2006 SEMA Show - Las Vegas - Event Coverage

The big news at SEMA was VWoA's triumphant return with its R GTI concept. To many this was huge news, but et readers already knew every detail after we exclusively revealed it in our 12/06 issue. The sexy R GTI shared VW's booth with the Thunder Bunny: a Rabbit turbo built in cooperation with Neuspeed to celebrate its original 1980s Rabbit GTI. The third car was the APR GTI: a participant in VW's Tuner Challenge, which we brought you in the 1/07 issue. Four tuners competed for a place in VWs booth, and APR won the vote. Second place went to ABD Racing, and its GTI was displayed in our Primedia booth. The remaining tuner cars from H&R and WRD were also at the show.

The tuner awards were given out in a press conference during the unveiling of the two concept cars. We were invited to take part and gave the et award to ABD after it scored top points in the VW Tuner Challenge.

The R GTI concept builds on 2005's R GT concepts, aimed at inspiring VW owners and tuners alike to get the most from their cars. The R GTI was a fascinating mix of lightweight carbon fiber used to fabricate the bumpers, hood, tailgate, skirts, mirrors and rear seat pod. Having reduced the weight, VW's design team then boosted power to almost 360whp with APR's GT28 big-turbo upgrade, including software and injectors. Finally, they sought to get this power to the ground by fabricating wider front fenders in carbon. This allowed 265/30-19 Michelin PS2 tires on custom wheels to be used front and rear, giving the GTI tremendous grip.

As you'll have discovered in our track test in the 1/07 issue, the results of this work were astonishing and we can only encourage enthusiasts to learn from the inspiration provided. VW is finally on our wavelength and is contributing greatly to the hobby.

Sam's SEMA DiaryI've had the privilege of attending the SEMA convention for the past four years. Before this year I visited as a spectator and photographer, thanks to my previous employer. The show is absolutely massive and I had a blast appreciating the gravity of the aftermarket. There has been a lack of European presence at SEMA, but it began improving in '05 with the emergence of VWoA, which made the event more worthwhile and exciting. I now look forward to returning next year.

VW did it again with its R GTI and GTI Challenge, this year. Even Volvo is stepping up its tuning friendliness with cars from Evolve, Heico and ipd. Audi made baby steps with its two Q7s, but will have to put in a better effort next year if it wants to impact the aftermarket community.

For SEMA to grow in the European market, manufacturers will have to continue to exert more resources and surprise us with new concepts of all types. Conventional tuners will also have to take notice of the Euro crowd. I was especially pleased with the endeavors made by Tein, Extreme Dimensions, Seibon, JIC and Rotora. Let's show SEMA what hardcore European tuning is all about.

Favorite CarThe geeky side of me perked up when I saw the BMW 645i Convertible modified by Alpine electronics. The Sinister Six, as it's nicknamed, was originally introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in '06. The interior and exterior was completely custom-built by the Alpine R&D facility over five months. For me, the most interesting aspects were the cockpit and subwoofers. As we mentioned before, in order to sit inside, the roof slides back to the trunk and the seats rotate 90. Because there's no trunk, the subwoofers are mounted under the car pointing towards the ground. I can't even begin to understand the body and paintwork, but I admired its monumental design. What incredible creativity!

Favorite LadiesEverybody knows SEMA is famous for its models. It was really hard to pick one as my favorite, so I picked three!

Greg's SEMA DiaryThis year's SEMA was especially memorable since VWoA kindly invited me to participate in the unveiling of its R GTI concepts. I was on hand to give ABD Racing the eurotuner award for last month's GTI Tuner Challenge and heckle my fellow spokesmen.

Although we already knew everything about the R GTI and Thunder Bunny, as well as the outcome of the Tuner Challenge, it was still exciting to be involved in such a prestigious event. I was even asked to participate in a radio interview with Robert Gal from VWoA, so satellite radio listeners will be falling asleep at the wheel across the country - although most people still claim they don't understand me!

Besides the VWs, I was blown away by the Volvo display. Evolve's C30 deservedly won Best Euro at the annual Gran Turismo awards. I also loved the Volvo Amazon wagon that many saw as a hot rod, but was probably the epitome of new/old school Euro customizing.

Favorite LadiesTo be honest, I'd pick anybody who smiled at me...

Favorite CarIt's a toss up between the R GTI, Evolve C30 and the Volvo Amazon (and the crystal-clad Merc SL!). There were some tasty muscle cars as well, but at the end of the day, the R GTI stole my heart. Driving it at Streets of Willow last month didn't hurt its chances either, since we know it delivers on everything it promises. A great concept, perfectly executed.