SEMA 2009

[ErikStenger]

World's only known four-rotor Mazda RX-8

We came across this RX-8 at SEMA and it immediately rang a bell. Time Attack, four-rotor, Mazda RX-8? It's the BMI Racing car we saw on Streetfire a while back. It's said to be the only four-rotor RX-8 in the world and it looks and sounds incredible.

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[ErikStenger]

Ford shows off Healing Heroes Network grand prize Shelby GT500 pair

In the Ford booth at SEMA this year, we spotted a matching set of 1967 and 2010 Shelby GT500 Mustangs. White with blue stripes, they looked incredible even in the unflattering lighting of Central Hall. The 1967 example is a verified Shelby original, number 3139 in the Shelby Registry. The 2010 GT is a one-of-a-kind special edition done up in the same Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue stripes as the old-timer. It has been dubbed the Patriot Edition and features a host of aftermarket changes that make it more closely match its ancestor.

While stopping to check them out we noticed a big sign nearby, telling us they could both be ours. Apparently, this duo is being raffled off to raise funds for the Healing Heroes Network, a charity that benefits injured Veterans. So buying a ticket or 10 is a chance to win these fantastic Shelbys, and support a worthy cause. Sounds like an easy decision to us. If you'd like to donate, buy tickets, or just find out more about the cars, the charity and the auction, check out this website.

http://winthemustangs.com/

 

[ErikStenger]

Rev for iPhone reaches 2.0, includes data-logging

Since there are approximately one trillion iPhones in the world and about ten-times as many apps, it's not hard to find a program to suit your needs. But in the automotive sphere, there aren't nearly as many quality applications and even fewer that can deliver the information most gearheads crave. Thankfully, DevToaster has answered the call with Rev, and it's finally put out the 2.0 release of its popular diagnostic and performance program.

In addition to offering code-reading and clearing features, along with OBD metrics for everything from coolant temp to throttle position (full features here), Rev now includes built-in metrics for lateral and forward acceleration to calculate horsepower and torque, saved vehicles, GPS tracking and data-logging. In a bid to make the program more user friendly on the fly, it's reworked its interface to make it easier to edit the visual representations for the virtual (and customizable) gauges and graphs.

Although it's $39.99 App Store price seems like a deal considering its capabilities, the steep price of the company's wireless OBD-II controller ($149.99, pictured at right) is slightly harder to swallow. However, DevToaster is working on bringing the cost of the unit down in the near future and hopes to bring out both a series of &quot;fun,&quot; &quot;green&quot; utilities and has talked with Google about developing a version for Android phones. Look for a full review of the 2.0 software soon.

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[ErikStenger]

Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike

Right on schedule, Mavizen has released its TTX02 electric motorcycle at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Well, if you listen to Azhar Hussain, TTXGP founder and the entrepreneur behind this racebike, the TTX02 is a &quot;laptop on wheels.&quot; How so? For starters, each machine is fitted with an dash-mounted computer that runs on Linux, comes with its own dedicated IP address, on-board web server and connectivity to wireless networks.

While all of that consumer electronics gadgetry is cool, it's the platform of the TTX02 that interests us the most. As previously rumored, the TTX02 is definitely based on the chassis of KTM's highly acclaimed RC8 superbike, which means it's a proven platform that's capable of solid handling and high speeds... good thing, as the TTX02 is said to be capable of hitting 130 miles per hour.

Twin Agni 95 electric motors push out a total of nearly 100 peak horsepower along with what's surely an admirable torque figure that peaks right off the bat at just about zero RPM. Three lithium ion battery packs will be made available with up to 11 kWh of power, which is reportedly capable of tackling all 38 miles of the TTXGP Isle of Man course. Pricing is not yet announced, but Hussain suggests a competitive machine can be had for around $40,000. Hit the jump to watch a couple videos of the bike's launch at SEMA.

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[ErikStenger]

We didn't expect much from Ford's new fulls-size four-door at this year's SEMA show, but the quartet of Taurus Concepts were actually pretty impressive. The design lends itself better to customization than we might've thought, and we wouldn't be surprised to see quite a few owners personalizing the look of their cars.

