There are lots of 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 Tools Market Affiliation) Present has been a cornerstone of the automotive 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 house, drawing 40,000 automotive trade folks and fans from over 140 nations.
You’ll want all 4 days on the Las Vegas Conference Middle 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 lots of large numbers, even by American requirements.
Like different key trade occasions – assume Japan’s Tokyo Auto Salon or Germany’s Essen Motor Present – SEMA is a primary alternative to gauge what’s trending in automotive tradition whereas offering a snapshot of the present state of the tuning world.
From home vans to Japanese imports and every thing in between, there’s not a single fashion or development that isn’t represented right here indirectly. 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? Nicely, 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 vital talked-about — and controversial — speaking factors in 2024.
In fact, vans, SUVs, and off-road autos are nonetheless a dominant pressure at SEMA, and it’s simple to grasp why, given the huge choice of equipment on show. Raise kits, tyres, bead-lock wheels, tenting gear, and towing gear — you title it, it’s right here.
In recent times, 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 in style this phase is.
As for widebody vehicles? It’s protected to say they’re nonetheless an enormous presence on the SEMA. However this yr, the vary of kinds on show is way 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 crew at all times ship right here; you will be assured some surprises, loads of never-before-seen builds, and a massively various choice, all underneath the Treadpass awning.
One in every of our early favourites? Presumably the smallest automotive at SEMA: this Autozam AZ-1. Complicated 90% of attendees with its micro-supercar seems to be, Dash Hart CP wheels, and gullwing doorways, it’s the type of quirky, boundary-pushing construct that reminds us why we love automotive tradition.
That is only a glimpse of what you’ll be able to count on from SEMA 2024. Keep tuned later this week for a deeper dive into the present’s primary halls, together with a more in-depth take a look at a few of the standout builds from this yr’s occasion.
The Speedhunters
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Images by Darrien Craven
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