DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.25.23) – SEMA has announced the 2023 SEMA Show floorplan is now live and available at SEMAShow.com/floorplan. The team behind the premier automotive specialty-equipment trade show worked to ensure manufacturers could showcase thousands of new innovations across the Las Vegas Convention Center campus, October 31-November 3.
Now that the floorplan is live, buyers and attendees can maximize their Show experience by utilizing the interactive map and exhibitor list at SEMAShow.com/floorplan.
Exhibitors can also prepare for a successful SEMA Show exhibit with the following:
And, exhibitors should plan to attend the 2023 SEMA Exhibitor Summit, the two-day event (Tuesday, July 25-Wednesday, July 26) that covers everything needed to exhibit like a professional. SEMA will cover hotel costs for up to two members of each exhibiting company for this unique program, which teaches exhibitors how to:
Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs
Use proven strategies to attract buyers to your booth
Save money and resources on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses
Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize your ROI
Learn to properly plan and budget to leverage your Show experience
Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships and other methods
There’s still time to secure participation in the 2023 SEMA Show. Get started at SEMAShow.com/buyabooth. Attendee registration for the Show is available at SEMAShow.com/register.
SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the Show as cost-effective as possible for all, and from now until June 30, pricing is just $40. The cost will increase to $60 after June 30 and $120 after September 29.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact customer service at 866-229-3687. International callers dial direct +1-224-563-3154 or email aapexsema@csreg.zohodesk.com. Service is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (CDT).
International travelers can request a letter of invitation during the registration process. Not sure if you will require a Visa from your country of origin? Use the U.S. Department of State’s handy Visa Wizard to determine your needs. In addition, many countries are eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. If you are traveling from any eligible country, register for your Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before your travel.
Registering early allows you to take advantage of the best rates and receive all the necessary information for planning your SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that you will receive your badges in the mail before November’s event.
Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register!
SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the Show as cost-effective as possible for all, and from now until June 30, pricing is just $40. The cost will increase to $60 after June 30 and $120 after September 29.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact customer service at 866-229-3687. International callers dial direct +1-224-563-3154 or email aapexsema@csreg.zohodesk.com. Service is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (CDT).
International travelers can request a letter of invitation during the registration process. Not sure if you will require a Visa from your country of origin? Use the U.S. Department of State’s handy Visa Wizard to determine your needs. In addition, many countries are eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. If you are traveling from any eligible country, register for your Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before your travel.
Registering early allows you to take advantage of the best rates and receive all the necessary information for planning your SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that you will receive your badges in the mail before November’s event.
Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register!
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.27.23) – At last year’s Industry Awards Banquet, SEMA introduced SEMA Fest, an enthusiast-focused experience that connects automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry for a celebration of car culture and automotive lifestyle. Combined with the SEMA Show and officially called SEMA Week, the goal of the expansion is to create the most exciting automotive event in the world.
During the planned five-year rollout period and beyond, SEMA will remain dedicated to producing the annual SEMA Show–the premier automotive trade show that puts the latest products from top companies in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers representing every segment of the specialty-equipment industry. Companies that would like to exhibit at the 2023 SEMA Show can get started at SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.
Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show provides exhibitors with the aftermarket’s most valuable venue for creating more business, expanding brand awareness, introducing new products and engaging with automotive professionals.
Open to the automotive trade, the 2023 SEMA Show will take place Tuesday-Friday, October 31-November 3. For more information on the 2023 SEMA Show or to exhibit, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
SEMA Fest is an enthusiast-focused event that is open to everyone, including automotive enthusiasts and professionals. The two-day celebration will be held at a separate venue–the Las Vegas Festival Grounds–Friday and Saturday, November 3-4.
The festival will feature music and entertainment, craft food, automotive celebrities, drifting competitions, freestyle motocross and the world’s most innovative and advanced custom vehicles.
To register for SEMA Fest or for more information, visit SEMAFest.com.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.25.23) – Registration for the 2023 SEMA Show opens May 1 at www.semashow.com/register. The annual trade event taking place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty equipment industry.
