No 56k: The general SEMA 2009 thread.

[CrazyRussian540]

A place to discuss this years SEMA show, since there are too many random cars to have their own threads.


Heres a quick summary of select cars on display.


1. Return of the Screaming Chicken

Last year in Las Vegas, graphic designer Kevin Morgan showed off the first Trans Am rebody of the new Camaro at SEMA 2008. This year he is back with T/A version 2.0 for SEMA 2009. While the original "Phoenix" T/A 1.0 had the Bandit color combo we know and love, a few of the details were off in making it a true '77-'78 Trans Am redo.

For this year's show he's rectified that situation with a new quad-headlight front fascia and a few other changes that bring it more in line with the uber Firebirds we remember from our misspent youths. Slip into one of these black and gold Trans Ams and before you know it you'll be East Bound and Down, calling for the Snowman on your CB to help you stay one step ahead of Smokey. Built in conjunction with fabricator Todd Otto, one-off versions can be ordered to spec, and a kit version will also be made available through Trans Am Depot starting in early 2010.

2. Chevy Silverado ZR2

That rumored Ford Raptor fighter from General Motors? Not quite. The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Concept (it's only a concept, but some of the components could be available on future pickups) is a reasonable attempt to bring the off-road fight back to Ford, with a four-inch lift, 20-inch BBS RD wheels, BDS shocks and a 550-hp supercharged version of GM's LS crate V8. But the real work is hidden beneath the clear coat, with carbon fiber body panels replacing the steel hood and fenders. And that new fascia? Don't be surpised to see a modified version affixed to future Silverados

3. Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

When Ford built a 50-unit run of the 2008 Mustang Cobra Jet last year, the program was a huge success with all the cars selling out well before production started. With the factory-built drag racing cars easily proving their worth at the nation's 1/4 mile tracks this year, doing a follow-up was a no brainer. After teasing the new car with testing photos and videos for the last several months, the 2010 FR500CJ is having its coming out party in Las Vegas for the 2009 SEMA Show.

The next 50-unit run will again be built on the regular Mustang assembly line at the Auto Alliance plant in Flat Rock, MI with the engines being bolted together at the Romeo engine plant. The 2010 model is more than just bolting the same hardware into an updated body shell. A year's worth of experience with the '08 Cobra Jet has allowed current owners to share feedback with Ford Racing that has been fed into the updated car.

4. Chevy Camaro Concepts

While GM didn't bring a production Chevrolet Camaro convertible to SEMA, it did bring a handful of Camaro Coupe Concepts that offer a preview of things to come for the recently resurrected pony car. Besides the twin-turbo V6 Jay Leno Camaro we profiled earlier, we got to see Snergy, Chroma, Dusk and Graphics.

Those are the names given to the show cars, each highlighting a different element that should make it to production Camaros in the near future. There's a full presser after the jump and some galleries below, but basically, each has a different set of genuine GM accessories bolted on.

Synergy shows off a new limited-production exterior color (and we thought "Chroma" would be the color car) that has us thinking of a bottle of Scope and a slew of currently available boy-racer accessories.

Chroma kicks the SS Camaro up a notch with genuine Bowtie accessories like a body kit and graphics pack, plus some future products like 21-inch wheels, rear Blade spoiler and new grille. The whiteout monochrome paint scheme makes it look race-ready, just waiting for someone to slap on NASCAR decals.

The Dusk is the car that departs most from the typical Camaro mold. Chevy describes it as being "Inspired by the style of young, urban professionals... It is a very tailored look that is stylish and sophisticated, but with a distinct American accent." The Dusk shows a number of possible future options and features, like BBS wheels, a unique ground effects package, new bezels for the lamps front and rear, Brembo brakes and a tech package that includes a Boston Acoustics sound system, WiFi connectivity and an iPhone dock. Done up in a dark Berlin Blue, it makes the Camaro look sophisticated and, dare we say, almost European.

