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Acura unveils updated NSX concept at 2013 Detroit Auto Show

Acura provides first look at possible NSX interior design concept

 

DETROIT, MI – Acura unveiled a new NSX Concept that showcases the evolution of the next-generation supercar’s styling and design, including a first-ever look at one possible direction for the next-generation NSX interior design.

 

“This further evolution of the Acura NSX Concept design is remarkably true to the original concept styling,” said Mike Accavitti, vice president of national marketing operations. “We’re making great progress in delivering on the expectations we created a year ago, with advanced technology that will bring new levels of performance and a unique, dynamic experience to the exotic sports car market.”

 

 

The new Acura NSX Concept is based on the expected underpinnings of the vehicle Acura will bring to market. Still, the new NSX Concept maintains its low and wide stance with the dynamic and alluring proportions that debuted in the original NSX Concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show -- highlighted by clean, modern and simple surfacing, and edgy details that communicate supercar attitude and a high-tech feel.

 

 

The new NSX Concept also features a first-ever look at one potential direction for the next-generation Acura NSX interior design. The design concept is founded on a “Human Support Cockpit” theme, a strong expression of Acura’s product direction focused on “the synergy between man and machine.” The interior package boasts outstanding visibility, an exotic driving position, and an intuitive “Simple Sports Interface” that minimizes interior clutter, allowing the driver to focus on the driving experience.

 

“Consistent with the spirit of the original NSX, our intention is to support the psychological and emotional aspects of driving a super car at the limit, because we are insistent about delivering on the synergy between man and machine,” said Jon Ikeda, chief designer, Acura Design Studio. “Importantly, this will be true of all Acura vehicles moving forward.” 

 

With the aim of delivering a new sports car experience that combines next-generation supercar dynamic capabilities with advanced environmental performance, Acura announced a year ago that the Acura NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V-6 engine mated to Acura’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system.

 

Acura Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is an all-new, three-motor high-performance hybrid system that combines torque vectoring all-wheel drive with advanced hybrid efficiency through the use of three electric motors – one motor integrated with the V-6 engine and two motors driving the front wheels – along with an all-new dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The system enables instant delivery of negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering to achieve a new level of driving performance unparalleled by current AWD systems.

 

As previously announced, the new NSX is being developed by a global R&D team led by designers and engineers at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. located in Los Angeles, California, and Raymond, Ohio. The new NSX will also be manufactured at a new production facility in central Ohio.

 

The new NSX should be arriving at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Canada for all to see. If you're looking to purchase one - it's still in the concept stage, but should be in production in 2014 and eventually on sale after that.

Preview of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit

Starting this Monday, January 14th – the world’s automotive media will assemble at the Cobo Center for the first and most significant automotive show of 2013 – the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The Los Angeles Auto Show was a big hit in November, but Detroit’s show offers us a great history and tradition, the North American car and truck of the year, and takes place in the Motor City, the home of the big three auto manufacturers: Ford, General Motors and Chrysler. 

 

The NAIAS is also famous for the most world debuts of production and concept cars and 2013 will be no different. If you’re lucky enough to attend the two media days or be present at one of its nine public days – you’re in for a treat.

 

The most anticipated debut comes from one of Detroit’s local sons – Chevrolet, a division of General Motors. We will be witness to a seventh-generation Corvette (C7) that has been in the planning stage dating back to 2007. The Corvette is one of the most recognized and exciting sports cars for its price and there’s no doubt this should be one of the most visited cars in the showroom. The C7 is expected to come equipped with a technically advanced 6.2 L LT1 engine with an estimated 450 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque. Chevrolet’s new V-8 is expected to be lighter and more fuel efficient as well with further and more specific details to be found out on press day.

 

General Motors has another exciting debut, but this time from their Cadillac division and it’s their long-awaited ELR plug-in hybrid. The ELR is an extended-range electric car that shares a similar powertrain to the highly successful Chevrolet Volt. Considering it’s a Cadillac – we expect it to be more luxurious and therefore more expensive. There have been a few spy shots floating around with a black and white camouflage covering the ELR, but from what we can see it’s definitely got a modern coupe frame. With its assembly being handled at the Detroit Hamtramck Assembly plant – I’m sure Cadillac will want to make a huge buzz at the auto show about it.

