Inspired By SEMA Vehicles

I always wanted to attend the SEMA show, which takes place each year in Las Vegas.  Unfortunately, this is a trade event so it is not open to the public.  Luckily, many of the SEMA members and media share images and videos of the event, so it is easy to get a glimpse of the vehicles and products on display.

SEMA is the Specialty Equipment Market Association that represents over 7,000 companies.  Those companies create, build or sell parts and accessories that promote the car culture.  Is this a big deal?  Consider this:  SEMA member companies contribute over $300 billion to the U.S. economy, supporting 1.3 million industry jobs with $52 billion is annual parts sales.

It’s a big deal.

SEMA Show 2024

This year’s show just wrapped up in Las Vegas. The 2,400 exhibiting companies consist of manufacturers of automotive accessories that enhance the performance, styling, comfort, convenience and safety of cars, trucks and SUVs. 

I enjoy watching videos and pictures taken at the show to gain inspiration for my vehicle projects.  While my work is nowhere near the quality and scope of the exhibitors, I still look for the little details that I can incorporate into my designs.  Also, the concept vehicles are an early indicator of future trends.

Functionality

I can’t begin to do justice to the many great products on display at SEMA, but a couple really caught my eye.  Please see me comments associated with the pictures shown below:

Toyota

Toyota showed two trucks with removable roofs.  The top one is the Land Cruiser Rox, again with a removable roof and all-weather interior. The bottom one is a concept of the 2025 4Runner, shown as a two door.  Why are these significant to me?  It gives me hope that someone may build a modern day Blazer.  

Chevrolet Blazers

Speaking of Blazers, they are!  Oh wait, GM didn’t bring a concept vehicle to the show.  Luckily, Flat Out Autos brought their K5 Silverado conversion again this year.  

Based in Arkansas, Flat Out Autos is a restomod company that has successfully modified a Silverado pickup to function like a modern K-5 Blazer.  Where General Motors failed, Flat Out picked up the ball and ran with it.

The Ring Brothers, known for their high quality restomods, built another K5 Blazer for the show.  This time, they put a 1972 Blazer on a Toyota Tacoma frame and front suspension. Blasphemy!

Named Tuka, this Blazer is something else.  It is powered by a 525 hp 6.2L LS3 GM engine and has a modern interior.  The tailgate is from a new Ford Bronco.  It’s a beautiful build that represents the Ring Brothers well.

Kia

The PV5 “WKNDR” is a self-described escape pod. Solar panels and hydro turbine wheels can recharge the vehicle’s batteries, powering accessories like the onboard compressor for setting up, say, an inflatable mattress. This is a wild execution of the Kia Platform Beyond Vehicle lineup, which excites me for a return of small vans.  

Color and Trim

The vehicles shown above show some interesting old functions, like open air roofs and van-like efficiency.  It would be great if these designs show up in a future vehicle, but for now I will be inspired by some color and trim ideas.

I noticed more expressive colors are used on the concept cars.  Even better if more of these make it into production on a variety of vehicles.  I’m really bored with black, gray and white SUVs and trucks.

Ford Bronco Wild Fund

The first vehicle I saw in my SEMA research was this Wild Fund Bronco below.  The green accents on the grill and wheels are both expressive and tasteful.  In fact, I found them as interesting as the first time I saw bronze accents on a vehicle.  Is green the new bronze?

Nissan

Nissan showed a number of vehicles this year.  The Frontier Tarmac is a hot street truck project that has great color.  

The Nissan Kicks is the entry level crossover from Nissan, but you wouldn’t know it from the two concepts at the show.  The Nismo Beach Patrol has the expressive yellow, while the Urban Shadow makes black and white look good.

Final Thoughts and Questions

The car builders at SEMA, whether they are from the OEMs or individual builders, are some of the best in the industry.  On occassion, these OEM concepts make it into production.  If not, the aftermarket certainly will come through.

When it comes to colors and design, this is where enthusiasts like me get inspired.  The green accents on the Bronco have my attention.  You can expect to see that color on my Desert Sand Ford Maverick that I have on order.  Stay tuned for more on that after the start of the year.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 

Want to learn more about me? Go to Meet The Vehicle Nanny.