The Best Cars and Trucks of SEMA 2010
I just came across a good article by tgriffith, posted earlier today, and entitled The Best Cars and Trucks of SEMA 2010 that I would strongly suggest everyone reads! Below are a couple of excerpts in the hope of whetting your appetites!
Bisimoto either proved the CR-Z is every bit as customizable as the old CRX, or at least showed that enough cash can overcome any car’s shortcomings. Either way, that’s what makes SEMA ooze pure awesomeness; and that CR-Z is just the tip of the ol’ iceberg. Heck, there was even a Toyota Camry NASCAR edition present. For the first time, SEMA handed out awards this year for the hottest car, truck and 4X4/SUV. The awards were given to one model in each category, which are favorites of the customizers in attendance and deemed by SEMA organizers as the most accessory-friendly new models on the market. For the inaugural awards, the SEMA heads have selected as winners the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford F-Series and the Jeep Wrangler, calling them “vehicles that consumers can confidently turn to for unlimited possibilities in personalization.” If your personal preferences lean towards spending the day at the track, the Camaro SSX Concept is your dream come true.
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2-liter V8 with new aluminum cylinder heads, a new camshaft and swapping in a dry-sump oil system all for an output of about 524 horsepower. Calling its creation the Pit Boss, Airhead Kustoms changed the already-rugged and powerful 2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty into the ultimate tow and support truck, built to get your race car to the track in style. Power was increased on the mighty F-350 with the addition of a Snow Performance water/methanol injection system, Nitrous Express diesel nitrous system and an AFE Power cold air intake. Even if race cars aren’t your thing, the SEMA Show will still put you into sensory overload.
Now then, reading tgriffith’s article started me thinking so I had a quick search around for more articles on the subject and discovered some more goodarticles. i.e. this post by Sam Haymart, posted back in October, over on DieselDig:
Our crew-cab 4×4 test truck with a six-speed automatic transmission averaged 14.8 mpg in a combination of city and highway driving over a week. On highway alone it was easy to achieve 17-19 mpg which is fantastic for a vehicle of this size. And the power is immediate. Ford’s high tech dual scroll turbocharger has no discernable lag, shoving boost up the moment you put your foot down. That translates to strong acceleration that yes, will fry those tires clean off.
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On the road the suspension feels tight and stiff while also offering good road isolation to the passenger compartment. Ours had the large optional 20” wheels and tires which provided additional road holding feel. Steering is tight and direct and the chassis feels solid as a rock. Braking effort was a bit higher than we expected, but should be expected in a vehicle weighing in at 6000 plus lbs. Inside of course was a great place to be. The King Ranch features a beautiful interior with Adobe leather seating, two tone trim, embroidered logos, and all the gadgets.
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The latter is a great thing to have backing up the 247” long truck in a tight Walgreen’s parking lot. While I learned to drive in an equally large pick-up without such niceties, it was a welcome reassurance you weren’t backing over a Snowbird from Minnesota getting into their Buick. Towing is of course the main reason most buyers seek out this truck. And for 2011, Ford doesn’t let them down. With the right set of options the F-350 Super Duty diesel can tow up to 16,000 lbs of conventional trailer and a 24,400 fifth-wheel. Wow. The integrated trailer braking system with in-dash squeeze switch is also a big help. While Ford has continued to build on the same formula that have made their heavy duty diesel trucks top sellers since the 1980’s, there is no question this is not my parent’s pick-up. New design and technology have made the new Ford Super Duty a quieter, smoother, more powerful and more efficient place to be while retaining all the same traits that made the original the top choice of the Ford truck stable.
Finally, another fantastic post on the subject came from Jake Holmes on Car and Driver Blog posted back in October and entitled Seven Modified Ford F-series Trucks for SEMA which is also certainly worth a read.
Godfather Customs The folks at Godfather used an F-150 equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine as their canvas. They applied a cowl-induction hood, a new front bumper, a tonneau cover, new taillights, massive wheels, and a bagged suspension. Mickey Thompson This F-150 from Mickey Thompson looks ready to show off its tires. It’s got a six-inch suspension lift, 35-inch MT off-road rubber, big PIAA lights, and a Warn Industries winch.
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The Custom Shop This EcoBoosted F-150 has shaved door handles, a tonneau cover, lightweight wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, and a glitzy bronze-and-black color scheme. The tailgate is emblazoned with one of the largest blue ovals this side of the company’s HQ. Rize Industries An F-350 plus dirt bikes, seems like a good combo. Rize Industries equipped this truck with an eight-inch suspension lift, a loading ramp to easily get bikes into the now-lofty bed, a power washer, an air compressor, and a built-in bike stand. Cars by Kris and Airhead Kustoms The Pit Boss is an F-350 designed to tow your race car to the track and serve as a mobile pit while there.