercharger Kit takes Harley's Milwaukee-Eight platform from strong to staggering. By delivering massive torque and horsepower gains while maintaining OEM reliability, this system gives riders the kind of throttle response that turns every roll-on into a statement. The clean, self-contained design and factory-quality fit make it as approachable as it is powerful. This kit reshapes what V-twin performance looks like--and sounds like--for the modern era.

Kyle Fickler, director of business development at ProCharger, reflected on its strong debut:

"We started out the week winning Best Engineered for our M8 Harley product, which was a great way to start the week at SEMA."
 

5. Detroit Speed | Foxbody SLA (Short-Long-Arm) Front Suspension System
Detroit Speed

 

Detroit Speed's all-new SLA front suspension system brings genuine motorsports geometry to the Foxbody Mustang. Replacing the dated factory MacPherson strut setup, the system offers improved camber gain, reduced roll center migration and the kind of steering precision that transforms a good chassis into a great one. Fully engineered for both street and track, it's a suspension revolution that elevates one of America's favorite platforms and shows how modern technology can breathe new life into classic iron.

Kasey Saltness, event and engagement specialist at QA1, shared the excitement surrounding the win:

"We have a lot of new products across our QA1 brands: QA1, Speedtech Performance and Detroit Speed. Detroit Speed's Foxbody SLA kit won Best New Product of the Year in the Street Performance category, so that's really exciting."

 

6. BluePrint Engines | Builder Series – LS-Compatible 376 c.i. Pro Series Engine Packages with ZF 8HP70 8-Speed Automatic
BluePrint

 

BluePrint Engines continues to bridge the gap between classic horsepower and modern drivability with the newest addition to its Builder Series lineup. The GM LS-compatible 376 c.i. Pro Series engine packages now pair seamlessly with the proven ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic transmission. This pairing delivers refined street manners and serious power potential — ready to drop into everything from late-model muscle to custom builds. By combining cutting-edge transmission technology with traditional American torque, BluePrint has created a package that changes what builders can expect from a turnkey powertrain.

Kell Bridges, director of retail sales at BluePrint Engines, summed it up:

"It's the perfect combination if you're building a resto-mod or you want to repower your muscle car – you want late-model technology in your hot rod or street rod. And the beauty of it is that it has our industry-leading 30 month, 50K mile warranty."

 

Passion Continues to Power American Manufacturing

These six products are more than just clever engineering — they're proof that American manufacturing is still defined by creativity, precision and a refusal to settle. Every part, every idea, and every new technology that emerges from this community pushes the boundaries of what's possible in motorsports and performance. The MPMC committee is honored to recognize these pioneering manufacturers and their dedication to the automotive aftermarket. From high-tech suspensions and ultra-performance tires, to innovative fueling, supercharged torque and modernized powertrains, these manufacturers aren't just keeping pace — they're setting it. As the motorsports world evolves, it's the manufacturers who keep innovation alive and the passion of this industry burning bright.

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 14:40

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

FIA

 

SEMA is the first-ever winner of the Federation International Automobile (FIA) President's Award for Excellence in Communications, honored for its groundbreaking, multi-year, multi-channel effort to protect vehicle choice in the United States by stopping EV mandates. The award was announced and presented earlier today at the FIA General Assemblies in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
 

  • For this new award, which recognizes outstanding communication efforts that inspire, inform and engage, SEMA was selected from a global pool of entries from across FIA's member clubs. 


SEMA's entry highlighted the strategies and tactics it deployed during its historic two-year national advocacy campaign to defend Americans' right to choose internal combustion, hybrid or electric vehicles. In response to California's 2035 zero-emission mandate (adopted by 11 states), SEMA launched a multi-channel political, media and grassroots campaign to protect vehicle choice. 


Through the Driving Force Action SuperPAC, digital activism and direct congressional lobbying, SEMA mobilized 7,000 small businesses, 70 million automotive enthusiasts and lawmakers from across the political spectrum. The effort resulted in President Trump signing a bipartisan Congressional Review Act resolution repealing California's Advanced Clean Cars II waiver, reaffirming technology neutrality and preserving automotive freedom nationwide. 


"SEMA is honored to accept this award on behalf of our members and the broader U.S. community of automotive enthusiasts and consumers, for whom we fought this battle," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Our fight was never about preventing electric vehicles from gaining a foothold in the market; rather, it was about our right to choose, our ability to innovate, and our belief that technology-neutral government policies are necessary to help the free market thrive. The American automotive aftermarket has long been a shining example of our nation's engineering prowess, and we're anxious to continue this work to help every small business, family and automotive enthusiasts to live their best, most prosperous lives through the vehicles they choose." 

  • For more information, please see SEMA's highlight video HERE submitted for the initial nomination or watch below.