The favorite Taurus around the Autoblog camp seemed to be the SHO built by Mobsteel with its sinister Jet Black paint, subtle body kit, and a 400 horsepower version of the EcoBoost V6. We also (surprisingly) liked the one built by Funkmaster Flex, along with the clean and simple SHO from MRT-Direct.

 

[z242pilot]

mmmm 4 rotor

 

[ErikStenger]

Pinkee's ignites lust for a Pontiac Firebird

This year's SEMA show might have been a bit smaller than in years past, but there were certainly some heavy hitters in the crowd that proved the old &quot;quality, not quantity&quot; adage. Take, for instance, this super-clean, super-fine 1977 Pontiac Firebird. Like the Ringbrothers &quot;Afterburner&quot; Fairlane and the Goodguys Street Machine of the Year 1962 Corvette C1-RS, the look is modern, yet definitely retro. Dreamed up by hot rod artist Jimmy Smith, it was crafted to life by Pinkee's Rod Shop of Windsor, Colorado.

It has a smooth-as-glass appearance with its gloss black paint dripping off its shaved and streamlined form. Elegantly simple billet wheels, naked headlamps and a restyled rear complete the exterior look. The interior hasn't been forgotten either, as it is fully custom and equally straightforward. The same can be said for the engine bay, which looks like a surgical O.R., with its LS7 engine resting neatly in a fully customized bay. It was easily one of our favorite cars at this year's show.

 

[ErikStenger]

Blackout Bentley balances the bad

It seems that matte black is the new black this year at SEMA, especially if you broaden if to gray and slip bare carbon fiber into the category. This particular application of said coloring resides on a sinister looking Bentley Continental GT.

Besides the satin paint, it's wearing a Premier 4509 Limited Widebody kit that, to this blogger's eyes at least, might have been a better choice for Bentley's own SuperSports. The interior has a nicely contrasting saddle and black design, with diamond-stitched suede inserts on the seats. It's a very cool looking car, but just as fun is the sign on the booth: &quot;Nutek Wheels -- We make private label wheels... and we speak English!&quot; Not exactly politically correct, but eye-catching to say the least.

 

[ErikStenger]

The rest of the best at the Ford display

SEMA is an interesting show. We go in knowing full well that 60-75% of the cars we'll be walking past and/or covering are just trash. Sorry if this bombshell offends anyone, but your Chrysler 300C doesn't need 26-inch hoops, nor seventy gallons of sparkle orange paint. Or diamonds. But, as Doyle Brunson might say if he covered cars instead of being the Godfather of Texas Hold 'Em, that's SEMA.

We mention this in the &quot;other Fords&quot; post because some of these custom FoMoCos look fantastic, or at least pretty good. But 60-75% of them, well, we're not entirely sold. Let's start with the good. Despite the two-tone paint job, we're pretty darn smitten with the Fusion T4 by MRT above. More cars need big old intercoolers taking up the whole lower fascia. And while they might be an inch (or three) too big, the wheels are nice. And that white Lincoln MKS? Nice.

But then you got the other cars contained in this here gallery, and... um.... we like the Lincoln MKT, because well, we just like MKTs. But we're not sold on the Focus upgrades, especially since Ford saw fit to bring a Euro Focus RS to the show. Game, set, outmatched. And don't even get us started on the Edge they've cooked up here. Specifically, the wing on the back. No really – see for yourself.

 

[ErikStenger]

The Chevrolet Camaro 'splosion!!!

In past years at SEMA, there has always been a single vehicle that seems to be the most popular at the show. Last year, it was the Dodge Challenger and Nissan GTR, but there weren't enough to be overwhelming.

This year, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro came and infested the Las Vegas convention center like a muscle car cockroach. We couldn't seem to take ten steps without running into one, and by the end of the day, we had witnessed just about every way a Camaro could be customized. You want Lambo doors? You got 'em. How about slammed? Sure. Green? Yellow? Gold? Matte Blue? How about a convertible? Make it two. How about wide? Or ever wider. Engine swaps? Don't get us started. Try an LS7 or even an LS9. If forced induction is your thing, there were both turbocharged and supercharged Camaros. If you'd rather have a Pontiac, there were not one but two different Trans-Am conversions. Tuners like Callaway, Lingenfelter, Hurst, and Hennessey all brought out turnkey versions. There were pace car Camaros, drifter Camaros, movie theme Camaros, anniversary edition Camaros and charity auction Camaros.

