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Official: Lexus IS to get Deviant at SEMA

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

It’s time to start gathering intel on SEMA, and it starts with this drawing of a modified 2014 Lexus IS. Lexus ran a competition on DeviantART, an online community for artists, to find a suitably modified IS that it could build and display at the temple of all things aftermarket in Las Vegas. The winner, as judged by a four-person panel from among more than 600 entries, is the IS rendered above by Rob Evans.

The winner looks like the beginning of a build for an IS entry into Japan’s Super GT series, with a seriously exaggerated front spoiler and rear diffuser and fender flares that aren’t just punched out, they’re throwing 12-punch combinations.

Evans will have his car built by VIP Auto Salon and plastered all over Lexus materials promoting its presence at the show. Oh, and he gets an IS F-Sport for a year, among other prizes. Second place went to Lucia Lee, third place to Guangho Huang. A press release below has more on the competition and the winner.

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Lexus IS to get Deviant at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RCX 2011: SEMA for the RC set [w/video]

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

RCX 2011

RCX 2011 at the Pomona Fairplex – Click above to watch videos after the jump

We’re looking for a new hobby, and we think we’ve narrowed it down. The world of remote control vehicles has grabbed our attention and we’re eager to learn more. So we grabbed the camera, ventured out to the 2011 Remote Control Convention at the Pomona Fairplex and figured we’d totally understand the hobby by lunchtime.

We were mistaken.

In fact, we were wholly unprepared to take in the maelstrom of activity and information presented at RCX 2011. It’s like SEMA for R/C world and over 17,000 folks descended on the convention grounds over the course of two days. Bikes, cars, trucks, planes, helicopters, trains and motorcycles were all on display.

Traxxas radio controlled stadium truck The RCX 2011 experience isn’t just about looking at vehicles in their packaging, however, because numerous tracks were set up to let us take the miniature wheel. Professionals raced their nitro buggies and truggies on a course set up with large jumps while remote control rock crawlers tackled scaled-down rugged terrain. Nearby, super sideways driving was taking place on both indoor and outdoor courses.

Even though the action was scaled down, there were plenty of examples of serious speed. Scaled-down top-fuel dragsters lined up side-by-side as those wielding the controllers eyed the light tree. Gas-powered race cars and motorcycles attacked a twisting course while the buzz of airplanes, helicopters and scale powerboats droned on in the background. When we wanted a break from the speed, we stared at the hypnotic scale train that ambled around a wonderfully detailed town.

The event is an orgy of remote control action, and it only served to bolster our interest in the hobby. We entered the RCX 2011 doors thinking we’d narrow down our choices, but the convention has only served to confuse. Do we want electric or gas, car or truck? You could walk away from RCX with a great toy for a few Jacksons, or you could’ve spent a bucketful of Benjamins on a high-powered nitro screamer.

We now know that we’ve got a lot more to learn about remote control vehicles. The Remote Control Convention isn’t a one-time event either. It’s traveling around the country and you can check out the schedule at the RCX website.

Click past the jump to watch some quick clips of various vehicles in action.

[Lead Image: Hope McCall, Air Age Media]

Continue reading RCX 2011: SEMA for the RC set [w/video]

RCX 2011: SEMA for the RC set [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HPP teases Firebird, Camaro customs for SEMA

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Design/Style

HPP Trans-Am SEMA Car

HPP Trans-Am – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve seen companies attempt to turn the Chevrolet Camaro into a Pontiac Trans-Am, but the results are often mixed at best. Heide Performance Products, a customizing company out of Madison Heights, MI, is looking to change that. Is it successful? Well, let’s just say we’re looking forward to seeing HPP’s pointy-nosed ’69 Trans Am knock-off with our own eyes at SEMA next week.

The company has detailed the build process on its Facebook page, and there’s also a second Camaro with T-Tops the company is bringing to SEMA. Finally, we have modern versions of the Dodge Daytona and Plymouth Superbird based off the current Challenger. See for yourself in our high-res photo gallery below.

