SEMA 2017: A Showcase of the Wildest Automotive Innovations

SEMA 2017: A Showcase of the Wildest Automotive Innovations

The SEMA show is one of the most significant automotive events in the world, with participants from all corners of the industry showcasing their wildest and most innovative vehicles. The SEMA 2017 event was no exception, and it featured some of the most exceptional and unique vehicles ever seen. From muscle cars to supercars, trucks to SUVs, there was something for everyone at this year's event. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most impressive vehicles featured at the SEMA 2017 show.

Ken Block's Hoonicorn V2 Mustang Takes the Spotlight at SEMA 2017

 Ken Block's 1965 Ford Mustang with custom widebody kit, twin-turbocharged Roush Yates V8 engine, and unique livery, performing a drift.

The Hoonicorn Mustang, built by Ken Block and his team at Hoonigan Racing Division, is a legendary vehicle that has taken the automotive world by storm. This iconic 1965 Ford Mustang has undergone extensive modifications, featuring a custom twin-turbocharged Roush Yates V8 engine that produces over 1,400 horsepower. The Hoonicorn also boasts a bespoke all-wheel drive system and custom suspension with fully adjustable control arms, spindles, and sway bars. The exterior of the car has been heavily modified with a custom widebody kit that includes carbon fiber body panels, a massive rear wing, and a custom splitter. The Hoonicorn's modifications don't stop there; it also features Forgeline wheels wrapped in Toyo Tires, Brembo brakes, and a custom Magnaflow exhaust system. With its unique features, the Hoonicorn Mustang has gained massive popularity through Ken Block's Gymkhana video series, where the car is seen drifting and performing stunts in various locations around the world.

Hoonigan's dedication to producing high-performance and unique vehicles has made them a leader in the automotive world. The Hoonicorn Mustang is a perfect example of their passion for pushing boundaries and creating something truly special. This car has been featured prominently at events like SEMA, where it drew crowds of enthusiasts and inspired many other builds. Its success has also been driven by Hoonigan's focus on creating content that engages automotive enthusiasts across the globe. The Hoonicorn Mustang is a standout vehicle that has helped to elevate the Hoonigan brand to new heights, inspiring a new generation of automotive enthusiasts to create their own unique builds. With its powerful engine, bespoke all-wheel drive system, and impressive exterior modifications, the Hoonicorn Mustang is a truly unique and remarkable vehicle that will continue to captivate automotive enthusiasts for years to come.

 Twerkstallion: The Transformative Hoonigan RX-7 

 

The Hoonigan/Hertrech RX-7 was a standout at the ENEOS SEMA 2017 booth. This 1992 Mazda RX-7, also known as Twerkstallion, belongs to Hert Eugene Jr, who has owned it for over five years. The RX-7 has undergone multiple transformations, including five different paint jobs and liveries. It has swapped its original Wankel Rotary engine for a Chevy LS1 V8 and then a turbocharged engine, before returning to the current bridge-ported 13B Rotary with Garrett GTX35r turbocharger.

The car's technical specifications include a Mazda 13B Rotary engine, bridge-ported by Angel Motorsports, Honeywell Garrett GT35r turbo, Haltech ECU, Mishimoto coolers, and Vibrant hardware. The car is also equipped with a Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission with Quicktime Adapter bellhousing, BC Racing DS Series coilovers, Work VS-KF wheels with Falken RT615k+ tires, a BN Sport body kit, Big Country Labs rear wing, Factory83 graphics, and Sparco racing seats with RacePak digital display.

 

STREETFIGHTER LA: The Ambitious Auto Performance Tech Company

3/4 view of modified E36 BMW 3 Series with wide-body kit and Nissan RB26 engine swap. Engine bay showing RB26 engine with aftermarket modifications including turbocharger, intercooler, and custom intake and exhaust systems

The STREETFIGHTER LA BMW is a modified E36 3 Series that has undergone significant changes, including a wide-body kit that sets it apart from the original design. The vehicle is equipped with a powerful Nissan RB26 motor used in the Nissan Skyline GT-R, which replaces the original engine. STREETFIGHTER LA is a performance tech company based in Los Angeles, California, that has built a reputation for producing high-quality wide body kits and aero pieces that offer both style and function. The company was founded by Lee Coleman and his son Dylan Coleman, who share a passion for creating unique and visually stunning vehicles. STREETFIGHTER LA's wide body kits are designed with professional drifting and track functionality in mind, and they are made from a special blend of Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) that offers both strength and flexibility. The company has gained recognition in the industry, partnering with major brands such as Hoonigan, Mopar, Toyo Tires, and CSF. Their builds have been featured in numerous publications, and they have collaborated with professional Motorsport drivers on various drifting and racing vehicles. STREETFIGHTER LA's dedication to innovation and pushing boundaries is evident in their ambitious builds, including a Tesla-powered RWB 911 and an E46 M3 with a Supercharged 6.4L Mopar Hemi V8, which have garnered attention and praise from enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.

