Ford Motor Company will be the featured automaker of the 2009 SEMA Show taking place Nov. 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. “Ford has always been a strong supporter of SEMA and our industry," said Christopher J. Kersting, president and CEO of SEMA. “We are pleased to announce their participation as Vehicle Manufacturer of the Show and to be collaborating with them on several branding and technology programs.”
Now available: a dynamic new look for www.SEMA.org and a host of new benefits for SEMA members. The modernized site blends new technologies to enhance networking and delivers information more concisely, based on user preferences. The website overhaul is part of a continuing investment by SEMA in better networking and communications for SEMA members. “Over the years we heard from the membership about ways that the website could serve the industry better,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Most recently, the team assigned to building the site reached out to our members to understand specific improvements that could be made.”
Well SEMA.org also conducted a study of the top 10 most popular full-size pickup truck accessories. Here are the results from that study including their percentages with heavy duty trailer hitches winning the most popular accessory:
1) Heavy-Duty Trailer Hitch at 70.5 percent
2) Satellite Radio at 61.6 percent
3) Running Boards at 59.9 percent
4) Fog Lamps at 57.2 percent
5) Custom Floormats at 49.2 percent
6) Spray-On Bedliner at 48 percent
7) Custom Wheels at 45.9 percent
8) Tailgate Protector at 43.2 percent
9) iPod/MP3 Connectivity at 42.2 percent
10) Wheel Splash Guards at 41.6 percent
A report by SEMA.org has unveiled that in 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT owners spent the most money on aftermarket products for their pickup trucks than any other pickup truck class. The average full size pickup truck owner spent $1,831 on aftermarket accessories while midsize truck owners only spent an average of $835. The average Cadillac Escalade EXT owner spent $5,814, two and a half times the amount. Out of the other full size pickups, the Chevrolet Avalanche was number two on the list with an average of $2,652 spent, Nissan Titan number 3 at $1,468, Lincoln Mark LT at $1,414 per truck. The Toyota Tundra, Ford F-Series pickups, Chevrolet and GMC pickups and even the Dodge Ram all missed the podium in this race.
Washington lawmakers are drafting a large economic stimulus package to help create jobs and rebuild infrastructure. They want to include a nationwide scrappage program which would give U.S. tax dollars to consumers who turn-in older cars to have them crushed, as a misguided attempt to spur new car sales. The lawmakers need to scrap this idea. The stimulus package is being drafted right now. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) wants to introduce the bill on January 6 and have it approved by Congress by January 20, so that President Obama can sign it into law after he is inaugurated.
In an article by Autoweek, General Motors have made the decision to place a large chunk of their custom cars and pickup trucks up for auction at the Barrett Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona next month. GM are sorting through more than 1,000 vehicles that sit at the Heritage Center in Detroit, Michigan, a privately owned special vehicle fleet building. The decision is somewhat sadenning, as the center houses over 100 years of General Motors history. Up for grabs are numerous custom trucks that GM designed and built for the SEMA show over the years, as well as some that are "slightly used at the Heritage Center". If you want to own a little bit of GM's history yourself, head on over to the Barrett Jackson website for more details about their auction next month.
The all-new 2009 Ford Flex and the new 2009 Ford F-150 are the most “accessory-friendly” SUV and truck respectively, according to members of the automotive media who selected winners for this year’s SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Design Awards. SEMA Design Awards honor vehicles a select group of voters chose as the most inviting and receptive to accessorization in four categories: car, SUV, truck and hybrid. Several unique, customized interpretations of both the Flex and F-150 were on display earlier this month in Las Vegas at the SEMA show, the world’s premier automotive specialty products trade event.
Airaid received the "Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product" award at SEMA earlier this month for their cold air intake system for the 2007 to 2009 GM Silverado HD trucks equipped with the Duramax Diesel. The system itself improves power, performance and economy numbers. It features an Airaid premium filter with SynthaFlow technology and comes with complete hardware and instructions. For more information visit www.airaid.com.
Just in case you crawled under a rock last week and did not get the memo about our SEMA coverage, this weeks "Monday Morning Recap" is comprised of our SEMA coverage from last week including the launch of Ford's SVT Raptor F-150 and sighting of the 2009 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition. MOTORZ also launched their 13th episode, a full how-to installation of an Alpine Electronics stereo system.