To say the least, we've had our fill of Camaros for a long time. Still, we couldn't leave Las Vegas without sharing it all with you, so enjoy through the 100+ shot photo gallery below of every 2010 Camaro saw at SEMA.

 

[ErikStenger]

We expected a Camaro Convertible, but got two

When we received the press release from Drop Top Customs saying that they would be bringing a Camaro convertible to SEMA, we could hardly contain ourselves. Ever since the Camaro Concept was first shown some way too many years ago, we've been expecting a droptop version as well. General Motors has had a lot on their plate lately and we consider ourselves lucky that we've even got the coupe now. With things starting to change at the top within the GM brass though, we fully expect things to change at the top of this classic bit of American iron as well.

Right now, unfortunately, a genuine factory convertible isn't available, so it's up to the aftermarket to fill that need. Drop Top's droptop looked like a decent attempt from the early pics but we wanted to see it in person before we really signed off on it. We knew it would be here at SEMA but it took us a while to find it. The odd thing is that we found another Camaro convertible first. We eventually found the Drop Top, which you see above, though too.

The yellow car looked pretty much like the photos we had seen earlier, except that it was real and sitting in front of us finally. The conversion seems really well done. We know it's hard for any aftermarket firm to match the level of development that the automaker itself can do, but these guys are experts at building chop-top vehicles. If you have to have a Camaro convertible and you simply cannot wait for Chevy to produce one of their own, then this might be a good option. Of course there is at least one other option as well, as we found out when we canvassed the show's North Hall.

A black Camaro convertible was also on display, featuring a large chrome grille and Forgiato wheels. This conversion was done by Newport Convertible and seems roughly as good as the Drop Top job. The top mechanism looks like it fits pretty low in the rear deck and the materials seem top notch, just like on the yellow car. Newport didn't have a full boot fitted, but it looked professional, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. We didn't get a chance to see either with their tops up (or in motion), however, so we still need to reserve final judgment. In the meantime, just know that there are now two convertible Camaro options for those who absolutely, positively need a Camaro convertible today.

 

[ErikStenger]

Ford SVT Raptor even more appealing with 6.2-liter V8

If Ford had only offered the 5.4-liter V8 in the SVT Raptor and called it a day, we doubt anyone would have complained. Just the fact that the Blue Oval even had the guts to build such a vehicle deserves applause. But they didn't. The 2009 SEMA Show saw the introduction of Ford's 6.2-liter V8 in the most capable off-roading production truck ever built.

The larger powerplant offers increased performance – 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft torque to be exact – while matching the fuel economy of the lower displacement V8. Ford claims that the 6.2 will propel the Raptor about a second and a half faster to 60 mph, putting it in in the low seven second range. We doubt many owners will take their Raptors to the drag strip, but the extra power will surely be useful in gaining more speed for going off jumps.

The price increase is relatively reasonable - just $3,000 more - putting the starting MSRP at $41,995.

 

[ErikStenger]

1951 Henry J gasser is a 7-second blast from the past

Here's another black beauty that caught our attention in the halls of SEMA 2009. It's a 1951 Kaiser Henry J owned and raced by Chris Beanes of California.

Running in A/Gas, this gloss-free gasser can storm the quarter in the mid-7s at better than 174 MPH. We read somewhere that it's powered by a Chevy 400 that's backed by a four-speed transmission, but other than that we don't have a lot more details. What we do have are a few pics in the gallery below that hopefully capture the magic of this nostalgic dragster

 

[wardog.[Hk.]]

[quote1257542759=ErikStenger]

HTT Plethore LC-750, yet another ambitious supercar startup

&quot;I'm not an engineer. I'm an electrician,&quot; Luc Chartrand admits through his thick Quebecois accent. I believe him. Chartrand, a former karting and stock-car driver, is the lone designer, engineer and founder of HTT, a Montreal-based supercar upstart, unveiling the first prototype of his 11-year masterwork at SEMA: The Plethore LC-750.