 

At the end of 2012, Infiniti made some waves with a new re-branding naming for their vehicle lineup and they kick-off 2013 with their first re-named vehicle – the Q50 sedan, which was formerly the G37. The only tease released has been video and some pictures only showing an angry-Falcon type eagle eye for a headlight, but it sure looks exciting and we can’t wait to see how the new Q50 stacks up to its Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-class, and BMW 3-series rivals.

 

Mercedes-Benz always puts on a good show in Detroit and we should expect it again as they reveal their CLA sedan. The CLA is a four-door compact sedan that will use the same platform as the third-generation A-Class. From what it appears – the CLA will have all-wheel drive and be a smaller version of the sporty CLS.

 

There’ll always be many appealing concept cars making their debuts in Detroit starting with the Toyota Furia compact car. There’s been a few teaser shots sent out, but there doesn’t seem to be much information to go with it. Based on the build-up that the Furia is getting and a few glances at the photos, we feel that it will take something from Scion’s successful FR-S. 

 

Other concept cars making noise would be Honda’s subcompact crossover that would fit into their lineup below the CR-V, Ford’s F-150 pick-up truck scheduled for 2015, and BMW’s 4-series coupe – a new name and branding for the outgoing 3-series coupe. 

 

The 2013 NAIAS expects to be another exhilarating few days for us media members, but be sure to check out our upcoming stories, pictures and videos from the event at www.thedriver.ca. If there’s a chance you can make in to Detroit for its public days from January 19th to the 27th – we have no doubts that the travel will be worth it.  

 

 

Honda Compact "Urban SUV Concept" to Make World Debut in Detroit

MARKHAM, ON – An all-new Honda compact “Urban SUV Concept” vehicle will make its world debut in January at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Honda Canada Inc. announced today.

 

The Urban SUV Concept, teased in a sketch released today, is a global concept model combining a sporty and dynamic SUV profile with a spacious, functional interior. The concept will be introduced during Honda’s NAIAS press conference, which will also be broadcast live via a webcast at hondawebcast.com. 

 

For high-resolution photography and media information on the current Honda lineup, please visit www.hondanews.ca. After the press conference, more detailed information, images and video of the Urban SUV Concept will also be available for download from the site.

 

2013 Porsche Cayman and Cayman S - World Premiere

Los Angeles, CA - Porsche is celebrating the world premiere of the new Cayman at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. The third generation of the Cayman, which is making its appearance before an international audience at the Convention Center, has been re-engineered from the ground up – it is lower, longer, lighter, faster, more efficient, and more powerful than ever. The two-seat sport coupé will be launched on the market in two classic Porsche versions: Cayman and Cayman S. A longer wheelbase, wider track and larger wheels enhance the driving performance of the mid-engine sports car to a level without equal in its competitive class.

Delivering more power with even better fuel economy than before, any of two highly efficient flat-six cylinder engines is mounted just in front of the rear axle, surrounded by its lightweight aluminium and steel body. The Cayman is powered by a 2.7-litre engine with 275 hp; with the Sport Chrono package it accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, and its NEDC fuel consumption – with the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) – is just 7.7 litres per 100 km. The 3.4-litre engine in the Cayman S produces 325 hp; with PDK and the Sport Chrono package it sprints from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and has a combined fuel consumption of 8 l/100 km.

The new Cayman will arrive at Canadian dealerships in Spring 2013 starting at $59,900 for the Cayman and $72,900 for the Cayman S.

 

All-new 2013 Toyota Rav4 makes world debut at Los Angeles International Auto Show

(Los Angeles, California) –The all-new 2013 RAV4 crossover SUV made its world debut today at the 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show.  Toyota’s fourth-generation RAV4, the world’s original crossover sport utility vehicle, arrives early next year.

With a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, new six-speed transmission, two-row seating for five, and a host of available in-cabin technologies, RAV4 offers a nuanced balance of performance and all-around capability, including class-leading cargo capacity, striking design, class-leading eight standard airbags, and a compelling array of standard features.  RAV4 will be available in three well-equipped grades: LE, XLE, and Limited.

Performance, Handling, and Efficiency

For 2013, RAV4 will provide a number of powertrain technologies that help deliver an engaging driving experience.  It will feature Toyota’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder, which will produce 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 172 ft. lbs. of torque at 4,100 rpm.  The optional V6 of the previous-generation RAV4 will be discontinued.