For a huge list of all our SEMA blogs from last week, go to live.truckblog.com.
MOTORZ TV have walked the floors of the 2008 SEMA Show all week long searching for the latest aftermarket products from manufacturers to install on their how-to installation series. Keep checking www.Motorz.tv for future episodes and products for both trucks and muscle cars!
If you have not checked out the 13th episode, the Alpine Electronics Audio Upgrade, is now online at our videos page, as well as on the MOTORZ website and Apple iTunes. The video shows you how to upgrade the stock speakers on a Ford F-150 replacing them with high end component speakers, subwoofer, and amplifiers from Alpine Electronics, a subwoofer enclosure from SuperCrewSound.com, and yellow top deep cycle battery from Optima Batteries.
Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor of Edmunds' Inside Line had the opportunity to test drive the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup truck out in the Nevada desert prior to SEMA. The video below showcases an interior view of the truck in action, as well as its handling, ride quality, and ability to suck up the bumps at over 90 miles per hour.
AT&T is launching CruiseCast, a state of the art satellite technology for your vehicle with 22 video channels and 20 audio channels, nationwide. For more information check out www.cruisecast.com
The Banks Ram Air Intake is now available for the Chevrolet 6.6 liter diesel pickup trucks. The kit itself features a patented Super Scoop that produces 39 horsepower and 69 foot pounds of torque. For more information check out www.bankspower.com
Edge Products introduced their CS and CTS color touch screen digital displays. They feature easy to navigate button free controls and color displays. The Cts even has a RCA jack for a backup camera. www.edgeproducts.com
Extang have released their solid fold hard folding tonneau for almost all pickup truck applications including the 2009 Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram. The cover weighs 50 pounds and can be easily stored within minutes. The cover is made of a honey comb construction and is made of all aluminum. For more information visit www.extang.com
I know I have posted on a number of occasions in the past that I love LED’s. LED Technologies has a FULL line of headlights and tail lights including WHITE super intensity reverse lights for a number of applications.
Ansani Designs are releasing their custom light bumpers for the Ford Super Duty, F-150, Dodge Ram, Nissa. Titan, Toyota Tundra, Toyota FJ and Jeep Wrangler. The bumper holds 9″ lights from Hella and retails for $500 for the bumper, lights sold separately. For more information check out www.ansanidesigns.com
Rubicon Express now have a rear adjustable track bar for Jeep Wrangler JK’s. Available for both 2 and 4 door applications, the rear bar is made for lifts of 3.5 inches and more. The bar is adjustable for maximum clearance and is constructed of 4130 chromoly steel. For more information visit www.rubiconexpress.com
Baja Rack have released their aftermarket roof rack that is made for the Toyota FJ Cruiser, Hummer H3, Jeep Commander and Wrangler, and the Nissan Xterra. Made out of high carbon steel, the rack has a dual wind reflector that eliminates wind noise. Accessories include a high lift jack mount, tool mounts, spare tire mounts, and light rack tabs. The rack features double powder coating for protection and weighs in at 48 pounds with capacity of 400 pounds. The Baja Rack retails for $595 and can be found at www.bajarack.com
We came across what looks to be the next generation 2009 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition pickup truck. Loaded with a chrome grille, custom 20 inch wheels, black monotone paint accents, and custom orange flames on the hood and sides of the truck.
Flowmaster have developed a new pro series muffler called “shortie” which features a compact 12 inch long muffler. Available in either a 3 inch or 3.5 inch diameter inlet and outlet, the new mufflers integrate Flowmasters sound cancellation technology. The muffler is constructed out of 409S stainless steel and is proudly made in the USA. For more information check out www.hushpower.com.
Baer Brakes have released their exclusive offroad racing brake 6 piston kit. The six piston calipers include a one bleeder system with an internal cross over to prevent accidents and potential breaks while on the trail. The system itself retails for approximately $630 each. For more information visit www.baer.com
Ground Force have released a 2 inch to 4 inch lowering kit for the 2009 Ford F-150 pickup truck. The suspension system is comprised of aftermarket lowering springs, shocks, front coil springs, blocks and all the necessary hardware. For more information visit www.groundforce.com.
