Highlights From The 2010 SEMA Show

129 1105 Highlights From The 2010 Sema Show Outside Sema Show

The astonishing 2010 SEMA Show drew over 100,000 industry professionals and 1,900 exhibitors to Las Vegas, Nevada, this past November. The result? It was four full days of internal combustion-based insanity on a major level.

If you're not familiar with the SEMA Show, here are the basics. SEMA is an acronym for Specialty Equipment Market Association. SEMA is involved in a number of areas, but perhaps most importantly, they work hard to protect consumers' rights to drive accessorized, customized and vintage vehicles. And that, as we all know, is an important mission statement to us modification-minded wheelers. How does this translate to a gargantuan show in Vegas? Well, its SEMA's annual industry-only trade show, where manufacturers exhibit their latest offerings to buyers, distributors and the press. It's a collection of almost everything automotive with a healthy serving of dazzle that's befitting glittery Las Vegas.

SEMA works hard to keep the show fresh and exciting for its worldwide clientele. One of the things they rolled out this year was the inaugural SEMA Award, which recognized the "hottest" vehicles at the show. This award was open to vehicles that were new or significantly redesigned, which incorporated new technology and was involved in one or more SEMA OEM programs. The winning vehicles were those that were most prevalent in exhibitor booths. Of the three SEMA Award winners, two are of interest to us in the wheeling world. The Ford F-Series was crowned "Hottest Truck" and the Jeep Wrangler was crowned "Hottest 4x4 SUV." SEMA integrated automotive enthusiasts into the award by asking them to vote on SEMA's Facebook site prior to the show for the vehicle they thought would win. Called the SEMA Challenge, the grand prize winner, John Petriella, of Parker, Colorado, won a VIP trip for two to the 2011 SEMA Show.

Walking the aisles of SEMA is a fascinating experience, and no matter how many times we attend, we're always struck by the sheer volume of things to look at. From amazing new products, to wild four-wheel drive rigs, to a steady stream of celebrities, SEMA has it all. Here are some of the highlights from the 2010 show.

American Expedition Vehicles displayed this beautiful, chrome-free, Hemi-powered JK Unlimited. It sported a variety of AEV products including their front winch bumper with tow points and factory fog light ports; high-speed, flutter-resistant steel heat reduction hood; multifunction ProCal module; polyethylene snorkel; steel corner guards; and rear bumper/tire carrier with 40-inch tire, tool, and dual 4-gallon water tank capability.
American Expedition Vehicles displayed this beautiful, chrome-free, Hemi-powered JK Unlimi
Skyjacker Suspension had this in-your-face 2011 F-350 Crew Cab on display at the Ford booth. It had 8 1/2 inches of lift and was rolling on 39.5-inch Interco IROK tires on 20-inch KMC wheels. The Power Stroke diesel was enhanced with a MagnaFlow Performance Series exhaust and the axles were regeared with Superior 4.88:1 cogs. The exterior sported items from Fab Fours, Bushwacker, and Warn.
Skyjacker Suspension had this in-your-face 2011 F-350 Crew Cab on display at the Ford boot
This chrome-free rig (are you noticing a trend here?) was at the Falken Tire booth. It's a vinyl-wrapped '11 Toyota Tundra, with a surprise nested under the front of the vehicle. That surprise is a Dynatrac Dana 60 solid axle. (Just looks natural under there, doesn't it?) The suspension is also impressive, featuring King coilovers and shocks. The O.R.E.-built truck rolls on Falken WildPeak A/T tires mounted on Walker Evans wheels. Other major mods include Expedition One bumpers and nerf bars; a Warn winch; and MagnaFlow exhaust.
This chrome-free rig (are you noticing a trend here?) was at the Falken Tire booth. It's a