Replacing the previous four-speed automatic will be a six-speed transmission with Sequential Shift.  First and second gear ratios will be optimized for around-town performance.  To keep engine revs lower at highway speeds and enhance fuel mileage, fifth and sixth gears will be overdrives.

RAV4 front-wheel-drive models have received estimated fuel efficiency ratings of 8.7L/100km in the city and 6.4L/100km on the highway, while LE and XLE all-wheel-drive models are estimated at 9.1L/100km in the city and 6.8L/100km on the highway.  A new Eco mode is designed to promote more efficient driving thus helping to enhance fuel efficiency.

The new RAV4 will provide its active owners a more dynamic drive, with new technologies like Sport Mode, enhancements in suspension performance, and optimized electric power steering.  The spring rates have been optimized, and the shock absorbers have been optimally tuned to help the vehicles handling characteristics.

RAV4 has a MacPherson strut front suspension, double-wishbone rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.  The LE will ride on wide opening 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, XLE will feature 17-inch alloys, and Limited will be equipped with 18-inch alloys.

In both front- and all-wheel drive RAV4’s, driver-selectable Sport Mode sharpens transmission shift timing and action, and throttle response.  Calibration of the Electric Power Steering assist is also modified in Sport Mode, providing a firmer feel and sharper response to input.  When down shifting the RAV4 six-speed automatic transmission in “S” Mode, engine revs rise with a clearly audible “blip,” adding to the driving experience.

A Toyota first, 2013 RAV4’s with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) will have Dynamic Torque Control, a system that automatically shifts from front-wheel drive (FWD) to AWD when accelerating or when sensors detect wheel slippage.

Dynamic Torque Control has three different drive modes: Auto, Lock and Sport.  In Auto Mode, RAV4 delivers power primarily to the front wheels under most driving conditions, switching automatically to AWD only when needed.  By only engaging the rear axle and delivering power to the rear wheels when needed, Auto Mode helps enhance fuel efficiency and reduce drivetrain wear.

In Lock Mode at lower speeds, RAV4 essentially has a full-time AWD system with power delivered to all four wheels.  At speeds below approximately 40 km/h in Lock Mode, up to 50 percent of engine power is sent to the rear wheels, enhancing traction and helping RAV4 “dig” through sandy or muddy conditions.  Lock Mode reverts to Auto Mode when vehicle speed passes approximately 40 km/h.

As on the front-drive RAV4’s, Sport Mode sharpens shift timing, throttle response, and steering response.  In RAV4 with AWD, Sport Mode has additional benefits.  It can provide smooth and nearly instantaneous torque transfers between the front and rear wheels to help enhance cornering performance.  Under certain conditions, Sport Mode can automatically deliver up to 50 percent of engine power to the rear wheels.

In Sport Mode, the AWD system also can apportion power based on input from the steering angle and yaw rate sensors of the Vehicle Stability Control system.  When turning into and through a corner, power is sent to the rear wheels to maximize traction available at each of the four corners of the vehicle.  Under braking in a straight line in Sport Mode, power delivery to the rear wheels can be momentarily suspended to best leverage the benefits of ABS and VSC.

Exterior Design & Body Structure

The new RAV4’s design achieves strong proportions while conveying the agile and fun character.  Sophisticated and dynamic, the exterior features a progressive silhouette, with a sleek-sloping roofline and an aggressive character line.  The new RAV4’s interior has a premium, sophisticated look with soft-touch accents and driver-centric controls. 

RAV4 pursues the design goals defined by Toyota President Akio Toyoda, with aggressively sculpted front and rear fenders and boldly proportioned taillights that define RAV4’s athletic presence.

In a significant break with its heritage, RAV4 will switch from its side-hinged rear door to a convenient roof-hinged liftgate with a space-saver spare tire stored under the cargo floor.  Standard on the Limited grade will be a one-touch power rear liftgate with driver-selectable memory height settings.

As on other recently introduced Toyotas, RAV4 engineers paid special attention to aerodynamics, the most obvious detail being small vortex generators molded into the taillight cases and near the base of the A-pillars.  Less obvious are the aerodynamic undertrays beneath the passenger cabin that help smooth and control airflow.