Airaid now offering a cold air intake for the 2002 to 2009 Dodge Ram 4.7 liter pickup trucks. Designed as an easy installation, the intake can help increase gas mileage by 5 miles per gallon and provides great acceleration benefits. For more information check out www.airaid.com
Hellwig Products are now offering an adjustable rear sway bar for the 2005 to 2008 Nissan Frontier pickup truck. Designed to reduce body roll by up to 40 percent, the sway bar is made out of 4140 heat treated chromolly steel. For more information check out www.hellwigproducts.com.
Hellwig Products have also released their EZ984 helper springs for the 2004 to 2008 Ford F-150 pickup trucks. They are rated for 2,000 pounds to help level your load in the bed. For more information check out www.hellwigproducts.com
Hellwig Products are launching their air helper springs for the 2005 to 2009 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 pickup truck. The springs are designed to assist with the extra load that can be applied to the light duty truck, especially for camping gear. For more information check out www.hellwigproducts.com.
Ford brought their Raptor F-150 pickup truck to SEMA which actually is leaving as we speak for the famous Baja 1,000 race in Baja California towards the end of this month. Cool truck!
Browsing through the new products showcase here at SEMA, we came across this cool iPhone interface that connects to your vehicles OBDII port and allows you to view diagnostics and performance data via iPhone or iPod touch.
AMP Research are continuously pushing the envelope with the automotive industry and are working on two new patented products, a Dual Access lid for your pickup truck bed and center console. How it works is with a unique latching system that allows you to open the lid from either side. Check out Truckblog for further developments!
Off Road Evolution’s EVO Crawler Jeep is one slick offroading vehicle. The suspension has been upgraded with EVO coil overs for the front and rear, EVO custom bump stop, skid plate, drive shaft, fenders, and axles. A custom ARB bumper occupies the front end with winch assembly.
Protech have released their all aluminum welded tail gate replacement and custom tool box for common pickup trucks and SUV’s. The assembly also has a rear rack to protect the rear window and has mounts for offroad lights. For more information visit www.protech.net
Tiregate came to SEMA this week with their Chevrolet Silverado desert truck that has been outfitted with CST Suspension long travel kit, Fox 2.5 inch coil over shocks, 17″ ATX wheels wrapped with 35″ Toyo Open Country tires, custom light bar, Volant intake, Bully Dog programmer, KC offroad lights and wrapped in APE custom graphics.
Innovative Customs brought their super extra mega long bed Dodge Ram MegaCab truck to SEMA this year. This thing is looooong! 22′6″ long, which is 6″ longer than a stock F-250 CrewCab with a long bed.
Once again the almighty SEMA 2008 Project Truck Mega Blog has been updated with the addition of another vehicle by ICON 4x4 Design for Toyota Motor Corporation, a Lexus LX570 luxury SUV.
Take a look at the other 20 plus trucks that we blogged about and will be seen at next weeks show. If you haven't gotten the memo yet about Truckblog's Live Blogging of the SEMA Show next week, click here to read the details.
Our SEMA 2008 Project Truck Mega Blog has been updated with the addition of two new vehicles, Banks Engineering diesel powered dragster and Ford's F-150 Heavy Duty DEWALT Contractor Concept. Make sure you check out the other 20 trucks that will be found at the show next week.
Jalopnik got the opportunity to test drive American Expedition Vehicles' Jeep Wrangler JK packed with a HEMI V8, the same JK that can be found at the SEMA Show next week. What did Jalopnik think of this eight cylinder bad boy? "A seriously badass Wrangler" and we at Truckblog agree! The Jeep is equipped with Chrysler's 5.7 liter HEMI V*, a set of 4.88 gears, heat extractor hood, Flowmaster exhaust, and custom suspension lift. Check out their review by clicking here.
The 2008 SEMA Show is just days away and over the past couple of months, we've been bringing you the latest project vehicles that will debut next week in Las Vegas, Nevada. These vehicles represent some of the automotive industries most customized rides built by aftermarket parts companies and automotive manufacturers. In addition to these unique vehicles, MOTORZ TV have entered two vehicles in of their own, a 2005 Ford F-150 SuperCrew and a 2006 F-250 SuperDuty Crew Cab. Check out all of the cool rides inside.
Make sure you visit Truckblog.com all week long beginning November 2nd for our Live Blogging! For more details, click here.