By bringing together all segments of the industry – including racing and performance, mobile electronics, hot rod and restoration, restyling and car care, collision repair, trucks, offroad, powersports, overlanding, and wheels and tires – the SEMA Show is the place to discover new products and trends, make new business contacts, strengthen existing ones, and help professionals take their careers from good to great.
Registration for the 2023 SEMA Show opens May 1 at www.semashow.com/register. The annual trade event will take place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“With the worldwide automotive industry gathered together in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show gives attendees the once-a-year opportunity to connect as a global community,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA VP of Events. “Attendees build meaningful relationships, develop trust, and strengthen bonds that lead to partnerships and real results. They are engaging on a level that doesn’t compare to anything else.”
Registration of only $40 per person is open to buyers and attendees who sign up between May 1-June 30. Early registration also ensures that applicants will receive important news and updates about the SEMA Show in advance, including actual badges in the mail before the event in November.
“The most successful attendees at the SEMA Show are those who secure their badges early,” said Gattuso. “In addition to saving money, Showgoers who register early benefit by learning about special events, opportunities, and discounts.”
Upon registering, attendees will be guided on exclusive discounts for hotels, best practices for connecting with exhibitors, links to sign up for free educational seminars, details about networking events and activities, tips for navigating the Las Vegas Convention Center, the ability to request a travel visa, and more.
SEMA Show registration is offered in three primary categories – attendee, exhibitor, and media – and everyone must qualify to attend. For more information about qualifying documents and the 2023 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.13.23) – Automotive specialty-equipment manufacturers are geared up and eager to connect with attendees at the 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31–November 3 in Las Vegas. It’s been said that four days at the SEMA Show can deliver years of planning and development, and with exhibitor numbers expected to top 2,000 companies, buyers and media will have plenty to explore at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“The commitment we’ve seen from exhibitors is a positive sign that companies are excited to reconnect face-to-face,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “It’s also a sign that companies are confident that they will have new products and stories to share.”
The future of the industry at large is on display at the SEMA Show, providing the best opportunity of the year to reconnect with peers and colleagues and create new contacts. The Show features countless education sessions and council and networking events to help build your business, career and professional network.
Meanwhile, SEMA officials are finalizing new features to further evolve the Show and deepen attendee engagement. To help attendees get their best return on energy and investment, we turned to Gattuso and SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins for some behind-the-scenes insights.
Industry Exhibitors Geared Up for 2023 SEMA Show Attendees Eager to connect with buyers and media in person, introduce new products, develop relationships and tell their company stories, the 2023 SEMA Show was on track to exceed 2,000 exhibiting companies as of press time.
An up-to-date exhibitor list of the major automakers, iconic aftermarket brands, and new, first-time exhibitors confirmed for the Show can can be viewed at http://www.SEMAShow.com/participating-manufacturers.
Advantages of Meeting Face-to-Face The SEMA Show is driven by connections, and brings exhibitors, buyers and media from around the world together for the automotive aftermarket’s most impactful business-to-business experience. Its in-person nature delivers key advantages that other forms of connecting simply can’t match.
When you meet in person, you can read body language, see facial expressions, use context clues and better get to know someone’s personality.
The automotive aftermarket prefers to meet face-to-face, without potential distractions or technical difficulties.
It’s more effective to brainstorm, generate ideas and discuss what is working, and what is not, face-to-face.
Conducting business in person provides the opportunity to engage in purposeful small talk, deepening relationships, loyalty and trust.
Research shows face-to-face requests are 34 times more effective than those sent by email, and that a physical handshake promotes cooperation and influences negotiation outcomes for the better. (MIT’s Human Dynamics Lab)
According to a Forbes Insight study, 85% of people say they build stronger, more meaningful business relationships during in-person meetings and conferences.
According to a Harvard Review study, 95% of people say face-to-face meetings are a key factor in successfully building and maintaining long-term business relationships.
SEMA Week Expands in Las Vegas At last year’s Industry Awards Banquet, SEMA introduced SEMA Fest, an enthusiast-focused experience that connects automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry for a celebration of car culture and automotive lifestyle. The event will add a new dimension to SEMA Week.
