Custom 2011 Chevrolet Camaros at the 2010 SEMA Show – Click above for high-res image gallery
Earlier this week, about the that was bringing to , and now it’s time to see them up close and personal. Four Camaros are hanging out in Las Vegas this week, and each one provides a very different point of view on Chevy’s pony car.
The Red Flash Show Camaro is a look-at-me V8-powered coupe that will certainly grab your attention out on the road thanks to its modified intake and exhaust system. On the other end of the spectrum is the XM/Accessory Appearance Package V6 Camaro that goes for a more subtle, not-so-flashy styling upgrade. The Synergy Series Camaro is the second version of a once-per-year limited-edition, and it features interior and exterior colors not available on any other model in the Camaro range. Finally, the rumbles on to the SEMA floor to tease us with the idea of a purpose-built track-day machine. to read more about each iteration, and be sure to check them out in our gallery below.
BMW Motorrad Concept C – Click above for high-res image gallery
Say what you will about motor scooters, but twist-and-go is how an inordinate proportion of the world’s population gets around town. Simply put, there is no simpler way of getting through crowded city streets, and let’s face it: city streets are only getting more crowded. With that in mind, – one of the few automakers that builds four-wheeled vehicles as well as two – has unveiled its vision for the next generation of large motor scooters, which it calls Concept C.
Drawing on decades of experience building full-size motorcycles, BMW Motorrad has delved into the scooter market with a fresh concept that brings familiar design cues from its existing lineup of off-road, touring and sport bikes to a commuter form. In short, BMW is “expanding its present motorcycle adventure world to include the big scooter.” Their words, not ours.
Instead of reinventing the wheel as other companies have tried, the Concept C is powered by a conventional two-cylinder engine mated to a continuously-variable transmission, although consideration is being given to future electric powertrains. The front fork features dual disc brakes accompanied by a single disc in the back and supported by ABS. LED headlights illuminate the road ahead, while dual LCD monitors provide the instrumentation.
There’s more to read in the press release , accompanied by video footage and the high-resolution image mega-gallery below.
Toyota Tundra Sportsman – Click above for high-res image gallery
official presence here at the SEMA Show was surprisingly full bodied. We’ve seen , and a … and finally we come to the Sportsman. Co-developed with Bass Pro Shops, this four-wheel drive, 5.7-liter-V8-powered Tundra-based behemoth equipped with the optional TRD Rock Warrior package. Oh yeah, and don’t forget about the gigantic deck that pops up and provides hunters with a camo’d perch and hide from which to do their business.
Naturally, there is plenty of storage for firearms, along with fishing gear, bows and arrows. Out back, there’s a fully operational kitchen complete with a gas stove and a sink. There’s plenty of luxury inside, with a weather station, GPS system and a bevy of waterproof speakers. It’s the ultimate Armageddon vehicle, and we want it. Badly. See it in all its glory in our high-res image gallery below.
We weren’t at all surprised when hundreds of lawsuits popped up in the wake of ’s recall of millions of vehicles due to unintended acceleration issues. We’re just as unfazed by the fact that earlier this week, Toyota filed a motion asking that the lawsuits be thrown out. The Detroit Free Press reports that Toyota claims many of the lawsuits are unwarranted due to the fact that some of the plaintiffs hadn’t disclosed acceleration issues prior to the lawsuit. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration claims that there were over 3,000 complaints filed by Toyota owners and at least as a result of accelerator-related defects.
Defendants often file motions to have lawsuits thrown out of court, but will it happen, especially in such a high-visibility case? Hard to say, but any time over 10 million vehicles are recalled globally for such a serious issue, we get the feeling that the courts will remain busy for quite some time.
Citroën C3 Picasso Blackcherry – Click above for high-res image
Citroën has announced a spate of updates to its compact mini-minivan, as well as a new special edition to highlight the changes.
Across the range, the C3 Picasso’s engines have been upgraded for increased fuel efficiency and compliance with the latest Euro 5 regulations. A new 110-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-diesel has also been introduced, while low rolling resistance Michelin Energy Saver tires are fitted as standard equipment across the entire lineup.
