LIST: Some of the coolest cars at 2024 SEMA show
We list down some of the showstoppers that caught our attention at SEMA 2024
It’s that time of the year when the best customizers and tuners converge in Las Vegas for the annual SEMA show to showcase their latest automotive builds. Aside from the bewildering number of modified vehicles, it’s also a mecca for the latest aftermarket parts for cars, trucks, and a whole lot more.
Covering around 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space. It is estimated to draw 150,000 people, with an average of around 2,000 exhibitors and 1,500 new products on display. Going there for one day wouldn’t even cover half of what’s in store as there are also huge outdoor vehicle displays as well as product launches and live concerts.
As to be expected, there will always be over-the-top custom creations that entail crazy engine swaps and wild exterior modifications. Surprisingly, this year isn’t just all about obtaining insane horsepower numbers from ICE engines. Some forward thinkers have already been busy transplanting high-powered, electric motors onto conventional platforms, as you’d least expect. There’s definitely a lot of ground to cover, so here’s a sampling of the outstanding builds this year to get your creative juices flowing.
Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf
In a sea of concept cars, Toyota seems to be in touch with the interests of its consumers. Case in point is the Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf, which strongly take inspiration from the original 4Runner from the 80s. Turning it into a convertible also makes it fit right in the SoCal surfer culture which explains the surfboard out back. It gets a custom off road suspension with 37-inch BFGoodrich tires and retro livery with the period turbo script on the sides. We sure hope Toyota brings back these fun-tastic vehicles to spark more interest for future generations.
Ringbrothers Buick Grand National
Known for their artistry combined with the craftsmanship that they put into every custom car that they create, the Wisconsin-based Ringbrothers is back at SEMA this year with their take on what a Buick Grand National should be. Like their other stand-out builds, this one is also full of surprises, along with a completely rebuilt and modified 3.8-liter, twin-turbo, V6, producing an eye-watering 1246 HP with a manual tranny as it should only be.
Plymouth GTX Electromod
While not every muscle car enthusiast may agree with what’s under the hood, it does spark creativity in some aspects. Stellantis and its Mopar division chose to stray from the norm for this year’s SEMA with an electrified Plymouth GTX. While a honkin’ 426 Hemi or a modern Hellcat engine may look right at home under the hood, an electric motor occupies the engine bay. Designed to showcase an ‘e-Crate’ kit, which is a purchasable EV swap designed to drop straight into several late ‘60s and early ‘70s muscle and pony cars built by Chrysler. Interesting idea, though how many would be interested is worth finding out.
Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy
Well, it didn’t take long before somebody did it. Take a lightweight GR86 and stuff it with the highly explosive three-cylinder turbo engine and lively four-wheel drive system from the GR Yaris and you’ve got a slick-looking rally car. Emblazoned with the familiar Castrol livery from the 90’s WRC Celica GT-Four, it does look the part and I’m sure a lot of Toyota enthusiasts would like to see it in production.
Ford F-150 FP700S
Power overload seems to be what Ford is all about with this stealthy-looking pickup. Aptly named the FP700S, it makes good use of a Whipple supercharger to provide insane amounts of boost to the 5.0-liter, V8. Thus, allowing it to put out a tire-shredding, and 700 HP with 800 Nm of torque. The best part? Ford plans to sell this supercharger package as a fully warrantied, dealer-fit kit.
Kia PV5 WKNDR
While most overlanding vehicles are mainly composed of pickups and SUVs, Kia is setting a trend with their Wkendr electric-powered van. While it could become the overlanding van of the future, it does have functionality written all over it. With a pop-top roof, knobby tires, and a nifty modular interior storage system, this thing was made for enjoying the outdoors.
Nissan Frontier Tarmac
Proving its versatility, pickups aren’t for off-road use only as this Frontier Tarmac is built to go anything but sideways. Specially developed by Professional drifter, Chris Forsberg, it comes powered by a supercharged, 3.8-liter V6 that puts out 440 HP, all going to the back wheels. Other highlights include a trick adjustable coilover suspension, those beefy flared arches, and most importantly, a handbrake wand for initiating tire shredding drifts.