Over a planned five-year rollout period and beyond, SEMA will remain dedicated to producing the annual SEMA Show—the specialty-equipment industry’s premier automotive trade event—at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Open to the automotive trade, the 2023 Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3.
Not to be confused with the SEMA Show, SEMA Fest will be an enthusiast-focused event open to everyone, including automotive enthusiasts and professionals. The two-day celebration will be held at a separate venue—the Las Vegas Festival Grounds—Friday and Saturday, November 3–4, 2023. It will feature music and entertainment, craft food, automotive celebrities, drifting competitions, freestyle motocross and the world’s most innovative and advanced custom vehicles.
To register for SEMA Fest or for more information, visit www.SEMAFest.com.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.23.23) – Automotive specialty equipment manufacturers are geared up to exhibit at the 2023 SEMA Show, taking place Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Las Vegas.
With an eagerness to connect with buyers in person to create brand awareness, introduce new products, develop relationships, and tell their company stories, exhibitors are signing up earlier than they had in previous years, demonstrating strong momentum for this year’s show.
Exhibitor commitments continue to come in at a constant rate, and with more than a third of all applications historically submitted a week before the April 3 priority application deadline, the 2023 SEMA Show is expected to grow to more than 2,000 exhibiting companies.
Exhibitors are signing up for the SEMA Show earlier than they had in previous years, demonstrating strong momentum for this year’s event.
The running list on www.semashow.com/participating-manufacturers shows major automakers, iconic aftermarket brands, and new, first-time exhibitors confirmed for the 2023 SEMA Show.
“The early commitment from exhibitors is a positive sign that companies are excited to reconnect face to face,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “It’s also a sign that companies are confident that they will have new products and stories to share.”
Since the pandemic hit in 2020, the industry has gathered at the SEMA Show, making the annual event the go-to place for connecting with colleagues. In 2021 and 2022 the SEMA Show has been amongst the country’s highest attended trade shows, and momentum has increased as travel restrictions are lifted and businesses discover limitations of doing business virtually.
“Virtual meetings are great, but you can’t smell the burning rubber over a Zoom call,” said Gattuso.
Exhibitors that submit completed applications by April 3 will be included in the SEMA Show Priority Booth Selection Process, at which time they will select their space and learn how to get the most out of their investment. Exclusive benefits and opportunities include:
First to select their space at the SEMA Show and officially assigned a booth number
Immediately included on the online floorplan, which industry professionals use to determine what exhibitors to visit and how to plan their Show
Connect with account reps who will guide them on specific opportunities to boost brand awareness based on the exhibitor’s goals and target audience
Opportunity to sign up for the 2023 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, a two-and-a-half-day boot camp-style event where Show organizers guide exhibitors through important details and tips for success
Reminders about early-bird deadlines to save money on booth orders and hotel rooms for staff
Booth space applications, available at http://www.semashow.com/exhibitor, are open to companies that manufacture products that enhance a vehicle’s performance, styling, safety, or convenience. Registration for industry professionals to attend the four-day SEMA Show opens on May 1 at the early-bird rate until late June.
Visit www.semashow.com to learn more and to see the list of companies that have already committed to exhibiting at the 2023 SEMA Show.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (12.21.22) – One of the annual SEMA Show’s many distinctions is its weeklong display of greatness. From new products and innovations to the groundbreaking people driving the specialty aftermarket to new heights, the SEMA Show reflects the industry’s reach for excellence. Perhaps that’s the reason the Show’s award ceremonies resonate so deeply with thousands of Show participants.
“We are pleased to congratulate all the winners that we celebrated throughout numerous events and competitions during the 2022 SEMA Show Week,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “This is an industry founded on deep-seated passion and the constant enthusiasm to excel at one’s craft—and all our SEMA Show winners and honorees embody that spirit.”
SEMA Launch Pad WInner (Industry Banquet) Kevin Robinson, TRAC LLC
Sharing the Passion (Industry Banquet) James Lawrence, SEMA Chairman of the Board
The 2022 SEMA Show introduced several major updates to its traditional awards presentations. First, with e-commerce expanding and data-driven transactions becoming more routine, the SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year award evolved into a new Channel Partner of the Year award. The award honors the contributions of sales, distributors, retailers and e-commerce channel(s) in the industry as well as the distribution companies that support retailers.