Representing the updated Picasso is the new Blackcherry edition, based on the VTR+ model and packing the aforementioned HDi diesel engine. The special edition is distinguished by its black paint scheme with red accents, color-keyed roof rails and 17-inch alloys. Normally optional extras like air conditioning, cruise control and USB/Bluetooth connectivity are featured as standard equipment on the Blackcherry, as well. Full details are available in the press release .
Toyota Camry NASCAR Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery
Also at the booth here at the SEMA Show in Vegas, in addition to the and the Swagger Wagon Supreme, was the NASCAR-bred, V8-powered, two-door, and the equally impressive .
Both of these machines were created to prove that Toyota can make high-quality performance vehicles, and they rely on their racing heritage to make that statement. Each is powered by a V8 engine; in the case of the Camry, a 358 cubic inch TRD NASCAR powerplant producing 680 horsepower, and as for the Tacoma, a supercharged 5.7-liter with 504 horses lies underhood. You can see each race-bred, red and white street machine in our high-res galleries below.
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Live photos copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL
Subaru at the 2010 SEMA Show – Click above for high-res image gallery
, and it certainly has not disappointed. More than a handful of tuned up Subies are on hand at the automakers booth, and both sedan and hatchback body styles are represented. The two most well known vehicles are the ones you’ve no doubt seen in the news: T and driven by Tommi Makinen. Four other custom ‘Rexes round out Subaru’s linep.
Kicker has designed an STI with a focus on audio performance, while K&N has brought one that emphasizes street performance. Get More G’s teamed up with SPT to provide the go-fast treatment to a five-door WRX, and Subiefest Best of Show winner, Jamarri Whiteside, was able to display his 2006 Subaru WRX STI beneath the bright lights of the 2010 SEMA show. See them all for yourself in our high-res image gallery.
Custom 2011 Honda CR-Zs at the 2010 SEMA Show – Click above for high-res image gallery
has a grand total of 12 different s on display at this year’s show. In addition to the and we showed you earlier, the Japanese automaker has created the CR-Z with Genuine Honda Accessories and HPD CR-Z Racer, and eight other companies have put their spins on the compact hybrid hatch.
Big name companies like Bisimoto Engineering, DSO Eyewear, Eibach Springs, Fortune Motorsports and Konig Wheels have created their own one-off CR-Zs, accounting for a little less than half of Honda’s overall showing. Two special project CR-Zs are on hand, as well, done up by the folks from Honda Tuning Magazine and the .
See the full lot of CR-Zs for yourself in the gallery below, and for Honda’s official press release.
1955 Chevrolet E-Rod LS3 Pickup – Click above for high-res image gallery
While the wicked E-Rod LSA found its way into a at this year’s SEMA show, decided to plop the company’s new E-Rod LS3 into something a little more traditional. GM yanked the sheets off of an expertly-crafted 1955 pickup street rod. The project started by mating a minty-fresh Dynacorn body with the chassis of a Trailblazer SS. Throw in a 315-horsepower, 335-pound-feet of torque E-Rod LS3 and you’ve got the basic ingredients for one very lust-worthy pickup.
GM says that the new E-Rod LS3 will command a price tag of $7,150 when it arrives in 2011. for the press release.
2011 Ford Taurus “SHOx” – Click above for high-res image gallery
Rick Bottom Designs was given the keys to a and the custom car builder decided it wanted to hear more from the Blue Oval sedan. The 365-horsepower EcoBoost V6 has been bumped up by a Hahn Racecraft Stage 1 upgrade package, meaning this SHO is now putting out 465 hp. Re-christened as the SHOx, further modifications include a performance exhaust system, cold air intake kit, large Baer brakes hidden behind 22-inch Axiom forged wheels and a custom body kit.
It’s not the engine, however, that is making all the noise. We said Rick Bottom Designs wanted to hear more from the car… so the tuner installed a 16,000 Watt stereo system capable of blaring the most intense block-rockin’ beats. The car has been modified to a two-plus-two seating arrangement, and we imagine that potential fifth passenger will be glad they now have to walk, since all his or her Taurus SHOx-riding friends are going to be deaf. Cover your ears and check out the SHOx live from in our gallery below.