The Graphics Camaro is actually a series of four looks for the Camaro that will rotate through the GM booth each of the show days. After displaying each on a Silver Ice Metallic Camaro, attendees can vote for their favorite look, with the winner possibly going into production. You can vote for your favorite on the Camaro's Facebook page.

There are seemingly thousands of other custom Camaros here at SEMA 2009, but this handful shows where Chevy envisions the Camaro heading in the future.

5. Dodge Challenger 1320

It's always somewhat dark and murky down at the Mopar booth at SEMA, but this year Chrysler managed to bring out some pretty cool concepts. One of our favorites is this Dodge Challenger 1320 (if you don't know the reference, channel you inner Vin Diesel), which started as a Drag Pak Challenger and even has a cool Christmas tree lights logo on the front fender.

The heart of the Challenger 1320 is an all-aluminum Gen III 426ci crate engine putting out 556 horsepower and 540 lb-ft torque. The folks at Mopar gave the engine bay a few unique touches including custom valve covers, intake manifold, fuel rails, and long tube headers. The body, although it looks relatively stock, has been upgraded too and features a carbon fiber hood, front spoiler, and headlight surround. If you look closely you can see that the inside headlights have been removed and ducted to the cold air intake system. Other upgrades include a Dynatrac rear end, ARB locking differential, Mopar police wheels, adjustable coilover suspension system and Mickey Thompson street-legal drag radials on all four corners.

6. Lingenfelter T/A Concept

We can't come to a consensus about the Lingenfelter T/A Concept. Half of us are bathing in the warm glow of the '70s when the Trans-Am was the car to have, while the rest of us see a mix-and-mash of different cars of different generations and an overall design disconnect. Either way, the car is an attention-grabber at the Nitto tire booth.

The transformation from 2010 Camaro to Trans-Am began with an all-new front fascia and custom headlights, grille and turn signals. The front fenders were modified to include functional heat extractors, and the rear of the car has been extended four inches. Completing the look is a new hood with a shaker hood scoop and blue striping.

The Lingenfelter T/A isn't just about looks though. Underneath the hood is genuine 455ci V8 with CNC ported and polished LS7 heads good for 655 horsepower and 610 lb-ft torque.

7. Jeep Lower Forty

Our SEMA coverage generally doesn't include too much from the off-road segment, but the Jeep Lower Forty concept in the Mopar booth was too good to pass up. Sporting 40-inch Mickey Thompson tires, this Jeep can pretty much go wherever it wants without the help of a suspension lift. Granted, plenty of bodywork was removed to make the new rubber fit, but impressive nonetheless. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 sends grunt to a six-speed manual transmission before hitting all four wheels via a Dana 44 front axle and a Dana 60 rear axle fitted with 5.38 gears.

Additional features include a carbon fiber hood, custom bikini top, a chopped windshield, and a color-matched interior with Katzkin leather seating

8. Subaru Legacy GTk

While Block's STI TRAX is an entertaining diversion for a clothing mogul/extreme sports personality/rampant gearhead, the Subaru Legacy GTk is far-and-away our favorite concept at the Subie booth.

Based on the 2010 Legacy 2.5GT Wagon, the GTk has been designed to strike a balance between family shlepper and SCCA Solo autocross competitor, beginning with a tuned and tweaked turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer putting out 300 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-speed manual transmission with a short shifter sends power to Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system, while track-tuned Bilstein struts and STI "pink" springs suspend six-piston (front) and four piston (rear) Brembo calipers squeezing cross-drilled discs at all four corners. If all that and a set of custom HRE 19-inch wheels isn't enough, Subaru's partner in the project -- Specialized Vehicles, Inc. -- sourced a Formula Junior A class-spec kart that can fit into the cargo area -- no trailer required. We think we've found our next project, but the 1969 360 SPT Delivery Van needs to find a home in our garage

9. Ford EcoBoost '34 Hot Rod

Putting modern engines into old cars isn't anything new, but this '34 3-window coupe in the Ford display isn't like anything we've ever seen before. Detroit Street Rods has wedged the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 underneath the hood, making it the first rear-drive application for the twin-turbocharged engine. Packing 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft torque, this little coupe has the potential to surprise quite a few people at stoplights.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the car is how the engine is packaged. The dual Honeywell turbochargers have been moved to the front of the motor among various aluminum tubing routing air and exhaust gases, and a single, large exhaust cone exits above the front fender on each side of the car. It's not a rumbling V8, but it looks just as good and is just as fast too.

