We Walked The Halls Of Sema To Find The Best Cars And Relevant New Products.
The SEMA Show is North America's biggest car accessories event/Vegas party. It's a body-bashing combination of miles of walking and late night partying that leaves you beaten, battered and bleary-eyed. However, it gives a fascinating insight into the US tuning scene and, as Derek Jenkins from VW's Design Studio pointed out, "If the Honda, Toyota and Nissan booths are any indication, the import scene is well and truly dead!"
Platinum Motorsports' Bentley GT had Invader aero kit with carbon lip and black and color-matched trim. Its 22x9.5" wheels ran closer to the body with reprogrammed software for the air ride. www.platinummotorsport.com | 
The new Coventry wheel is available exclusively for Jaguar cars, offering 17-20" diameters and will fit both 5x108 and 5x120.7 bolt patterns. www.tsw.com | 
BBS had the only E92 M3 at the show, and celebrated the fact by adorning it with LM-R wheels. www.bbs-usa.com |
He may have been overstating it but the traditional rice rockets were thin on the ground this year, which was a welcome relief. However, companies like Subaru put on a better effort with the arrival of its new (and frankly hideous) Impreza. And next year we can expect an import resurgence
following the arrival of the new Evo and Skyline.
CEC showcased the Schnitzer 335i Coupe with complete styling kit, exhaust, suspension and interior trim. It also had Schnitzer's 20x9" and 20x10" Type IV two-piece wheels. www.cecwheels.com | 
HRE unveiled a range of new wheels, including these stunning one-piece P40 wheels seen on this AMG CLK63 Black Edition. www.hrewheels.com | 
With more power from the twin-turbo 335i motor, it's good to see ACT at the show with clutch options. Their 3-Series also had color-matched Klassen wheels, JBT big brakes, and more. www.actclutches.com |
However, Derek's words reverberated around our heads as we stumbled across the sad sight that was VW's booth. They didn't have a booth in the main halls; instead, the cars were parked behind Overhaulin's giant tent, hidden from general view. And rather than the RGT and RGTI concepts of former years, the design team was limited to a Jetta wagon, which they decorated with wheels and graphics. There was also an announcement about the Jetta TDI Cup race series,
but we'd lost our enthusiasm by then.
We know VW of America is feeling the pinch right now, but its involvement in SEMA over the last two years had gained the brand genuine respect and credibility. It's a tragedy the design team wasn't allowed to maintain the momentum it had gained.
GGI is the new importer for Sportec Audi/Porsche and Carlsson Mercedes. This CK30 model is based on a Merc C300 and gets the Carlsson body kit, wheels, suspension, exhaust and software upgrade. www.ggituning.com
Similarly, Volvo appeared to have gone soft. Last year they had three impressive C30 concepts, including Evolve's incredible widebody creation (et 4/07). This year, they only used European companies to develop their cars and all were too tame. A Baywatch XC90 seemed to be the main focus, but without the red swimsuits!
The only other European manufacturer making an effort was GM - they were showing the Saturn Astra, a rebadged, German-built Opel hatch. They debuted a stylish, if decidedly restrained concept for the new car to introduce this exciting machine to the US. Euro enthusiasts should look seriously at this new contender, but we suggest you swap the Saturn badges for the original Opel insignia.
At the end of the day, SEMA is all about the domestic scene. It's crammed wall to wall with hot rods, musclecars, SUVs and pickups. Most are impressive and remind us the Euro scene is tiny in comparison. Yet we doggedly trudged row after row of Hemi parts to find the rare jewels of Euro goodness. Enjoy our selection and look forward to our Essen Show report in the March issue, which should bring more inspiration for 2008.
VWoA announced the Jetta TDI Cup series, to be sanctioned by the SCCA and appearing at eight venues in '08. It's designed to showcase VW's diesel technology and is a departure from the previously announced GTI program. The Jetta racecars get the new 2.0 four-cylinder TDI engine rated at 170hp and 300 lb-ft in racing trim. They'll use DSG transmissions, electro-mechanical steering and motorsport suspension. The cars will also use the distinctive "Thunder Bunny" Votex front spoiler first shown at SEMA '06.
The Heico Sportiv S80 T6 High Performance Concept features a T6 engine with 350hp at 5500rpm (407 lb-ft) and was modified to run on E85 bioethanol. Transmitted through all-wheel drive, it accelerates 0-62mph in 5.8sec. A "metal effect" paint was used on the exterior, which also has Heico's bumpers, skirts and trunk lip. It also wore 20" Volution X forged wheels with 255/30-20 Conti tires plus six-piston calipers and 355mm front rotors. www.heicosportivna.com