SEMA Archives

Honda N600 with VFR V4 motorcycle engine wins first-ever Honda Super Tuner Legends Series!

Today’s younger generation of Honda fans love the N-series of kei cars in Japan which drew inspiration from the original N360/600. It was one of Honda’s early 4-wheelers and although tiny enough (about 3 metres long) to fit between the front and rear axle lines of American cars of the 1970s, Honda decided to sell the model in the US market. It was the start of the brand’s automobile sales in that market which would become very successful to the extent that a Honda sedan would be the bestselling car in the market.

The N600 had an all-aluminium air-cooled engine with a 9,000 rpm redline that could take it 130 km/h. It was a simple car, nimble and helped Honda gain the reputation of offering fuel-efficient cars that would be advantageous in later years.

12,000 rpm Honda VFR engine
Recently, a 1972 N600 owned by Stephen Mines won the first-ever Honda Super Tuner Legends Series, which joined the Hot Wheels Legends Tour in 2019 as the exclusive tuner component of the program. Customized over a 5-year period, this particular N600 is powered by a 12,000 rpm Honda VFR 800 cc V4 motorcycle engine in a rear-wheel drive configuration.

Stephen’s customised N600 that won the inaugural Honda Super Tuner Legends Series also boasts a modified Mazda MX-5 Miata suspension system, seats from a Polaris RZR, and modified front and rear bumpers from a 1967-68 Chevy Camaro!

Other finalists for the 2019 Honda Super Tuner Legends Series included a 1978 Honda Civic, 2003 Honda S2000, and 2015 Honda Civic Si. The first-ever Honda Super Tuner Legends Series kicked off in May 2019, as an extension of the second annual Hot Wheels Legends Tour, a national search (in the USA) for a life-size custom car worthy of being immortalized as a Hot Wheels toy car.

Local Honda enthusiasts entered their custom-tuned Hondas in the hopes of being selected as one of four finalists competing for the ‘Honda Super Tuner’ title and the opportunity to have their vehicle displayed at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas next month.

Click here for other news and articles about Honda on PISTON.MY

Hyundai turns the Veloster into a go-everywhere vehicle with the Grappler Concept

Hyundai Motor’s latest Veloster Grappler concept for the 2019 SEMA show in Las Vegas is another of those ideas which take accessorizing to extremes. While it’s not intended to resist zombies like the Santa Fe Zombie Survival Machine of 2013, it nevertheless would be worth having when things get really bad on the planet.

The Grappler concept takes a Veloster and raises the ground clearance, immediately giving it off-road capability especially with sharper approach and departure angles. To protect the underside against rocks and other hard stuff, there are custom front and rear brush guards.

Oversized all-terrain tyres and rally-themed Method Racing wheels yield a menacing demeanour and functional capability, while Borla cat-back exhaust components add a visceral audible resonance. A custom vinyl exterior body wrap features a ghosted Hyundai-themed livery. Finally, a Seibon carbon-fibre bonnet effectively vents excess engine bay heat when things heat up out on the road.

*Goal Zero portable power station with solar recharging*

For extra cargo capabilities, a roof-mounted Thule utility basket includes a high-output lighting system from Baja Designs. The utility basket serves as a base mount for the removable solar panel from Goal Zero, powering an all-electric portable power station mounted inside the cabin for remote journeys.

A full host of roof-mounted utility lights – from high-speed desert off-roading high beams to basecamp work lights – provide the right illumination at any time.

Inside the cabin (Hyundai has not released pictures yet), the functional ruggedness theme continues. An integrated roll bar provides occupant protection and facilitates mounting for a full-size spare wheel and tyre. Further outfitting the interior are traction mats, an oversized utility shovel, a Goal Zero portable power station, roadside assistance kit, first aid kit, Napier outdoor dome tent, Scosche Mounts, Goal Zero crush lights and premium Recaro seats finished in a vintage houndstooth check pattern.