10. Dunkel Industries Luxury 4x4

The SEMA Show is smaller this year than in years past, but the trucks keep on growing. Check out Dunkel Industries’ Luxury 4x4 – the largest pickup truck we’ve ever seen at SEMA. It’s 8.5 feet wide, 32 feet long and almost 12 feet tall!

The Dunkel 4x4 is an RV and pickup fused together. It’s built on a Ford F-650/F-750 chassis with a bed that’s big enough to fit a full-size car with room on the top for dirtbikes. There’s no need to tow a trailer!

11. Ford Mustang RTR-C

Drift-master Vaughn Gittin Jr. has build an all carbon fiber-body, 550 HP monster called the Mustang RTR-C, debuting at SEMA. Since it turned out so well, he's decided to sell ten to the public — for $135,000 each.

The car was built by Autosport Dynamics (ASD) in Charlotte, NC and aside from the crazy dry carbon fiber body, it also features goodies like in-car adjustable shocks, and carbon fiber HRE wheels. If you're interested in some serious weight savings in a Mustang, get your wallet ready cause the ten available for public consumption will cost $135,000. These are just teaser images now, but we'll try to take a look when it debuts this week at SEMA.

12. RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Just when you thought the Hyundai Genesis Coupe had reached its tuning potential, Rhys Millen pulls out this monster — a sexy mid-engined genesis Coupe packing a 500HP, mid-mounted, Tau V8. Yes SEMA, there is a Santa Claus.

The Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Genesis RMR460 isn't just a hack-job to get the Genesis Sedan engine into the Genesis coupe. The engine gets upgraded internals including JE pistons and eight individual throttle bodies to push out 500 HP, it's got a fully re-engineered suspension, a five-speed sequential transmission form Mendeola, carbon rear hatch and spoiler, 20" wheels and Toyo tires, and a top speed of 182 mph! Since Millen is kinda known as a drift racer, we suspect it'll be no time before we see this thing dancing an automotive ballet around a wicked gymkhana course.

Thats all I got for now. (Pretty much these are the cars I think should win the GT award and be featured in GT5. Not some riced out Infiniti)
Soooo many Camaros. Also, is it just me, or is there less carbage this year and more awesomeness? Or is it just that no ones bothered to report on the carbage yet?

[smib]

Jeep wins.

[NooDle]

erm is SEMA Americanspeak for "Carbage"?

*expects to be flamed to death*

[Scott]

Originally Posted by NooDle

erm is SEMA Americanspeak for "Carbage"?

*expects to be flamed to death*

No, it is a HUGE industry show where lots of concepts and one-offs are unveiled. Is there some carbage there? Ab-so-frickin'-lutely, but overall it is just about the entire automotive aftermarket, with a good showing from most OEM's all in one place to show off and been seen.

[NooDle]

hmmm, all I've seen from SEMA is from the West Coast Custom guys, I just thought it was a tuner/ricer/carbage kinda show

[CrazyRussian540]

Today's update:

1. Local Motors Rally Fighter

It looks like the open source model can work for building new cars after all. We finally managed to track down the Local Motors Rally Fighter here at SEMA, and it is even more awesome in person than in pics. The interior on this pre-production car obviously still needs some work, but the rest is really impressive. Looking like some crazy mashup of a fighter plane and a SCORE rally truck, we hope this is the vehicle Mel Gibson picks to replace the last of the V8 Interceptors in Mad Max 4.

