There are loads 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 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. toes of exhibitor house, drawing 40,000 automotive trade folks and fanatics from over 140 nations.
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 loads of huge 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 primary alternative to gauge what’s trending in automobile tradition whereas offering a snapshot of the present state of the tuning world.
From home vans to Japanese imports and all the things in between, there’s not a single fashion or pattern that isn’t represented right here in a roundabout way. 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? Effectively, 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 probably the most talked-about — and controversial — speaking factors in 2024.
In fact, vans, SUVs, and off-road autos are nonetheless a dominant drive at SEMA, and it’s simple to grasp why, given the huge collection of equipment on show. Elevate kits, tyres, bead-lock wheels, tenting gear, and towing gear — you identify 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 well-liked this phase is.
As for widebody vehicles? It’s protected to say they’re nonetheless an enormous presence on the SEMA. However this 12 months, the vary of kinds on show is far wider (excuse the pun) than ever, transferring 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 workforce at all times ship right here; you might be assured some surprises, loads of never-before-seen builds, and a massively various choice, all below the Treadpass awning.
One among our early favourites? Presumably 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 sort of quirky, boundary-pushing construct that reminds us why we love automobile 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 fundamental halls, together with a more in-depth have a look at a number of the standout builds from this 12 months’s occasion.
The Speedhunters
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Images by Darrien Craven
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