SEMA and AAPEX are an annual trade show in Las Vegas where aftermarket manufacturers of all kinds showcase new things. Grade Auto Part participates every year, so we can continue to offer the latest and best things out there. While we spend most of our time at AAPEX, with half of the show devoted to more common stock replacement accessories, we also review SEMA, especially now that we’re expanding our accessories and display catalogs. These are some of the biggest news and most interesting new articles we saw this year.
Ford has released a race-spec version of its much-anticipated new Bronco and has confirmed that it will compete in the prestigious Baja 1000 off-road race that helped build the original Bronco’s reputation. We’re still awaiting the introduction of the production model, but the racing truck at least confirms that it will have a retro design inspired by first-generation models from the late 1960s. Power for the racing truck comes from the 2.7 EcoBoost V6 L, which is likely to be at least an option when it hits dealerships. A UAW production contract also appears to confirm aluminum body panels for the new Wrangler competitor. Currently, the street-legal Bronco is expected to debut in the spring.
Renowned electric car and truck maker Chevrolet has finally made an electric truck. Though rather than a production-ready concept, it’s a C10 pickup from the ’60s with a battery and two Bolt EV motors. Similar to last year’s e-Copo concept, Chevy is touting this engine as a “box engine”, where the engine and battery are a single assembly that bolts to the small-block V8 and uses the vehicle’s traditional automatic transmission. uses. Donor. . It’s not yet known whether it will be available through GM’s performance parts catalog, but they are promising a new electric Silverado sometime around 2023. We will believe it when we see it.
Mopar’s booth at SEMA this year showcased the new Challenger Drag Pak, a non-street legal drag racing exclusive that shares little in common with the street car on which it is based. It has a 354ci (5.8L) supercharged Hemi V8 engine that produces “at least 1500 horsepower” mated to a 3-speed automatic with a manual valve body. The Mercedes-derived independent rear suspension is replaced by a solid 9″ rear axle which should be slightly better. The quarter-mile time hasn’t been released yet, but if it doesn’t beat the previous model’s time of 7.60 seconds The Challenger Drag Pak competes with the Mustang Cobra Jet and COPO Camaro in the NHRA Super Stock Class, though with production limited to 50, a more likely destination for these to be purchased by collectors, and Until Barrett will never be seen again. -Jackson. In 2053.
Active Aero Aftermarket
With the Detroit Big 3 making all the major headlines, it’s easy to forget that SEMA and AAPEX are supposed to show new developments for the latter companies. One of the most exciting new features at this year’s show is Victor Racing’s active rear wing that can be added to any car with no effort. An accelerometer built into the wing control box can indicate when the car is braking and tilt the wing upwards to act as an air brake. When that same accelerometer detects that the car is accelerating, the wing moves down to reduce drag. Really cool race car technology that anyone can now screw into their Civic!