NOVEMBER 2, 2016

(Chevrolet)
You might not care about drag racing but the manufacturers still do. Why? Because they sell high-performance parts. Lots and lots of high-performance parts. And in some cases, complete cars too. The Camaro SS Drag Race Development Program was created to develop performance parts for 2016+ Camaro models. Duplicating the typical stair-step enhancements many amateur racers make with their production Camaro SS models - including swapping the differential for one with a numerically higher ratio, adding horsepower-building components such as a cam-and-heads package - the drag race package developed by Chevrolet engineers for the SS Camaro’s LT1 engine produces 535HP. “More than simply achieving quick ETs in the Camaro, we are exploring the supporting components that help the car to go quicker with great durability,” said Mark Dickens, director, Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports Engineering. “We’ve tested stronger axles and chassis components aimed at improving launch and traction attributes.” Chevrolet engineers have made more than 100 passes down the quarter-mile with the development car, including the evaluation of DOT-approved racing and slick tires and a variety of drivetrain combinations. Additional changes helped to ultimately push the car to a 10.685 ET at 125.73 mph.

(Chevrolet)
Editor-In-Chief's Note: No, we're not going to show all of the trick cars and trucks by the manufacturers designed for the SEMA Show, but here are a few (you can see a hot Ford F-150 Raptor in "The Line") of our favorites, starting with the 2017 "Slammer" Camaro concept, a customized vision of the sixth-generation Camaro featuring contemporary hot-rodding trends. The Camaro SS Slammer has custom 22-inch front and 24-inch rear chrome wheels. The Camaro’s body was modified to accommodate the large rolling stock, which measure 245/30R22 in front and 275/25R24 in the rear, and an air-adjustable suspension helps deliver the slammed stance. “The Camaro SS Slammer concept is a design exercise intended to take the Gen 6 Camaro’s proportions to the extreme, pushing boundaries to evoke reactions and inspiring personalization on behalf of other Camaro owners,” said John Cafaro, executive director, Global Chevrolet Design. “From styling accessories to performance parts, the choices from Chevrolet for new Camaro owners are almost endless.” We concur. -PMD
(Chevrolet)
The Chevelle Slammer concept combines hot-rod style with modern performance and technology featuring GM's all-new LT376/535 crate engine - offered as a "Connect & Cruise" package - with  controllers and SuperMatic 4L75-E automatic transmission. “The ’69 Chevelle is one of the best-looking cars of the muscle car era and we didn’t want to mess with its classic cues or period-perfect proportions,” said Humberto Ortiz, Chevrolet designer. “We’ve simply enhanced it where we could, knocking down the chrome in certain areas and tightening other exterior details such as the bumpers, grille and more. It’s still a 1969 Chevelle at a glance, but as you continue to examine it, the details really stand out.” Other cool stuff? An air suspension system alters the stance at the push of a button, including dropping it all the way to the ground for maximum profiling when on display. The car also features a Gen Six Camaro-based performance brake system, including six-piston front calipers. Bad. Ass.

(Chevrolet)
The Chevrolet Trax Activ concept starts with a 2017 Trax AWD model and gets "SEMA-ized" from there. The suspension was lifted, the track widened and 18-inch Chevrolet Accessories wheels wrapped with all-terrain tires were added. The front and rear fascias also were redesigned. The Satin Sandstorm exterior color is accented with Carbon Flash rockers, fender flares, red tow hooks, and tinted headlamp and taillamp lenses. An accessory Thule roof basket and a custom LED light bar complete the exterior look.