We spent some time around the vehicle, soaking in all of the details, listening to the reactions of passers-by, and talking to the folks from Local. The passion of the principles is obvious and it's clear that the vehicle has been well thought-out. While much of the Rally Fighter is unique, they weren't bashful about borrowing off-the-rack parts where they knew good ones already existed – Ford F-150 uprights that have been proven at Baja, a Mercedes bumper support system, Fox off-road shocks, a healthy but frugal BMW diesel from the 335d, and the list goes on and on.

Local Motors CEO, Jay Rogers, also pointed out some of the fighter plane styling cues that made it into the final Sangho Kim design. We especially like the cockpit-like greenhouse and the P-51 Mustang-inspired underbody flaring. Jay says the company has already taken 34 orders and that customers will be able to help build their cars by June of next year.

That's right, you get to spend some time with the Local Motors gang, either at their current home in Massachusetts, or at a future facility in Phoenix. They'll spend two weeks with you teaching you how to build your own Rally Fighter, never assuming too much of the owners. We like to think of it as a type of Habitat for Humanity for car people where you put some sweat equity into your new property.

2. Saleen Mustang S281

After a few teasers photos via Flickr, Saleen Performance Vehicles has finally given us our first live view of its 2010 S281 Mustang. Those initial pictures showed lots of potential, and our positive first impressions were confirmed when we saw the car in person. To put it bluntly, Saleen has perfectly hit the mark with their new design. The modern design flows perfectly with the lines of the 2010 Mustang, even better than with the previous car.

We especially love the rear of the 2010 S281, which essentially fixes the awkward taillight design by extending the rear fenders and recessing the lights. Saleen has done well with the little details too, like the slick-looking shifter and the glowing Saleen emblem in the door panel that replaces the pony logo.

As far as performance goes, Saleen is sticking with what has worked in the past. They have affixed their Series VI supercharger system atop the 4.6L V8, which is good for 485 horsepower and 460 lb-ft torque. The S281 also gets a new Racecraft suspension system, 3.73:1 gears, and 20-inch wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires. Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect MSRP to come in around the mid $60,000 range.

3. 1964 Ford Fairlane "Afterburner"

After seeing some pretty incredible cars built by Ringbrothers over the past few years at SEMA, we couldn't have had higher expectations for their newest vehicle dubbed "Afterburner". Even so, we were absolutely floored by this latest creation after seeing it in person on the show floor.

Based on a 2-door 1964 Ford Fairlane, Afterburner received a full makeover from the Ringbrothers including a carbon fiber hood, fenders, front and rear bumpers, side intakes, and deck lid spoiler. Billet aluminum can be found pretty much everywhere on the car, from the engine bay to the tail lamps to the gas cap. Even the prop rods that hold up the sunshades inside the car are machined 6061 aluminum. The exterior even features three different colors of BASF R-M Diamont paint - Afterburner Red, Agent Orange and Mission Brown. The look is finished off with a set of Forgeline 3-piece wheels.

Under the hood of Afterburner is a Roush 427 IR crate motor, and it's one of the prettiest motors we have ever seen. Listed at 560 horsepower and 540 lb-ft of torque, the 7.0-liter V8 is mated to a Bowler AOD transmission.

4. Hurst Mustang + Hurst Camaro

We can't believe it's been just a year since Hurst unveiled its stunning white and gold Hemi Challenger. Since that time we've seen a few variations, including different color combinations and the Competition/Plus model, and we even got to see how the cars were built. Up to this point, all of Hurst's production models have been Challengers, but when the company showed off a one-off Camaro and Mustang convertible, we figured production versions wouldn't be far away. We were right.