We’re still not very fond of the ’s styling, but we’ll be honest – this -spec HFP concept is pretty darn cool. Riding on 19-inch PDS-10 wheels wrapped in Yokohama ADVAN ST 245/50-series tires, this Crosstour benefits from a lowered sport suspension encompassing new shocks and struts at all four corners, performance front springs and a unique body kit.
says that this modified Crosstour is only a concept, but we won’t be shocked to see some of these factory performance parts show up on the crossover’s spec sheet in the not-too-distant future. After all, if you’re going to drive something as… unique as the Crosstour, why not give it an added dose of individuality? Check it out in our gallery of high-res shots below.
LSA E-Rod powered Superformance Grand Sport Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery
has grown its E-Rod family by two, adding a 505-horsepower 7.0-liter LS7 and a 556-horsepower 6.2-liter LSA to its line of emissions-friendly V8s. The General chose to show off the new forced-induction engine by plopping the mill in a Superformance Grand Sport replica. With a feathery light curb weight of just 2,500 pounds and a potent 551 pound-feet of torque on tap, this machine should be an absolute tarmac terror. Behind that supercharged small block sits a Tremec six-speed manual transmission and a four-wheel disc brake system designed to bring the whole party to a stop in a hurry.
GM says that it is currently working closely with the California Air Resources Board to ensure that the E-Rod LSA can be used in pre-OBD-II vehicles, allowing specially constructed cars like the Superformance Grand Sport to receive CARB certification. for the full press blast.
2011 Chevrolet Volt Z-Spec – Click above for high-res image gallery
is out to put the power of customization in its buyers’ hands. The company has announced a theoretical new customization program for every vehicle it sells, from the lowly to the mammoth . The Bow Tie pulled the sheets off of a , and Spark, each of which wore pieces from the company’s new host of custom parts.
The most interesting of the trio is the Volt. GM designers slapped on a set of lower rocker panels, a reworked rear fascia and blacked-out trim accents around the vehicle. Those stylish 19-inch wheels are actually straight from GM, as are the trick rear tail lights.
The Cruze Z-Spec Concept wears a complete body kit, unique paint and a new high-flow grille. Sport springs, a set of super-sexy 19-inch BBS wheels and a Brembo brake system also come along for the ride, as do a set of Recaro racing buckets.
The last of the bunch is something of a quandary, as GM has yet to come out and confirm whether or not the Spark is actually headed to the States. We do know that the pint-sized Chevy will show up in North America though, which may help explain why a custom version of the car is displayed here in Las Vegas. With special body treatments like that rear spoiler and eye-searing orange paint, there’s no mistaking this hatch for its tamer brethren. for the press releases.
Spectre Performance Bonneville Land Speed Racer – Click above for high-res image gallery
The fastest we’ve ever driven wears a on its rear end. Its engine produces 556 horsepower and the car has a top speed of 190 miles per hour. There’s no doubt it’s one of the fastest cars available right now… but not quite fast enough for Spectre Performance. The team at Spectre is trying to break a speed record and they’ve employed Cadillac power to do so. The Spectre Performance Speedliner Bonneville Land Speed Racer boasts a 529 cubic-inch turbocharged Caddy V8 engine, which has been shoehorned into the sleek body of this highly engineered salt flats speedster.
The Speedliner, with its Cadillac mill, was earlier in the year – a mind-numbing speed that is still short of the team’s goal. Well short, in fact, as the team hopes to reach a magical 400 mph. Clearly, this is one of the few cars at SEMA 2010 that is all-show and all-go. Check it out for yourself in the gallery below.
Day One has officially come and gone, and we’ve done our best to provide you, dear reader, with an interesting selection of the kinds of vehicular machinery that can only be seen at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Below you’ll see a sample of the wares we pointed our digital SLR lenses at. Enjoy, and just wait and see what we’ve got in store for you all through the night and into tomorrow!
Jake has quickly become, to the Corvette Racing team, what the Cavallino Rampante is to Ferrari. That skull logo was started off as a discreet emblem back in 2005 and has since come to symbolize the team’s spirit. Chevrolet is now recognizing the iconic icon with the 2011 Corvette Jake Edition Concept.
Chevy started with a Grand Sport coupe then set to work adding Jake-themed touches both inside and out. The black paint is offset nicely by the Competition Gray Z06 wheels and GT1 Championship Edition Jake-logo hood graphic. Those wheels also feature Jake center caps, as do the fenders. Moving to the interior, Jake’s mug can be found on the floor mats and the console lid.
