SEMA Show Highlights Green Technology, Smaller Vehicles But Dodge Challengers, Chevrolet Camaros Highlight Muscle Car Roots
Top 10 SEMA Trends Featured on Auto Enthusiast Web site CarDomain
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- This year's Specialty Equipment
Manufacturers Association convention attracted an eclectic mix of green
technology and smaller vehicles, but eye-catching muscle cars still reminded
visitors that the show has not strayed from its traditional roots of hot
performance cars.
"Automotive enthusiasts still love heart-thumping horsepower and
eye-popping designs and this year's show did not disappoint," said Rob
Einaudi, Editor-in-Chief of CarDomain Network. "The Dodge Challenger and the
Chevy Camaro have both remained cult figures in the specialty vehicle crowd.
However, the Nissan GT-R proved to be an instant favorite."
Despite staying true to its muscle car roots, the show also displayed
technologies that respond to changing environmental and economic realities. A
special technology pavilion dedicated to green technology called "Making Green
Cool" included an E85 Corvette, huge biodiesel trucks and of course a Toyota
Prius -- with wing doors.
"Even the specialty equipment market, long known for its hot muscle cars
and its elaborate paint jobs, is being impacted by environmental and economic
concerns," said Einaudi. "Many enthusiasts in the aftermarket are adding
features and content to smaller vehicles such as the Honda Fit and the Toyota
Yaris."
Other top trends included:
-- The Smart car is a big favorite this year, as dozens of modified
Smart's dot the convention center.
-- In paint, two-tone treatments and traditional flames are popular this
year. But many builders have forgone fancy paint jobs in favor of vinyl wraps.
-- Color-matched wheels and excessive wheel lip are very popular this
year.
-- Mobile electronics: integrated navigation systems are coming on strong
SEMA stats:
-- 125,000 people will visit the show
-- 2,500 cars and trucks present
-- 2 million square feet of convention space
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