Celebrating an Industry (Industry Banquet) Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO
Chairman’s Service Award (Industry Banquet) WD-40
In addition, the Channel Partner of the Year and the Manufacturer of the Year award presentations were moved to the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday morning, November 1, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Held just before the Show’s official opening, the event was previously called the New Products Awards Breakfast. Under its new name, the 2022 event continued its tradition of honoring the Show’s best new products across numerous categories, including two new categories for electric vehicle and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) products.
Jarod DeAnda, known as the “voice of Formula Drift,” hosted the reformatted 2022 breakfast. He was joined on stage by Hoonigan driver Ken Block and Hoonigan Co-Founder Brian Scotto, who discussed “Electrikhana,” a new video featuring an all-electric Audi S1 Hoonitron that was shot on the streets of Las Vegas. “Electrikhana” is the latest video of the wildly popular “Gymkhana” series.
GEN-III Innovator of the Year (Industry Banquet) Mike Burns, ValvoMax
Influencer of the Year (Industry Banquet) Larry Chen, Photographer/Videographer
“Combining the Channel Partner of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year and New Product Awards into one event early in the week enabled winners to promote their honors throughout Show Week,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “We were also very honored and excited to have Ken Block and Brian Scotto at the event. They are inspirational, and the ‘Gymkhana’ series and cars represent what our industry is all about.”
Person of the Year (Industry Banquet) Josh Poulson, Auto Additions Inc.
Industry Icons (Kickoff Breakfast) Jarod DeAnda, Brian Scotto, Ken Block
Meanwhile, the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, the traditional Thursday-night venue for major awards, also got a dynamic makeover, which included a novel center stage and a streamlined run time. Themed “Further. Faster. Together.,” the event featured the SEMA Person of the Year and GEN-III Innovator of the Year awards, along with the first-ever SEMA Influencer of the Year award designed to honor content creators who make a positive industry impact across social-media channels. The evening also included a tribute to industry icons Walker Evans, Jack Roush and Robert Eugene “Gene” Winfield, who were named to the SEMA Hall of Fame in the summer of 2022.
The banquet further made headlines with the announcement that the SEMA Show is going citywide in Las Vegas, starting this year. Another high point came with the audience of about 3,000 casting the deciding votes via text to name Kevin Robinson, inventor of the TRAC Tire Jack, as the ultimate winner of the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad competition. Winnowed from a field of five Show finalists, he and runner-up Susan Pieper, DMOS Collective CEO, got to pitch their product ideas before panelists Chip Foose, Jared Hare, Myles Kovacs and Alex Parker just before the audience vote.
Channel Partner of the Year (Kickoff Breakfast) Turn 14 Distribution Inc.
Manufacturer of the Year (Kickoff Breakfast) Baja Designs Inc.
“There were many changes to our Show’s recognition programs for 2022,” observed Gattuso. “All our awards and recognitions represent an extremely dynamic industry, so as our industry has evolved, we’ve been pleased to evolve with it.”
The photos above capture the winning moments and highlights of the Show’s many award presentations at the Kickoff Breakfast and the Industry Awards Banquet.
Did you feel the energy? A juggernaut hit Las Vegas this past November 1–4 when the annual SEMA Show roared back into the city’s convention center. And it was clear the specialty-automotive industry was ready for business.
Reflecting a rapidly changing aftermarket, the Show greatly revamped its education, networking and event programs. There were also new exhibitions, features, vehicle displays, and plenty of interactive thrills seen, felt and shared throughout the 1-million sq. ft. trade event—not to mention thousands of new products for attendees to discover. Plus, there was an exciting announcement of new things to come, with SEMA undertaking a citywide expansion of the Show, beginning November 2023.
Chip Foose takes a photo with fans.
“SEMA wishes extend a huge thanks to our 2022 Show exhibitors, attendees, sponsors and partners for making the event such an outstanding success,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “Across the board, participation far exceeded expectations, and the industry’s support and energy were everywhere to be seen. This Show will be remembered as among the best our association has ever produced, and demonstrates again why the SEMA Show remains the world’s number-one automotive trade event.”
