We weren't sure what to expect from the Greatest Car Show On Earth this year. After all, in the midst of the current economic downturn, the doomsday predictions had countless companies taking a sabbatical from the show, or just plain going belly up. We had heard rumors that the show was "50 percent smaller." Rather than listen to the industry buzz, we packed up our gear and made our yearly pilgrimage to Sin City to check out the latest automotive offering for ourselves. Lower Forty, possibly the coolest Jeep we've ever driven, was on display in the Mopar booth. Being six months removed from our time behind the wheel in the sand dunes of Moab didn't do anything to diminish our love for this working concept.Lower Forty, possibly the coolest Jeep we've ever driven, was on display in the Mopar boot Sure, it was smaller than in its peak years, but the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show was every bit as SEMA as we have come to expect. From celebrities and killer rides to the just plain wackiness of it all, we found that SEMA '09 didn't disappoint. Speaking of Lower Forty, Burnsville Off Road left its mark in the Teraflex booth, building for them a consumer version of the Lower Forty. Burnsville is serious about offering the parts, including the special hood/flares, so that any JK owner can build their JK as close to Lower Forty as possible. We'll try and get our hands on this special Jeep in a future issue.Speaking of Lower Forty, Burnsville Off Road left its mark in the Teraflex booth, building We checked out the coolest products to stuff into the pages of Four Wheeler, saw some buzzworthy rides, and sniffed out new trends that are ready to burst onto the scene. One of these trends, which we have been following closely for a couple years now, is the overland camping movement. Just about every 4x4 on the show floor boasted some sort of rooftop shelter or setups for self-sufficiency for those extended stays in the backcountry. It's one trend we can definitely get behind. Here are some of our favorite highlights from the show. Skyjacker's booth was full of new products, including several new items for the Wrangler JK and '09-and-later Ford F-150.Skyjacker's booth was full of new products, including several new items for the Wrangler J Mickey Thompson's booth had it going on, especially with 2009 TTC competitor Brett Jerome's buggy precariously perched dead-center for effect. This buggy was there to promote the new Mickey Thompson TTC Claw, which it used to wallop the TTC Tank Trap record last year.Mickey Thompson's booth had it going on, especially with 2009 TTC competitor Brett Jerome' One of the most incredible booths we visited at SEMA featured this Sportsmobile used by the Disabled Explorers organization. What these guys do is nothing short of amazing. They take wounded and/or disabled vets out to explore trail and experience backcountry adventure in this vehicle. Far from a standard Sportsmobile, this particular rig has been outfitted with the latest technology, including onboard cameras for self-spotting and equipment allowing a paraplegic adventurer to change his own flat tire. More information about this group can be found at www.disabledexplorers.com.One of the most incredible booths we visited at SEMA featured this Sportsmobile used by th It isn't too often that you find four legendary off- road racers standing together outside of the Baja Peninsula. From left to right: Robby Gordon, Chad Hall, Josh Hall, and Rod Hall.It isn't too often that you find four legendary off- road racers standing together outside Hummer has been hard at work letting people know that they are still alive and kicking. To help push the point across, they had a duo of concepts on display, including the H3 Moab. In addition to a solid Alpha-based foundation, the Moab features a 4-inch Rancho suspension lift, Gobi roof rack, and 35-inch BFG tires.Hummer has been hard at work letting people know that they are still alive and kicking. To Mad Mike from Galpin Auto Sports and the TV show "Pimp My Ride" is always good for a pose at SEMA.Mad Mike from Galpin Auto Sports and the TV show "Pimp My Ride" is always good for a pose As one of the first companies to offer overland-targeted products, ARB has been using its JK to show the capability of the Wrangler platform when equipped for overland adventure.As one of the first companies to offer overland-targeted products, ARB has been using its This definitely isn't a truck, but it is so cool, we just had to share. Other than classic good '34 looks, this three-window coupe is sporting Ford's new turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 engine which puts out 400 horsepower and 400lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. We approve.This definitely isn't a truck, but it is so cool, we just had to share. Other than classic We caught up with the storied Walker Evans on the show floor. This Land Rover Defender 110 has been converted to run biodiesel and was built with low environmental impact in mind. One of the goals of this rig is to complete an around the world overland expedition on entirely renewable fuel.This Land Rover Defender 110 has been converted to run biodiesel and was built with low en Here is what a Raptor on 37s would look like from the factory. The good news is that everything you see here that isn't stock is offered in the Ford Racing catalog, making this truck totally attainable.Here is what a Raptor on 37s would look like from the factory. The good news is that every Black Rock Wheels had this super-clean Defender 90 taunting us all week from their booth. It was wearing their new line of Street Lock steelies.Black Rock Wheels had this super-clean Defender 90 taunting us all week from their booth. No, we did not ask what it costs. All we can tell you is, "Do not rear end this twin-turbo'd Lambo."No, we did not ask what it costs. All we can tell you is, "Do not rear end this twin-turbo Land Use issues are again a hot-button issue. Here, Del Albright of the Blue Ribbon Coalition and Harry Baker of California Association of 4WD Clubs discuss the latest assault on off-highway recreation.Land Use issues are again a hot-button issue. Here, Del Albright of the Blue Ribbon Coalit Check out Icon's new CJ3B. Rebuilt from the ground up, the little Flatty now sports new frame, coilover suspension, Rubicon-based axles, and a GM Ecotec four-cylinder engine. We'd gladly offer up the Colonel for conversion.Check out Icon's new CJ3B. Rebuilt from the ground up, the little Flatty now sports new fr Ken Block's latest tool for hoonage is so wrong, it is awesome. This rally-spec Subaru STI is pumping out 400 horsepower through all four wheels-or we should say, tracks. Do yourself the favor of finding the video of it in action online.Ken Block's latest tool for hoonage is so wrong, it is awesome. This rally-spec Subaru STI Completely droolworthy. This 1967 FJ45 was built by BTB Products and features an Escalade 6.2L V-8 mated to a 4L80E transmission. High-pinion Dana axles, ARB Air Lockers, and an Atlas II round out this incredible package.Completely droolworthy. This 1967 FJ45 was built by BTB Products and features an Escalade Chip Foose made his SEMA rounds, spending time to sign autographs for fans. Toyota proudly displayed its Tacoma-based All-Terrain Gamer, a pickup truck that can take you to your favorite remote outdoors location so you and your buddies can play Xbox. We must be getting old, because we don't get it, either.Toyota proudly displayed its Tacoma-based All-Terrain Gamer, a pickup truck that can take Those who remembered Big Oly from the good 'ol days of Baja were sure to crack a smile at this awesome recreation in the Bilstein booth.Those who remembered Big Oly from the good 'ol days of Baja were sure to crack a smile at In yet another SEMA first, this JDM van is covered in leather. And no, those aren't sponsor stickers on the side, those logos are embroidered. We promised wacky....In yet another SEMA first, this JDM van is covered in leather. And no, those aren't sponso By Sean P. Holman Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
