2009 SEMA Show: Better than expected, future looks greener

Another SEMA show has come and gone, and cleared its chopped, channeled, flamed and chromed self out of Las Vegas until next year.
 
We went to the show this year not entirely sure of what to expect. With the economy still reeling, it seemed like chrome wheels and custom accessories might not be on as many shopping lists as in previous years.
 
But according to Vice President of Communications and Events for SEMA Peter MacGillivray, the show held its own. Exhibitors were off by 12 percent, but compared to the 30-34 percent reductions seen on average by other Las Vegas trade shows this year, SEMA might even be considered something of a home run. Even in this economic climate, MacGillivray says 70 percent of new car buyers still make some sort of modification to their vehicles within 60 days of purchase, whether it be a floor mat or a metal-flake paint job.
 
As in previous years, attendance was good, topping out at 120,000 visitors, all of whom were industry buyers and professionals. SEMA is not open to the public. Whether buyers were actually buying is another question, but most of the show was jammed with wall-to-wall crowds.  
 
One area where both exhibitors and buyers seemed to be fewer and farther between than last year was the mobile electronics area. Whether that means fewer new products are coming to market, exhibitors are opting for other shows like the Consumer Electronics Show in January, or that the category is off is hard to say.
 
On the other hand, SEMA was looking greener than in the past, with everything from more vehicles powered by alternative fuels to more customs displaying water-based paint. The “Making Green Cool Zone” showcased a variety of products and vehicles, and was both larger and more heavily trafficked than last year.
 
MacGillivray sees the segment as an important growth area for SEMA and its membership, although he says it amounts to less than five percent of all business now. But he says SEMA is working to educate member shops and businesses about the importance of going green, and that savvy members will find going green both profitable and the right thing to do. The organization is conducting seminars to educate members about the changing marketplace and new technologies.
 
“My sense is this is an element that isn’t going to go away,” he says. “It is incumbent on us to help these businesses stay in business year after year.”
 
—Jim Travers

Also see from the 2009 SEMA show:
Tire testing and the transformation of the tire industry
Our favorite modified Chevrolet Camaros
New iPhone apps for auto diagnostics
World's fastest Honda Civic circa 1976
All shades of green project cars
Surfrider Toyota Camry hybrid CNG
Kustomizing the Toyota Prius
Hot rodders turning green
Auto aftermarket prepares for show time in Las Vegas

Tales of our Volkswagen GTI - Car buying made easy

We are often asked about how we go about the business of anonymously buying more than 70 cars, trucks, and SUVs every year. (Learn how we test cars.) Most of our test vehicles are bought by the engineers and support staff who work at our Connecticut test track. Though I’m with the headquarters staff in New York, I recently volunteered to act as a secret shopper for the test program, partly out of curiosity, partly because it takes a lot of buyers to anonymously buy so many cars, and partly just to have better answers at neighborhood barbecues. 

My two-pronged plan: First, try to follow our own buying advice and second, try to make the process as painless as possible. Unlike a typical new-car buyer, I didn’t need to read up on what my car was worth in trade or get financing advice, because I wasn’t trading and I’d be paying by check. Nor did I have to determine the right car for my needs, or what options to choose – all I had to do was buy the assigned car.
The good news was that the car in question has long been a personal favorite--the Volkswagen GTI, recently freshened for 2010.

I started by doing what we recommend all car buyers do and determined the list price of the car and options, and the dealer cost for each. That information was readily available through our recently enhanced Cars Best Deals Plus services. (Learn about Consumer Reports Cars Best Deals Plus.) 

While online, I sent an e-mail from my personal account to three dealers in my area. I was very exact, listing the specific model year, trim line, options packages, and first and second color choices. You should do the same if you choose this contact method, because it saves lots of time, phone calls, and extra e-mails.

