SEMA for 2007

If American motor shows were 'themed' like Disneyland, then the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit would be 'Tomorrowland' and SEMA in Las Vegas would be 'Adventureland', 'Fantasyland' and 'Main Street USA' -- all wrapped up in one.

SEMA -- as already mentioned here -- is a massive outlet for America's after-market industry. The association draws in enormous crowds, even though it's not actually open to the general public. You must be employed within the industry or be somehow associated with it to attend the event, which runs over three days and is due to finish Friday, November 2.

For those lucky enough to attend, it's a portal for specialist vehicle modifiers with names like 'Roush', 'Callaway' and 'Saleen' -- as well as parts suppliers and car companies.

There is plenty to see there and while -- speaking frankly -- the most flamboyant, extragavant and outrageous cars on display are often American models that we don't even see here, visitors will still take in interesting cars that are either on sale here already or will be soon.

As mentioned in our earlier report, the modified Pontiac G8 with 7.0-litre engine sponsored by American rap artist 50 Cent is attracting attention, but it's not the only G8 on display. The 50 Cent G8 features on the Pirelli stand, since the Italian tyre manufacturer supplied the rubber to go with the chrome-finish alloy.

A second G8 has been entered in the show by Pontiac and this one is a mildly re-worked G8 GT (with the 6.0-litre V8) and features a non-standard orange paint colour, 'enhanced brake package with drilled and slotted rotors', lowered suspension and 20-inch wheels with performance tyres. So basically, they bolted on some HSV underpinnings...

A recent introduction to Australia, the Hyundai i30, was presented at SEMA as the upcoming (for the American market) Elantra Touring. Named the 'Elantra Touring Beach Cruiser', the car was customised with a spectacular two-tone colour scheme in 'Amazing Grape' and 'Tango Orange'. The car was equipped with a panoramic sunroof and eight-speaker audio system, with mechanical changes restricted to a cold-air intake and a front strut-tower brace.

No visit to the letter 'H' in the alphabet would be the same without a side-trip to Honda. SEMA was the venue for Honda's new Accord coupe (last seen in spy pix, more here). The Honda was represented by two concepts, one to raise the profile of Honda's performance parts and the other packing as many Honda accessories into it as possible.

Of the 'American' companies (Honda builds car in the US these days), Ford was at SEMA with two versions of the company's 'Flex' model. The Flex is not quite ready for sale to Joe Public just yet, but two customisers have already been let loose on it.

'Flex2' is finished in 'Brandywine' with a brushed aluminium-look roof. Exterior highlights in '3dCarbon accents' comprise the quarter panel vents, grilles and rear spoiler. DVD TV screens are fitted to the rear of the headrests in the first and second row seats. 22-inch wheels complement the lowered suspension and Borla dual exhausts.

Finished in two-tone blue and cream pearl, the other customised Flex is also enhanced with 22-inch alloy wheels. Eibach springs were fitted to lower the ride height. The interior trim is leather, in a blue, grey and cream colour scheme.

Ford will introduce the standard Flex crossover as a 2009 model in 2008.

Over at Ford's Premium Auto Group, Volvo has been busy with five entrants for the show. As well as the new XC70 in concept form, Volvo presented a colourful C30 concept, an S80 T6 in aluminium-look paint, a C70 convertible and Volvo 'hot rod'.

The S80 and the C30 were co-developed by German firm Heico and Volvo had help from Caresto to build the XC70 Surf Rescue -- a car that we might see in Australia if we're lucky.

In addition to its striking looks, the S80 SEMA T6 (more here) has been re-worked to run on eco-friendly E85 'bioethanol' and the interior is trimmed in 'Mystic Blue' leather.

For the Heico Sportiv C30, the suspension has been lowered and a full body kit has been fitted.

Chrysler exhibited eight customised vehicles for the show. Among them were the Jeep Wrangler JT (more here) and the Dodge Ram BFT. The latter runs a 6.7-litre Cummins turbodiesel and automatic transmission. It has been lifted and fitted with dual rear wheels measuring 22.5 inches in diameter.

We like the Dodge Avenger Stormtrooper, which is fitted with a 4.0-litre V6, all-wheel drive and six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission. Michelin tyres measuring 245/35 R220 are fitted to 20x9-inch Alcoa wheels.

Suede-lined seats in black and white have been sourced from the Dodge SRT8 parts bin and feature red stitching and stripes.

Looking forward to seeing some of these cars make it to Melbourne for the motor show in March...

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