Hyundai Santa Fe Zombie Survival Machine 2013 (1) — *6 years ago, Hyundai got Galpin Auto Sports to build this machine based on a creation by Anson Kuo for the 2013 Comic-Con event in New York.*

Customized Ford Rangers showcased at 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas

The Specialty Equipment Market Association show (SEMA) in Las Vegas is all about personalization. It’s an event that even carmakers attend to showcase what extremes their models can be taken to when it comes to adding accessories. Ford sees the automotive aftermarket space (in the USA) continuing to grow at a tremendous pace from powerful street machines to the latest trends in overlanding and off-road. This means a lot of personalization opportunities for its Ranger in countless ways to give owners the flexibility to make their vehicle unique.

Ford Performance Parts has lots of accessories developed for the Ranger, including a Ford Performance-tuned Fox off-road suspension leveling kit providing 2-inch front lift, Ford Performance Ranger Raptor wheels with BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tyres, Ford Performance Ranger bonnet-hinge light kit with Rigid DSS-Series lights,

Other components include a Warn 9.5 XP winch mounted on a winch-capable front bumper, Ford Performance by Warn Industries heavy-duty recovery kit and red tow hooks, Tepui HyBox rooftop tent, Decked truck bed storage system, RSI Smart Cap, ARB Elements refrigerator/freezer and ActionTrax recovery boards.

And here are customized Rangers from other aftermarket companies to give you ideas for your truck…

Tjin Ranger — **2019 Ford Ranger Tjin Edition** – The Ranger Tjin Edition is the creation of a father and son design team. The Tjins were looking to create their unique take on Ranger, going the opposite direction of a lifted Ranger, which is one of the most common modifications made to Ford’s popular truck. The Tjin Edition is among the first new-generation Ford Rangers slammed to the ground via an air suspension, lowered 203 mm in the front and 230 mm in the rear.

Yakima Ranger — **Yakima Ford Ranger** – Ford Accessories partner Yakima has created an all-sports, overlanding special upgraded with Ford Performance Parts components. A truck bed rack, JayLow kayak mount and HangOver vertical 4-bike carrier with BackSwing mount showcase Yakima utility products.

Advanced Accessory Concept Ranger — **Advanced Accessory Concepts Ranger XLT** – Advanced Accessory Concepts has transformed the Ranger into the must-have accessory for exploration. The truck, boasting AFN bumpers, skid plate, rock sliders and Ford Performance rear differential cover, is a showcase of strength and protection. It features a conversion at the rear to an AFN aluminium tray bed with canopy.

**Hellwig Ranger** – This Hellwig 2019 Ranger targets the ultimate adventure vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts who value sustainability. The truck is designed to get to remote locations with such features as a 3.5-inch Icon suspension, 17-inch Icon Compression wheels and Falken tyres. Where this off-roader finds its own path is with the addition of Goal Zero solar power, allowing users to reduce their carbon footprint while out in the most remote locations.

RTR Ranger — **RTR Rambler Ranger** – This Ranger is meant to be ‘the ultimate overlanding and support vehicle for owners seeking to enjoy the great outdoors – taking adventure to the next level and beyond’. The truck joins the line-up of RTR Mustang and RTR F-150, with the Ranger created to deliver a balance of street-ability, overlanding and trail capability.

To know more about the Ford Ranger Raptor which you can buy in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my

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Swedish Dodge Charger heads to Jay’s garage

Classic muscle cars are still in high demand in the US. The cool factor, myriad of aftermarket parts and powerful engines, are just some of the reasons why these cars are presently able to exchange hands for huge sums of money.

Jay Leno, the former Tonight Show host, has several of them. But the latest car that rolled into his shop, is something truly extraordinary. Believe it or not, this Dodge Charger was found in Sweden by Johan Eriksson, who painstakingly restored it to ‘beyond brand new’.

It was initially a race car but years of neglect had caused severe deterioration to the bodywork. Thankfully, Eriksson and his small team, managed to restore the car completely with the use of various different parts. Many of the interior’s trim pieces were crafted from aluminium.

Despite what it may look like, this 1968 Dodge Charger RTR is far from stock. In fact, it has more in common with Frankenstein than an original bearing its namesake. The car sits on a Corvette Chassis and is powered by a twin turbo V10 engine from a Viper.

