The future is electric. We've seen it firsthand.
From November 2-4, Alt_driver's social media manager Taylor Ugrinow got the chance to go to this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Now, for those of you who aren't familiar with SEMA (short for Specialty Equipment Market Association), it's a massive trade show held at the Las Vegas Convention Center that showcases thousands of the latest vehicle and product innovations from countless exhibitors and folks in the automotive aftermarket industry. Event organizers treat SEMA Show attendees to everything from educational seminars to networking events to new product showcases to the most awesome custom vehicle trends. Needless to say, this is more than just your typical auto show.
SEMA was back and better than after its 2020 hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, so there was a lot to take in. From NASCAR up-and-comer Hailie Deegan doing burnouts in the new Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400 to actor James Marsden unveiling a 1963 Buick Electra 225 that he himself helped to electrify, electric vehicles and EV technology were in prime display.
4 Things We Learned From SEMA Show 2021
1. 2022 will be a big year for cutting-edge aftermarket products.
ICON Vehicle Dynamics // Photo by Taylor Ugrinow
On Tuesday, November 2, SEMA revealed its Best New Products Award winners. More than 1,300 products were entered into the 16 different Showcase categories, and winners were selected based on such factors as superiority of innovation, technical achievement, quality and workmanship, consumer appeal, and marketability.
Keco Collision Glue Pull Repair System took the award in the Collision Repair & Refinish Product category, while top honors in the Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product category went to ICON Vehicle Dynamics for its CDEV Shock Powered By IIC. Other categories included Powersports Product, Mobile Electronics Product, and Interior Accessory Product. You can check out the full winners' list here.
2. Aftermarket manufacturers are seriously investing in Ford and Toyota.
All Electric Ford F-150 Lightning // Photo by Taylor Ugrinow
One takeaway that was clear is that aftermarket manufacturers are investing more in the Ford Mustang, Ford Bronco, Ford F-Series, Toyota Supra, and Toyota Tacoma than any other vehicles. This means that consumers should be able to expect more options for accessorizing these vehicles in the future.
With these models in mind, SEMA also announced the best new vehicles for personalization on Tuesday, recognizing the top trending vehicle models in five distinct categories. Here's a look at the award winners:
- Car of the Year: Ford Mustang
- Sport Compact of the Year: Toyota Supra
- 4x4/SUV of the Year: Ford Bronco
- Full-Size Truck of the Year: Ford F-Series
- Mid-Size Truck of the Year: Toyota Tacoma
Read More: A Complete Look at the Titan of the Ford F-Series: The F-750
3. Electric-converted classic cars showed the power of electric crate motors.
Ford F-100 Eluminator electric concept truck // Photo by Taylor Ugrinow
SEMA Electrified was an awesome part of the show, where EV technology reigned supreme. There was the 1963 Buick Electra 225, which was electrified for the Discovery+ show Celebrity IOU: Joyride with a little help from actor James Mardsen. There was also the electrified '57 Chevy, a project that Chevrolet undertook to show off the possibilities of its upcoming eCrate Connect and Cruise system.
But, probably one of the coolest reveals from SEMA Electrified was the F-100 Eluminator electric concept truck. The Eluminator is Ford's first electric crate motor, and it's a 281-horsepower electric motor from the Mustang Mach-E GT. To demonstrate its power, they plopped it into a '78 F-100 pickup. Vintage meets modern? Hell yeah!
4. Off-roading is going electric, and it's all about the accessories.
2022 GMC Hummer EV // Photo by Taylor Ugrinow
The 2022 GMC Hummer EV was unveiled at SEMA, and this baby is CHOCK-FULL of accessories. We're talking nearly 200. Everything from a power-retractable hard tonneau cover and off-road auxiliary lights to a lunar map and a 50-inch roof-mounted light bar.
Off-road functionality, lifestyle and convenience, and styling are key factors when it comes to the EV Hummer's advancements, making its unveiling a good indicator of what's to come in the future.
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