Yesterday afternoon, Hurst pulled the covers off the new Performance Series Mustang and Camaro, each with a slightly different take on Hurst's classic color combinations. Both cars get the kind of performance upgrades you would expect from Hurst including a supercharger, Magnaflow exhaust system, Eibach suspension components, Hurst Competition/Plus shifters and 20-inch wheels and tires. Each car also gets Katzkin leather inserts, embroidered floor mats, and a dash plaque. Just 50 examples of each will be built, and judging by how fast the Challengers sold, you will need to put your order in quickly if you want one.

5. Hennessey HPE700 Camaro

We like subtle and we like power. But at SEMA the two are usually mutually exclusive. Usually. After laying eyes and hands all over the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro HPE700 LS9 and talking at length with John Hennessey, we think we've found our favorite Chevy of the show.

We've been covering its development from the beginning, so just a quick recap: After moving a few vacuum lines, fabricating a custom header and spending three months working out the wiring, Hennessey and his crew shoehorned the Corvette ZR1's supercharged LS9 into the engine bay, fitted a new intercooler and pulleys and tuned the Camaro to 725 hp (at 6,400 RPM) and 741 lb-ft of torque (at 3,200 RPM).

According to the man behind the machine, the HEP700 is putting out 651 hp and around 650 lb-ft of torque to the wheels on a Dynojet, good for a 0-60 MPH time of 3.5 seconds and a quarter mile sprint of 11.3 seconds at 126 MPH. And the mods didn't end with the engine. A set of KW V3s are fitted at all four corners and coupled with the 20-inch wheels with 275/35 (front) and 305/35 (rear) rubber, contributes to a claimed skid pad of 1.01g. Six-pot Brembos clamp onto 15.1-inch discs in front, while 14.1-inch rear rotors are squeezed by four-piston calipers, helping the HPE700 stop from 60 in 104 feet.

If you're aching to get your hands on one of the 24 ZR1-powered Camaros, you'd better drop a dime post haste -- there are only five remaining, each carrying a price tag of $119,500.

6. Fiat 500 (with a kick)

Okay, this is so awesome it hurts. The guys at Legacy Innovations took a perfectly lovely but woefully underpowered 1959 Fiat 500 and turned it into a Fiat 7,000. The Fiat 500 is an iconic car, one with tremendous nostalgic charm, but it was never really much good as a car until they redid it a few years ago. So although we might love the little 500, it doesn't provide a very good platform for what the Legacy Innovations guys had in mind for it – namely drag racing.

Easy fix though. They broke out the torches and gutted it. They basically removed all of the weak stuff and replaced it with a full-on 4130 chrome molly tube chassis, hinged the body in true Funny Car fashion and dropped in a 725-HP 427 small block. The body was kept relatively stock, save for the hood cutout, but they still managed to mount a pair of Hoosier slicks in back and still had room for wheelie bars that extend out far enough to effectively double the length of their little 500.

No word on how quick this baby is in the quarter, but we bet it's quick enough to embarrass just about anything else coming out of Italy. It's cars like this that make the trip to SEMA totally worthwhile.

7. Lingenfelter Camaro SS

The controversially-styled T/A Concept wasn't the only car that Lingenfelter Performance Engineering brought out to SEMA this year. Yesterday the legendary performance company unveiled its 2010 Camaro SS, and we made sure to stop by the Hotchkis booth to see the car in person.

With a modified version of the 427ci LS7 V8, the Lingenfelter Camaro is a serious contender for the most potent Camaro on the show floor. With a Magnuson supercharger, titanium connecting rods, forged JE pistons and titanium intake valves, the 7.0-liter motor pushes out 750 horsepower! Performance upgrades also include a clutch and flywheel from the ZR1 that have a better shot at standing up to the abuse, Corsa exhaust system, Brembo brakes, Hotchkis suspension components and more.

Visually, the Camaro gets Lingenfelter's body kit that leaves no panel untouched including a carbon fiber grille, a hood with functional air extractors and custom 10-spoke wheels.

8. Yenko Camaro Concept

With some of the wacky Camaros over at GM’s booth, the Yenko Camaro concept at the OER booth looks rather unassuming – but isn’t that what a Yenko is all about after all? With the Yenko name owned by General Marketing Capital Incorporated (GMCI), the company has decided to resurrect the brand and hopes to begin production of Yenko models once again.

