2024 SEMA - Other

The Roadster Shop introduced what may just be one of the most exciting upgrades for the Ford Fox Body Mustang—the SP3C Chassis. They offer a new 100-percent bolt-on frame that requires no floor or body modifications. The design offers a complete front-to-back frame that adds strength and rigidity for a solid platform. The front and rear track widths are compatible with 5-lug Fox Body aftermarket wheels. The chassis provides weight savings compared to stock components.

As always, drifting was demonstrated throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center. In the Silver Parking lot, Ford partnered with Shell to showcase their products. They conducted several one-hour shows using the latest Ford Mustang. The Bronze Lot was occupied by Optima Batteries. The lot was used for a round of the Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge, motorcycle shows, and Drifting exhibitions. The parking lot at the West Building was used to stage the Horsepower Rodeo Arena.

Parked in front of the Central Hall was a beautiful example of a 1972 Meyer Manx. The Meyers Manx is arguably the first dune buggy. The dune buggy was designed initially for desert racing by Californian engineer Bruce Meyers. The kit car uses a Volkswagen Beetle drivetrain (engine and four-speed manual transaxle) and components. Meyers built approximately 6,000 of these kits; however, with its successes, there were many knockoffs manufactured.

There were many motorcycles scattered throughout the SEMA Show. On display was Jimmy's Legacy. Jimmy Messina of Messina Motorcycles started a build that he couldn't complete as he succumbed to lung cancer. Jimmy's father, Michel, finished the project. The SR1 model embodies the essence of a Messina Motorcycle – a lightweight roadster featuring an innovative frame to showcase the American V2 engine.

A popular feature of the SEMA Show is the New Product Showcase, which allows manufacturers to introduce their new and innovative offerings to Buyers and Category Managers. Vendors' latest products are judged in eighteen categories, with first and two runner-ups receiving recognition. Hoosier Racing Tires' TrackAttack Pro took the top honours in the Tire and Related Product division. This tire is designed for track days and daily commutes.

Optima Batteries occupied the parking lot next to the South Building. They staged drifting demonstrations and a round of the Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge, which is contested at nine different venues. Teams compete in one of nine different classes: Outlaw, GTV, GTT, GTS, GTR, GTL, GTE, GTC, and GT. One of the dominant drivers in the series is Bob Sobey, the 2024 Optima Invitational Champion. Sobey competes in the No. 95 2013 R35 Nissan GTR.

This is a first-generation Mazda Miata with the original 1.6-liter four-cylinder motor replaced with a twin-turbocharged Lamborghini V10 engine. It seemed that this was in the realm of possibilities, as there were many examples of astonishing powerplant swaps at the SEMA show. Unfortunately, this was not the case. A Lamborghini Huracan intake system was fitted to a small Chevrolet block, and there were questions about whether the twin turbos were functional and whether the car ran.

One of the more interesting EVs was only displayed in the parking lot behind the Central Hall. The Switch Lab EV is from Switch Vehicles Incorporated. This open-frame design uses 7.6kW Calb LifPo batteries and an AC Permanent Magnet Motor—all of which are rebuildable and reuseable. The chassis includes a Koni performance suspension and EMPI Volkswagen trailing arms. The Switch Lab EV will travel 55 miles on a single charge.

Mopar’s Direct Connection group always brings a large selection of their current crate engine offerings to the SEMA Show. The motors are from the Hellephant, HurriCrates, and Hemi families. With the proper installation kit, the engines have a 3-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The engine pictured is a Hellcrate 6.2 liter Supercharged Hemi, which comes with all the components. It produces 717 horsepower and 656 lb-ft of torque.

There were plenty of offroad vehicles on the Las Vegas Convention Center property. The chassis on this vehicle is by Bomber Fabrication and prepared by SoCalX. Mounted in the chassis is a KOH Spec LS3 engine with a Magnaflow exhaust and Maximum Transmission Race 4L80E. The vehicle’s suspension uses FOX Factory shock absorbers and Eibach Springs. Stopping the Trail Bomber are Wilwood Brakes. The wheels are KMC Mesa Forged Beadlocks with Milestar tires.

7fifteen Motorsports builds the Troy Indy Special. The car uses a 495 horsepower GM LS3 engine bolted to a TREMEC six-speed transmission and a Cadillac CTS-V differential. The chassis is finished with a black bronze powder coat. Exterior components such as the suspension, grab bar, fuel filler and bumper are chromed. Completing the Troy Indy Special is a Relicate Alspice tan leather upholstery and Aston Martin Racing Green paint.

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