Specialty Equipment Market Association 2017: the craziest cars on display
From six-wheeled trucks to racing-inspired supercars, here's our pick of the best cars so far
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (Sema) motor show in Las Vegas, one of the largest aftermarket events in the world, is officially underway.
Unlike conventional motor shows, where manufacturers bring their latest production cars designed for the masses, Sema has typically been a place for vehicle tuners to showcase their latest projects.
But, in recent years, carmakers have cottoned on to the show’s popularity among enthusiasts and have begun developing their own custom cars for the event.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The event runs until 3 November, so there’s still time for more experimental vehicles to be unveiled by carmakers and tuners alike. Until then, here’s our pick of the craziest cars on show so far.
Hennessey VelociRaptor
On the lookout for a six-wheeled pickup truck but missed out on the Mercedes-AMG G63 6x6? Then Texas-based tuning firm Hennessey has the perfect car you.
Its new six-wheeled VelociRaptor is based on the Ford Raptor pickup, reports Auto Express, boasting “three pairs of 20ins off-road tyres” and a 600bhp V8 engine. It comes with a price tag of “around £225,000”, although it’s not yet known whether Hennessey will sell it outside of the US.
Audi TT Clubsport
Audi’s history in motorsport spans decades, ranging from the mid-engined grand prix cars of the 1940s to its utter dominance of Le Mans 24h in recent times.
At Sema, the German carmaker unveiled a special edition version of its TT Clubsport inspired by the 90 IMSA GTO race car from the 1980s, says Car magazine. It comes with the same red, black and grey stripes as the firm’s old racer, along with wide wheel arches and unique multi-spoke wheels from BBS.
Lexus LC 500 Black Panther
Lexus’s luxurious LC 500 grand tourer received an unusual paint job at Sema, which the carmaker says is inspired by the Marvel superhero - Black Panther.
Built in collaboration with West Coast Customs, the California-based vehicle tuning workshop made famous by the TV show Pimp My Ride, the car features wider wheel arches and blue neon lighting. There are even small talons on the wing mirrors and Black Panther’s helmet painted on the bonnet.
Acura NSX Dream Project
Acura, the moniker Honda sells its cars under in the US, has teamed-up with Arizona’s Science of Speed workshop to create a tuned version of its NSX supercar inspired by the company’s GT3 racing programme.
The standard car’s V6 hybrid engine has been upgraded with a pair of “liquid-cooled” turbochargers that add an extra 36bhp, says Auto Blog, bringing the NSX’s total output to 602bhp.
Custom carbon fibre winglets on the front bumper and a large rear wing add to the supercar’s racing looks, the site adds, as do the gold powder-coated brakes and five-spoke Advan wheels.
BMW M3 30 Years American Edition
BMW has created a special American Edition of its M3 super saloon to celebrates its 30th anniversary in the US.
While the car’s power output is unchanged over the standard M3, the 30 Years American Edition sports a bespoke matte red paint job with gold coloured wheels. It also comes with a small boot spoiler, as well as red, white and blue-coloured leather seats.
But what really separates the American Edition from all other M3s is that BMW is making just a single unit, says Car & Driver, which will cost the owner $129,630 (£98,000) - around $58,385 (£44,000) more than a regular M3.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
'This needs to be a bigger deal'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Magazine solutions - November 29, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - November 29, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
BMW iX1 review: what the car critics say
The Week Recommends BMW’s smallest electric crossover has ‘precise’ steering and a ‘smart interior’
By The Week Staff Published
-
BMW M3 Touring review: what the car critics say
feature A sensational all-rounder, the car is ‘eye-wateringly, cheek-puffingly good to drive fast’
By The Week Staff Published
-
Audi Q8 e-tron review: what the car critics say
feature Audi’s new electric SUV is a ‘pleasant’ but ‘unremarkable’ drive
By The Week Staff Published
-
BMW X7: what the car critics say
feature The X7, which starts from £77,030, is more engaging to drive than most huge SUVs
By The Week Staff Published
-
Ford Fiesta 2022 review: what the car critics say
feature The Fiesta remains the ‘best car in its class to drive’ – by some margin
By The Week Staff Published
-
Ford Focus review: after 25 years it still impresses
feature Fun and engaging to drive, the Focus has been treated to a mid-life update
By The Week Staff Published
-
BMW 2 Series Coupé 2022 review: what the car critics say
feature While most carmakers are moving away from coupés, BMW is keeping the faith
By The Week Staff Published
-
Audi A8 60 TFSI e review: what the car critics say
feature This hybrid Audi A8 balances refinement, strong performance and impressive efficiency
By The Week Staff Published