Following body-engineering principles debuted in the 2012 Camry and 2013 Avalon, RAV4’s body structure will include high-strength steel to help achieve several significant goals, including a robust and stiff platform that enhances steering and handling precision, and a body structure that is both strong and light.  RAV4 engineers used several grades of high-strength steel to form key structural components in the roof, rocker sills, floor, engine compartment and door frames.  The weight savings were in part invested in sound deadening materials and an acoustic windshield, helping to create a quiet passenger cabin. 

Interior Design & Packaging

The new RAV4’s dash panel is driver-centric and asymmetrical, with primary and secondary controls all within easy reach.  On the passenger side, the sculpted dash panel creates a sense of airy spaciousness.

RAV4’s dash panel and gauges all feature clear blue illumination, which provides crisp visibility in most ambient light conditions, and a unified, coherent appearance at night.

RAV4 will come standard with a manual tilt/telescope steering column, with the LE and XLE featuring a urethane steering wheel.  The Limited grade will have a leather-wrapped steering wheel.  All RAV4 steering wheels will have controls for audio, Bluetoothâ hands-free phone and audio, and the Multi-Information Display (MID).

All RAV4’s will have driver and front passenger seats with high seatbacks and a slim back, enhancing rear-passenger knee room.  The RAV4 LE driver’s seat is six-way adjustable, including seat height.

The RAV4 XLE driver and front passenger will ride in premium bucket seats with sport bolstering, providing ample support of the lower hips, lower torso and shoulders during cornering.  The XLE will have premium fabric with French stitching on the seats and portions of the dash panels.

The Limited will have the same premium driver and front-passenger bucket seats found in the XLE but will also come equipped with an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory, and driver power lumbar.  All RAV4 Limited seats are trimmed in high-quality, breathable SofTex with French stitching.  SofTex also covers the center armrest, and portions of the door and dash panels.   

All RAV4’s will feature 60/40 split/fold second-row seats that recline several degrees to enhance passenger comfort.

In contrast to 2013 RAV4’s compact exterior dimensions, the cargo area is deeper, larger and easier to access than in the previous generation, with just over 38.4 cu. ft. of cargo capacity behind the rear seats.  With rear seats folded, the RAV4 has class-leading maximum cargo capacity of 73.4 cu. ft.

Privacy glass, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), cruise control, power side mirrors, power door locks and power windows are standard on all RAV4s.  RAV4 XLE and Limited feature dual-zone automatic climate control, integrated fog lights, power moonroof with sliding sunshade, and heated outside mirrors with turn signal indicators.

GM rolls out new electric mini-car at LA Auto Show

DETROIT, MI — General Motors is giving its Chevrolet Spark a jolt of electricity.

An all-electric version of the mini-car will debut this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It goes on sale this summer in California, Oregon, Canada and South Korea, where it's made. Other markets will follow.

Unlike the Chevrolet Volt sedan, which can run in all-electric mode but also has a backup gas engine, the Spark EV is a pure electric. GM won't say how far the car will go on a charge, but says it will be a top performer among the small number of EVs available. The current leader, the electric Ford Focus sedan, can go 76 miles on a charge.

The Spark EV will also be cheaper than most of its electric rivals, GM says. Exact pricing hasn't been revealed, but the car will start for less than $25,000 in the U.S. when a $7,500 federal tax credit is factored in. The electric Nissan Leaf starts at $27,700 with the tax credit. Like all electrics, though, the Spark is much pricier than its gasoline-powered equivalent. The gas-operated Spark starts at $12,245.

Here are more details about the Spark - on everything from styling to power:

UNDER THE HOOD: The Spark EV is powered by an electric motor and a 20 kWh lithium ion battery. It gets 130 horsepower and can go from zero to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds, which is several seconds faster than the gas-powered Spark. GM says the Spark EV is the first all-electric vehicle in North America to offer SAE Combo DC Fast Charge capability, which can charge the battery to 80 percent of capacity in about 20 minutes. It can also be fully recharged in seven hours using a standard 240-volt outlet, or longer using a 120-volt outlet.

