As you may expect, most of the major announcements and unveilings at SEMA happen on “Day 1” or before the event even starts. This is likely for the best as it allows folks to spend “Day 2” and beyond digging a bit deeper and finding the true gems dotted throughout the show.
Some of those gems are pretty easy to spot. While you can get very technical about welding sets and exhausts, the SEMA you want to see is pretty loud and essentially demands attention. And the loudest parts are right out front.
Anyone can enjoy the “HorsePower Rodeo”
Controversy is perhaps too strong a word, but there is a bit of an ongoing debate about public access to SEMA. The show has had a “public day” for years, but is branding it more openly this time around and some folks believe the show should remain a somewhat secretive “insider only” type event.
But SEMA is far from inconspicuous, the 200 foot high column of tire smoke rising from the parking lot near the West Hall confirms that. You can also hear those tires screech from several blocks away, and the smell is apparent from the next zip code.
All of this is coming from the “HorsePower Rodeo,” which sees vehicles perform stunts, drift, and churn up as much rubber as possible throughout the entire event. As with everything else outside the convention center building, there’s nothing to stop the public walking up and enjoying the spectacle for themselves. So feel free to head towards the strange smelling plume of black smoke. It’s all worth it.
Hoonigan’s “Subaru Brataroo” kicks off a welcome revival
Also in the “outside bit the public can just wander into” is Hoonigan’s paddock which features some iconic vehicles from the anarchic brand and the “Burnyard” which hosts daily “Burnout Wars” contests.
In pride of place after being unveiled on day one of the show is the “Subaru Brataroo,” a custom Subaru Brat with 670 horsepower, 680 lb-ft of torque, all from a boxer engine that redlines at 9,500 RPM. The vehicle isn’t just for show, Travis Pastrana will be behind its wheel for Hoonigan and Subaru’s revival of the late Ken Block’s Gymkhana video series. So it’s definitely one to watch, and something to see for yourself if you’re in Vegas this week.
A glimpse into the future
A good chunk of Central Hall is taken up by the “FutureTech Studio,” a platform aimed at giving enthusiasts a peek at the automotive world’s cutting edge. It has a DeLorean with a flux capacitor in a prominent position, but unfortunately we won’t be going back to the future any time soon.
While there isn’t a working flux capacitor on the horizon, there is a lot of 3D printing tech which means a few things. First, parts will be very easy to source. A shop will just need one of the 3D printers on display (which can “print” in metal) and the correct filament, then they can produce pretty much any part they have a CAD file for.
Manufacturers are already taking advantage of 3D printing too. It allows for quick and easy prototyping, and is already being used to produce everything from high-tech shocks to full on chassis on vehicles like the Czinger C21.