It caused a bit of a stir at SEMA this year, where many stopped and took notice of the excellent level of workmanship that was carried out. The entire restoration process was tastefully done, allowing the car to look almost bone-stock from the outside, but revolutionary on the inside.

Check out the latest Jay Leno’s Garage video and let us know what you think of Eriksson’s creation and whether his efforts deserve more praise.

Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Edition to grace SEMA show

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Chevrolet and Hot Wheels’ partnership in producing some of the most memorable toy cars that have brought great joy to many young kids. The fruits of their efforts have spawned many innovations and incredible designs that attributed to the success of both companies.

And to celebrate this historic occasion, Chevrolet will be introducing a ‘commemorative package’ for its 2018 model year Camaro. This will allow owners to turn their vehicles into real life and size Hot Wheels racers.

The package has been made available for Camaro 2LT and 2SS models of both Coupe and Convertible body styles. Design elements that are offered with this package pay homage to iconic Hot Wheels features that include a Crush exterior color and stripes that replicate the toys’ famous orange tracks.

“In the 1960s Hot Wheels and Camaro challenged vehicle design by elevating the speed, power and performance of both die-cast and pony cars alike. For 50 years, both brands have developed high-performance cars that embody the challenger spirit,” said Chris Down, senior vice president and Global Brand GM, Hot Wheels.

The following is the extensive list of parts and trim that come with this ‘Commemorative Package’:

Satin Graphite stripes with Silver Ice Metallic accents
Satin Graphite ground effects
20-inch forged aluminum wheels (with summer-only tires on SS) in Satin Graphite with milled faces and unique center caps
50th Anniversary Hot Wheels fender badges
Unique grille with Galvano Chrome inserts
Orange brake calipers
Dark taillamps
Black taillamp panel with the Hot Wheels emblem
Black Chevrolet bowtie emblems
Jet Black leather-appointed interior with exclusive orange
inserts and orange accent stitching
Orange kneepads on the doors and orange safety belts
Embossed front-seat headrests
50th Anniversary Hot Wheels badge on the steering wheel
Illuminated doorsill plates with 50th Anniversary Hot Wheels badges
Premium carpeted floor mats with orange stitching and “ghost” stripes

https://youtu.be/PIiXfnKvV2Y

Chevy’s original Camaro, which was introduced in the mid-1960s had a distinctive design feature that allowed its headlights to be hidden in the front sub-frame when not in use. This provided the car with a menacing and rebellious look that may have partly contributed to its immense success.

The latest Camaro doesn’t have hidden headlights, instead it features a higher level of performance, cutting edge tech and a cozy interior. The Camaro Hot Wheels Edition will join approximately 20 other Chevrolet models at this year’s SEMA Show that will take place at the end of this month.

Kia Stinger GT gets West Coast Customs touch

Kia has teamed up with world renowned aftermarket modification expert, West Coast Customs, to turn the Korean automaker’s Stinger GT into something special. The car will be put on display at the upcoming SEMA motorshow that will take place on the 31st of October.

According to a statement by the automaker, the car will receive extensive upgrades that include design and performance modifications. The Stinger GT will spearhead Kia’s charge into the grand tourer segment of the market.

It’s striking good looks, rear-wheel drive platform, decent performance figures and practical layout may play a part in swaying would-be continental car owners toward the Korean brand. But the SEMA showcar, will build upon the strengths of the base model to showcase the possibilities and configuration options that are available.

Working together with West Coast Customs, Kia has revealed that the showcar will get lowered front and rear suspensions, a gloss black finish for its signature front grille, stylistic yet functional carbon-fibre aero kit and widebody fender flares.

Based on the teaser image that was revealed, it has been made apparent that West Coast Customs has lived up to its reputation of being one of the best at making good car even better. A custom made rear diffuser and squared-off quad exhaust tips provide car with a more prominent sporty presence.

The same can be said of the 21-inch forged wheels that sit perfectly snug within the custom made bodykit. However, the cambered stance may not be to everybody’s taste, especially when it comes to practicality, but as a show car, it definitely earns points for uniqueness.