For now, the vehicle remains a concept as some of the accessories have not been put into production. However, they are planned for future release, so stay tuned, Jake fans.
Toyota Swagger Wagon Supreme – Click above for high-res image gallery
Seven million. That’s how many times much-loved has been viewed on YouTube. Well, actually, it’s 7,154,749… but who’s counting? With that in mind, it’s not surprising that the Japanese automaker has chosen to outfit its official floorspace with a customized dubbed, appropriately enough, Swagger Wagon Supreme.
Actor Brian Huskey, otherwise known as Swagger Dad, was on hand to introduce the stretched and lowered metallic blue Sienna minivan. He started his speech from inside the Wagon, which is decked out with a nicely finished wood floor along with plenty of cabinetry, televisions and computer paraphernalia. See it for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.
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Live photos copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL
2011 Nissan Leaf – Click above for high-res image gallery
Speculation surrounding the on-road abilities, battery size, curb weight and other trivial aspects of the should dwindle down soon now that of Europe has officially released a complete spec sheet for its battery-powered vehicle. Rather than linger on discussing info contained within the automaker’s absurdly long press release, we’ll move straight to the numbers.
Battery capacity: Yep, it’s still listed at 24 kWh.
Curb weight: A rather svelte 3,366 pounds dispels rumors suggesting that Leaf would tip the scales at 3,500 to 3,900 pounds.
Max. engine power: 107 horsepower available from 2,730 to 9,800 rpm (max. rpm listed at 10,390)
Max. torque: 206.5 pound-feet available from 0-2,730 rpm
Acceleration run from 0-62 miles per hour: 11.9* seconds
Top speed: 89* miles per hour
Obviously, those asterisks found on the last two specs require a bit of explaining. Nissan’s official wording reads like this:
*- Data is subject to certification by the relevant authorities and may therefore be subject to change.
But, as we’ve , Nissan’s official numbers for both the 0-60 mph run and the Leaf’s top speed have been bested on many a test drive. There’s a slew of additional specs, including stuff like the Leaf’s turning circle, its coefficient of drag and much more to be found in Nissan’s full spec sheet posted at the bottom of the automaker’s lengthy release, which you’ll find after the jump.
Mazda showcases track-ready sports cars at SEMA – Click above for high-res image gallery
Mazda builds plenty of sporty cars that incorporate a fun-to-drive feeling, but calling something a sports car does not automatically equate to a vehicle that is ready for the track. For the 2010 SEMA show, Mazda tweaked a handful of cars to show us just how quickly fun can turn into ferocious.
Looking into its stable, reached in and pulled out a few , a couple of , a pair of and an , then turned them over to its North American design director, Derek Jenkins.
“The versatility of Mazda vehicles is extraordinary. With just minor modifications to a stock Mazda, it can be ready for the track or a car show. Our SEMA cars demonstrate this ability; taking a vehicle from the dealership and making it a truly unique piece.”
The subcompact Mazda2 was given two personalities for the show: a track-ready, lightweight racer and a sporty street car. The track version is called the Mazda2 Evil Track while the other is simply called the Mazda2 Street. Both are great examples of how relatively underpowered cars can still be a total hoot to drive.
Mazda’s iconic roadster also arrives in two souped up versions. The MX-5 Super20 celebrates the 20th anniversary of the droptop sports car. Under the hood lies a supercharged Cosworth engine and the paint scheme is black on gray, both of which give this MX-5 a substantially meaner aura. The other Miata at SEMA is the MX-5 Cup Car, which is a full-on spec racer outfitted with a plethora of racing equipment.
Turning its attention to a four-door, Mazda has brought a turbocharged Mazda3 and the Mazda3 Red Line Time Attack car. Both feature a similar paint scheme, but the turbo Mazda3 is a modified street car while the Red Line Time Attack vehicle runs in the Super Modified class of its series and is capable of hitting 180 miles per hour on a long straight. That’s awfully quick for a C-segment vehicle.
Mazda has also brought an RX-8 along to serve as a well-deserved pat on the back. The Grand-Am GT Mazda RX-8 just completed its 2010 season and utterly dominated the competition. Of the 12 races run, the RX-8 won six of them. More information on each vehicle is available in the full press-release waiting .