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 14:40

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

FIA

 

SEMA is the first-ever winner of the Federation International Automobile (FIA) President's Award for Excellence in Communications, honored for its groundbreaking, multi-year, multi-channel effort to protect vehicle choice in the United States by stopping EV mandates. The award was announced and presented earlier today at the FIA General Assemblies in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
 

  • For this new award, which recognizes outstanding communication efforts that inspire, inform and engage, SEMA was selected from a global pool of entries from across FIA's member clubs. 


SEMA's entry highlighted the strategies and tactics it deployed during its historic two-year national advocacy campaign to defend Americans' right to choose internal combustion, hybrid or electric vehicles. In response to California's 2035 zero-emission mandate (adopted by 11 states), SEMA launched a multi-channel political, media and grassroots campaign to protect vehicle choice. 


Through the Driving Force Action SuperPAC, digital activism and direct congressional lobbying, SEMA mobilized 7,000 small businesses, 70 million automotive enthusiasts and lawmakers from across the political spectrum. The effort resulted in President Trump signing a bipartisan Congressional Review Act resolution repealing California's Advanced Clean Cars II waiver, reaffirming technology neutrality and preserving automotive freedom nationwide. 


"SEMA is honored to accept this award on behalf of our members and the broader U.S. community of automotive enthusiasts and consumers, for whom we fought this battle," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Our fight was never about preventing electric vehicles from gaining a foothold in the market; rather, it was about our right to choose, our ability to innovate, and our belief that technology-neutral government policies are necessary to help the free market thrive. The American automotive aftermarket has long been a shining example of our nation's engineering prowess, and we're anxious to continue this work to help every small business, family and automotive enthusiasts to live their best, most prosperous lives through the vehicles they choose." 

  • For more information, please see SEMA's highlight video HERE submitted for the initial nomination or watch below.

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 14:29

Sponsored by FiTech Fuel Injection

FiTech Fuel Injection Unleashes the Nemesis EFI System - Brilliant and Black
Serious airflow. Maximum horsepower. Fully equipped. Now shipping!

 

FiTech Fuel Injection is excited to announce that the Nemesis 4500 1600 HP EFI System is now shipping.

Engineered for high-horsepower applications and built with real-world performance in mind, the Nemesis combines race-ready capabilities with a high-flow throttle body engineered for both drivability and wide-open-throttle domination.

FiTech Fuel Injection Unleashes the Nemesis EFI System - accessories

Delivering 1820 CFM @ 20.4 inH₂O and 2146 CFM @ 28 inH₂O, the Nemesis provides the airflow needed for today's boosted, nitrous, and naturally aspirated race engines. Its parabolic entry and massive 2.300" throttle blades ensure crisp throttle response at low speeds while unlocking maximum top-end power.

The Nemesis is a complete EFI system. Each kit comes fully equipped with eight (8) injectors, dual IAC motors, a primary shaft TPS, 3-bar TMAP compatibility, ECU, wiring harness, and all essential sensors—everything required to control up to 1600 HP* with confidence.

FiTech Fuel Injection Unleashes the Nemesis EFI System - Brilliant

Available in raw aluminum finish, compatible with Gas and E85, or hard anodized matte black finish that's compatible with E85+ and methanol, making it suitable for a broad range of performance fuels.

Built on a CNC-machined aluminum body for precision and durability, the Nemesis is ready for any strip or competition use. Every system is backed by FiTech's 3-year limited warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and support.

*HP rated based on naturally aspirated gasoline, utilizing a fuel system (pump, hoses, etc.) that supports that power.

FiTech Fuel Injection Unleashes the Nemesis EFI System - Black side views

Nemesis Kits:

  • 30070 – Nemesis 4500 1600 HP Bright Aluminum EFI System
  • 30080 – Nemesis 4500 1600 HP Black Hard Anodized Aluminum EFI System

FiTech Fuel Injection
12370 Doherty St., Suite A, Riverside, CA 92503
(951)310-2624
FiTechEFI.com

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 13:37

By SEMA News Editors


Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.
 

Pedal Commander

Business-to-Business Account Manager in Camarillo, California

As business-to-business account manager with Pedal Commander, your primary focus will be managing and growing relationships with the company's business clients.

 

Malco Automotive

National Sales Manager in Barberton, Ohio

Malco Automotive is seeking a national sales manager to lead and execute sales strategy of the domestic automotive business and manage a team of regional sales and business development managers.

 


 

Whether you're an employer or an industry professional, the SEMA Career Center offers powerful tools—like resume writing help, coaching and employer search features for job seekers, plus free internship postings and affordable access to qualified candidates for employers. Get started at jobs.sema.org

SEMA makes no representation or warranty of any kind concerning the reliability or accuracy of information provided directly or indirectly on or through semajobs.com or its related sites. All information is provided on an "as-is" basis. Users of this site do so at their own risk. Read more Terms & Conditions here.