 

The Exhilarating Ford GT Heritage Edition

Stunning Ford GT Heritage Edition in Gulf Oil livery, a tribute to the iconic GT40 that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in '68 and '69. Equipped with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine producing 647 horsepower and reaching a top speed of 216 mph. High-performance features include active aerodynamics, carbon fiber wheels, and a track-tuned suspension.

The Ford GT Heritage Edition was one of the most beautiful cars at the SEMA 2017 show, with its stunning Gulf Oil livery paying homage to the legendary GT40 that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1968 and 1969. This supercar is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that delivers 647 horsepower and can reach a top speed of 216 mph. The GT Heritage Edition also features a range of high-performance parts and technologies, including active aerodynamics, carbon fiber wheels, and a track-tuned suspension.

The Eye-Catching Jeep Wrangler CJ66 Concept

A photo of the Jeep Wrangler CJ66 Concept, a customized off-road vehicle with a mix of classic and modern design elements. It features a black and silver color scheme, large off-road tires, and various aftermarket parts and accessories.

The Jeep Wrangler CJ66 Concept was one of the most impressive vehicles at the SEMA 2017 show, with its unique blend of classic and modern design elements. This off-road beast is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that delivers 383 horsepower and features a range of high-performance parts and accessories, including Dana 44 front and rear axles, a four-inch lift kit, and a set of massive 35-inch tires. The CJ66 Concept also features a custom-built frame, a bespoke interior, and a range of unique styling cues that pay homage to classic Jeep models.

The Panda WRX with an RB26DETT Heart Transplant

A white Subaru WRX with a Nissan Skyline GT-R engine swap, dubbed the "Panda WRX," showcased at the SEMA 2017 show. The car features a black and white exterior with carbon fiber accents, and a front-mid-mounted RB26DETT engine.

One of the most attention-grabbing cars at #SEMA was the Panda WRX, a Subaru WRX with a Nissan Skyline GT-R engine swap. The owner has aptly named it the Panda WRX due to its black and white color scheme. The RB26DETT heart transplant brings more than just two extra cylinders; it completely changes the front-end setup of the car. The front-mid-mounted configuration of the straight-six engine results in better weight distribution, which may have helped overcome the understeer issues that the original WRX was known for.

The Mind-Blowing Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, a red muscle car. The car has a sleek and sporty design, with a wide and low profile, large wheels, and black accents.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was one of the most anticipated vehicles at the SEMA 2017 show, and it did not disappoint. This muscle car is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers a staggering 840 horsepower, making it the most powerful production car ever made. The Demon also features an array of high-performance parts and accessories, including a racing suspension, drag radial tires, and a special "drag mode" that optimizes the car for quarter-mile racing.

"Baller Hauler" and AE86 Corolla

 The Baller Hauler is a customized Isuzu NPR box truck that has been transformed to haul a 1986 Toyota Corolla AE86. The Corolla has been modified with a 3S-GE BEAMS engine and Alteeza gearbox, as well as steel aero components. The Isuzu has been updated with an LS-based Vortec 6000 V8 engine, air bag suspension, and a custom hydraulically operated tilt deck with remote winch. Both vehicles have been customized with hand-made fender flares and other custom-fabricated bits. The owner, Miles Shinneman, is a fabricator and has a passion for customizing his rides.

 Miles Shinneman's approach to customizing his rides goes beyond just adding aftermarket parts or paint. He turned an Isuzu NPR box truck into a visually striking ramp truck, customizing all the aero from steel and chopping down the doors and cab. He did the same with the Corolla-hauler, replacing the carbureted engine with a 3S-GE BEAMS engine and Alteeza gearbox, and custom-fabricating all of the aero from steel. Both vehicles also feature engine swaps and suspension upgrades, making them high-performing machines. Miles' passion for fabrication and customization led him to create unique and impressive vehicles that stand out from the crowd.

Conclusion

The #SEMA 2017 show was an incredible event that showcased some of the wildest and most innovative vehicles in the automotive industry. From high-performance supercars to off-road beasts, there was something for everyone at this year's show. The Koenigsegg Agera RS Gryphon, Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, Ford GT Heritage Edition, Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6, Jeep Wrangler CJ66 Concept, Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder, and Porsche 911 GT2 RS were just a few of the standout vehicles at the show. It's clear that the automotive industry is pushing the boundaries of what's possible, and we can't wait to see what innovations will be showcased at future #SEMA events.

Back to blog

Leave a comment