Top five picks from SEMA show 2016
If the purpose of auto shows, like the one in Los Angeles next week, is to showcase products coming to market and concepts, then the annual Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) event in Las Vegas is designed to shock and awe. The 2017 iteration just wrapped up recently showcasing lots of fast and/or wild utility vehicles as well as the staple sports cars, including the few we’ve handpicked below.
Toyota Extreme Sienna
Everyone’s favourite import van goes low, loud and wide with the introduction of the Extreme Sienna. Toyota enlisted the help of a professional hot rod builder for the project that features a carbon fibre wide body kit, TRD big brake kit, dual exhaust system, air suspension and big wheels wrapped in sticky rubber. Inside, there’s a home theatre system and refrigerator. Most vehicle functions can be controlled using an iPad.
Hyundai Santa-Fast
It’s not related to Christmas, besides the fact that any car enthusiast would love to find one of these underneath the tree. This joint venture with Bisimoto Engineering is a 1,040-horsepower drive Santa Fe crossover running a turbocharged 3.8-liter Lambda V6 engine powering the rear wheels. The automatic transmission has been swapped out for a six-speed Genesis R-Spec unit.
Mazda MX-5 RF Kuro
The hardtop-equipped Miata, the RF, goes on sale next year. But before then, Mazda North American Operations revealed a concept infused with parts from the MX-5 Global Cup racecar such as adjustable suspension, Brembo brakes and RAYS 17-inch lightweight aluminum wheels. The exterior is sprayed in a semi-matte Satin Black Metallic paint colour providing a purposeful stealth look.
Lexus LC 500
Considering the LC 500 sport coupe isn’t even for sale yet, it’s not much of a stretch for Lexus to say the one displayed at SEMA was the world’s first modified example. Tuned by Beyond Marketing, the car wears a custom bodykit and rear spoiler, 22-inch HRE wheels and houses a 5.6-litre — increased from 5.0 litres — naturally aspirated engine producing 525 horsepower.
BMW M3
Each year, BMW has an assortment of models at its booth highlighting new performance parts customers can order for their own vehicles. The German automaker focused heavily on the M3 this time around, world-premiering a fully top to bottom carbon fibre M Performance rear wing, part of an effort to bring motorsports aerodynamics to the street. An adjustable coilover suspension setup, a titanium exhaust system and concept 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels will also soon be available.