PML Flightlink, an electric vehicle company, are bringing their electric powered Ford F-150 to the 2008 SEMA Show next week. Powered by four Hi-PA printed armature electric motors mounted on each wheel, the truck features a plug-in hybrid power train which helps reduce weight by eliminating the need for a transmission, driveshaft, differential and axle.
Partnering with HUMMER, Four Wheeler Magazine built an H3 Alpha with an all-business demeanor and greater off-road capability, while retaining daily-driver comfort and fuel economy. The project, dubbed "Trailhugger," started by "de-glossing" the H3. That entailed painting the chrome and bright trim flat black and modifying the factory's shiny Victory Red clear coat paint job with a special PPG flattening agent mixed with clear to give it a satin appearance. The editors also added HUMMER's brush guard, roof lighting and rocker protection accessories.
Custom truck company, X-Treme Toyz, has built another cool truck this year for the 2008 SEMA Show, this time selecting a 2009 Ford F-150 SuperCrew FX4 as their project vehicle. Named "Fahrenheit F-150", the pickup truck earned its name by the unique paint job on the trucks exterior. President of X-Treme Toyz, Mike Duval, stated "I intend to create a hot, functional lifestyle truck with universal appeal...The paint scheme will accent the truck’s name, with a glimpse into its molten interior through tears in the black paint. The vehicle … will demonstrate the wide accessory potential of the 2009 F-150". The truck has been lifted 6 inches in the air with a Fabtech suspension system combined with Dirt Logic shocks. Custom sway bars were also added along with an air-assist overload capacity system.
The official SEMA 2008 countdown has begun. Exactly one week from today it's going down, Truckblog.com, Las Vegas, right here, right now. A summary of Truckblog's Live Blogging can be found here.
Check out the list below of our top stories from last week:
We already brought you ICON 4x4's Toyota FJ45 SEMA project vehicle earlier this month, and now we bring you their second vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser called "Baja FJ43". This custom offroad vehicle features a 450 horse power LS series alloy V8, 4L65E auto transmission, Atlas II transfer case, Dynatrac axles, big brakes, custom mandrel bent frame, Dynatrac ProRock high pinion Dana 60 rear axle...
The HUMMER H3 X Alpha is a stylish and capable vehicle straight from the factory, but the H3 X Concept takes style and exclusivity to the next level. Production equipment includes bright roof crossbows; chrome fuel filler door, assist steps and brush guard; body-color grille and spare tire cover; 18-inch wheels and embroidered seat headrests.
The H3T Weekend Warrior concept demonstrates the added extreme capability and functionality that can be accomplished with the H3T and a few weekends in the garage. Enhanced performance under the hood and from the suspension is due to the development work of HUMMER's off-road engineers and the technology transfer from HUMMER's championship-winning racing program. Starting with a new H3T Alpha, engineers added nearly 70 horsepower to its 5.3L V-8 via components available through GM Performance Parts. They include LS2 cylinder heads (part number 12576063), a higher-lift camshaft (part number 12574519) and supporting components. Also enhancing performance is a custom, 3.5-inch exhaust system.
AMP Research and MOTORZ have teamed up to bring you step-by-step instructions for outfitting your vehicle with AMP products. MOTORZ TV, a revolutionary new online instructional web-video series has produced three video episodes featuring AMP product installations that are now featured on Apple iTunes podcast MOTORZ. These videos are an easy, entertaining way to get the information you need to install the AMP Research Power Step, BedStep™, or Bed X-Tender™.
The whole tenth season of the very popular automotive television series, Top Gear, is now available for download on Apple iTunes. They do charge $1.99 per episode and offer the whole season for $14.99, but an alternative to their show is our own podcast, MOTORZ TV available in standard definition and stunning high definition for FREE. Can't beat that!
The 12th season of Top Gear begins again on November 2nd, but you won't care about their new episodes because you will be too busy coming back to Truckblog all day long for our Live Blogging that begins that week!
Just a friendly reminder that the 2008 SEMA Show is less than two weeks away and the crew here at Truckblog are very excited to announce "Truckblog LIVE", live coverage of the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada! Here is a break down:
- Live blogging starts November 2nd and ends November 7th, straight from the SEMA Show itself in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Check back hourly for updates! You can visit the truckblog.com home page or go to live.truckblog.com to check out the latest news during the show.
