There are a lot of eyes on America this week for obvious reasons, but before we get into a fiery comments section, let’s turn our attention to something a little more Speedhunters-friendly: SEMA 2024.
The SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show has been a cornerstone of the automotive tuning world since its first edition in 1967.
Fast forward more than five decades, the show now spans a whopping 2 million square feet of exhibitor space and attracts 40,000 people and automotive industry enthusiasts from more than 140 countries.
You’ll need all four days at the Las Vegas Convention Center to take it all in. As you walk through each hall you will encounter more than 3,000 brands showcasing their latest products and displaying more than 1,500 vehicles. Those are a lot of big numbers, even by American standards.
Like other major industry events – think Japan’s Tokyo Auto Salon or Germany’s Essen Motor Show – SEMA is a great opportunity to gauge what’s trending in car culture while providing a snapshot of the current state of play in the tuning world.
From domestic trucks to Japanese imports and everything in between, there isn’t a single style or trend that isn’t represented here in some way. Whether you are present for a few hours or the entire event, SEMA is guaranteed to inspire.
What can we expect from SEMA 2024? Well, you’ve probably already seen it Rywire’s outrageous dual EV motor EK Honda Civicwhich caused a lot of fuss earlier this week. While we’re not claiming that 1990s Japanese hatchbacks are the future of performance tuning, the growing shift to electric powertrains and conversions remains one of the most talked-about – and controversial – topics of conversation in 2024.
Of course, trucks, SUVs and off-road vehicles are still a dominant force at SEMA, and it’s easy to see why given the huge selection of accessories on display. Lift kits, tires, beadlock wheels, camping gear and towing equipment – you name it, it’s there.
In recent years there has been a noticeable increase in the number of overland adventure trips, and conversions of non-domestic models such as the Porsche Cayenne are further evidence of how popular this segment is.
As for widebody cars? It’s safe to say they still have a large presence at SEMA. But this year the range of styles is much wider (pardon the pun) than ever, going beyond the ‘traditional’ Rocket Bunny and Liberty Walk kits that have dominated the scene for years.
And no trip to SEMA is complete without a visit to the legendary Toyo Treadpass. Stan Chen and the Toyo Tires team always delivers here; you can be assured of some surprises, plenty of never-before-seen structures and a hugely varied selection, all under the Treadpass awning.
One of our early favorites? Possibly the smallest car at SEMA: this Autozam AZ-1. Confusing 90% of those in attendance with its micro-supercar looks, Sprint Hart CP wheels and gull-wing doors, it’s the kind of quirky, boundary-pushing build that reminds us why we love car culture.
This is just a glimpse of what to expect from SEMA 2024. Stay tuned later this week for a deeper dive into the show’s main halls, along with a closer look at some of the standout structures from this year’s event.
The Speedhunters
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Photography by Darrien Craven
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