Another chrome-free rig, this eye-catching, Duramax-powered '11 Chevy 2500HD was built by the team at Tri County Motor Worx. They tell us it was built as a chase vehicle for Lucas Oil-sponsored UTVs. Major components include a CST suspension lift, Winch Ready bumpers, Smittybilt XRC 12 winch, Bushwacker fender flares, Walker Evans wheels with OMF Performance wheels simulated beadlocks, General Tire 35-inch Grabbers, N-Fab nerf bars, and Rigid Industries LED lighting.
Another chrome-free rig, this eye-catching, Duramax-powered '11 Chevy 2500HD was built by
The folks at Mickey Thompson Tires created this '11 F-150 SuperCrew, and it was in the Ford booth. The 5.0L-powered rig sported some way cool mods, not the least of which was the new LT315/70R17 Mickey Thompson Baja Claw TTC tires. Also of interest: an AFE custom through-fender exhaust, Fabtech 6-inch suspension system with Dirt Logic shocks, Fab Fours bumpers, a duo of Warn winches, and PIAA lighting.
The folks at Mickey Thompson Tires created this '11 F-150 SuperCrew, and it was in the For
Looking like it's ready for the apocalypse was this F-150 in the Rolling Big Power booth. Custom bodywork and a matte finish set off the wide range of bolt-ons to create an all-business truck.
Looking like it's ready for the apocalypse was this F-150 in the Rolling Big Power booth.

Ford had not one, but two classic Broncos in their booth. Booth space at SEMA is like gold, so we can't help but wonder if they were there to gauge consumer reaction. Is a retro Bronco in the works? Better yet, a Raptor-like SVT retro Bronco? (We're just thinking aloud here, so don't get excited) Anyway, this was one of the two. It's a 1973 Special Edition Bill Stroppe Baja Bronco that sold new for $5,566.
Ford had not one, but two classic Broncos in their booth. Booth space at SEMA is like gold
The other Bronco on display in the Ford booth was this immaculately restored 1970 model. It has a Ford Racing 302ci crate engine and an interesting history. Seems it was driven by Edsel B. Ford II and sons.
The other Bronco on display in the Ford booth was this immaculately restored 1970 model. I
A vehicle that gathered a lot of attention was this JK Unlimited at the Superlift Suspension booth. It was sporting a pair of prototype Dynatrac portal axles. The rig rolled on 42-inch Interco IROKs on Stazworks wheels. Some of its many other mods include an Off Camber Fabrications roof rack and bumpers; KC lights; a Volant snorkel and intake; ARB Air Lockers; and many Smittybilt components.
A vehicle that gathered a lot of attention was this JK Unlimited at the Superlift Suspensi

This is the Toyota Sportsman. It's based on the 2011 Tundra Double Cab with TRD Rock Warrior Package, and you can guess which booth it was in. This rig is incredible. It's set up for backcountry camping and/or hunting with stuff like rifle and pistol storage, roof top deck, food preparation area, and camping accessory storage. The truck has a 3-inch suspension lift, high-exit exhaust (to improve water crossing capability), custom air intake and snorkel, custom front "bull bar," ATX Teflon-coated wheels, and 33-inch Nitto Mud Grappler tires.
This is the Toyota Sportsman. It's based on the 2011 Tundra Double Cab with TRD Rock Warri
Also in the Toyota booth was our own Project 4Runner Backcountry. It's a 2010 4Runner Trail that's all set up for extended forays into the middle of nowhere. An Old Man Emu suspension lift, Falken WildPeak A/T tires, ATX wheels, front ARB Air Locker, Warn winch, ARB front bumper, KC lights, ARB roof rack and rooftop tent, 13-gallon water tank, EVO Manufacturing tire carrier and rock sliders are but some of the many mods that make this rig a serious player in the backcountry. You can see the latest episode of our ongoing build project on page 82 of this month's issue.
Also in the Toyota booth was our own Project 4Runner Backcountry. It's a 2010 4Runner Trai
Alex Debogorski of "Ice Road Truckers" wouldn't leave us alone until we gave him some winter driving tips. Um, right. Actually, he was signing autographs at the Qualitex Seating booth and being the amicable person that he is, was kind enough to chat with us for a bit.
Alex Debogorski of "Ice Road Truckers" wouldn't leave us alone until we gave him some wint

