There are numerous eyes on America this week for apparent causes, however earlier than we descend right into a fiery feedback part, let’s flip our focus to one thing a bit extra Speedhunters-friendly: SEMA 2024.
The SEMA (Specialty Gear Market Affiliation) Present has been a cornerstone of the automobile tuning world since its inaugural occasion in 1967.
Quick-forward greater than 5 a long time, and the present now spans a cool 2 million sq. ft of exhibitor area, drawing 40,000 automotive trade people and fans from over 140 international locations.
You’ll want all 4 days on the Las Vegas Conference Heart to take all of it in. Trek round every corridor, and also you’ll discover 3,000+ manufacturers showcasing their newest merchandise and over 1,500 autos on show. That’s numerous large numbers, even by American requirements.
Like different key trade occasions – suppose Japan’s Tokyo Auto Salon or Germany’s Essen Motor Present – SEMA is a chief alternative to gauge what’s trending in automobile tradition whereas offering a snapshot of the present state of the tuning world.
From home vehicles to Japanese imports and every thing in between, there’s not a single type or pattern that isn’t represented right here ultimately. Whether or not you’re attending for just a few hours or the complete occasion, SEMA is assured to encourage.
So, what can we count on from SEMA 2024? Properly, you’ve most likely already seen Rywire’s outrageous twin EV-motor EK Honda Civic, which made waves earlier this week. Whereas we’re not claiming that Nineteen Nineties Japanese hatchbacks are the way forward for efficiency tuning, the rising shift towards electrical powertrains and conversions continues to be one of the crucial talked-about — and controversial — speaking factors in 2024.
After all, vehicles, SUVs, and off-road autos are nonetheless a dominant pressure at SEMA, and it’s simple to grasp why, given the huge number of equipment on show. Raise kits, tyres, bead-lock wheels, tenting gear, and towing gear — you title it, it’s right here.
Lately, there’s been a noticeable rise in adventure-based overlanding, and conversions of non-domestic fashions like Porsche’s Cayenne is additional proof of how common this phase is.
As for widebody vehicles? It’s secure to say they’re nonetheless an enormous presence on the SEMA. However this yr, the vary of types on show is far wider (excuse the pun) than ever, shifting past the ‘conventional’ Rocket Bunny and Liberty Stroll kits which have dominated the scene for years.
And no journey to SEMA is full with out a go to to the legendary Toyo Treadpass. Stan Chen and the Toyo Tires group all the time ship right here; you may be assured some surprises, loads of never-before-seen builds, and a massively various choice, all underneath the Treadpass awning.
One among our early favourites? Probably the smallest automobile at SEMA: this Autozam AZ-1. Complicated 90% of attendees with its micro-supercar appears, Dash Hart CP wheels, and gullwing doorways, it’s the form of quirky, boundary-pushing construct that reminds us why we love automobile tradition.
That is only a glimpse of what you may count on from SEMA 2024. Keep tuned later this week for a deeper dive into the present’s principal halls, together with a more in-depth have a look at a number of the standout builds from this yr’s occasion.
The Speedhunters
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Pictures by Darrien Craven
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