After its successful return as a live event in 2021, the 2022 Show proved beyond a doubt that the specialty automotive industry is revved up and leaving the pandemic behind. Nearly 3,000 exhibitors and approximately 130,000 attendees flooded the 2022 Show halls, representing 30% growth over 2021.
The 2022 SEMA Show officially opens.
“Trade events like the SEMA Show are meant to both highlight and energize industry trends and innovation, and throughout the Show it was evident that SEMA-member companies are ready to seize the future,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “It’s no exaggeration to say the 2022 Show was a historic milestone. From the moment you arrived at the Las Vegas Convention Center, you could feel the energy and momentum.”
“The 2022 event was very forward-focused,” added Gattuso. “We increased the size and scope of our SEMA Electrified section and added the new SEMA ADAS Showcase to demonstrate recalibration of modified vehicles for compliance with advanced driver-assistance systems, and attendee interest in both was notably high.”
SEMA Show Overland Experience.
“Also, there were more equipment manufacturers and electric-vehicle [EV] conversion companies for attendees to connect with as well as live demonstrations of products and procedures. We additionally expanded our educational seminars addressing vehicle electrification and other emerging technologies, and the many new opportunities they’re providing our industry businesses.”
Other key features included the popular SEMA Overland Experience, the Chip Foose Experience, and an eBay Motors Experience featuring the Hoonigan Burnyard, drift ride-alongs and a stunning collection of unique vehicles. An expanded OPTIMA Village played host to Ultimate Street Car Invitational events, numerous demos and celebrity appearances, and lots of tire smoke.
Moreover, the Show exuded industry diversity in every sense of the word. There were bed-dancing mini trucks, truck drifting, and lowrider hopping, courtesy TIS Off-Road and urban-car-scene veteran Myles Kovacs. Donk vehicles stood proudly alongside the traditional performance and street racers, trucks and off-road vehicles, hot rods and classic show cars. The Motorcycle Industry Council “Ride With Us” activation feature even taught new enthusiasts how to ride.
Special Keynote appearance by Emmitt Smith.
Meanwhile, the Show’s “Still I Race” exhibition paid tribute to African American Racing Association legends, and a SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Ford Bronco Wildtrak showcased the growing contributions of female builders. Headline celebrities further appealed to a broad range of interests. They included keynote appearances by football great and now NASCAR team owner Emmitt Smith, NHRA champion Anton Brown, and Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew, among others.
2022 SEMA Show Cruise.
The annual Monday-night Exhibitor Appreciation Party featuring the SEMA Awards, the Tuesday-morning Kickoff Breakfast, and the Thursday-evening Industry Awards Banquet all saw updated formats. Likewise, rules changes to the SEMA Battle of the Builders and Launch Pad competitions broadened their appeal, and the Show’s Friday Experience for qualified consumer attendees was expanded. Open to the public, the annual SEMA Cruise and SEMA Ignited after-party further amped public enthusiasm for car culture.
Ringbrothers
Ultimately, words can’t capture the scope and excitement of the 2022 SEMA Show. But you can get a feel for it all in these photos. And make your plans now: SEMA Week 2023 promises an even greater impact starting this November.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (12.14.22) – Each year prior to the SEMA Show, exhibitors are polled on the new vehicles that, in their judgment, represent the best opportunities for accessorization via the aftermarket for the coming year. Vehicles are chosen in six distinct classes—including a brand-new class for 2022, EV of the Year—and the winners are announced ahead of the start of the Show. This year’s announcement was made on Monday, October 31, on the eve of the 2022 Show.
“The SEMA Award recognizes the hottest new vehicles on the market that offer the greatest opportunities for customization,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales. “SEMA Award-winning vehicles are setting worldwide trends in the automotive enthusiast industry. The 2022 SEMA Show had on display many of the SEMA Award-winning vehicles, each customized in its unique way.”
