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Photo of the Day

2004 SEMA
By: Drew Phillips
Photos by the author
November 18, 2004

Article Images


Just when you think you've done the latest and greatest, there's always something that's bigger or better. Last year's SEMA show in Las Vegas was the largest in the show's 36 year history, but it was easily topped by this year's show. Over 105,000 attendees from over 100 countries crammed the convention center to see the latest products from the automotive industry. There were over 1,100 new products on display, and several vehicles and concepts made their world debuts. Here are some of the highlights from the major manufacturers:

Chrysler/Dodge

Chrysler showcased a wide variety of vehicles to promote their brand. A walk through "Mopar Alley" and you'll see modified Magnums, 300's, Durangos, Rams, and Crossfires. One of the main feature vehicles was the Hurst Edition 300C. Built by Performance West, the car featured a two-tone pearl white/gold paint scheme and a custom grille and hood. Power is boosted to 500 bhp by a supercharger with an intercooler and a cat-back exhaust system. Other modifications include 14-inch brakes, 20-inch wheels, and a performance-tuned suspension.

Perhaps the most visually stunning vehicle in the Chrysler display was the Chrysler Crossfire Drifter. This radical roadster sports a chopped windshield and very aggressive aerodynamic enhancements. Underneath the hood is AMG's supercharged 3.2-liter V6 tuned to 400 bhp. Inside, Sparco seats, shifter, steering wheel, and pedals enhance the racing theme. The modifications aren't just for show; the Crossfire Drifter's enhancements are approved for the SCCA Formula D rules.

In addition to the featured vehicles, Chrysler launched a large number of Mopar Performance Parts. "Mopar’s mission is to deliver authentic performance parts and accessories to the most passionate automotive enthusiasts, allowing them to enhance and personalize their Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles," said Chris Cortez, Senior Vice President of Global Service and Parts. Mopar fans can now "enhance" any number of Chrysler vehicles with the new 5.7-liter Hemi crate engine being offered through the Mopar Parts Catalog. Three other crate engines are also being offered: a 427 Hemi, a 540ci aluminum Hemi that can produce anywhere between 650 and 900 bhp, and classic 426 Hemi crate engines.

With increasing competition in the sport compact segment, Mopar is offering Neon SRT-4 owners the Stage 3R package that pushes the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine to 310 bhp and 325 lb-ft torque. The turbo has been modified with a 16 percent larger compressor wheel diameter allowing for increased air flow and additional intake air compression. The turbine wheel diameter has also been increased by 19 percent allowing for increased exhaust flow and reduced back pressure. In addition, the Stage 3R package can be enhanced further with the Mopar Performance Cat-Back Exhaust System and a "Turbo Toys" package which bumps power to an astounding 355 bhp and 365 lb-ft torque.

Ford

Ford has recently had very strong showings at SEMA, and this year was no exception. The all-new 2005 Mustang provided an excellent basis for tuning companies, and the Mustang was named SEMA's feature vehicle. Two notable Mustangs at the show include the recently introduced Saleen Mustang S281 and the Roush Mustang Stage 3. Each offered a supercharged version of the new 4.6-liter V8 as well as tasteful design enhancements and custom interiors. Each will be available for purchase in the very near future.

In addition to the Saleen and Roush versions, there were several other Mustangs that caught the eye of everyone at the show. More than a dozen custom Mustangs were featured at the show, from aftermarket companies like bonspeed, H&R Springs, Performance West, Steeda Autosports, Street Scene Equipment, and Tiger Racing. Both V6 and V8 models were used as base vehicles, and enhancements ranged from high performance engine upgrades to aggressive body kits to extravagent interiors and stereo upgrades.

Ford Performance Parts took the opportunity to announce its plans to offer performance parts for a competition Mustang with the 5-liter Cammer V8 crate engine as the powerplant. "The Mustang is synonymous with performance modifications and competitive racing," said Dan Davis, Director of Ford Racing Technology. "It has an unparalleled pedigree in many forms of racing, and the all-new 2005 Mustang makes a terrific platform to continue that history of racing competition and victories." Davis continued, "The Cammer and the new Mustang make a perfect combination."