Two of the three dealers sent an automated e-mail within minutes, thanking me and saying someone would follow up shortly. A sales consultant at the first of those wrote within an hour to introduce herself and confirm the car, options, and color. She also said she’d get back to me shortly with a price and did so an hour later. The price, a bit below sticker, was acceptable. Dealer number two responded several hours later, with a quote on a 2009 GTI instead of a 2010. It took number two another full day to respond to my follow-up e-mail where I reiterated that I wanted a 2010 GTI. A day later, he wrote back saying GTIs were hard to find, and would I please say exactly what I wanted.

Another e-mail or two with dealer number one and a car was located and on its way from another dealer. It was ready and waiting at the appointed time. No fuss, no muss. And the price she had quoted was what I paid. I did have to confess the day of the pickup that the car was actually being purchased by Consumer Reports as a test car, making her re-do some of the paperwork, but she took it well. All in a day’s work.

Admittedly, your own car buying experience is likely to be more complicated than mine was. Most buyers have a trade-in and must finance at least a part of the new car. I could also didn’t need to test drive several contenders to help make my choice, but any car buyer should plan to spend at least 30 minutes behind the wheel of any car you buy—and a few other considered models for comparison.

On the other hand, as a private buyer you can take advantage of some tools not always available to us. We often need to buy brand new models within days of their first arrival at dealerships, in order to start testing right away. That often minimizes a dealer’s willingness to grant a big discount, although our shoppers always try to grab the best deal they can. If you can wait a few months, you’re better off. And if you can wait until the end of the month you’ve chosen, dealers will often be more willing to negotiate because they have quotas to fill. We also have to buy many cars generously equipped, so we can see if the latest gadgets are worth the money. You might be able to meet your needs while passing up the leather upholstery, rear DVD player, fancy sound system, or other extras.

One thing I learned from my experience is that if I ever buy a new car again, I’ll at least get the process started using the Internet. It’s a real time saver. Shopping online is much more convenient than driving from dealer to dealer, and it can help determine which dealers you might want to work with, and which aren’t worth your time.

I still haven’t heard from dealer number three.

—Jim Travers  

Read our car-buying advice and get the bottom line price on new cars.

TomTom to update, improve iPhone navigation app

TomTom has just announced improvements to their iPhone navigation app, some of which address shortcomings we have criticized in the past. (See our TomTom app review.) The upgrade adds three key features routinely found on TomTom stand-alone navigation devices, including:

• Text to speech, which announces proper street names and locations rather than simply saying “turn right” or other generic instruction.
• Lane guidance/reality view, providing a realistic view of complicated interchanges and indicating the best lane choice as the driver approaches an exit or intersection. Works in vertical and horizontal modes.
• Help menu, which provides emergency phone numbers and directions to the nearest hospital, police, or other emergency help.

Music fans will be glad to hear the upgrade also now enables control of the iPod from within the application. Previously, users could not adjust volume, change selection, or make other adjustments to music while navigation was in use.  

Customizable audio warnings are also included to warn when the driver exceeds the speed limit or approaches safety cameras. A safety camera map and free database update are also included.

TomTom says the upgrade has been submitted to Apple for review, and once approved will be made available free to users who have already purchased the app. Once available, we will evaluate this new app version, along with the TomTom iPhone mount.

See our full reviews of AT&T Navigator, iGo My Way, Navigon Mobile Navigator, Sygic Mobile Maps, TomTom iPhone application, and X Road G-Map.

For more information on portable automotive GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings, first looks, and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

—Jim Travers  

Brammo reduces price of electric motorcycle

Electric motorcycle manufacturer Brammo has announced a $4,000 price reduction for its recently introduced Enertia. A company representative said the new price is $7,995, and that a ten percent federal tax credit brings the final cost to $7,200.

Brammo CEO Craig Bramscher said that the price reduction was possible due to increases in engineering and supply chain efficiencies as production has ramped up. He added that more than 100 Enertias have been shipped.