SEMA Vehicle of the Year award winners celebrate at the 2022 SEMA Show Monday Reveal. Pictured from left to right: SEMA Board Chair-Elect Kyle Fickler; SEMA Chairman of the Board James Lawrence; SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola; Robert Gal on behalf of Senior Vice President, Product Marketing & Strategy for Volkswagen Group of America Hein Schafer; Group Vice President Toyota Marketing Lisa Materazzo; Vice President Dodge Brand Product Tom Sacoman; Head of Mopar Marketing, North America Heidi Hughes; and Vice President, RAM and Mopar Design Mark Trostle.
What follows on these pages is a sampling of the winning vehicles that exhibited at the 2022 SEMA Show.
SEMA Car of the Year:
Dodge Challenger SEMA Fullsize Truck of the Year:
RAM SEMA 4×4/SUV of the Year:
Jeep Wrangler SEMA Midsize Truck of the Year:
Jeep Gladiator SEMA Sport Compact of the Year:
Toyota GR86 SEMA EV of the Year:
Volkswagen ID.4
Car of the Year: Dodge Challenger
On its farewell tour, the “Last Call” Dodge Challenger—and its stablemate Charger—made a splash appearance at the 2022 SEMA Show in ScatPack “Swinger” trim, recalling the musclecar’s glory years of the late ’60s through the early ’70s. The limited-edition (1,000 units only) Challenger gets its own unique grille badging, painted Shaker intake, spoiler and “345” fender badges, 20×11 Gold School wheels with black six-piston Brembo brakes, Mod Grain interior with aluminum bezel textures, Nappa/Alcantara seating with green stitching and green Dodge Rhombi logo, retro Swinger rear fender graphics, and Sublime Green exterior paint.
Fullsize Truck of the Year: RAM
The SEMA Fullsize Truck of the Year, RAM made multiple appearances the at the 2022 Show, including the TRX Gold Shot concept seen here. Designed for backcountry adventure, this Mopar-built, 700hp TRX rides on a set of 37-in. BFGoodrich tires mounted to 18×9.5 Black Rhino Camber wheels. Custom-etched skid plates are said to improve approach angle, and a set of Mopar rock rails provides additional armor proofing. A retractable bed step enhances bed access, and the Ram-Bar behind the cab holds a pair of TYRI concept lights. Inside, black Capri leather seats with Alcantara suede inner bolsters are accented by gold stitching, and vinyl flooring taken from a 1500 Tradesman makes cleanup easier after a day in the dirt.
Midsize Truck of the Year: Jeep Gladiator
The SEMA Midsize Truck of the Year, the Jeep Gladiator has made a splash in the overlanding space that was once the province of midsize Toyotas, and this Rubicon model located in the Overland Experience exhibit has many fine attributes. An Armadillo 23Zero aluminum hard-shell tent features polyurethane coating to keep inside occupants cool on hot summer days. ARB bumpers provide stoutness and strength, a Warn Zeon 10S 10,000-lb. winch aids with extractions, and the Factor 55 Ultrahook stores up against the fairlead for added safety. Rolling stock comprises a set of Nitto tires on black beadlocked rims.
Sport Utility of the Year: Jeep Wrangler
Among the most commonly seen vehicles at the 2022 SEMA Show, the Wrangler JL has been a hit with consumers and enthusiasts alike since its introduction in 2017, and this Magneto 2.0 concept Wrangler points a possible way to the future of the brand. All electric, the Magneto 2.0 uses 800-volt battery packs to power a custom axial flux electric motor which is said to produce an estimated 625 hp, 850 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 0–60 time of only 2.0 sec. To accommodate the electric drive system, Jeep stretched the wheelbase 12 in. The six-speed transmission was retained, as was the Rock-Trac transfer case, but beefier Dynatrac axles—a lockered 60 Pro-Rock in front and a lockered Pro-Rock 80 rear—help handle the higher torque loads. A 3-in. lift clears rooms for a set of 40-in. tires.