INSIDE: Though it's a mini-car, it has lots of big-car touches, like leather seats and GM's OnStar safety system. The Spark EV will have a smartphone-based infotainment system that gives drivers access to navigation and music apps like Pandora. Drivers with a compatible iPhone can link up their phones and perform tasks - like sending email or texts - by talking to Apple's Siri. The car also has 10 air bags and electronic stability control, which helps keep it steady despite its small frame.

OUTSIDE: The five-door hatchback is tiny, at 144.7 inches long. That's about five inches longer than a Fiat 500. It comes in lime green and other unusual hues.

CHEERS: GM customers will now have an all-electric option that costs less than its chief rivals. The EV could also increase buyers' interest in the gasoline version of the Spark, which went on sale in the summer.

JEERS: Demand for electric cars has been anemic so far. GM and other automakers have fallen significantly short of EV sales targets, especially as gas prices have fallen. Electrics remain expensive, and drivers are concerned about getting stranded too far from a charging station. While the Spark is great for city drivers who need to fit into tight parking spaces, those drivers may not have garages or other spots to charge up their cars at night.

 

2013 Honda Civic to debut at Los Angeles Auto Show with more youthful and premium styling

2013 Civic styling honed to make the best-selling passenger car in Canada even better

MARKHAM, ON – Honda today revealed the first look at the much-anticipated 2013 Honda Civic Sedan, in advance of its debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 29. The refined styling of the 2013 Civic Sedan, which goes on sale at Honda dealerships across Canada on December 10, will encompass a host of safety, feature, comfort, chassis and interior styling enhancements that will further define the top-selling Civic as the best car in the compact class.

The more upscale and premium styling of the 2013 Civic Sedan’s front end includes a new open-mouth lower bumper with a horizontal chrome accent and a sportier, black honeycomb mesh grille, anchored by new integrated fog lights on upper trims. The grille is flanked by new clear-lens corner lights to provide a more premium look. The 2013 Civic’s more sculpted front end flows into a new, more deeply faceted hood, complemented by a collection of sharp new wheel designs.

In back, a new rear bumper design and new rear trunk lid are capped by a clean, horizontal chrome trim piece. The all-new design of the taillights now carries into the trunk face, providing a more finished and upscale look. The rear bumper features integrated reflector treatments and a new lower diffuser panel finished with a honeycomb mesh vent.

“We believe that combining a host of exterior refinements with additional feature content and infusing the 2013 Honda Civic with a more youthful and premium style, we have made the best-selling passenger vehicle in Canada that much better,” said Dave Jamieson, assistant vice president, Honda Canada Inc.

Heading into 2013 with styling and content additions, the Civic’s fun-to-drive nature and core attributes of safety, spaciousness and fuel efficiency remain intact. As the number-one-selling passenger vehicle in Canada, the Honda Civic continues as the benchmark for consumers looking for the smart purchase in a very competitive segment.

Full details of the 2013 Honda Civic will be revealed on Nov. 29 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. For photos showing the styling direction of the 2013 Civic, visit www.hondanews.ca.

 

Five days, forty-eight cars and eleven winners at AJAC’s TestFest

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON – It was my first Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) TestFest and it lived up to all the hype throughout the week.  What a way to spend a week – driving the best 2013 vehicles in each class around the streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake, parties and banquets at night, and being a part of the voting process to determine the vehicle winners (well kind of – my vote doesn’t count in my first year as an AJAC member).  

The purpose of TestFest is for AJAC journalist members to perform 30-45 minute back-to-back tests on each vehicle in their respective category and vote on each category winner. Back-to-back testing provides you with the best way to detect the differences between each vehicle and determine its positives and negatives attributes compared to its peers.  After the 11 winners are announced, all journalists are to test drive them using a different rating formula that can equally compare all of the vehicles to decide on the Canadian car and utility vehicle of the year.

Each AJAC journalist is assigned to test a few category groups.  I had the pleasure of being placed in three: best new small car (under $21K); best new family car (under $30K); and best new SUV-CUV ($35K-$60K).  I wondered if I would have any free time to test out some of the other vehicles within the two and a half days, but that clearly wasn’t a problem as I ended up completing four full groups by Wednesday afternoon and tested 48 out of the 60 nominees in total by the end of the week. One would think that testing 48 cars for around 40 minutes each would get tiring or monotonous after a while, but I can testify (no pun intended) that each day was a blast from the morning into the late afternoon. 

