SEMA is the American aftermarket show and a chance for manufacturers and tuners to really go to town and show what they can do. In keeping with the Las Vegas surroundings, the wilder, more brash and lairy the better. Here are some of the highlights.
Two reborn American icons - the Camaro and the Ford Mustang - are fighting it out once again at the heart of many of the stands at SEMA, with Corvette also showing a host of new special editions and concepts.
First Camaro though: this Hot Wheels concept inspired by the 'Custom Camaro' included in the original 1968 Hot Wheels set. Perhaps reflecting dreams of kids of the time now working in the business, this life-size recreation of a classic toy is exactly what SEMA is about.
Another Camaro celebrates the car's history in 'stock eliminator' drag racing. Back in the day dealers manipulated the parts ordering system under the code of Central Office Production Order, levering 7.0-litre engines into standard cars.
Chevrolet Camaro COPO
This modern day COPO Camaro can also be specced with a 7.0-litre (427 cubic-inch in traditional money) V8 and replaces the stock independent rear suspension with an old-school, drag-racing-friendly live axle.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The versatility of the Camaro is proven with the forthcoming ZL1, this 580hp version of the American classic fresh from recording an astounding 7:41 lap of the Nürburgring and showing here in a new Carbon concept with a menacing grey paintjob.
Corvette Ron Fellows Hall Of Fame
Corvette is also at SEMA in strength with a couple of special editions, including this mean-looking Ron Fellows Hall Of Fame tribute celebrating his success as a Corvette racer and showcasing many of the upgrade parts offered by Corvette dealers.
MRT Ford Mustang
Ford's response to this onslaught of hot GM metal has been to turn to the outside tuners. This MRT-designed Mustang boasts a supercharger upgrade and MRT's own sports exhaust system to give the track-focused build some real bite.
H&R Springs Ford Mustang
H&R Springs has also built a track-focused Mustang based around its own sports suspension kit for the Ford coupe and with a power upgrade courtesy of an Edelbrock supercharger kit and a Flowmaster exhaust system.
Ford Mustang '65 cabrio shell
Fans of old school Mustangs are also catered for, with Ford announcing it can now supply fully approved and brand-new bodyshells as an official spare part for that perfect restoration. The $15,000 '65 cabrio joins existing shells that let you rebuild fastback coupes and other variants.
Bojix Ford Focus
Reflecting changing - and more European - tastes in the US tuning industry and car market in general there are also lots of tuned-up Ford Focus models. This one by Bojix is one of many, slammed on 20-inch wheels and boasting carbon spoilers and other addenda.
Ricky Carmichael Chevrolet Sonic
GM isn't letting Ford off the hook with the hot hatches though, showing various takes on its Sonic supermini - sold as the Chevrolet Aveo here in Europe. This Ricky Carmichael edition is an extreme sports fan's dream ride.
Chevrolet Sonic Super 4
There's also a Sonic Boom packing a fearsome array of stereo gear or, at the other end of the spectrum, this stripped and caged trackday fighter, known as the Sonic Super 4.
Suzuki Grand Vitara cabrio
Which is all very sensible compared with what Suzuki is showing. You've heard the phrase 'so wrong it's right'? This is so wrong it's still wrong. Suzuki combines its car and marine divisions and ends up with a decapitated Grand Vitara pointlessly sporting an outboard motor.
Scion iQ
Indeed, the Japanese carmakers are putting on a strong show at SEMA with Toyota's US sub-brand Scion showing off various wild interpretations of the iQ. This track-spec one is particularly insane...
Scion iQ rwd
But that's merely a styling exercise compared with this mid-engined conversion that also boasts rear-wheel drive. A VeilSide edition packed with TVs and game consoles also features at the show.
Kia Rio concept
Kia is also here with a mad surf-based Rio concept that blends modern styling with traditional surf chic. There's even a wooden front spoiler and interior fabrics made from water resistant swimming costume fabric.
Kia Optima Slam Dunk
Continuing the sporting theme Kia has also created a Slam Dunk version of its Optima hybrid with a basketball theme. It's got a floor like a basketball court, paintwork that looks like a basketball and, in a finishing touch, a hoop that extends from the boot for practising your game.
Kia Soul Michelle Wie
That's fairly restrained compared with the Kia Soul designed by golfer - and Kia ambassador - Michelle Wie. The So Blue paintwork features her own blend of artwork, which also features on her golf bags.
Kia Soul Michelle Wie - interior
But it's the inside where Wie's imagination has really run riot. White, baby blue and pink detailing assault the senses and there's even artificial grass on the floor and a virtual driving range in the back courtesy of a 26-inch LED TV, X-Box 360 and a Kinect system on which to play.
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