Media production by Ron Reichel.
SEMA 2022
This years SEMA didn’t disappoint. With the “bad thing” mostly behind us, both the vendors and attendees came out in force. As usual, the Monday night kickoff event was lit. The DJ kept us all energized with anticipation for the official first day.
This RX-7 appears relatively normal. Except for the clear reverse scoop in the carbon fiber hood. And the carbon fiber front splitter. Oh and the 2JZ with a turbo ! Using the headlights as air scoops was very clever.
Electrification was normal
Last years show highlighted electrification as something special. 1 year later, and it’s just woven into the entire show. This setup shows how you could yank the motor out of your car and drop in an electric one. Several vendors had kits that allowed you to do it. Hypercraft showed their intentions for this last year. It was exciting to see theirs on display. Everything you need. Another manufacturer’s kit used the driveline out of a Tesla and included all the parts you’d need: Inverter, controllers, battery pack, motor, etc. Only issue was, it was $60k. For that coin you could buy a nice electric car of your choice. But electrifying your unique car, say a C2 Corvette or AC Cobra would give you something no one else has.
Here’s a great example. A beautiful old school SL. As is, they fetch serious coin. So why not flare wide body it, put some big meat under those muscular flares, and drop an electric motor in it?
Something for everyone
SEMA brings the most amazing vehicles in existence. Here’s something you don’t see everyday. An AMC Gremlin. But not just any Gremlin. How about one kitted out with tractor treads to go anywhere and everywhere?
This stunning Fisker hypercar was fully kitted out with carbon. Even carbon fiber rims.
Not exactly sure what this thing was, but dang it was cool. The copper front cowl gleamed in the sun as did the paint.
Trucks are a huge thing. The amount of “monster trucks” was overwhelming as usual. This example was tastefully done and even had a “mini-me” in the bed.
Here’s just one example. Just look at the detail on the suspension of this truck. The mix of chrome and powder coated parts that were clearly custom made was insane. The hours spent polishing it for the show must have been unreal.
Okay it’s just a Pinto. But is it? Well, you don’t see Pinto wagons often. Much less an LS swapped Pinto wagon.
This Steam punk slide truck and rat rod combo was just stunning. The patena was created and then clear coated. Every part appeared to be hand made.
The need for speed
Okay, time for the main attraction. High horsepower rides.
Ken Blocks 1,400 HP, AWD Hoonigan Mustang. At the kickoff, they showed a video of Ken ripping through the streets in an AWD Audi. Lighting up all 4 wheels to make turns that defied the laws of physics. In the upper left, the lime green Pantera is the one you saw on Bitchin Rides.
A stunning example of a resto-mod LS swapped Corvette. If the hood didn’t have the clear cutout, you’d never know. Until you heard it.
Youtube star Emilia Hartford had her twin turbo C8 at the show. It was just sitting outside, not in a booth. Being one of the fastest C8’s out there makes it special.
Making the great even better
New performance cars seem to have peaked. But of course, they an always be made better.
Dodge is always out in force at SEMA and they didn’t disappoint this year. The highlight for me was this convertible conversion. The spokesperson said they’ll ship your new Challenger to a Drop Top Customs in Florida that will convert it for you. Granted, it’s $26k but your Demon will be one of a kind.
Yenko’s 1,100 HP Camaro. In a few years, this will be as rare as hen’s teeth.
Trans Am Worldwide is bringing back the LS6 Chevelle. The most desirable Chevelle is the 1970 LS6 454 with an M22 rock crusher tranny and a 12 bolt. They take a modern Camaro and transform it. Even the rear bumper looks like a Chevelle.
The future
Lexus presented this as their successor to the LFA. The Lexus Electrified Sport will do 0-60 in under 2 seconds with a range of over 430 miles. They were talking about using solid state batteries which is a future technology. It was absolutely stunning.
Hyperion’s scientists worked for the last 10 years to create this hydrogen powered supercar. The technology list includes hydrogen fuel cells, jet propulsion, and solar panels. I thought it looked alot like Speed Racer’s Mach Five.
Looking forward to SEMA 2023 !