The first step in that process is this car, the Yenko/SC concept. Along with a subtle aero kit and graphics package, the 2010 Yenko Camaro gets a new set of 22-inch SYC wheels, StopTech brakes, a MagnaFlow exhaust, a Hurst shifter and (as the name suggests) a supercharger under the hood.

Yenko marketing director Ray Yager told us that while a lot of folks might be looking for an engine swa (in true Yenko style), the idea for Yenko Camaros was to make an affordable performance car. Needless to say, a GM crate engine is far more expensive than the MagnaCharger blower currently under the hood. And the result is still a very impressive 600-hp.

Yenko hasn’t confirmed if it will start building Camaros again but the company is hopeful and is looking for partners. And what better place to do that than at the SEMA Show.

9. Locus Plethore

The Locus Plethore has no trouble standing out in a crowd. In fact, we couldn’t help but be drawn towards its oversized backside, hardly noticing a bright green Lamborghini Murciélago on one side and a pristine white twin-turbo Gallardo on the other.

Built by HTT Technologies, the Plethore is a Canadian supercar and is manufactured at a facility at the S. Eustache Raceway in the province of Quebec. Debuting at the 2007 Montreal International Auto Show, the car is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that makes 750-hp and 655 ft-lbs of torque. An optional 1,100-hp engine is also offered.

Both the chassis and the body are made entirely of carbon fiber, allowing the car to weigh just 2,400 lbs.

As for the car’s layout, it is similar in design to the McLaren F1 with a three-seat cockpit with the driver situated in the middle of the car, just ahead of two passenger seats that flank the driver’s chair on each side.

Pricing is set at just under $400,000 Canadian.

[smib]

Canadians are silly. That Rally fighter thing is pretty awesome, and I love Camaros. Jeep still wins.

[racingfan1]

Originally Posted by smib

Jeep still wins.

It'll take something extra-extraordinary to beat the Jeep.

I want three.

[snoro]

the front on the locus is nice but the back is way too long, cut it in half and it could look good. Still, i kinda like it the way it is.

[CrazyRussian540]

Today's update:


1. 1962 Corvette C1-RS

It takes a lot to win the the Goodguys Street Machine of the Year award, but this custom 1962 Corvette convertible you see here easily deserves the honor. The car not only looks incredible, but it posted the fastest time at the Goodguys autocross track as well! Every single one of the body panels on the car has been modified, and the majority of the components are constructed either of aluminum or carbon fiber.

Powering the C1-RS is an LS7 V8 putting out more than 600 horsepower, but we were most impressed with the eight carbon fiber intake trumpets on either side of the engine that bring air into the intake manifold. The interior was beautifully crafted as well, with a custom fabricated aluminum dash and console and Alcantara and leather seats.

2. Chevy Chevelle

The clean exterior of this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle hides a wicked little secret – if you take a look at the photo above, you'll see what we mean. The bundle of plumbing you see spilling out of the engine bay tells only part of the story – that's no overworked Chevy small block in there, it's a Duramax diesel that has been pushed to new heights thanks to an outrageous custom twin-turbo setup. The stripped-out interior and racing slicks out back show the true purpose of this ride.

The Chevelle was built by Mike Racke and was recognized as one of Popular Hot Rodding magazine's Top Ten Builds this year.

3. Turbo rotary Mazda MX-5

If you get the impression things are all high gloss and dubs in Vegas, you wouldn't be far off. But walk around the SEMA compound long enough and you come across something cool that that speaks to the gearhead, track rat in each of us. Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of details about this red NA Mazda MX-5, but we do know it's been worked over by Mike Burlas Designs from Rialto, California, and it has a turbocharged 13B rotary underhood. Further, it has been kitted out with an adjustable suspension, upgraded brakes and what appears to be a fiberglass (or Kevlar) blistered fender kit. But the crowning jewel is the carbon fiber fastback roof which the company is selling in fiberglass form for $1,800. It's not quite as cool as the MX-5 coupe concept from way-back-when, but it's nice to see the Miata getting some S2000-style fixed roof love in Sin City.