- Be sure to comment on a blog if you would like us to find more information about it.
- Our sister site, www.MuscleCarBlog.com, will also feature live blogging of all the hottest muscle car products.
Using a 2009 Dodge Ram Sport, the exterior blackberry paint really plays up the Dodge Ram Mopar Street Package. This Mopar Underground concept truck features a Mopar body kit consisting of sill extensions and a chin-spoiler. A slight Mopar body drop/leveling kit and Mopar concept 22-inch polished Alcoa forged wheels add to the appearance.
The most noticeable aspect of the 2009 Dodge Ram Sportsman is the unique blowing-leaves paint scheme inspired by a new interpretation of traditional camouflage designed by Mopar Underground. The paint is protected by a set of accent Mopar wheel flares and running boards with an integrated step. The Sportsman features Dodge’s exclusive RamBox storage system, filled with plenty of outdoor gear, and the bed rail system holds a cargo rack for additional cargo capacity.
Famous family owned off-road company, Baldwin Motorsports, are presenting one of their new 2008 Ford F-150 luxury trophy truck at the SEMA show next month. Constructed out of a Cromoly steel frame with the finest American technology and craftsmanship available, the Ford F-150 is one bad ass off road vehicle. The Baldwin's threw in a 427 cubic inch, Roush Racing motor under the hood that pushes 557 horse power and 601 foot pounds of torque. Check out the full list of goods and photos inside.
The 2009 Dodge Ram TRXtreme plays up the off-road capabilities of the 2009 Ram TRX package. Starting life with a quad cab TRX-4 off-road truck, it was easy to upgrade this truck to a serious off-road machine. Mopar Underground design team added 4.5-inches of extra ground clearance using a Mopar lift kit. This made room for Mopar polished and forged 20-inch wheels wrapped in knurly BFG 37X12.50’s.
Street Scene Equipment from Costa Mesa, California have decided to customize a 2009 Ford F-150 Lariat crew cab pickup truck for this years SEMA show. Street Scene EQ are hooking up the truck with it's aftermarket exterior body kit which includes a new bumper cover, side skirt, wiper cowl, roll pan, hidden hitch, Cal-Vu side mirrors, a cusom black chrome grille, bed caps, tailgate wing and handle relocator kit...basically everything Street Scene produces.
Last week we bought you two new SEMA project trucks, the Turbonetics 2009 F-150 and ICON's Toyota FJ45 classic pickup truck. The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab truck was put to the test, as well as Toyota placing the Tundra Heavy Duty under its own tests of whether or not the truck will survive. General Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation both announced huge savings deals on new vehicles, and Ford's new 6.7 liter diesel engine was spotted.
Famous turbocharger manufacturer, Turbonetics, chose a 2009 Ford F-150 as their project truck at the 2008 SEMA show this year. Loaded with a ceramic ball-bearing turbo, the factory 5.4 liter eight cylinder motor will be woken up with an additional 100 horse power. A Spearco intercooler was also added in front of the bumper to help cool down the truck. The truck features a Suspension Max lowering kit laying on a set of GAC 24x9.5 inch wheels with Yokohama Prada Spec-X 295/35R25 tires.
Off Road pioneers, ICON 4x4 are debuting one of their two vehicles for the 2008 SEMA show, a Toyota FJ45 pickup truck. The old FJ has been renovated to its original specifications, replacing the old body panels and rusty frame with new parts. ICON then upgraded the front end with a custom bumper and winch assembly, ICON grille, added BFGoodrich tires, 17 inch black off road wheels, canvas pop top roof, Dynatrac axles, aftermarket leaf springs, off road lights with light bar, Chevrolet Vortech eight cylinder motor, custom seats and more.
The largest story from last week was the announcement of Truckblog's Live Blogging at the 2008 SEMA Show which is less than one month away. With that announcement, there has also been some news regarding manufacturers and their individual project vehicles for the show. Check out the new "SEMA trucks" below, along with a re-cap of news from last week.
Toyo Tires released information today about their Toyota Tundra SEMA truck. Lifted on 40 inch Toyo Mudd terrain tires and 20 inch black beadlock wheels, the Tundra features a Road Armor bumper, winch assembly, Rolling Big Power custom grille, blacked out head lights, Bushwhacker fender flares, custom green and black tribal flames, N-Fab side steps, Tinted tail lights, custom interior, and more.
