2008 SEMA Show Coverage

Despite a challenging economy, COMP Performance Group™ to launch an impressive number of new and innovative products at 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 4-7

Just when you thought the performance aftermarket was showing signs of screaming ‘Uncle,” the COMP Performance Group™ (SEMA Booth #22349) comes to the rescue with a full line of new performance parts – enough exciting stuff to drive up the stock market single-handedly. Two all new brochures will be available at the show detailing these new products, their benefits and applications. Among the newest products debuting in the COMP Performance Group™ brochure are the COMP Cams® Ultra Pro Magnum™ Rockers, a complete line of LSR™ Cams for GM LS Engines and two all new series of Thumpr™ Cams for GM LS and Ford 3V 4.6/5.4-liter engines.

Fellow COMP Performance Group™ companies, including TCI®, FAST™, Inglese™, RHS™ and ZEX™, have plenty to show off at this year’s SEMA, too. These include items such as the revolutionary Inglese™ EFI Induction Systems, the FAST™ EZ-EFI™ and the LSXR™ 102mm Intake Manifold – a dramatically freer flowing intake than has ever been available from any manufacturer in the past. RHS™ debuts their new Pro Elite™ CNC-ported Iron Small Block Chevy and Aluminum Big Block Chevy cylinder heads while ZEX™ breaks new ground in nitrous with their Blackout Nitrous Systems and a potent nitrous package for the popular 2008 and newer Dodge Challenger.

The 2009 TCI® new product brochure is also jam-packed with the newest innovations fresh from their advanced product development division. Highlights of the brochure include products like the 6-X Six Speed GM 4L80E Automatic Transmission, which provides six forward gears for ultimate shifting and engine power control. The new TCI® ProMuscle™ Transmission Series is the perfect complement for street and strip-bound muscle cars delivering great performance and durability while the StreetRodder Signature Series™ Transmissions are perfect for long hauling cruising or short trips down to the local cruise-in.

COMP Performance Group™ representatives will be on hand throughout the show, please stop-by to see first hand the products that customers will be asking for in 2009. Also stay tuned to www.powerperformancenews.com for on-site show updates.

All tolled, the COMP Performance Group™ had 47 new products that debuted at the 2008 SEMA Show including the TCI® 6-X six speed, COMP Cams® Ultra Pro Magnum™ Rockers, a complete line of LSR™ GM Camshafts, and an all new Thumpr™ Series cams for GM’s LS and Ford’s 3V 4.6 liter engines. New brochures for The COMP Performance Group™ and TCI® can be found at www.compcams.com.

FAST™ officially launched their massive 102mm Big Mouth Throttle Body and improved performance LSX intake manifold at the SEMA show to the delight of top end power fans. This effort makes the FAST™ intake the highest flowing, highest performance intake of its type on the market.

The Mopar Performance booth in the South Hall of the SEMA show as light show filled with performance parts and multimedia exhibits. The Dodge Challenger shown here featured a number of Mopar Performance created components and integrated the classic Mopar hood scoop and graphics.

A 528-cid hemi-powered Grand Spalding Dodge Dart of Mr. Norm caught great attention from the crowds passing from the Central to South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Cool cars and trucks weren’t the only thing to see at the show. Legendary pinstripper Jake Hudson did a great business personalizing items like cell phones and cameras. For those more daring folks, you could receive a real tattoo in the Dunlop & House of Color booths.

This concept ’69 Charger, built by legendary car creator Steve Strope, sported a host of upgrades including a massive big block engine and the three twin-downdraft induction electronic fuel injection system.

New products of all kinds were on display in the Mopar booth including an assortment of performance blocks and ancillary performance and power parts.

Hovering above the Ford booth was this Dynacorn all new steel body, the most highly visible vehicle in the Central Hall.

The Ford Flex and Mustang were the most prominent models in the Ford booth this year. The Flex, with concept cars built by everyone from Hot Rod Magazine to specialty painters, was a key target for Ford to push aftermarket component upgrades. The special invitation-only party on Wednesday night featured all of the Flex concept cars on display.

It wouldn’t be the SEMA Show if it were not for the appearance of Carroll Shelby. Shelby was once again busy launching new products and signing autographs for the devout crowd of fans and enthusiasts. On Wednesday celebrities including Shelby, Danica Patrick, Hulk Hogan, Reggie Jackson and others were in attendance.

The LS-series is become well-known on the street and at the track, which is why it makes sense that GM would show impressive "cutaway" displays of these powerful GM engines.

The fastest Mustang in the world was on display at the show – powered by COMP Cams products. Brent Hajek’s Bonneville record setting machine runs on E-85 and clicked off a top speed record of 251.9 mph. The 2008 Mustang joins Brent’s other Mustang, the 1969 Bonneville Record setting Mustang of Mickey Thompson – both featured on this month’s Hot Rod Magazine cover.

Induction systems have been come more sophisticated with the times. This classic Mustang benefits from the addition of a cool Inglese EFI system to enhance performance, tunability and overall looks. Countless street rods and high performance cars at the show were so equipped.

As if Nissan new GTR wasn’t fast enough, a number of aftermarket folks had parts available for these $120,000 bullets. SEMA has become quite a car show over the years including everything from Smart cars

and Muscle cars to Lamborghinis and a very impressive Porsche. Most of the exotic cars were in the Convention Center’s South hall – home to the tire and wheel manufacturers.

Check out the COMP Cams® website!

Street Rods are a hot market these days with innovative products from a wide variety of manufacturers on display at SEMA. One of the most popular categories for street rodders is automatic transmission components, especially those focused on touring with overdrive systems. TCI’s new 4L80E transmission with six-speed gearing was a popular topic with rod builders.

If the products weren’t enough to pique your interest, the displays certainly were. K&N took a novel approach to booth design hanging this race car from the ceiling. No telling if peak velocity before impact was improved through the use of the K&N products.

GM’s booth was packed with Camaros – differently themed for a variety of ultimate purposes. Both the V8 and V6 production Camaros were on display, the V6 sporting 305 horsepower – higher than both Challenger and Mustang V6 offerings.

Race cars of all kinds dressed many of the booths at the show – especially those demonstrating the type of cars in competition by the specific sanctioning body. The NHRA trailer outside the show featured a number of Hot Rod Reunion vehicles such as this classic digger.

Lowriders were especially popular this year and included not only aftermarket products, but the critical custom stuff required for these show cars to win the top awards. Interestingly enough, there has been a focus on pushing the performance components to enhance drivability and power with these cool and elaborate cars.

If there was one signature car at the event it was the new Dodge Challenger and many folks had new parts on display to make them even faster and better handling. Note the unique body panel “adjustments” made to this Challenger. Debuting at the show were a number of convertible Challengers, a platform that is certain to be popular.