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

2009 SEMA Show: Tire testing and the transformation of the tire industry

Every year Consumer Reports’ tire team attends the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas to meet all the tire manufacturers under one roof. It is an effective way to have face time with industry members, learn about upcoming developments and products, and shape our upcoming tire programs. With these insights, we will soon have outlined the tire models that we will be testing for the next major tire report due next year. This much we do know: we’ll be covering ultra-high performance models, including summer, all season, and performance winter tires.

The dismal economy shaped this year’s SEMA show. Big names such as BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin, and Yokohama were noticeably absent. (Read “2009 SEMA Show: Tire coverage.”) 

But not all companies followed that trend. Cooper had a dominant front entrance booth and was creating a big draw from its major sponsorship of the PBR (Professional Bull Riding) rodeo that was in town the week of the show. Pirelli was there, as in previous years, but employees were dressed in refreshing business-casual attire unlike previous years when the mandatory suit almost made the booth seem overly serious. Pirelli was touting green performance this year. “Green” products seem trendy, but Pirelli’s tact was to demonstrate its new Scorpion Verde All Season tire for SUVs and truck—a tire that is energy efficient and has low noise transmission, but supposedly does not compromise tread life and all-weather grip.

Also present was Hankook, a maturing tire company offering a full array of tire products for aftermarket and original equipment markets. Most Americans’ would be shocked to know that Hankook is the seventh largest tire manufacturer in the world, with record sales tallied in 2008. It perceives itself as the next-generation tire company, growing significantly even during these rough economic times. Upcoming companies like Falken, Maxxis, and Nexen also commanded attention at this year’s show as major contenders in the post-recession period. Nexen plans on developing new tire models dedicated for the North America market soon. They created traffic at their booth with a silly 15-series performance tire in a 365/15R24 size they created—think of an elastic band around a wheel.

Overall, it seemed like the underlying mission among manufacturers was to make a statement of confidence to tire dealers and attendees, moving forward with new products, and a commitment to succeed despite the poor economic conditions. A threat to the big names missing at the show, maybe, but even the major companies present could see the irony by looking down the hallways of the convention center to see so many newcomers. These companies are not household names yet, but can you imagine someday buying tires with brand names like Sunny, Hankang, Linglong, Triangle, and Wanli? Stay tuned.

For Ratings, recommendations, and buying advice on car, truck, and winter tires, see our tires section.

—Gene Petersen

Also see from the 2009 SEMA show:
Better than expected, future looks greener
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

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

2009 SEMA Show: Hot rodders turning green

In among the acres of gleaming hot rods with untold hours of build time, lift-kitted Jeep Wranglers, and dazzlingly done ’57 Chevy customs here at Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show, there’s another element to the Las Vegas event that seems to be gaining momentum.

The “Making Green Cool Zone” features a variety of customs with no less attention to detail than seen elsewhere in the show, but these cars and trucks are powered by an assortment of alternative powertrains, from diesels to hybrids to electrics. 

Tucked away at the back of the giant South Hall, traditionally the home of truck accessories, off-roading equipment, and at least one 10-foot tall Ford Expedition, the new kids in the hall provide an interesting contrast to SEMA’s more traditional roots as the organization develops its green side.

The Progressive Automotive X Prize also has a presence back there, and has brought 12 vehicles slated to compete in their competition to build a safe and production viable 100-mpg car. 

We’re as easily distracted by horsepower and a nicely done Camaro as anybody covering SEMA, but we plan to spend some time in the green zone while we’re here. We’ll report back with more details and pictures of what we see. Stay tuned.

—Jim Travers

2009 SEMA Show: Auto aftermarket prepares for show time in Las Vegas

The annual trade show of the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) is the Lollapalooza of shows for automotive and truck equipment, accessories, and customization. (See our other SEMA coverage.)  
 
SEMA, as both the organization and its show are known, is about to open its doors in Las Vegas, running from November 3-6. And we’re talking about a lot of doors. SEMA occupies virtually every square inch of every hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center, and spills out onto surrounding sidewalks, parking lots, and nearby hotels. The related AAPEX show covers more aftermarket equipment, and it runs from November 3-5 at the nearby Sands Expo Center.
 
SEMA says more than 100,000 attendees from some 100 countries come to their annual extravaganza, making their way through two million square feet of exhibits containing everything from custom wheels to brake pads, to electronics and the latest safety equipment.   
 
But sorry, gearheads, SEMA is not open to the general public. We’ll be there for the whole show, reporting on what we see and acting as your eyes, ears, and feet. You can thank us for that last one. Last year, I brought along a pedometer and logged eight miles the first day, seven the second, then decided I’d had enough and left it in my room after that.  
 
But while we’re walking, what would you like to see and read about? Let us know, and we and our sneakers will do our best to find it.
 
—Jim Travers