Our blog over at the MOTORZ TV website has been updated again, this time with the announcement of several manufacturers who will be displaying our installation videos at the 2008 SEMA Show next month!
The 2008 SEMA Show is exactly one month away and the crew here at Truckblog are very excited to announce "Truckblog LIVE", live coverage of the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada! Here is a break down:
- Live blogging starts November 2nd and ends November 7th, straight from the SEMA Show itself in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Check back hourly for updates! You can visit the truckblog.com home page or go to live.truckblog.com to check out the latest news during the show.
- Be sure to comment on a blog if you would like us to find more information about it.
- Our sister site, www.MuscleCarBlog.com, will also feature live blogging of all the hottest muscle car products.
Last week we brought you Performance West Group's Ford F-350 Striker SEMA 2008 project vehicle that resembles the very popular Shelby GT500KR muscle car. Now details of Performance West Groups' Ford F-150 have been revealed.
Just like its bigger brother, the F-350 Striker, the F-150 version shares body styling upgrades similar to the Shelby GT500KR and features a black anodized diamond mesh grille, twin hood scoops that feed the supercharged 5.4 liter eight cylinder motor, billet front fender vents, side scoops, "Badass Blue" Le Mans-style racing stripes, and more. The interior has been upgraded with Katzkin Leather Interiors, aluminum racing pedals, auxiliary gauges, and a Sony Electronics Xplod infotainment system.
The 2008 SEMA Show is right around the corner and we at Truckblog are anxiously awaiting it. Last week Performance West Group announced their Ford F-350 Striker pickup truck, which is one wicked ride that takes inspiration from the Shelby GT500KR muscle car. The automotive industry began to pickup again last week with updates coming from Ford, Dodge, Nissan, Jeep, and Chrysler.
SEMA,SEMA,SEMA,SEMA,SEMA,SEMA...the big show is almost here! As we near the "one month away" mark from the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, the crew here at Truckblog want to re-mix the memories from last year with a review of photos.
If you happened to miss our coverage from last year or do not know what the SEMA show is, head on over to our 2007 SEMA photos gallery which features over 1,700 photos of the hottest pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, booth babes, and more!
As a side note, MOTORZ will also be at the SEMA show finding new products for future installations. We will also be launching a new feature here at Truckblog just in time for the show so stay tuned for the details!
Last week we brought you the Mopar's Dodge Ram RT concept set to debut at the 2008 SEMA show. Today, I am bringing you the Mercedes-Benz GLK luxury sports utility vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz will emphasize its "star power" at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show with four 2010GLK-Class showcars customized by leading aftermarket tuning firms. The four Mercedes-Benz GLK SEMA concepts showcase the bold, expressive nature of the GLK luxury SUV prior to its official showroom debut in January 2009.
Success in the work place can sometimes be hard to achieve, especially if you are not a straight shooter with your boss. Bob Slydell of "Office Space" tells us how you can become part of the "upper management" if you are like Peter Gibbons, "I'd like to move us right along to a Peter Gibbons. Now we had a chance to meet this young man, and boy that's just a straight shooter with upper management written all over him". So the question of the morning is, "are you a straight shooter with upper management written all over yourself"?
One thing is for sure, success in the work place can definitely be achieved by checking out our blogs from last week- I guarantee it. Oh by the way, did you get the memo that Truckblog.TV is now called MOTORZ?
The 2008 SEMA show is almost here and you can bet that our crew at Truckblog will be covering the entire event all week long. We have some tricks up our sleeves to provide better coverage this year and will be announcing them in the near future, so hold tight!
Chrysler LLC's performance group, Mopar, have released their Dodge Ram R/T Concept for this years 2008 SEMA show. Packed with a 5.7 liter HEMI eight cylinder that achieves 390 horse power, the new Dodge Ram features a full bodykit conversion, forced induction hood, carbon fiber accent stripes, hard tonneau with spoiler for the bed, lowered suspension, 22 inch forged alloy wheels, 285/45R22 tires up front and a set of 305/40R22 tires in the rear. Check out the full size image inside.