(Mazda)
Mazda first showed its MX-5 Speedster in 2015. This year the design team, led by Design Manager Ken Saward, tweaked it even further, thus the Speedster Evolution debuts at the SEMA Show. The team replaced its gauges with a digital display and swapped its Brembo front brakes with the lighter rotors and calipers from the MX-5 Sport and Grand Touring models to further the weight reduction. Its 25.1-lbs. stock battery was replaced with a Braille GreenLite G20 Lithium battery that weighs just 4.5 lbs. The effort shaved an additional 100 lbs. for a total of 350 lbs., or 15 percent from the original MX-5 soft top’s starting weight. Now, the Speedster weighs just 1,980 lbs. Painted White Ether, the Speedster Evolution has an adjustable suspension from the MX-5 Global Cup racecar and BFGoodrich g-Force Rival R1 grooved racing slick tires, sized 225/45R17.

(Mercedes-Benz)
Mercedes-Benz USA has announced the 2017 AMG GLE43 SUV, the ninth model in its new line of AMG 43 performance vehicles. This machine will replace the GLE400 by early 2017 as a more performance-oriented variant. The 2017 GLE43 SUV is a companion model to the GLE43 Coupe and is powered by a AMG-enhanced 3.0L biturbo V6 engine with 362HP and 384 lb-ft of peak torque connected to an AMG-enhanced 9-speed automatic transmission. It also features standard AMG Performance 4MATIC® all-wheel drive, as well as AMG-tuned steering, AMG braking system, AMG Sport Suspension and throttle mapping. Does anyone think that this just might be one AMG 43 model too much? We certainly do.

(Ford)
The 2016 Ford Mustang Sparco appeared at the SEMA Show.

(VW images)
Editor-In-Chief's Note: Behold the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. VW is touting it as "the biggest and boldest" vehicle it has ever built in the U.S. (it's 198.3 inches long, 77.9 inches wide, 69.6 inches high and it will be built in Chattanooga, Tennessee). It is based on VW's Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture; it has two engine choices - a 4-cylinder TSI® turbo (236HP) or available VR6® (280HP), both with eight-speed automatic transmission; it has standard front-wheel-drive and available 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system (on VR6 models); third row seating for two adults (allegedly); five trim levels; and a bunch of other stuff. VW insists it will be "priced for the heart of the competitive SUV market." It arrives at dealers next spring. “The Atlas marks a brand new journey for Volkswagen to enter into the heart of the American market," said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of VW's North America Region. How much is riding on this SUV? How about everything? Five years late to the market, this vehicle must single-handedly rescue the brand from the Diesel emissions cheating crisis in this country, a tall order by any measure. If VW can't sell Atlas here in significant numbers - and can't sell the production version of the all-electric BUDD-e Concept that's coming sometime in 2018 - the future for the brand in the U.S. is grim. -PMD

(Honda)  

Honda. From the "You Meet The Nicest people On A Honda" File comes word that the HondaJet has officially secured its first speed records over two recognized courses from Teterboro, New Jersey, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Boston, Massachusetts, to Palm Beach, Florida, recognized by the United States National Aeronautic Association. For the first record, the HondaJet departed Teterboro Airport at 2:15 p.m. EST on April 9, 2016, and landed at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport at 4:06 p.m. Despite average headwinds of 60 knots (nearly 70 mph), the 960-nautical-mile flight took two hours and 51 minutes at a cruising altitude of 43,000 feet with the HondaJet surpassing the existing record. Factoring the considerable headwind of 60 knots and high temperatures, the HondaJet achieved an average true air speed of 396 knots (456 mph) and maximum ground speed of 414 knots (478 mph) for this flight. For the second record, the HondaJet departed New Bedford Regional Airport at 7:18 a.m. EDT on July 19, 2016, and landed at Palm Beach International Airport at 9:16 a.m. The 1,060-nautical-mile flight took two hours and 58 minutes. Factoring an average 30 knot headwind, the HondaJet achieved an average true air speed of 385 knots (443 mph) and a maximum ground speed of 422 knots (486 mph). The HondaJet is the first aircraft in its class to officially achieve the Boston to Palm Beach record. Honda bills the HondaJet as the world's most advanced light jet, one employing advanced technologies and concepts including the patented Over-The-Wing Engine Mount configuration, the natural laminar flow wing and fuselage nose, and the composite fuselage.

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