Comprised of a carbon fiber architecture and body with an integrated (and supposedly soon-to-be) FIA-certified roll-cage, the Plethora could be the first production vehicle simultaneously approved for both the road and the track, and since high-level competition is close to Chartrand's heart, it's a necessity -- he wants to see the Plethore competing in the American LeMans series.

To hang with the big boys at the upper echelons of motorsport, the Plethore has to be more than a lightweight body (2,535 pounds) and a massive stance (89 inches in the rear). So Chartrand has mounted the Corvette ZR1's LS9 longitudinally amidships and tweaked output to 750 hp. As with all start-ups, HTT plans to offer an even hotter version to the public, putting out a claimed 1,300 hp with the help of a set of turbos.

Currently channeling all that grunt to the ground is a six-speed manual, but there are plans to offer a six-speed sequential gearbox along with a limited-slip differential. Double wishbones are fitted at all four corners to keep the 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) wheels in constant contact with the ground, with AP Racing brakes sized 15-inches in front (six-piston caliper) and 13-inches (four-piston caliper) in the rear.

Although the astronomical output and production-intensive architecture are the cornerstones of the project, the interior -- with its central mounted driving position, room for two occupants (sounds familiar) and roof-mounted switchgear -- are some of the more impressive details. That, and the hydraulically actuated doors, which swing upwards and close at the touch of a button.

Chartrand claims that production will begin sometime late this year, with a price tag of around $600,000 for the standard, 750-hp version and close to $1m for the 1,300-hp variant. Bold claims, but Chartrand isn't stopping there. &quot;I want to design a helicopter next. It's my other love.&quot;
[/quote1257542759]
throw it up for the home team!! Thats car is really nice! Qc FTW ;P

 

[ErikStenger]

Knee-high tri-axle pickup by Air-Zenith is down and (not so) dirty

We're not exactly sure what this used to be in its former life, but it all kinds of cool in its current iteration. Just knee-high to a Hobbit, this six-wheel convertible was parked in the shadow of Bigfoot and we almost tripped over it.

We were able to locate an Air-Zenith banner on the windshield, however, we couldn't find any other info. But really, what else do you need to know? Air-Zenith is the same group that dropped the drag pickup we saw at SEMA 2008. That one might have been quicker, but this one has a cool bike in the bed!

 

[Deploymentking]

I'd take a fuckin Delorean any day. That or a beat up Gremlin to fix up.

 

[ErikStenger]

Galpin builds custom '69 Mustang right on the show floor

While those of us in the media walked around the show floor at SEMA looking for the cool, the crazy, and the just plain awesome, there were people doing actual work. Real work. No, we're not talking about the security people that wouldn't let us in the show before 9:00am no matter how we tried to convince them, nor the food vendors charging $40 for a lousy pizza. We're talking about the guys at Galpin Auto Sports who spent each day of the show building a custom 1969 Ford Mustang from scratch.

The Mustang started off at the start of the show in literally thousands of pieces, and every time we walked by, we could see that the car was just a little bit closer to completion. The 427ci V8 was already in the Mustang the last time we saw it, and while we left before we could see the car completed, everyone at GAS seemed pretty confident that it would be finished by the time the show ended this afternoon. From the looks of all of the individual pieces, the end product should be pretty cool looking.

 

[ErikStenger]

Chevy Graphics Camaro not bashful about changing in public

Chevrolet decided that it might be fun to have a contest to pick out a new decal pack for its hot new Camaro. They posted six different possible decal sets on Facebook a while back and after letting their online friends vote, the automaker chose four finalists.

Those four looks were applied to a silver Camaro over the course of the four-day SEMA show in Vegas. We stopped by the booth every day except Friday and took some pics to show you how the stickers looked in person. We've assembled a gallery so you can peruse each and then head over to the Camaro's Facebook page to cast your vote for the winner.

http://www.facebook.com/chevycamaro