SEMA 2015 preview - the cars to look out for

The annual SEMA show takes place in Las Vegas next month, with the likes of Ford, Honda, Hyundai and Nissan all showcasing heavily modified versions of their cars

The Speciality Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) annual event in Las Vegas has rightly earned a reputation for being a motor show like no other. Instead of the production-ready new metal, the focus here is on outrageous concepts.

Attendance has grown in recent years as the show has grown in popularity, with around 145,000 visitors heading to last year’s show.

Aftermarket tuners and mainstream manufacturers showcase their most radical tuned models, often teaming up to create extreme one-off versions of recognisable models and display them at the show. There's plenty of new metal heading to the Las Vegas Convention Centre for 2015, so here's our round-up of the top 10 to watch out for.

Nissan GT-R Nismo N-Attack

Nissan will use the SEMA show to showcase its new N-Attack performance package for the GT-R. Developed during Nissan’s time at the Nürburgring with the GT-R, the N-Attack package offers suspension and bodywork upgrades, a larger rear spoiler and heavily bolstered bucket seats, to assist GT-R owners in achieving close to the GT-R’s 7min08sec lap record. The package will be offered in two formats: a street-friendly package and a track-dedicated setup.


Bisimoto Ford Mustang EcoBoost

Ford has collaborated with Ontario-based Bisimoto Engineering to create a 900bhp Mustang, powered by Ford’s four-cylinder 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine. With a host of engineering upgrades, the Bisimoto is the most powerful Mustang on display, while the matte-black paintwork, aerodynamic body kit and large rear spoiler ensure that it also packs visual appeal among the eight-strong Mustang lineup planned by Ford and various other tuning companies.


Chevrolet Camaro SS concepts

Two special edition Chevrolet Camaro SS models will make their debut at SEMA this year. Dubbed the Black Accent and Red Accent editions, each bringing a selection of aesthetic upgrades to the Camaro SS lineup. The Red Accent version adds exterior graphics, 20in alloys, a blacked-out badge and a red engine cover to a silver Camaro SS convertible. The Black Accent edition tints the rear lights, lowers the suspension and blacks out some of the bodywork of the SS coupé.

Dodge Challenger AWD

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles specialist Mopar is set to unveil an all-wheel-drive version of the Dodge Challenger muscle car. Although only teaser images have been shown so far, a spoiler-mounted ‘GT AWD’ decal can clearly be seen on the model. With a 20-car lineup, the AWD Challenger will be a star attraction both at the Mopar stand and the show, although FCA has offered no further information beyond the murky concept teaser.

Ford Focus ST by CJ Pony Parts

Part of Ford’s 50+ SEMA lineup will be a modified Focus ST, created in collaboration with CJ Pony Parts. The ST has been given a pearlescent orange paint job akin to the Mk2 Focus ST’s orange body, while riding on the same Fifteen52 Tremac R43 alloys as Hyundai’s Tucson by Bisimoto Engineering. Under the bonnet, the Focus ST gains an upgraded turbocharger, front-mount intercooler, AirLift adjustable suspension and a host of other performance upgrades.

Ford Fiesta ST by DSPORT

Performance and technology magazine DSPORT has given the Ford Fiesta ST a comprehensive once-over for SEMA. The result is a 400bhp, track-ready Fiesta with aerodynamic upgrades to the bodywork, numerous powertrain enhancements, chassis upgrades, an eight-point roll cage, race seats and steering wheel. The car is in fact being raced in the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car class, but will be limited to 300bhp in accordance with race rules.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo BTR Edition

Among an array of Hyundai cars, the Hyundai Veloster Turbo BTR Edition will add a performance aspect to a diverse stand at SEMA. Offering ‘more than 500 horsepower’ from its turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, the Veloster has also received a remapped ECU and more heavy-duty parts under the bonnet, such as reinforced pistons and an upgraded turbocharger. A black and red paint job and bodywork upgrades feature on the exterior, alongside red-highlighted ‘demon eye’ headlights. 

Hyundai Tuscon by Bisimoto Engineering

Bisimoto has also been busy with Hyundai, creating a ‘700bhp plus’ version of the Tucson. The impressive power output is down to an extensive list of engine upgrades, the most obvious of which is a Turbonetics turbo bolted to the 2.4-litre engine from the standard Tucson. The official rendering shows a considerably lower stance than the regular Tucson, with white alloy wheels wrapped in Toyo tires, while a revised front grille provides a suggestion as to the performance upgrades inside.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Tjin edition

A radical aftermarket Hyundai Genesis Coupé will also be on Hyundai’s crowded SEMA stand, with a power output of more than 500bhp. The 3.8-litre V6 engine has also had the Bisimoto treatment, with a new free-flowing exhaust system and a Vortech supercharger and intercooler providing more than 200bhp of extra power over the standard Genesis Coupé. It’ll be easy to spot thanks to its neon green paint, ultra-low ground clearance and intricate Rotiform alloy wheels.

Hyundai Tuscon Adventuremobile

Hyundai has also collaborated with tuner John Pangilinan to create a more rugged version of its Tucson SUV. The Tucson Adventuremobile is similar to Kia’s PacWest Adventure Sorento concept in that it features a body lift, with 15in wheels and off-roading tyres, but is also prepared for overnight adventures with a roof-mounted two-man tent. A new exhaust and engine upgrades also give performance a boost.

Honda Ridgeline Desert Race Truck

Honda will preview the design of its Ridgeline pickup truck, which won't be seen in production form until next year, with the Ridgeline Desert Race Truck Concept. The high-performance pickup will play host to a series of off-road performance upgrades created by the Honda Performance Development division, which develops high-performance Hondas for competition.

Kia PacWest Adventure Sorento

Kia will showcase a hardcore version of its Sorento SUV, named the PacWest Adventure Sorento. Featuring upgrades for performance offroading such as enlarged wheels on huge tyres, LED spotlights in the front grille and above the windscreen, as well as a snorkel for fording deep water, the PacWest Adventure Sorento has been likened to the Ford Raptor.

Mazda MX-5 Speedster/Spyder Concepts

Mazda will showcase two concepts at SEMA; the Mazda MX-5 Speedster concept and the Mazda MX-5 Spyder concept. The Speedster pays particular attention to lightweight performance, with a nod to the lightweight roadsters of the 1950s, with even the windscreen replaced by a wind deflector with weight-saving in mind. The Spyder is also a retro-inspired concept, but with a focus on handmade, luxury elements found in the sports convertibles of yesteryear, featuring handmade leather interior trim and a bespoke silver paint job.

Jimi Beckwith