4. Hummer

We almost skipped the Hummer section of the General Motors booth this year at SEMA, concentrating instead on the plethora of Chevrolet Camaro concepts all around them. When we went back for a second look at the day's new design for the Graphics Camaro, we saw the truck above and figured we should probably reconsider avoiding HUMMER after all. We took some pics and scrounged up the press release which you'll find after the jump.

There were four different Hummers on display. The one shown above is a Robby Gordon Off-Road race truck that is absolutely ridiculous -- in a good way. This H3 was built to campaign in the 2010 Dakar Rally and is a full-blown, tube-chassis race truck, just like the Trophy Trucks you'll see running in the Baja 1000.

Next up was the Rod Hall Racing H3 Alpha. This is a stock-class desert runner that ran the 2009 SCORE International Baja 1000., meaning that it features a stock frame, stock suspension design and production-based engine.

The other two trucks were Hummer concepts. First up was the H3 Moab. Said to be inspired by trails like Steel Bender, Moab Rim, and Poison Spyder, it's a 300-horsepower, V8-powered H3 Alpha with dual locking differentials, a Rancho four-inch front suspension lift, custom rear spring-over conversion, and 35-inch BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires mounted on custom 17-inch two-piece Monster Black Competition Beadlock Raceline Wheels by Allied.

Last but not least is the H3T Sportsman. It's been customized with a combination of powertrain modifications, suspension enhancements and an assortment of genuine factory accessories and aftermarket components. The standard Alpha 5.3-liter V8 has been boosted by a healthy 70 horsepower. Suspension upgrades include Light Racing JounceShocks and two-inch-diameter Rod Hall Racing piggyback reservoir-type performance shocks.

5. Ghepardo

Here's what we know: Caccia Custom Cars took a 2002 Chevy Camaro and a 2002 Chevy Corvette and created the Ghepardo. The car uses the Camaro's frame and the Corvette's motor and suspension. The motor is mounted amidships, albeit backwards (note the throttle body). And the House of Kolor paint is called Pagan Gold. Also, you should not confuse this SEMA all-star Ghepardo with the 2006 Bizzarrini Ghepardo concept.

As for this Ghepadro... it's not that bad looking. In fact, the longer we stare at the exterior, the more we like what we see. Obviously we can't get past the gaudy chainmail armor covering up every single vent and opening. And we'd prefer if the five-slot wheels weren't chromed. That said, in profile, it's a nice looking mid-engine coupe and the rear is quite muscular. The front even has a touch of new Lexus, which while sacriligious for a Chevy-on-Chevy mashup like this, ain't bad at all.

The interior, on the other hand, is a house of horrors. Everything is covered over in prison-grade Alcantara or carbon fiber-look fiberglass. Even the fire extinguisher!! Also, we're pretty sure a 15/16" cutting tool isn't the smartest Dremel attachment to use for a show car. In fact, in this Autoblogger's mind, the Ghepardo is now in the running neck-and-neck with the Masonry Vitesse Rose for having the worst interior ever – quite a distinction! Additionally, the Ghepardo fills our minds with the delightful image of Corvette and Camaro fans/owners beating each other to pulps with giant oversized cartoon hammers. Perhaps that's just the food around here talking...

6. 1984 Honda CRX Mugen Prototype

Honda's not-quite-in-house tuner Mugen brought out a trio of tweaked Hondas and the best one is this wonderful 1984 CRX Mugen prototype. Oh, how far we've not come.

The 1984 Mugen prototype was packed with go-fast gear including the company's own engine and exhaust tweaks, revised suspension, and a clutch-type LSD. Additionally, the still-handsome body was given a body kit that enhanced the little hatch's profile as well as high-speed stability.

