2012 SEMA Show - It Happened In Vegas

129 1303 01 It Happened In Vegas 2012 Sema Show People Walking Around Sema

It doesn’t matter how many times we attend the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, we’re always astonished by the sheer size and scope of this automotive event. Quite simply, it’s a fascinating, gargantuan happening that has no equal.

Now for those of you who have no idea what the SEMA Show is, or why you should care, we’ll tell you. The SEMA Show is a four-day show that began in 1967 and it’s held annually by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). SEMA is an organization that is involved in a variety of aftermarket areas and the organization works diligently to protect your rights to drive accessorized, customized, and vintage vehicles. We think you’ll agree that’s a very important mission. The SEMA Show is an industry-only trade show where manufacturers (the vast majority of which are SEMA members) exhibit their latest offerings to international and domestic buyers (more than 60,000 of ‘em this year), distributors, and the press.

One of the most talked about vehicles at the show was in the Optima booth. It’s an ICON ’65 Dodge D200 that’s sitting on an ’06 Dodge 3500 chassis. It’s part of ICON’s Reformer line, which are quality restorations on modern chassis engineering. The truck has a modified Cummins turbodiesel engine that is said to spew approximately 440 horsepower and a dyno-proven 975 lb-ft of torque. ICON’s Reformer line is built to be driven, and this truck will eventually end up in the hands of its new owner on a working Wyoming ranch.

One of the most talked about vehicles at the show was in the Optima booth. It’s an ICON ’6

The 2012 SEMA Show featured 12 themed sections including, but not limited to, Tools and Equipment; Mobile Electronics; Wheels and Accessories; and Trucks SUVs and Off-Road. The show also featured a huge New Products Showcase, packed with over 2,000 newly introduced parts, tools, and components (you can read about some of those new products elsewhere in this issue). There were also demos, seminars, celebrity appearances, and special events. Oh, and of course there were hundreds of display vehicles that ran the gamut from trail-ready to chrome-slathered.

Couldn’t be there? No worries. We’ve assembled a huge collection of rigs as well as scenes from the SEMA Show to keep you up to speed.

What Is the “Hottest Truck” and “Hottest 4x4-SUV?”

129 1303 03 It Happened In Vegas 2012 Sema Show Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper

Mopar trotted out the Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper, and it was designed to showcase Mopar’s new portfolio of hardcore Jeep performance parts. Among other things, this rig is equipped with a 5.7L Hemi conversion kit, portal axles, prototype 8-lug beadlock wheels, prototype full-length underbody skidplate, and 42-inch tires. Do you hear it calling your name?

Mopar trotted out the Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper, and it was designed to showcase Mopar’s

For the past three years SEMA looked at the vehicles that SEMA Show exhibitors showcase to determine the SEMA Award for top trending vehicles. Two of the four awards are of interest to truck and 4x4 fans. This year, the award for “Hottest Truck” went to the Ford F-Series and the award for “Hottest 4x4-SUV” went to the Jeep Wrangler. For the record, these two vehicles are undefeated in their respective categories since the SEMA Award was introduced.

Power to the people. This is the Hemi-powered Power Ram as found at the Mopar booth. This Ram 1500-based machine has a 3-inch suspension lift, cold air intake, after-cat exhaust, tonneau cover, Bed Step, and a spray-in bedliner, among other things. Oh, and special graphics. But you probably already know that.
Power to the people. This is the Hemi-powered Power Ram as found at the Mopar booth. This
Yep, this’ll work. It was at the Falken Tire booth and it’s called the JK Recon. It was fitted with 37-inch Falken WildPeak A/T tires; a pair of ARB-locked, 5.38-geared, Dynatrac ProRock 60 axles; Off Road Evolution Double ThrowDown front suspension; Off Road Evolution Double ThrowDown EVOLever rear suspension; and a slew of cool bodywork.
Yep, this’ll work. It was at the Falken Tire booth and it’s called the JK Recon. It was fi
Nineteen inches of 3rd Coast Suspension IFS lift was the first thing SEMA attendees saw when they exited the escalator to the upper South Hall. The truck is called Encore and it was built by Complete Customs from a concept by KEG Media.
Nineteen inches of 3rd Coast Suspension IFS lift was the first thing SEMA attendees saw wh

Superwinch had this Lockheed Martin Squad Mission Support System (SMSS) vehicle at its booth. This 3,800-pound machine has a payload of 1,200 pounds and it’s the largest autonomous ground vehicle ever deployed with U.S. forces. Quite simply, it’s a giant remote-control vehicle. And it’s fitted with a Superwinch winch.
Superwinch had this Lockheed Martin Squad Mission Support System (SMSS) vehicle at its boo
Mickey Thompson Tires displayed this X-Treme Toyz-built ’07 Wrangler that features Mickey Thompson’s new Mickey Metal Series wheels on new ATZ P3 tires. Among other things, the Jeep has a BDS long-arm suspension with Fox 2.0 shocks; Superior 5.13 gears; chromoly axleshafts; Off Road Evolution Dana 30 C-Gusset Reinforcement Kit; and DBA Survival slotted brake rotors.
Mickey Thompson Tires displayed this X-Treme Toyz-built ’07 Wrangler that features Mickey
Over in the Off-Road Success Center presented by Omix-Ada and Rugged Ridge, this ’44 Willys Special Air Service (SAS) Jeep was holding down the carpet. This amazing machine is owned by Mark A. Smith of Jeep Jamboree USA fame. Used for nontraditional warfare, these vehicles were stripped of all excess metal to reduce its weight, which allowed for more cargo (and gun) carrying capacity.
Over in the Off-Road Success Center presented by Omix-Ada and Rugged Ridge, this ’44 Willy