Gallery: HPP Trans-Am and Camaro

HPP Trans-Am HPP Camaro

[Source: Heide Performance Products]

HPP teases Firebird, Camaro customs for SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hennessey Venom GT clears its pipes ahead of SEMA debut

Filed under: SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Specialty

Hennessey Venom GT exhaust pop

Hennessey Venom GT clears its throat – Click above to watch the video after the break

It may look like a steroid-fueled Lotus Elise that’s had a few too many trips to the gym – and we truly mean that in the very best way possible – but this latest video proves there’s no mistaking the fact that it ain’t powered by no wimpy four-cylinder engine sourced from Toyota.

Yes, of course we already knew that the Hennessey Venom GT is powered by a 6.2-liter LS9 V8 as used in the Corvette ZR1 in one of three force-fed configurations: the base supercharged mill with 725 horsepower and 741 pound-feet of torque and a pair of twin turbocharged beasts that put out 1,000 hp and 1,200 hp. (See a dyno video here.)

But upon hearing this sucker start up and clear its pipes, even the mighty ZR1 cowers in the corner with its supercharged tail tucked firmly between its legs. It’s a modern-day Shelby Cobra, complete with its British-sourced chassis and big, burly American V8 power. We can hardly wait to see the Venom GT with our own eyes next week at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Check out the 360-degree walkaround video after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Hennessey Venom GT

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey Venom GT clears its pipes ahead of SEMA debut

Video: Hennessey Venom GT clears its pipes ahead of SEMA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Gogogear Racing Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Hyundai, Racing

The Gogogear.com Hyundai Genesis Coupe – Click to enlarge

SEMA vehicles come in two main flavors: dropped and Dubbed, or race-prepped and rimmed. This Hyundai Genesis Coupe from GogoGear.com Racing obviously falls into the latter, and it “emphasizes racing reliability and high-end performance capabilities.” Not only that, but it apparently took some help from Hyundai’s California Design Center to create the yellow and silver paintwork.

GogoGear.com says “the aim” is to get the engine to produce 330 horsepower and 280 pound-feet, which shouldn’t be a problem. A Ground Control suspension keeps it appropriately snug to the bitumen, and StopTech brakes keep speed under control when corners approach. After we get a close look at this one at SEMA, it’ll be competing in next year’s U.S. Touring Car Championship, and there’s a chance it’ll show up at Time Attack events. More information can be found in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: GogoGear.com Hyundai Genesis Coupe Racer

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Gogogear Racing Hyundai Genesis Coupe

SEMA Preview: Gogogear Racing Hyundai Genesis Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Chevrolet teases SEMA show cars

Filed under: SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Truck, Videos, Chevrolet, GM, Design/Style

Chevrolet previews its SEMA vehicles

Chevrolet teases vehicles ahead of the 2010 SEMA show – Click above to watch video after the jump

Chevrolet is getting ready to unload a slew of vehicles at the 2010 SEMA show and the Bow-Tie brand has released a teaser video to give us a taste of what to expect. Corvettes, Camaros and heavy-duty pickup trucks will be taking center stage in Chevy’s booth. The video is quick but features two designers discussing the event, quick cuts of vehicle close-ups and a Corvette prominently displaying the “Jake” logo inside and out. We previously saw the Jake logo make its way onto the 2009 GT1 Championship Edition Corvette, so we’re quite curious to see what General Motors has planned for an updated version.

Take a sneak peak at what Chevrolet has in store for this years SEMA show by watching the video after the jump.

[Source: Youtube]

Continue reading Video: Chevrolet teases SEMA show cars

Video: Chevrolet teases SEMA show cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renntech previews Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG-based C74 ahead of SEMA

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Renntech C74 Konzept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Captured here auditioning for the role of World’s Angriest C-Class is the Renntech C74 Konzept. Starting with a C63 AMG, the tuner added a body kit comprised of an aggressive carbon fiber front lip, spoiler and rear diffuser, along with 19- and 20-inch wheels. Under the hood the 6.2-liter AMG engine is goosed to 605 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque thanks to a upgraded internals, larger throttle bodies and a tweaked ECU, while carbon fiber stabilizer braces are fitted front and rear. And the “74”? That refers to the width of the rear track, where 11-inch, 305-series tires reside. The whole package will run you $11,950, and you can get the details after the jump.