There will probably be a number of other features will be added to the car before it heads to SEMA, but Kia has not divulged much else regarding details and specifications of the car. That said, all will probably be revealed as we approach the launch date.

Hyundai unveil monstrous Sante Fe for SEMA

Hyundai has released a teaser image of a highly modified version of its ever popular Santa Fe, called the The Rockstar Energy Moab Extreme Concept that will be on display at SEMA 2017. The vehicle has been kitted out with some high performance upgrades which include massive oversize tyres.

“The Rockstar Energy Moab Extreme Concept was specifically designed to withstand the extraordinary demands of Moab off-road terrain,” said Nic Ashby, Rockstar Marketing. “Leveraging the outstanding Santa Fe Sport platform and powertrain, we definitely pushed its capabilities to new limits to conquer the pinnacle of challenges at Moab.”

Though the vehicle sports a similar overall look compared to its base model sibling, this Moab edition features a modified off-road suspension kit to accommodate the massive tyres and superior ground clearance.

There’s also an array of lighting equipment fitted to the front bumper guard as well as on the vehicle’s roof to help with visibility especially during excursions at night. The bodywork features a subtle grayed camouflage-like paint scheme that blends well with the theme of the vehicle.

The following is the extensive list of modifications that have been carried out on the Rockstar liveried Sante Fe:

R1 Concepts, 6-piston front and 4-piston rear big brake kit
KING, Coil-over Suspension and 2.5” Internal Bypass shocks with reservoirs
KMC 17-inch Machete off-road bead-lock wheels
Mickey Thompson 35×12.50R17 Baja MTZ off-road tires
HID Projectors OEM upgraded headlights and taillights
Mishimoto Intercooler, Downpipe, Rockstar Energy Catch Can, Coolant Overflow Reservoir
Yukon Gear and Axle Drive train Accessories
AEM Intake
KICKER audio sound system
Roadwire custom leather interior
Odyssey battery Dry Cell
Rockstar Performance Garage Skid plates, Bumpers with Warn® winch & Factor 55 Link
Rockstar Performance Garage Custom roof rack with Bulldog LED lighting
Heatshield for heat protection
MagnaFlow exhaust
Scosche Magic Mounts, Bluetooth Speakers and Lifestyle Accessories
Nitrous Express wet system
Bulletliner Bedliner protection
Casacadia Tents
Tintman, Thermal Heat protection
Powertank Portable Tank for refilling tires on the trail

This mean Hyundai will be on display at this year’s SEMA show for attendees to view and admire. The SEMA or Specialty Equipment Market Association show, is a trade exhibition in the US, that brings together aftermarket manufacturers, original equipment suppliers (OEM), specialty equipment distributors, installers, retailers and restoration specialists under one roof.

It also serves as a platform for the aforementioned entities to showcase their finest work and network with other companies or customers to increase their brand presence and grow their businesses.

It’s the ‘go to’ destination for anything that relates to aftermarket parts or modifications of the automotive industry. And this year, Hyundai will put on display, a vehicle that will certainly turn a lot of heads.

Piston.my

SEMA

Honda N600 with VFR V4 motorcycle engine wins first-ever Honda Super Tuner Legends Series!

Hyundai turns the Veloster into a go-everywhere vehicle with the Grappler Concept

Customized Ford Rangers showcased at 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas

Swedish Dodge Charger heads to Jay’s garage

Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Edition to grace SEMA show

Kia Stinger GT gets West Coast Customs touch

Hyundai unveil monstrous Sante Fe for SEMA

Honda N600 with VFR V4 motorcycle engine wins first-ever Honda Super Tuner Legends Series!

Hyundai turns the Veloster into a go-everywhere vehicle with the Grappler Concept

Customized Ford Rangers showcased at 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas

Swedish Dodge Charger heads to Jay’s garage

Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Edition to grace SEMA show

Kia Stinger GT gets West Coast Customs touch

Hyundai unveil monstrous Sante Fe for SEMA

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