After reigning for many years as official vehicles of the SEMA show, pickup trucks have now stepped aside because a new boss in town. The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, a true 21st century sports car, will be the official vehicle of the 2008 SEMA Show. Held Tuesday-Friday, Nov. 4-7, 2008, in Las Vegas, NV, the SEMA Show is the world’s leading automotive accessories trade show. “The influence that the Camaro has had on the automotive industry and vehicle personalization is undeniable,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA VP of events and communications.
Fabtech Motorsports have released their 6 inch performance lift kit system for the 2007 Toyota Tundra pickup. Providing an increased ride height and superior dampening, the Toyota lift kit includes Dirt Logic coilover shocks, extended-length steering knuckles, arched crossmembers, U-bolt and rear suspension shocks. The aftermarket lift kit allows for the use of 35 inch tall off-road tires. For more information visit www.FabtechMotorsports.com
Motor Trend's Truck Trend Magazine had the opportunity to feature and showcase, the very popular Toyota Tundra dually diesel pickup truck that we blogged about from SEMA 2007. Packing an 8.0-liter turbo diesel inline-six cylinder engine that produces 305 horse power and 610 foot pounds of torque, Toyota has emphasized that this truck is not a concept and that it is truely a one-off project truck to fantasize about. If you like this truck as much as we do, then Click here for the Truck Trend feature and Click here for our SEMA coverage of the dually diesel.
B-Cool Billets announced the release of their Stainless Steel Wire Mesh Grille for the 2008 Jeep Wrangler. Made of stainless steel wire mesh grille inserts, the B-Cool Billets grille will definately make your Jeep unique. For more information, visit www.b-coolbillets.com.
Wrapping up our SEMA coverage, our SEMA Video Part Two has been posted. Featuring customized rides, new products, and models or as we call them, "booth babes", part two offers another insight to the largest automotive trade show on the planet. Be sure to check out our full list of coverage as well.
Superlift Suspension Systems has released their high-performance lift kits for the 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Rubicon 2-Door 4wd jeeps. The new lift kits are available in four, and six inch applications. Each kit features a pre-set coil spring, with different ratings for 4-door models.
When we were at SEMA, we spoke with Ethan Wendle of DiamondBack truck covers, about their new products for next year. The DiamondBack HD cover gives you the ability to load an ATV on top utilizing their ramp assembly. Our own truck, "Project BankShot", featured this tonneau cover at this years show with a Yamaha Raptor 650 quad on top. Check out our video below.
Xsighting Lighting are now offering a full line of HID lights for Jeep applications. The Xe7 Xenon HID Bi-Function, Bi-Function allowing for high and low beam transfer, and the Xe7R headlamps. Both kits provide nearly three times more light output over the stock Jeep headlamps, with less power. The Xe7R kit offers bezels for different styling options. Read on for more about the Xe7 & Xe7R Xenon kits.
Xsighting Lighting have released their GMT800 HID light kits for the 1999 to 2002 Silverado, 2000 to 2006 Suburban, and 2000 to 2006 Tahoe. The Xenon HID technology provides over two times the light output of factory head lamps and are street legal. The kit includes one set of headlamps that replace the factory OEM's, and utilize the exsisting vehicle wiring connections for installation.
As part of our continuing coverage of SEMA 2007, Truckblog is proud to announce the first, full coverage video of the 2007 SEMA Show. Full of the latest customized vehicles, hottest products on the market, and loaded with models, or as we know them, "booth babes", this feature video is part one of two, and will leave you craving for more. Part two will be released later this week.
Magnaflow Performance Exhaust has released their new exhaust system for the 2008 Ford 6.4L PowerStroke Diesel truck. The system is a stainless steel dual performance exhaust that utilizes a particulate filter-back muffler, providing an attractive look and increased horsepower and torque. It also allows for a 15-percent better cooling during the DPF's regeneration process, exclusively to diesels. Magnaflow offers an optional muffler-delete pipe for more versatility and louder tone.
The ARB 4x4 Accessories had a cool set up at their booth for SEMA last week, showcasing their ARB Touring rooftop tent system above a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser. These tents are mounted on the roof of a vehicle, unfolding in minutes and allows for protection from the elements.
Alright, I have to admit that I'm a sucker for free t-shirts. One was bestowed upon me at last year's SEMA Show by Casey, the CRAGAR booth babe. On the way out of the same hall this year, CRAGAR was camped out at the exact same spot, and there was Casey once again. Before I knew it, she was ripping open my Truckblog crew shirt to reveal that very same CRAGAR shirt from last year. What happened next I cannot say, because as you know... whatever happens in Vegas...