With a weight of 324 pounds and a top speed of 60 mph, the Brammo is fun to ride and feels much like a 250cc conventional motorcycle, with similar performance. But even with the reduced price, it still costs considerably more than a 250cc Honda Rebel, which starts at about $4,000. For the price of an Enertia, riders could opt for a larger cruising bike like the $7,000, 745cc Honda Shadow Aero and still have $200 in change for gas.

Still, the Enertia may appeal to some of the urban commuters the company is targeting, who may find its simplicity to ride and maintain appealing, and for whom the 42-mile range isn’t a problem.

The Enertia is sold through Best Buy stores in California and Oregon, and Oregon-based Brammo will sell directly to customers in other states.

Also read: Brammo Enertia electric motorcycles go to Washington, D.C. on road trip.

See our motorcycle and scooter buying advice and ratings.

—Jim Travers  

2009 SEMA Show: Our favorite modified Chevrolet Camaros

Ford may have been the featured automaker at the SEMA show this year, but this was also, very much, the year of the Camaro. And that’s understandable. While the customizing crowd has had several years now to play around with Ford’s latest reincarnation of the Mustang, first introduced in 2005 and refreshed for 2009, the Camaro is freshly minted. Last year, the Las Vegas Convention Center was chock full of examples of the then new Dodge Challenger. But this year, you could practically walk one end of the million square feet of SEMA to the other stepping only on new Camaros, without ever setting foot on the floor. But we wouldn’t recommend it.

Here’s a quick look at some of the more notable examples we saw.

Lingenfelter LS7 Chevrolet Camaro

For those who live by the motto "Too much is never enough," Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE) has teamed up with Hotchkis Sport Suspension to create this 750-hp Camaro SS. Powered by a supercharged, 7.0-liter Corvette Z06 LS7 V8, the Lingenfelter Camaro also gets Hotchkis springs and anti-sway bars, a custom body kit, upgraded brakes, and various other modifications.

Jay Leno Camaro

Chevrolet showed five Camaro concept vehicles at SEMA, including a twin-turbo, 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 model built for comedian/car collector Jay Leno. With 425-hp on tap, Chevy says Leno’s Camaro delivers the power of a Camaro SS with the fuel economy of a V6. The engine is matched with a six-speed manual transmission. Other modifications include a larger capacity radiator, custom exhaust system, lowered suspension, upgraded brakes, and a body kit with functional brake cooling ducts.

Camaro Synergy

Another Chevrolet concept, the Camaro Synergy features a new color, Synergy Green, that will be offered on a special-edition model in 2010. (Think of it as Chevy’s answer to the Plum Crazy Dodge Challenger.) It also features a variety of accessories offered by Chevrolet dealers including 21-inch custom wheels, a body kit, hood stripes, and a rear spoiler. Other modifications include equipment Chevy says they may offer in the future if there is sufficient public interest, including a lowered suspension, Brembo brakes, and interior trim matching the exterior color.

Yenko Camaro

The son of a Pennsylvania Chevrolet dealer, Don Yenko started modifying Chevys in the 1960s, and he became a legend for transplanting 427 cubic-inch engines into Camaros and other Bowtie-wearing coupes. General Marketing Capital Incorporated now owns the rights to the Yenko name and brand, and it showed a prototypes of a new Yenko Camaro. Based on a Camaro SS, the Phase 1 Yenko gets a 600-hp, 7.0-liter supercharged LS7 V8 matched with a six-speed manual transmission. Other modifications include upgraded brakes, high-flow exhaust system, and 22-inch Yenko-specific billet aluminum wheels. Cosmetic touches include Yenko striping and badging, and obligatory "sYc" logos on the seats and floor mats. Like the original Yenko cars, plans call for a Phase II and Phase III versions with more power and performance.

For more information on the latest Chevrolet Camaro, see our road test and video.

