SEMA Show 2004 Las Vegas - Specialty Equipment Manufacturer Association Auto Show Coverage Preview





SEMA 2004, which takes place in Las Vegas from November 2 to 5, is the car show that kids care about. SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Manufacturer Association show, has evolved from a dowdy trade show for aftermarket parts companies into a glitzy showcase for the most over-the-top concepts from both aftermarket companies and vehicle manufacturers themselves. This year sees more manufacturers than ever showing tarted up versions of their youth-oriented products. The essence of SEMA is abundance; wheels, body kits, and spokesmodels number in the thousands.

Manufacturer Preview:


Dodge


Dodge and Mopar are showing six vehicles including an SRT4 "Stage 3" with a larger Mopar turbo that helps put out 310 horsepower.


Ford


Ford is debuting performance parts for the new 2005 Mustang at SEMA.


Hyundai


Hyundai wants you to know that the Tiburon is still cool. Watch for a couple of modified Tiburons from Bill Smulo Engineering (top) and Axis Sport Tuning (bottom).



Jaguar


Jaguar's "Match Head Red" X-type modified by the California tuner bonspeed features a body kit and a radically lowered suspension for a touring car look.


Land Rover


Land Rover is showing a "kitted up" LR3 in an arresting shade of orange.


Mazda


Mazda is showing off their hot new MazdaSpeed 6, an all-wheel-drive turbo version of the 6.


Mitsubishi


The Ralliart Endeavor that Mitsubishi is showing is so low we thought it was a Lancer wagon. Also watch for a seriously muscled up Ralliart Galant.


Nissan


Nissan's focus at SEMA this year is their truck line, but watch for the hot 35th Anniversary 350Z, pictured here. The special Z gets an extra 13 horsepower when equipped a manual transmission - up to an even 300 - by virtue of variable timing on the exhaust cam, different pistons, and a new intake. That's a lot of trouble for 13 horsepower, but the revised internals allow a higher 7,000 RPM redline, albeit at the expense of some low-RPM torque. The 350Z Track also gets this engine for 2005. A new color, Ultra Yellow, debuts on the 35th Anniversary Z.


Saab


Saab is showing off their 9-2x at SEMA.


Toyota


Watch for the Scion xB limo cruising the Strip, and for the Monster Garage Toyota Celica Jet Car on the stand.


Volvo


Volvo makes its second appearance at SEMA with a few vehicles, most notably a V50 with the 340-horsepower turbo from the S60 R and a 450-horsepower Evolve S40.