Sport Compact of The Year: Toyota GR86
The SEMA award-winning Sport Compact Car, the GR86 has been an instant hit in multiple racing circuits, as this “Daily Drifter” proves. Built by SEMA 2022 Influencer of the Year Larry Chen, the Toyota utilizes an HKS GT2 Supercharger Pro ZD8 kit and a MagnaFlow NEO Series cat-back performance exhaust to produce some 300 hp. Power flows from a six-speed manual to an OS Giken Super Lock 1.5-way differential, and a StopTech Big Brake kit brings the ride to a halt. The drifter rides on an ST XTA Plus 3 coilover suspension that incorporates SPL Parts adjustable control arms, adjustable sway bar links, and a GK Tech steering angle kit. Inside, a Sparco EVO QRT racing seat with six-point harness and a Studio RSR four-point roll cage protect driver and passenger, and a Vivid Racing VR Bespoke steering wheel points the GR in the desired direction.
EV of The Year: Volkswagen ID.4
SEMA’s first-ever EV of the Year, the Volkswagen ID.4 made its SEMA Show debut last November. Despite its playful external appearance, this ID was designed to endure some serious off-roading. Built by Tanner Foust and Rhys Millen and piloted by Mercedes Lilienthal, this colorful specimen successfully completed the 2021 Rebelle Rally, traversing 1,400 off-pavement miles over three weeks across the California and Nevada deserts. Excess weight kills battery range, so modifications were limited to some new suspension components, tubular control arms, custom skid plates and battery protection, and a few other items required for a driving expedition. The AWD ID.4 EV utilizes a 107hp front motor and a 201hp permanent magnet rear motor, with a combined 339 lb.-ft. of torque, so despite its mild appearance, the ID.4 has plenty of power.
Toyota Tacoma
A runner-up for SEMA’s Midsize Truck of the Year award, Tacomas have long been a preferred platform for overlanders, as this example at the Redarc booth demonstrates. An ICON add-a-leaf suspension kit and Daystar rear airbags clear room in the wheelwells for a set of 265/75R16 Falken Wildpeak AT3s. A Warn V10 winch works in tandem with a Factor 55 fairlead and FlatLink Expert shackle mount to aid in extraction. An ARB Essentials recovery kit and dual air compressor are both on board for additional duties. For camp chores, an AluCab Gen 3.1 Expedition rooftop tent and Shadow awning provide shelter. A Front Runner roof rack affords additional storage, and a CBI Covert front bumper and 30-in. Rigid light bar provide protection and illumination. And, of course, a slew of Redarc products are aboard to improve electrical functions.
Wrangler/Gladiator Hybrid
Both Jeeps were 2022 award winners in their respective categories, and this unique version from Quadratec combines elements of both vehicles. A gas-electric PHEV, the Greg Henderson-built “JTe” began its life as a ’22 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe Rubicon, which underwent a chop behind the front doors with a Gladiator truck bed and Mopar body replacement panels added to the back. The Jeep rides on a Lynx 2.5-in. suspension with adjustable control arms and Steer Smarts steering components. Bronze 17-in. Lynx TrailGunner wheels and 37-in. Nitto Recon Grappler tires provide traction, and Carnivore front and rear bumpers offer protection. A Lost Canyon bed rack and rooftop tent have been installed, as have Rotopax water containers. Quadratec’s J5 50-in. LED lightbar features ORACLE Lighting flush-mounted LED units.
Toyota Tundra
SEMA Full-Size Truck of the Year runner-up, the Toyota Tundra made a strong showing at the 2022 SEMA Show with a number of intriguing concepts, including the off-grid-oriented Trailhunter prototype shown here, which is slated to see limited production starting in 2023. Toyota was vague on specs at the SEMA Show, but the company did reveal that each Trailhunter will come equipped with custom badging and graphics, its own dedicated suspension kit, and accessories including skid plating, roof rack, bumpers, lighting, refrigerator and a rooftop tent all engineered for the overlander.
Nissan Z
Car of the Year runner-up, Nissan brought its latest NISMO project to the 2022 SEMA Show outfitted with a slew of performance parts that will be available for the production Z in the future. Among these are new LM-RS1 forged wheels, an all-new, ride-height-adjustable coilover suspension, and a big-brake kit comprising six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers. Under the hood, a new cold air intake and a performance heat exchanger will help optimize performance on the track, and a number of dress-up items are also offered for the Z, including a GT titanium shift knob, carbon-fiber side-mirror housings and carbon-fiber steering wheel trim.
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