Yes, the SEMA girls are there this week in full force. And yes, we now have a gallery devoted to these beautiful car babes.
Thanks to each and every one of them for taking the time to pose for us and make their automotive accessories extra super special. For our coverage of this year's hottest collection of headlights available for your specific vehicle, click the following link. The gallery will be updated throughout the week.
Baja Designs, Inc., the leader in high performance off-road racing and adventure lighting has teamed up with Grote Industries, the experts in LED WhiteLight technology to introduce a revolutionary innovation in forward lighting solutions. Together, the parties are unveiling the Soltek LED light just days before the upcoming 40th anniversary running of the rugged Baja 1000.
At this year's SEMA Show, Toyota had a nice surprise for all of us big truck fans; a 2008 Toyota Tundra Diesel Dually CrewMax concept. For all the photos and more information on this behemoth truck, visit our 2008 Tundra Diesel Dually info page.
The SEMA show is always an exciting place to walk around, first because there are literally thousands of great vehicles, but also because of the celebrities who frequent this mecca of car shows. Normally, Truckblog wouldn't dedicate a post to something that isn't related in some way to the auto industry - but let's face facts, this is notable to a fairly wide audience.
We ran across a guest today that none of us saw on the celebrity guest roster - tattoo artist Kat Von D - starlet of TLC's LA Ink.
Von D is one of the hottest names in the tattoo industry, and it just goes to show that you never know who you may run into here at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. – MichaelS
As you can probably tell, we're in Vegas this week. We're covering the show and acting as professionally as we possibly can during the day. At night, well, all bets are off. Unless you're with our writer and photographer from New york, Mike (Tek).
Every year he wins more than anyone on our Truckblog Crew, and this year is no exception. Tuesday night he decided to share his luck with an innocent gambler who (probably also in her drunken stupor) decided to let Tek pull the handle on a giganto $1 slot machine.
Guess what turned up? Three sevens for $100. I snapped a photo and we told her to go check it out on Truckblog. So as to not make us look like big fat liars, here's the photo. Big money, big money!
We're here live at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada all week. We'll be uploading some videos next week, and photos throughout this week. Check them out!
Updates
10/30 - Photos have been uploaded again due to technical difficulties. The larger photos should be visible now.
10/31 - Happy Halloween! Due to technical difficulties (too many late nights in Vegas?) the processing of photos from our 5 photographers at the show has taken far too much time. Processing photos now -- you'll have a ton to see this evening.
11/01 - Finished uploading all photos from Monday and Tuesday: over 750 photos so far and growing.
11/01 - Yes, the SEMA girls (aka Booth Babes?) are there this week in full force. And Yes, we now have a gallery devoted to these beauties.
11/04 - All photos from the Truckblog crew have now been uploaded, including the rest of the SEMA girl photos. Check out both galleries for updates!
With the almighty SEMA show just days away, we at Truckblog have been frantically getting ready for the big show and have been preparing our own truck, Project Bank Shot. Owned by Brian Olhausen, one of Truckblog's photographers, Project Bank Shot is a 2006 Ford F-250 SuperDuty truck that has been built to conquer anything. You can find our project truck at the SEMA show outside, in front of the convention center for maximum exposure. Along with Project Bank Shot, we have collaborated 19 vehicles that will be featured at the 2007 SEMA show. Check them out inside.
Make sure you stay "logged to the blog" all week long, for full event coverage! Photos, Video and more!
Baja Designs, Inc., the leader in high performance off-road racing and adventure lighting has teamed up with Grote Industries, the experts in LED WhiteLight technology to introduce a revolutionary innovation in forward lighting solutions. Together, the parties are unveiling the Soltek LED light just days before the upcoming 40th anniversary running of the rugged Baja 1000.
The SEMA show is always an exciting place to walk around, first because there are literally thousands of great vehicles, but also because of the celebrities who frequent this mecca of car shows. Normally, Truckblog wouldn't dedicate a post to something that isn't related in some way to the auto industry - but let's face facts, this is notable to a fairly wide audience.
We're here live at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada all week. We'll be uploading some videos next week, and photos throughout this week. Check them out!