Gallery: Renntech C74 Konzept

[Source: Renntech]

Continue reading Renntech previews Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG-based C74 ahead of SEMA

Renntech previews Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG-based C74 ahead of SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford unhinges rest of its Explorer-filled, SEMA-bound toybox

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Ford, Design/Style

Galpin Auto Sports Explorer – Click above for high-res image gallery of Ford customs to debut at SEMA

SEMA 2010 is just around the corner and Ford has supplied a number of vehicles to various aftermarket tuning companies ahead of the festivities. The 2011 Ford Explorer is just one of the vehicles receiving the tuner treatment, but it’s getting a lot of attention. Ford has supplied three of them to different companies, to create three different styles: Urban, Luxury and Adventure.

The Urban style was handled by Funkmaster Flex and the Team Baurtwell shop. The crew from GAS, or Galpin Auto Sports, turned its Explorer into a high-end machine for Luxury. CGS Motorsports handled Adventure and added lifestyle touches to the ‘ute while still providing an upscale, custom feel.

Other vehicles wearing a Blue Oval at SEMA include;

2011 Lincoln MKX by ID Agency
2011 Ford Taurus SHO by Rick Bottom Designs
2011 Ford Taurus SHO by H&R Springs
2011 Ford Edge by K-Daddy Kustomz
2011 Ford Fusion Sport by Steeda Autosports

You can view each vehicle in the gallery below, and a full press release is available after the jump.

Gallery: Ford’s lineup for SEMA 2010

CGS Motorsports Explorer Funkmaster Flex Explorer Ford Edge by K-Daddyz Kustomz Ford Fusion Sport by Steeda Autosports Galpin Ford Explorer

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford unhinges rest of its Explorer-filled, SEMA-bound toybox

Ford unhinges rest of its Explorer-filled, SEMA-bound toybox originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai teases Rhys Millen Racing’s Equus for SEMA

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Performance, Hyundai, Design/Style, Luxury

Rhys Millen Racing Signature Edition Hyundai Equus

Rhys Millen Racing Signature Edition Hyundai Equus – Click above to enlarge

At first blush (and second blush, and third…), it doesn’t quite seem fitting that Hyundai would choose to bling out its range-topping Equus sedan for the rapidly approaching SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Still, here we are with a Rhys Millen Racing Signature Edition Hyundai Equus… for better or for worse. For those keeping track, this is the third consecutive year that the Korean automaker will be featuring a Millen-fettled machine in Vegas.

Says Millen, “The intelligent luxury platform of the new rear-wheel drive Equus is a perfect vehicle for tuners who have graduated from other segments and want to work with the best the automotive industry has to offer.” And who are we to disagree with Rhys? We certainly can’t argue with 415 horsepower – a useful 30-horse improvement over Hyundai’s stock 4.6-liter D-CVVT “Tau” V8, courtesy of a RMR bolt-on cold air intake and stainless exhaust systems.

Naturally, the interior and exterior of the RMR Equus will see plenty of eye-catching updates, not the least of which will be the two-tone carbon fiber and Red Bull Racing blue satin clear paint by BASF set off by HRE 21-inch P40 wheels. Inside, the whole lot of it will be swathed in (what else?) ostrich leather and suede.

Feel free to read through the press release after the break, and be sure to check out the high-res teaser rendering by clicking on the image above.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai teases Rhys Millen Racing’s Equus for SEMA

Hyundai teases Rhys Millen Racing’s Equus for SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Fiesta to dominate Ford booth

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Budget, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta at SEMA – Click above for image gallery

We’ve only just gotten over our jet lag from the Paris Motor Show, but there’s no stopping the yearly auto expo schedule and the aftermarket insanity that is the annual SEMA show is just around the corner.

This year’s show will see the Ford Motor Company continuing to make a lot of noise with its effervescent little subcompact juggernaut, the Fiesta, along with a string of debuts planned from various tuners. But that isn’t stopping the Blue Oval from bringing a little heat of its own to the Las Vegas show floor, including a concept car that features a 350-horsepower 2.3-liter four-pot (a bored-out version of the production 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine) and a slew of off-the-shelf Ford Racing Performance parts.

Also on the floor will be a series of other Fiesta showcars including models put together by 3dCarbon, H&R Springs, FSWerks and Steeda Autosports, among others.

We’ll be on-hand to capture all the zaniness that is SEMA from November 2 through November 5, so stay tuned. While you’re waiting, however, be sure to check out our gallery below and Ford’s official release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Fiesta to dominate Ford booth

SEMA Preview: Fiesta to dominate Ford booth originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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