As a rookie to TestFest, it didn’t take long to learn the ropes with the help from the AJAC board members, directors, and other members as they were so eager to assist.  We started out with an orientation seminar for all that was quickly followed by another seminar for us “newbies”.  The event itself was so organized that TestFest ran itself like a well-oiled machine. I was thoroughly impressed for an association of over 80 unique individuals in attendance driving vehicles with up to 662 horsepower to run an event so smooth without incident.  

Now to the winners:

Ford Canada was the biggest winner of all the manufacturers taking home four category awards including the Focus ST for best new sports/performance car (under $50K); the Fusion Hybrid for best new family car (over $30K); the Escape 1.6 L EcoBoost for best new SUV-CUV (under $35K); and the Focus EV for best new city car.

The Ford Focus ST was the most surprising winner of the four as it found itself in arguably the toughest grouping going against ten worthy competitors including the exciting twin towers of power known as the Scion FR-S and the Subaru BR-Z, as well as the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the Volkswagen Golf R.  It was an intriguing category to predict as many wondered how the FR-S and BR-Z would be rated differently as essentially they are the same car conceived by both Subaru and Scion with a few exceptions in equipment and interior trim. In the end, the Focus ST won on its interior and its performance.

Porsche and Hyundai were the other big winners of the week with Porsche taking home the award for the Boxster as the best new sports/performance car (over $50K) and the 911 Carrera S as best new prestige and performance vehicle. Hyundai won for its Elantra GT in the best new small car (over $21K) category and for the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T as best new SUV-CUV ($35K-$60K).  Hyundai continued its strong showing amongst AJAC journalists as it had won in three categories last year with the Elantra taking top honours as car of the year.

Rounding out the other winners were the Mazda3 Skyactiv Sedan as best new small car (under $21K); the Honda Accord Sedan as best new family car (under $30K) barely edging out the Ford Fusion by one point; the Cadillac ATS as best new luxury car putting General Motors back in the winner’s circle after a year hiatus.

So who will win the Canadian car and utility of the year?

For the past two years the winner has come from the best new small car (over $21K), so I’m sure Hyundai is hoping that trend continues for its Elantra GT that showed enough exterior and interior excitement to narrowly win its group.  Will it be enough to take on all the other category winners? Only time will tell. 

If I had to vote for the winners, oh wait…I did - it was for the Ford Focus ST for Canadian Car of the Year and the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T for the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. 

The nine non-SUV-CUV category winners will become three on Friday, January 25th and the eventual winners will be announced on Media Day at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto on February 14th, 2012.

 

 

 

Hottest car, Sport compact, Truck and 4x4-SUV announced at the 2012 SEMA Show

-- Ford Mustang, Scion FR-S, Ford F-Series and Jeep Wrangler Named 2012 SEMA Award Winners -- 

LAS VEGAS, NV - This year's SEMA Award for the top trending vehicle models in four categories were announced today at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The Ford Mustang was named Hottest Car, the Scion FR-S took the Hottest Sport Compact honors, the Ford F-Series won Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler received the Hottest 4x4-SUV award.

"The SEMA Show has always been about innovative products and trends," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "The SEMA Award amplifies the industry's special ability to identify and set trends that consumers follow." 

The SEMA Award recognizes vehicle models that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and that showcase the year's coolest products. It also underscores the cooperative relationship between the automakers and SEMA-member companies. 

"The SEMA Award helps guide consumers toward the hottest-trending and most accessory friendly vehicles on the market," added Kersting. "Our SEMA Show exhibitors are industry visionaries who determine the winners of the SEMA Award based on the vehicles they showcase in their booths. Each booth vehicle represents a ‘vote' and the most prominent models in each category are the winners."

The 2012 SEMA Show features more than 2,000 exhibiting companies that manufacture thousands of products designed to improve performance, safety and convenience, as well as those that enhance appearance and comfort. While products are available for every make and model, exhibitors are investing more in the Ford Mustang, Scion FR-S, Ford F-Series, and Jeep Wrangler than any other vehicles. Consumers, therefore, can expect to find great specialty products for accessorizing these vehicles.

To learn more about the SEMA Award winners and the products that are available for them, visit www.sema.org/semaaward. 

 

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