The SEMA Show is probably the hottest accessory show that most people can't attend. That's because it's a trade show put on by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, where parts manufacturers display their latest wares for the dealers and retailers who will eventually sell them. Though the general public can't get in, the press can, so we get a week-long sneak peek at what'll be showing up on shelves-and in cars-over the next year.
On the following pages is a collection of some of the coolest new stuff we saw at SEMA '02. As you'll see, some products were so new that they hadn't been completely developed by show time. We encourage you to contact the companies to see how they've progressed since the show.
AEM Cold Air Intakes
Advanced Engine Management has added some new Euro applications for its cold air and short ram air induction systems, including '99-'02 BMW 3-Series and '01-'03 Golf and Jetta 1.8T. Both the cold air and ram air systems relocate the air filter outside of the engine compartment to cool the incoming charge, and each intake is individually tuned in length and diameter to suit the particular application. The pipes are available in a choice of blue, red, or silver powdercoat, or a new polished finish. All AEM intake systems are either CARB-legal or have pending EO certification.
Info: Advanced Engine Management, 310/484-2322, www.aempower.com.
Audiovox Prestige Remote Start
Remote start is just one of the many features available with the new Audiovox Prestige APS-996 system. Start your car, from up to 1,400 feet away, using one of two controllers. You can tell it how long to run, from 5 to 20 minutes, and even set an automatic timer to start the car when you're not near the controller. Yet the main transceiver, with its LCD icons (shown second from right), can also do things like display your car's interior temperature and indicate if your trunk is open, the car is unlocked, and other conditions. The system also contains an alarm, a starter disable, a valet override, and a turbo timer.
Info: Audiovox Electronics, 631/231-7750, www.audiovox.com.
B&M Short-Throw Shifter
B&M has short-throw sport shifters for a number of VW and Audi models, and it most recently added the '00-'01 TT shifter (shown) to the line. These shifters are made with CNC-machined 303 stainless steel shafts and 6061-T6 aluminum bearing housings, are designed as direct bolt-in replacements for the stock shifters, and come with a lifetime warranty.
Info: B&M Racing & Performance Products, 818/882-6422, www.bmracing.com.
AirWerks Turbochargers
AirWerks is a new name for a product you're already familiar with. Borg-Warner, the company that makes Triple K and Schwitzer turbos, is launching AirWerks as an aftermarket brand for its turbochargers. AirWerks' K-series will include K04, K16, and K26 turbos, while the S-series will include S200, S300, S400, and S500 models. Turbos in both lines will produce between 7 and 17 psi, though the big S-series snails will generate up to 30 psi for race engines. Borg-Warner's position as an OE supplier means the AirWerks turbos will be built to the same levels of performance and reliability, says the company.
Info: AirWerks, 800/787-6464, www.turbodriven.com.