HOTTEST CAR, SPORT COMPACT, TRUCK AND 4×4-SUV ANNOUNCED AT THE 2012 SEMA SHOW
— Ford Mustang, Scion FR-S, Ford F-Series and Jeep Wrangler Named 2012 SEMA Award Winners –

This year’s SEMA Award for the top trending vehicle models in four categories were announced today at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The Ford Mustang was named Hottest Car, the Scion FR-S took the Hottest Sport Compact honors, the Ford F-Series won Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler received the Hottest 4×4-SUV award.

“The SEMA Show has always been about innovative products and trends,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The SEMA Award amplifies the industry’s special ability to identify and set trends that consumers follow.”

The SEMA Award recognizes vehicle models that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and that showcase the year’s coolest products. It also underscores the cooperative relationship between the automakers and SEMA-member companies. Read more!

For 58 of its 60 years, the Chevrolet Corvette has been powered by the legendary Chevrolet V-8 engine. Technological advancements have increased output threefold – from 195 hp in 1955 to 638 hp today – as well as reliability, refinement and efficiency.

However, the fundamental architecture of the Chevrolet “Small Block” remains the same today as it was in 1955: a 90-degree V-8, with overhead valves actuated by pushrods, and a 4.4-inch on-center bore spacing.

“The brilliance of the Chevrolet V-8 is its elegant, efficient design,” said Jordan Lee, global chief engineer for Small Block Engines. “The Chevy V-8 has fewer reciprocating parts, and is very efficient and has one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any engine family in the industry. The design is incredibly compact, enabling the Corvette’s signature sleek profile and low hood line.”

Despite a sporty appearance, the early Corvettes’ performance didn’t match their good looks. The car launched in 1953 with the “Blue Flame” inline six-cylinder engine and a two-speed automatic transmission – not exactly the stuff on which to build a sports car legend. That changed in 1955, when the new small-block V-8 engine became available and was ordered by 99 percent of Corvette buyers. Read more!

This muscle car is likely the most capable ZL-1 powered 1969 Camaro on the planet. To take it one step further, likely the most capable ZL-1 powered car, period. The owner took a great heritage of the ZL-1 and surrounded it with the best money can buy. The engine was built by one of the most reputable engine builders on the West coast from scratch with this exact application in mind. As you are about to see, everything on this car is top shelf and some of the best shops and manufacturers in the industry have been called on to contribute to the finished product. 

This car has been sorted out extensively on the road and track. You can literally call it a car show, road race, autocross, drag race, and drive to and from the track in one weekend in this car. While it’s a dominator on the track, it has the modern sports car feel on the road we all desire. The ride, brakes, and steering are phenomenal. The handling and braking is a couple rungs up the ladder. It’s got unbelievable linear power but it will lope down the interstate at 1800 rpm in overdrive with the AC on and tunes blasting. It’s been tested to take any curve ball you can throw at it. It has proved to be extremely reliable with no mechanical failures of any type on the road or track after the ZL-1 was installed. Read more!

1967 Mustang GT500E Resto Mod “Eleanor” is a very well-known muscle car, but the featured resto mod owns a tuned/built Coyote 5.0L engine 475 hp, custom headers, exhaust, rack and pinion steering, cold air intake, automatic TCI transmission. The mere mention of the name conjures up images of “the ultimately modernized Shelby Mustang”, the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds” & legendary performance & good looks.

This GT500E is so much more than most & may very well be the most unique one ever built. It’s the culmination of a 6-year project by a very well known Southeastern US classic & custom car builder whose incredible metal fabrication skills can be seen throughout the car. Inside, on & around the historic, ground-breaking engine are many hand fabricated items & many of the finest components today’s hot rod industry has to offer:

The air cleaner assembly is a one-off, custom machined unit you’ll not find anywhere else. Starting it all is a high-torque mini starter that gets power from a master-switch controlled 1000 amp Optima battery located in the trunk. Keeping that precious engine cool is a custom fabricated aluminum radiator with 2 thermostatically controlled electric fans. Custom touches abound in the form of all-braided steel lines & fittings, polished billet hood hinges, a one-off polished Ford logo cooling system cap, custom, chromed, frame-strengthening tubular reinforcement bars & flat fender aprons and firewall. Read more and see the great image gallery!

People are looking at cars much differently than they did a decade ago. Rising gas prices as well as other economic factors have changed what people need out of a car. Automakers are finally starting to come around to producing what the consumers want. What are some of the current car buying trends?

Leases Are More Popular Than Ever

The 2011 SEMA Show – SEMA Show takes place November 1-4, 2011, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

About
The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.

SEMA Show 2010 drew more than 50,000 domestic and international buyers. The displays are segmented into 12 sections, and a New Products Showcase featured nearly 1,500 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more…

Take a look at the gallery with the Muscle Cars that are going to be showcased on SEMA 2011. Click on Read More!