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 12:19

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia


Spy photographers have once again caught several upcoming vehicles undergoing testing, giving an early glimpse at what's to come before they officially debut.


BMW X7 Prototype Makes it to the Nürburgring
BMW X7

 

A prototype of the BMW X7--first spotted this summer--has finally made it to Germany's most challenging racetrack, the legendary Nürburgring. Although the prototype is cloaked in camouflage, a few interesting details stand out, including the visible quad-exhaust system that all but confirms this is an M Performance model. As with all future gas versions, the not-quite-M model is dropping the "i" from its name. Look for this version to simply be called the X7 M60 xDrive.
 

The profile of the prototype gives the impression that we're looking at a larger vehicle than the current model, thanks to slightly bigger quarter glass, suggesting a more spacious cabin with additional rear legroom. The new X7 also adopts the small winglets on the beltline already seen on the next-gen X5, according to the images.

BMW X7

 

The daytime running lights (DRLs), which double as turn signals, are mounted low on the front fascia next to the main beams. The DRLs have a rather unusual design, with two separate, almost perpendicular bars. However, BMW might be trying to fool onlookers. These are clearly temporary headlights, and insiders suspect there might be an upper strip of lights on the bumper's top section that the camouflage obscures.

The kidney grille appears nicely proportioned, though it's certainly not small. At the rear, the taillights look basic, but that's because they're also temporary, sources said. It stands to reason that the production lights will extend onto the tailgate, which likely retains the split-opening design, judging by how the camouflage is interrupted.

BMW X7

 

BMW cleverly disguised the prototype with extra panels held by black rivets. The rear pillars are hidden under thicker cladding, suggesting the glass area aft of the rear doors is larger than it appears. Blue brake callipers and 22-in. wheels wrapped in Continental tires hint at an M Sport Package.

Since the images suggest this is an M model, there's likely a V8 under the hood. The new S68 engine already powers today's X7 M60i, so its successor will probably keep the mild-hybrid 4.4-L twin-turbo V8. It produces 523 horsepower in the current car.

 

New Nissan JUKE in Development
Nissan Juke

 

The first images have emerged of the new Nissan JUKE, the eagerly awaited B-segment SUV. The photos leave no room for doubt, as they show the new model, which not only maintains the proportions of the of the original JUKE, but also carries over some of its characteristic features.
 

The short hood is clearly visible, as is the design of the headlights and even part of the new light signature seen in the official previews of the new Nissan models. The grille design is a smooth surface that forms part of a large front bumper, with the actual grille exposed in the skirt. The alloy wheels are new, but with a design very similar to those of the recently launched LEAF.

Nissan JUKE

 

The new JUKE is recognizable by the shape of the front door, and more specifically, by the design of the windows. The more sloping windscreen pillars, together with a floating roof, are another characteristic feature of the JUKE, as are the rear windows. The door handles are again mounted near the glass. Even at the rear, the new design respects the sportier style with a more sloping tailgate, and this time with taillights that are joined by a transverse light bar. A quick glance inside clearly reveals a high-tech dashboard, with a large digital screen occupying the center console.


Insiders also indicated that the new JUKE will be an all-electric vehicle and is expected to have an electric motor with two maximum power levels: 120 hp and 150 hp and maximum ranges of 180 to 248 miles, depending on the trim level. The JUKE will be unveiled sometime in early 2026, with insiders suspecting a reveal a the Brussels Motor Show in January.

Nissan Juke

 

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 10:39

By SEMA News Editors

 

ICON Vehicle Dynamics

High-Performance 3.0 VS CDEV Suspension for Gen 3 Ford F-150 Raptor

ICON Ford Raptor

 

ICON Vehicle Dynamics has released its new 3.0 Series high-performance coilovers and shocks with CDEV Technology for the 3rd generation Ford F-150 Raptor. The system includes 3.0 shocks and coilovers with remote reservoirs, plus ICON's exclusive Compression Damping Electronic Valves (CDEV) technology, which provides the user with electronically controlled damping that adjusts on-the-fly to optimize performance, the manufacturer says.

Iconvehicledynamics.com

 

FiTech Fuel Injection

LS Drive-By-Wire EFI Systems

FiTech

 

FiTech Fuel Injection has launched its new Ultimate LS Drive-By-Wire EFI System, engineered to deliver smoother acceleration, sharper response and modern electronic throttle control for LS-powered builds, the manufacturer says. Built around a 102-mm throttle body with advanced electronic throttle control, the system includes preset drive modes that optimize pedal feel and response for multiple applications. Each kit includes FiTech ECU, engine harness, sensors, high-flow throttle body and drive-by-wire controller.

FiTechefi.com


Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.