—Jim Travers

Also see from the 2009 SEMA show:
Better than expected, future looks greener
Tire testing and the transformation of the tire industry
New iPhone apps for auto diagnostics
World's fastest Honda Civic circa 1976
All shades of green project cars
Surfrider Toyota Camry hybrid CNG
Kustomizing the Toyota Prius
Hot rodders turning green
Auto aftermarket prepares for show time in Las Vegas

2009 SEMA Show: New iPhone apps for auto diagnostics

New iPhone apps seem to be appearing daily in the Apple iTunes store, if not by the minute or even second, and car-related ways to utilize the popular convergence device are no exception. (See our iPhone navigation application reviews.)

Two exhibitors at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show brought devices that can turn an iPhone or iPod Touch into a vehicle diagnostic tool, maintenance minder, mpg meter, and provide performance-oriented drivers with customized gauges and track mapping for weekend racers. In fact, they offer many additional features, too numerous to list here.
 
The Kiwi Wifi from PLX devices and goLINK Protocol Converter both connect to the On-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII) system in your car to transmit all sorts of vehicle data and information. The big difference is the Kiwi Wifi (you guessed it) transmits the information to the phone wirelessly, and goLINK uses a cable to link directly to the iPhone. Both are compatible with passenger vehicles built after 1996.
 
The Kiwi Wifi and goLINK offer similar menus for iPhone users, partly because they work with some of the same software providers. They’re also priced the same, at $150 each. A number of add-on software options are available at the Apple apps store to take advantage of the connection. One such app is Rev by Devtoaster ($39.99), which records and displays real-time vehicle data like horsepower, torque, fuel consumption, and myriad powertrain details to aid tuners and racers (shown here).
 
The Kiwi Wifi module is available now. The goLINK device comes on the market in January 2010. Details can be found at gopointtech.com and plxdevices.com.

—Jim Travers with Liza Barth

Also see from the 2009 SEMA show:
Better than expected, future looks greener
Tire testing and the transformation of the tire industry
Our favorite modified Chevrolet Camaros
World's fastest Honda Civic circa 1976
All shades of green project cars
Surfrider Toyota Camry hybrid CNG
Kustomizing the Toyota Prius
Hot rodders turning green
Auto aftermarket prepares for show time in Las Vegas

2009 SEMA Show: World's fastest Honda Civic circa 1976

Way back in 1974, long before there was an Acura NSX, Honda S2000, or even a Civic Si, there was Honda performance pioneer Bob Boileau, otherwise know as “Honda Bob.”
 
Bob campaigned this Honda Civic on race circuits years before anybody started thinking of Hondas as performance cars. Bob and his Civic earned the title of World’s Fastest Civic in 1976, when he was clocked at 146 mph at Alabama’s Talladega Superspeedway. Bob went on to win six Sports Car Club of America GT5 championships between 1985 and 1990.

What makes all those championships even more notable is that Bob earned them back in the days when performance parts for the Civic were virtually unavailable. But he arguably helped set the stage for years of tuners and Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show exhibitors to come.
 
This year the tiny, unrestored Civic earned a place in the back of the Honda booth at SEMA, duct-taped fenders and all.
 
Hats off, Honda Bob.
 
—Jim Travers

Also see from the 2009 SEMA show:
Better than expected, future looks greener
Tire testing and the transformation of the tire industry
Our favorite modified Chevrolet Camaros
New iPhone apps for auto diagnostics
All shades of green project cars
Surfrider Toyota Camry hybrid CNG
Kustomizing the Toyota Prius
Hot rodders turning green
Auto aftermarket prepares for show time in Las Vegas

2009 SEMA Show: All shades of green project cars

There are almost as many ways to go green at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show as there are choices of chrome wheels, but not quite. (There are a lot of wheels on display!) Here’s a quick look at a few of the diverse vehicles on display at the “Making Green Cool Zone.”
 
1956 Ford F100
Built by Steve’s Hot Rods of Marcy, New York, this pickup is powered by a 460-cubic-inch Ford V8 engine fueled by liquid propane. Builder Steve Hale says horsepower is estimated to be in the 450-500 range, and that the truck produces close to zero emissions. Other benefits include lower fuel costs, and that the cleaner burning fuel means the engine stays cleaner on the inside, too. Another green touch: The paint is water-based.
 
