What To Expect From SEMA 2015

The annual Specialty Equipment Manufacturer’s Association show - AKA SEMA - kicks off this week in Las Vegas. It’s hard for the average petrolhead to truly grasp the scope of this show - heck it’s hard for the seasoned petrolhead who’s seen everything to grasp the scope of this show.

You might have been to Frankfurt, Tokyo or the Goodwood show, so how could SEMA possibly compare to those events? Let me see if I can make this come alive for you. Ever go to an amusement park where admission was free and you could ride all the rides whenever you wanted with no waiting? Yeah, that never happens, but if it did, SEMA would still be even better.

SEMA isn’t just a car show in Las Vegas. For starters, it’s not open to the public - technically it’s a trade show for individuals and companies in the auto world who just can’t leave well enough alone. From engineering firms who make sizzling aftermarket go-fast parts to the companies that make the tools to make go-fast parts, SEMA is all about taking automotive passion to the next level. And car guys are nothing if not competitive, so the sights and sounds from SEMA often shed light on the next big aftermarket trends, especially when it comes to the latest crop of performance machines.

But what really makes SEMA special is that it’s a one-size-fits-all show. It doesn’t matter if you’re into Italian supercars, American muscle, Japanese tech, sports cars, roadsters, pickup trucks, off-road monsters, on-road cruisers, old-school street machines, new-school electrics - you name it and it will be at SEMA. Add in the spectacle that is Las Vegas with celebrity appearances, 24-hour partying and custom cars literally everywhere, and you get what can only be described as the Promised Land for those who aren’t simply into cars, but into making cars better.

And because Car Throttle is filled with people who love to make cars better (and sometimes worse - yeah I’m talking to you Mr. non-turbo Impreza with the green 19-inch wheels and fake STi hood scoop), we’ll be reporting daily on the latest and greatest happenings at this year’s convention. In the meantime, here’s a little preview.

1993 Acura Legend: Ludacris Edition

Only in the Fast and Furious world would such a thing exist, but Acura is planning to reveal a customised rebuild of Ludacris’ own 1993 Acura Legend that was recently damaged. It will be interesting to see how Acura makes the old Legend new again to match the rapper-turned-movie star’s Fast & Furious persona.

2016 ROUSH Mustang EcoBoost

While most look to the Mustang’s 5.0-litre Coyote V8 as the choice powerplant, there are all kinds of people lining up to tackle the boosted four-cylinder version. Lighter weight with better weight distribution promises an edge in handling, and there’s certainly more power to be tapped from the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine. Several EcoBoost Mustangs will be on hand at SEMA, from modest designs like AEM’s ‘Stang to the wild 900bhp Bisimoto Engineering Mustang. Arguably the one to watch will be from noted Ford tuner ROUSH, offering a 511bhp version that looks like a very fast and streetable turbocharged Mustang - no V8 required.

Nissan GT-R NISMO N-Attack Package

Tuners have been all over Godzilla since its debut many moons ago, but the N Attack package is being touted amongst the interweb as the end-all-be-all GT-R. Offered only in the US through Stillen in California, the upgrades include aerodynamic and performance enhancements that reportedly send the GT-R around the Nurburgring in 7 minutes 8 seconds. I can’t even do that time on a silly-tuned GT-R in Gran Turismo.

Innovative Creations Inc. 2015 Toyota Tundra Crew Max

The Ford F150 SVT Raptor has been a hot-selling off-roader in the States, and though the aircraft-inspired styling on this Tundra might be a bit much for some, it sure as hell looks cool at SEMA. More importantly, ICI’s package for the Toyota offers a nice combination of engine and suspension enhancements for those who want more high-performance off-road punch from their Tundra.

Rusty Slammington

What can be said about this tube frame, race-prepped, frankensteined E28 Bimmer? Four years in the making, and absolutely a standout work of menacing automotive awesome among the all the shiny machines at SEMA.

Mo’ Muscle 1957 Chevy Bel Air Custom

It wouldn’t be SEMA without some classic ‘Murican rides and they don’t get much better (or more iconic) than this 1957 Chevy Bel Air. Built by Mo’ Muscle Cars, this ’57 Chevy is all state-of-the-art underneath with a modern LS2 V8, four-wheel disc brakes, and full power equipment inside, including navigation. It showcases the epitome of resto-mod - new technology wrapped in a timeless design - and it’s said to be a reliable daily driver. And this begs the question - spend a bunch of money on a new car with new styling, performance and reliability, or spend the same money on a timeless classic with new car performance and reliability?

Stick with CT all week for regular SEMA updates!