2007 SEMA Vehicle Design AwardsToday the 2007 SEMA Vehicle Design Awards were presented to two Trucks and one SUV. The Toyota Tundra took top honors in the Truck category. The Jeep Wrangler won in the SUV category. In the Hybrid vehicle category Chevrolet won with their Silverado Classic. This is the first full-size production pickup to utilize hybrid technology. These awards are presented to the most accessory-friendly vehicles.
The newly designed 2007 Toyota Tundra is going to be a great truck to customize. Toyota has a Tundra set up like a Pre-Runner in their both this year. The colors of the truck are in the spirit of the race truck that brought Toyota multiple Baja 500 and Baja 1000 Championships – driven by the one and only Ivan “Ironman” Stewart.
From the look of things, the votes are right on the money. The new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is everywhere at the SEMA show. The automotive aftermarket has already developed suspension kits, soft-tops, bumpers, lights—you name it. The 4-door Jeep JK seems to be the extra popular one with the Off-Road parts and accessories at this years SEMA show. It’s a beautiful design, and looks very “Macho” once you give it a lift, bigger wheels and meaty tires.
As for the Hybrid Chevy Silverado, we’ll have to wait and see how this truck does. No word on a 4x4 version in the near future. Yamaha Rhinos at SEMA
No one can truly explain this phenomenon, but it has definitely taken the Off-Road Nation by storm. The Yamaha Rhino has become one of the hottest toys to have, and there are plenty here at the SEMA show this year. Many of the same manufacturers that make off-road parts for your Jeeps and Trucks are also making performance parts for the Rhino. Some of cross-over is due to the appeal these fun Side-by-Side vehicles have to offer. Among some of the more popular after market modifications are long-travel suspension, HID lights, larger wheels and tires. The money that is being spent on these big boy toys is amazing. Call it what you will, the Rhinos have made their presence felt at this years SEMA show. Look out Tickle-me Elmo, there’s a new hot toy this holiday season. DIRTsports Project Elf
The DIRTsports Project Elf is in the EMPI booth at SEMA this year. EMPI is one of the largest Volkswagen performance parts manufacturers, and also a major contributor to the build and race efforts that will help raise funds for Cure Autism Now (CAN). The DIRTsports EMPI Elf will be racing in class 11 at the Baja 1000 in less than two weeks. We will be following the Elf during the race to report back progress during our LIVE coverage of the 2006 SCORE Tecate Baja 1000. For every mile the car completes of the race, money will be accumulated from pledges made for CAN. For more information on the DIRTsports Elf car or to pledge please visit the Project Elf website or www.bajacharityrun.com GIRLS of SEMA
Today we had the opportunity to meet two very nice ladies that happen to be involved with some pretty hard-core off-road companies. We ran into them outside at the Truck Trends proving grounds sponsored by Toyota.
There was plenty of action at the rock-crawling course that is part of the proving grounds. We walked around the play pen with our jaws dropped due to the colossal display of kick-ass Off-Road Trucks and Rock Crawlers. What an amazing experience—the smell of race fuel, screeching tires, revving engines, and of course...beautiful girls. WOW!
We’ll be back tomorrow with more off-road vehicles, the latest products for your Truck/SUV, and more Girls of SEMA. Make sure to check out the 2006 SEMA photo gallery for more...
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