Ford also had an emphasis with the crate engine theme, announcing that the supercharged 5.4-liter engine from the GT Supercar will be available for individual purchase. For those lucky enough to actually own the GT, Ford is offering a variety of enhancements including a performance exhaust system from Borla. Owners wanting to take their GT to the track might also be interested in the transaxle cooler kit or the shorter-throw competition-feel shifter. "The Ford GT is the ultimate expression of Ford Performance and we're excited to be able to provide the exceptional hardware from our supercar," said Jamie Allison, Manager of Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP). "FRPP will be the only place to go for performance upgrades for the Ford GT."

General Motors

General Motors had a large display that featured new and specialty vehicles from a wide variety of their brands. Cadillac had an XLR and STS that sported new accessories available from dealers including wheels, grilles, and exhaust systems. Pontiac debuted the new production version of the Grand Prix GXP - the first V8-powered Grand Prix since 1987. The car features GM's new 5300 V8 engine that produces 290 bhp and 325 lb-ft of torque and an estimated 0-60 mph time of six seconds. Another Pontiac at the show was the G6 GXP, which hinted at the GXP name being designated to future Pontiac models. The G6 GXP is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 producing 275 bhp with shifting being done by a 6-speed transmission. Visual differences in the car include new front and rear fascias, a lowered ride height, and chromed 18-inch wheels. Pontiac's flagship, the GTO, was not ignored; Pontiac displayed its new LS2-powered 2005 GTO and the Ram Air 6 GTO Concept.

Chevrolet had a wide variety of custom vehicles based on their new 2005 models. Two heavily customized C6 Corvettes were created by Chevrolet for the show, one coupe and one convertible. The bright yellow Corvette "Show & Go" features an aggressive body kit with carbon fiber front and side splitters and rear wing. Performance upgrades to the LS2 V8 include CNC-machined cylinder heads, and the suspension has been upgraded with heavier springs, larger anti-roll bars, and adjustable dampers. The Corvette Convertible Street Appearance featured similar performance upgrades in Convertible form. In the sport-compact segment, Chevrolet featured two high-performance versions of the Cobalt SS. The black coupe and blue sedan were both powered by a supercharged 2.0-liter inline-4 and featured subtle styling package and a heavily upgraded sound system.

Other Manufacturers

Besides the Big Three, several other manufacturers introduced exciting concept models and performance products. Mazda expanded their Mazdaspeed parts program for the RX-8 and Mazda6. Expect a full Mazdaspeed version of the Mazda6 by the summer of 2005. Volvo displayed three intriguing concepts based on The S40, XC90, and V50 sportswagen. The Evolve Concept is an extensively modified version of the S40 with a larger turbo. The car is ready to take the race track with all-wheel-drive and, 19-inch lightweight wheels, and 15-inch disc brakes. The XC90 PUV vehicle is an updated version of the concept that was displayed at the Paris Motor Show. The car has a more aggressive and lowered stance as well as a 650 hp V8 engine.

Acura and Honda displayed several cars including a new A-Spec version of the RL. The A-Spec package enhances the handling of the car with a track-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a small spoiler on the deck lid. The package is available on the RL for $5,500. Honda Factory Performance played a large roll in many of the vehicles on display, including the A&L Racing Honda S2000. Power is boosted by using a Comptech supercharger and a stainless steel exhaust. The car is given a more aggressive styling with a rear wing and 18-inch wheels, while the interior is given a more sporting look with seats and steering wheel from Sparco and a shift knob from HFP.

Besides the feature vehicles, there are hundreds of booths and displays from aftermarket parts companies from around the world. Companies offering their latest in wheels, body kits, performance parts, and other types of accessories came together for everyone in the automotive industry to see. It was fortunate that the show lasted almost an entire week so that buyers, exhibitors, and the media could have time to walk through all the displays in the enormous Las Vegas Convention Center. With more vehicle debuts than ever before, SEMA is becoming more highly regarded with not only smaller companies but with the major manufacturers as well. With the upward demand for aftermarket performance parts, look for SEMA to be an increasingly important event on the automotive calendar.