7. Mobsteel Taurus SHO

The new Ford Taurus SHO is a pretty sweet ride, but the fellas at Mobsteel have gotten their hands on one and blacked it out, smoothed things over and slammed it to the ground. We're not sure about this one.

Mobsteel took the SHO and added its trademark mobster style with custom front and rear fascias, black-out grille, restyled fender chrome (it's not a side vent, let's not pretend here) and rear bumper trim. Of course, the whole car gets a heavy coat of black. Running gear includes a set of huge 380mm cross-drilled and vented Brembos, Air Runner front and rear air system with custom Mobsteel bags in the back, 22 inch wheels on Pirelli tires turned by a 400 HP tuned 3.5-liter twin turbocharged Ecoboost V6 breathing through a Magnaflow cat-back exhaust.

It's hard to judge any bagged car when it's layin' frame, right now it looks a little goofy with those huge wheels tucked up under the fenders. Considering we've loved everything Mobsteel's ever made, we want to see this car out in the wilds before passing final judgment.

[ja404]

Wow that Ghepardo has to be one of the ugliest hackjobs i've ever seen! And the interior looks like it was made by children, in a bad way.

I mean come on! :



Seriously?

[racingfan1]

...And there went the SHO.



Shit.

[CrazyRussian540]

Originally Posted by racingfan1

...And there went the SHO.



Shit.

Get rid of that cosmetic mumbo-jumbo, and you've got a 400hp SHO. WANT.

[_HighVoltage_]

Originally Posted by ja404

Wow that Ghepardo has to be one of the ugliest hackjobs i've ever seen! And the interior looks like it was made by children, in a bad way.

I mean come on! :



Seriously?

Either I'm not seeing well or that is an imitation carbon-fiber that's been cut with a very dull pair of scissors. Above I see heater switches from some 90's American crap.

[CrazyRussian540]

HPP Daytona

We've been hearing about this car for three days, but we just couldn't find it. Then, just before lunch, one of our intrepid reporters tracked the beast down within the tropical bowels of Las Vegas Convention Center's Central Hall. Behold: the HPP Daytona!

Yes, it's a new Dodge Challenger wearing a Charger Daytona costume, but updated for today's muscle car aficionados. Under the hood sits a standard 5.7-liter HEMI V8, further proving the point that when it comes to the Daytona/Superbird, it's what's on the outside that counts! Luckily for us, HPP did a pretty decent job on the outside.

The nose cone works, and works well. Here comes the hate mail, but this author thinks the nose actually looks better than the original 1969 Charger Daytona's does. Here's a pic for reference. To be fair, the HPP's schnoz is actually much more like a Plymouth Superbird's than the Dodge. The wheels are great, the fake vents on the door are bad, the stance is right... and then we get to the rear wing.

While we're positive that it's the same dimensions as the mondo-sized Daytona/Superbird wing, the new Challenger's trunk is about half the length of the Sixties/Seventies cars. Meaning it looks... not quite right. Also, this Mopar muscle car has grown so much since forty years ago that the car is just screaming for more wing. But we'll still happily take one, as the HPP Daytona was/is totally worth the hunt.

[Polly]

I think I quite like that Lingenfelter T/A.

[Dogbert]

Originally Posted by NooDle

erm is SEMA Americanspeak for "Carbage"?

Yes. For every good looking car you're seeing in this thread, there's five absolute carbage cars at the show.

[Posmo]

Originally Posted by _HighVoltage_

Either I'm not seeing well or that is an imitation carbon-fiber that's been cut with a very dull pair of scissors. Above I see heater switches from some 90's American crap.

It's actually imitation kevlar

[Lupin_IV]

Originally Posted by CrazyRussian540

HPP Daytona

The nose is too big; they should have cut a chunk off of the bottom.

[snoro]

the daytona is the only muscle car that i like and the new concept look nice but as lupin said, it could be better