Three Reasons We Still Love SEMA

Three days after the SEMA dust has settled along the Las Vegas Strip, we can take this opportunity to reflect on another incredible SEMA Show. Exhibitors, buyers, journalists and everyone in between seem to have an undisguisable love affair with the SEMA Show and it isn’t too hard to understand why. This unique automotive show is THE place for car culture to expand beyond what we think to be possible: a true candy store experience for anyone who calls themself a car lover. The 2014 Show brought us some of the most insane, amazing projects we have seen to date from SEMA and people are still raving about it. So, with that in mind, let’s take a little time to explore the love we have for SEMA. Here are the top three reasons why we all love the SEMA Show.

Reason #1: It’s Different.

Yes, that may be the most obvious thing I have ever said, but it’s also completely true. Auto shows like Los Angeles, Geneva, New York all are special indeed, but none seem to carry the same level of excitement as SEMA does year after year. In casual conversation with an executive at Ford, I asked him why he loved heading to Vegas ever year. His answer was quite simple, “It is a chance to let our hair down as a company and show just how creative we can be.” Ford certainly took to this philosophy as they unloaded a flurry of gorgeous 2015 Mustangs, commissioned by NASCAR king Richard Petty. The most praised of which was entitled the King Cobra, made entirely from Ford racing performance parts and offers over 600 horsepower. In addition to the folks at Ford, BMW, Mercedes and many others took to bringing out some incredible examples of what can be done when a bit of creativity meets their precious vehicles. Let’s be honest, if it’s crazy and car-related, it can probably be found at SEMA.

Reason #2: It’s Inclusive.

The automotive market is most certainly not limited to the big manufacturers. Some of our favorite stuff comes from the people that are not afraid to mess around with the recipe of a car. These people like Hennessey, DUB, West Coast Customs, etc. all bring their most creative work to the Show every year. SEMA is the only place with a stage so grand that marries the O.E.’s and the customizers and allows them to join forces. And of course, the end result is always outrageous. This year, Amsoil and Dodge joined forces to create the only Dodge commissioned project car at the SEMA Show. The car was a brand new 2015 Challenger that began as stock and ended up far from it. Amsoil replaced big components like the suspension, brakes and even the entire paint job. All in all, this car gathered incredible amounts of attention throughout the week. Including the automotive aftermarket in the fun shows that the automotive sector is not just collaborative, but also inclusive. Again, SEMA is the place for this to take shape in the best form.

Reason #3: It’s Creative. (Really, Really Creative)

The 2014 Show was definitely no exception to this rule. We saw Camaros with 33 inch wheels, Purple metallic Ferraris, and even a completely 3D printed car (ya, that actually happened). One of the biggest no-brainer rules of attending the SEMA show is “attention leads to publicity.” One of the biggest debuts at the show took place within the Toyota booth. At first, the company showed off a completely “stock” appearing Camry. Ten minutes later into the conference the company lifted the car’s skin to show off its complete drag racing under body. The car, named “The Sleeper Camry,” is good for 900 plus horsepower and is without a doubt the fastest “Camry” on the planet. It isn’t the easiest task getting foot traffic to each booth, so exhibitors pull out every stop within reach to draw as much attention as possible to their area. It only seems as if the competition for recognition gets steeper and steeper each year. This one-upping marathon constantly pushes the bar of creativity higher and higher for all to see.

Although this was a very quick wrap up of the SEMA experience, hopefully it shed a little light as to why we all just can’t wait for November to come every year. SEMA is more than just another show; it is a genuine opportunity for the car community to show its party tricks. Creativity and creation join form here to make cars just that much more special. The 2014 Show raised the bar yet again for the tuners, builders and customizers of the world to show us the best that they have to offer. Until next year, happy SEMA Show.