We had to get in to the show in the wee hours of the morning to get a shot of this JK when it wasn't surrounded by gawkers. This unique rig has a long list of mods that include a pair of eight-lug axles by Atomic Axle, Teraflex 6-inch long-arm lift, AEV hood, N-Fab light bar, Offroad Evolution armor, Warrior tube doors, Smittybilt XRC 10 winch, MagnaFlow exhaust and, um, 24-inch wheels.
We had to get in to the show in the wee hours of the morning to get a shot of this JK when
We love a functional fullsize truck, and this attention grabber was located in the GM booth. It's called the "Derecho" Carbon Edition by LDRSHIP Designs. It was loaded with aftermarket items like body panels, bumpers, suspension lift, and lighting. It rolled on General tires.
We love a functional fullsize truck, and this attention grabber was located in the GM boot
Hunt much? If you do, you'll appreciate this '10 Wrangler Unlimited that was built by the team at Xtreme Outfitters. It has 12 gun racks and 2 bow racks, and some ingeniously-designed seating. All of the fabricated units are made in a modular fashion so they can be removed if repair is needed and they're mounted to the frame of the Jeep to insure rigidity. Features also include LED lighting on all steps, running boards, and the front deck. Air bags help compensate for gear and passengers. The Jeep rolls on 33-inch Toyo Open Country M/T tires mounted on Mickey Thompson wheels.
Hunt much? If you do, you'll appreciate this '10 Wrangler Unlimited that was built by the

A functional work truck is a beautiful thing. This Super Duty was built by the folks at Ranch Hand and it features a collection of work-centric goodies that could make a workin' man teary-eyed with joy. We're talkin' a Ranch Hand toolbox, headache rack, steps, and bumpers. It rolled on Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ tires on Dick Cepek wheels and also had a Reese Elite Series gooseneck hitch, Weather Tech floor liners, and Bushwacker flares.
A functional work truck is a beautiful thing. This Super Duty was built by the folks at Ra
There were a few Ford Raptors at the show like this one by Xtreme Outfitters. Its unique features included a ProCharger-equipped 5.4L engine, Frontier Truck Gear bumpers, Warn PowerPlant winch, Truxxx suspension lift, HID lighting, MagnaFlow exhaust and Toyo Open Country M/T tires.
There were a few Ford Raptors at the show like this one by Xtreme Outfitters. Its unique f
Remember the RamRunner we told you about back in the August '10 issue? It was in the Chrysler booth, and true to its very nature, it was covered in mud. It's worth noting that all of the components to create your very own RamRunner are now available from Chrysler and Mopar.
Remember the RamRunner we told you about back in the August '10 issue? It was in the Chrys

Billy Bretherton, star of "Billy the Exterminator," was signing autographs at the Skyjacker Suspension booth. Naturally, we had to stop by and say hi, along with a few thousand other people.
Billy Bretherton, star of "Billy the Exterminator," was signing autographs at the Skyjacke
There were some amazing classics at the show and this '77 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 was one of 'em. It oozed classicness (we just made that word up) but was loaded with modern touches like a GM Ram Jet 350 engine. Look for a full feature on this rig in an upcoming issue.
There were some amazing classics at the show and this '77 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 was one
This is the Zero South hybrid-electric vehicle. It was unveiled at the show and the body was raised so showgoers could see the unique drivetrain that included a Steyr turbodiesel, Electrovaya lithium HEV battery packs, UQM Technologies electric drive motors, and Mattracks tracks. It's planned that this vehicle will drive the 1,024 miles from McMurdo Station to Amundson-Scott South Pole Base in 12 days using zero fossil fuels. The planned arrival date is December 17, 2011.
This is the Zero South hybrid-electric vehicle. It was unveiled at the show and the body w