This wolf in sheep’s clothing was located in the BDS Suspension booth. The unassuming Lamborghini Reventon Matte Gray vinyl wrap is in direct contrast to the heavily modified 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel that makes 634 horsepower and 1,482 lb-ft of torque. On top of that (or under, technically) is a BDS 8-inch long-arm suspension with a trio of Fox 2.0 shocks up front and a duo of Fox 2.0 shocks out back.
This wolf in sheep’s clothing was located in the BDS Suspension booth. The unassuming Lamb
Superlift Supension trotted out its newest creation and it features a 6.1L Hemi V-8 engine, Dynatrac axles with AxleTech portal ends, and a Superlift 4-inch suspension lift, among other things. In case you’re wondering, that’s PPG Viper Race Yellow paint.
Superlift Supension trotted out its newest creation and it features a 6.1L Hemi V-8 engine
This Toyota Hilux pickup made us giddy. It was parked in the South Hall and it’s powered by a 3.0L turbodiesel. This rolling coolness sports aftermarket parts from companies like Pro Comp and Smittybilt. SEMA says that more than 14 million Toyota HiLux pickups have been sold worldwide. Um, when does the U.S. get this truck?
This Toyota Hilux pickup made us giddy. It was parked in the South Hall and it’s powered b

Speaking of the Toyota Hilux, this is another turbodiesel-equipped truck that was at the Special Operations Vehicles booth. It may look mostly stock, but this machine has battle-ready mods like an armor package; run flat tires; and Command, Control, Computer, Communication (C4) integration. Drool.
Speaking of the Toyota Hilux, this is another turbodiesel-equipped truck that was at the S
VWerks displayed the cool Ram Baja KTS. Major components include a 14-inch-travel KORE Tactical Series suspension, 3-inch-diameter internal-bypass Fox shocks, high-angle forged tie rods, Race Series control arms, rebuildable high-angle ball joints, heavy-duty axle package with 10-inch ring gear, 4.56 gears, KTS Tactical front bumper, fiberglass KTS Baja fenders, and 35-inch BFG’s.
VWerks displayed the cool Ram Baja KTS. Major components include a 14-inch-travel KORE Tac
There’s usually nothing docile about the 4x4s in the Ford booth and this year was no exception. This Power Stroke-equipped ’12 F-250 has an adjustable 8 to 10-inch Kelderman air spring lift, Sway-A-Way remote-reservoir shocks, 40-inch Toyo Open Country M/T tires, and T.I.S. Monster Energy Edition 22-inch wheels.
There’s usually nothing docile about the 4x4s in the Ford booth and this year was no excep

Covered in Warrior Products’ accessories as well as a custom black and red digital camouflage vinyl wrap, this “Recoiled” YJ was on display at Warrior’s booth. The front coil spring conversion kit is a prototype. Round springs and square headlights anyone?
Covered in Warrior Products’ accessories as well as a custom black and red digital camoufl
This delightfully basic, matte-finished GM truck was parked outside. Is it wrong to like this truck? If it is, we don’t want to be right.
This delightfully basic, matte-finished GM truck was parked outside. Is it wrong to like t
Zombies after you? Whatever. This is the Survivor Truck and its sheer size will terrify them. The trucks features include an armored command center; water purification and storage capability; a solar power generator; 360-degree video, audio, and thermal imaging; a full communications network; and a sniper platform. Did we mention the sniper platform?
Zombies after you? Whatever. This is the Survivor Truck and its sheer size will terrify th

Have you been shot at lately? If so, you may want the Russian-built Kombat T-98. The manufacturer says that it’s the only armored SUV in the world that provides military grade protection while offering a top speed of 110 mph. It’s GM-based and available in several body styles with either 6.0L gasoline or 6.6L Duramax turbodiesel power. Base price, only $248,000.
Have you been shot at lately? If so, you may want the Russian-built Kombat T-98. The manuf
This four-wheel drive, diesel-powered, Fuso Canter-based motorhome is designed for rugged international travel. This machine sleeps four and is a one-off made by All Terrain Warriors USA. It will go into production, but will be on a four-door Fuso chassis. Great for the Sahara, or your local KOA.
This four-wheel drive, diesel-powered, Fuso Canter-based motorhome is designed for rugged
The new battery-powered Bigfoot 20 made its debut at the Odyssey Battery booth. This truck is powered by a hand-built DC motor that makes 800 lb-ft of direct drive torque. It’s fed by a 30-battery, 360-volt PowerPack System with variable speed programmable speed controller. Six batteries feed the electric steering and brake pump systems. During testing the truck ran for over 20 minutes without losing any power. Leave your earplugs at home.
The new battery-powered Bigfoot 20 made its debut at the Odyssey Battery booth. This truck

129 1303 22 It Happened In Vegas 2012 Sema Show Lisa Kelly

Celebrities at SEMA
SEMA has a reputation for drawing big name celebrities. Some are just wandering around, checking out the show, while others are brought in to appear in booths for autograph signings. This year we ran into Lisa Kelly of “Ice Road Truckers” and “The World’s Deadliest Roads” fame. She was at the Lightforce booth. We had the chance to chat with her for a bit and we learned that in addition to driving her semi, horses, and dirt bikes, she’s often behind the wheel of her 6-inch-lifted ’04 Chevy 2500 pickup.