1985 Chevrolet Blazer hybrid
A regular smorgasbord of alternative energy, this Blazer hybrid starts with a 1.0-liter diesel engine and lead-acid battery power. A solar thermal collector on the roof heats water that is then routed to an exhaust gas-driven turbine that powers an auxiliary alternator to help charge the battery. A large wind turbine mounted in the grille drives another alternator. But all that’s rookie stuff compared to the Blazer’s shock absorbers, each of which spins yet another energy-producing turbine as their hydraulic fluid goes through compression and rebound.
 
Nissan Altima “Hot rod hybrid” race car

This Altima started out as a stock hybrid, but has morphed into a racer and test bed for battery maker Braille Battery of Sarasota, FL. With a gutted interior, full roll cage, and racing suspension, brakes, and tires, the supercharged Nissan is claimed to produce 450 hp and be able to run a 12.9-second quarter mile. Further, it is capable of 1.02 g of lateral acceleration—that’s road-holding beyond what most sports cars can claim. Students from the Universal Technical Institute in Orlando assisted in the build, along with high school students from Clermont, FL, who applied the green water-based paint.

—Jim Travers

Also see from the 2009 SEMA show:
Better than expected, future looks greener
Tire testing and the transformation of the tire industry
Our favorite modified Chevrolet Camaros
New iPhone apps for auto diagnostics
World's fastest Honda Civic circa 1976
Surfrider Toyota Camry hybrid CNG
Kustomizing the Toyota Prius
Hot rodders turning green
Auto aftermarket prepares for show time in Las Vegas

2009 SEMA Show: Surfrider Toyota Camry hybrid CNG

Toyota partnered with Metal Crafters of Fountain Valley, CA, to convert the 2.4-liter gasoline engine in this Camry hybrid to run on compressed natural gas (CNG). The stock battery and hybrid system remains, and the powertrain is said to produce 170-hp total. Toyota claims a cruising range of better than 250 miles, and fuel economy of 33 mpg overall. This being SEMA and all, cosmetic changes include a lowered suspension, 20-inch wheels, body kit, and custom grille and rear bumper.

—Jim Travers

2009 SEMA Show: Kustomizing the Toyota Prius

Back in the 1960s, long before marketing types had the option of simply ignoring spell check as has become the norm today, George Barris was known as King of the Kustomizers.
 
The King was the guy behind a number of designs recognizable to millions today, including many car-spotters who weren’t yet born when George and his team created them, such as the original Batmobile.
 
George is still in business, and he and his team chose SEMA to show their take on a Toyota Prius. The car was here last year, too, but what makes his Kustom more interesting is that Toyota is showing their own customized Prius this year, and it’s just down the hall. 
 
The Barris Kustom sports a trademark metalflake paint job, in this case a green and gold that could be, well, right out of the ‘60s. Toyota opted for a more subtle look, a pale metalflake blue that might indicate a corporate desire to not get too crazy with the Prius faithful. No harm, no foul.
 
Both opted for custom wheels, but where George went down the eighteen-inch chrome road with hubs painted green, Toyota chose clear plastic discs over their wheels for less drag. Toyota also fitted clear curved panels over the A pillars they say further reduce drag, but no information was offered as to how much drag these accessories reduced. Looking odd is just a bonus.
 
Those A-pillar panels probably wouldn’t have worked for George, because he added scissors front doors to his Prius. No information as to what those doors might do or not do for drag was offered, either.
 
But hey, they’re cool. And green. And metalflake.
 
Could hybrids be the next great frontier for hot rodders?
 

—Jim Travers

Also see from the 2009 SEMA show:
Better than expected, future looks greener
Tire testing and the transformation of the tire industry
Our favorite modified Chevrolet Camaros
New iPhone apps for auto diagnostics
World's fastest Honda Civic circa 1976
All shades of green project cars
Surfrider Toyota Camry hybrid CNG
Hot rodders turning green
Auto aftermarket prepares for show time in Las Vegas