Call it excessive stimulation, sensory overload, or simply feeling like a kid in a candy store. Whichever expression your prefer, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas offers an embarrassment of riches for car guys and gals of all backgrounds and interests. Of course, as far as we're concerned, there's only one type of car that really matters, and that one was not only displayed in abundance, but also in a dizzying array of permutations.
Ever wonder just how many ways you can serve up a Corvette? Get a ticket to the SEMA show and you'll find out. It's supposed to be a trade-only event, so as putative journalists, we have a free ride, and we're happy share a few nuggets from our candy bag with you.
We traipsed through miles of aisles to find not only some startling show cars, but also cool new products to consider for your Vette project. We don't have room to include photos of every car and component here, so we narrowed them down to the sweetest of the bunch to simplify your selection. Enjoy!
The day before the start of...
The day before the start of the SEMA show, we were invited to take some sneak peeks of the latest Corvettes at the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada (www.springmountainmotorsports.com), west of Las Vegas.
Corvette Racing legend Ron...
Corvette Racing legend Ron Fellows shared experiences from his several Le Mans wins, and we're looking forward to spending more time on the track with him for a feature on his high-performance driving school.
For fans of the original Grand...
For fans of the original Grand Sport, the big news in the Chevrolet display was the debut of the first GM-licensed reproduction...
...outfitted with the new...
...outfitted with the new emissions-legal E-ROD LSA crate engine. Built by Superformance (www.superformance.com), it was completed just in time for the show, but we plan to run a full feature on it as soon as it's dialed in.
Chevrolet's Z06X Concept shows...
Chevrolet's Z06X Concept shows how to transform a production Corvette into a serious closed-course track car. The Z06X incorporates the 1LZ, Z07, and CFZ equipment packages, along with a suite of aftermarket suspension enhancements.
Its low-gloss Icy White Metallic...
Its low-gloss Icy White Metallic exterior color is accented with exposed carbon-fiber body components and red trim.
Besides all the modified Corvettes,...
Besides all the modified Corvettes, we spotted a few very nicely restored classics in SEMA's Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) booth.
Although designed to draw...
Although designed to draw attention to Chevrolet's 3500HD truck, the C1 race car on the trailer is what caught our eye. Even so, the Duramax-powered pickup can tow more than 21,000 pounds, so a comp Corvette on an open trailer is no sweat.
Akrapovic's (www.akrapovic.com)...
Akrapovic's (www.akrapovic.com) new Z06/ZR1 exhaust is made entirely from titanium and comes with a choice of polished or carbon-fiber tips. Bring money.
Need some signage? We couldn't...
Need some signage? We couldn't help noticing this GM-licensed neon display from Cornhusker (www.cornhuskersign.com).
Mast Motorsports (www.mastmotorsports.com)...
Mast Motorsports (www.mastmotorsports.com) showed off its new X-Block 454 SS fuel-injected engine package. This hand-built, turnkey crate engine makes 700 horses and 600 lb-ft on 92-octane pump gas.
Symbolizing the tenacious...
Symbolizing the tenacious attitude of the Corvette Racing Team, the skull mascot known as "Jake" has given rise to the Corvette Jake Edition Concept. Based on the Grand Sport coupe, it features Competition Gray Z06 wheels, a matte Jake hood graphic from the GT1 Commemorative model, and a host of other accessories planned for future release.
Karl Kustom Corvettes (www.karlkustomcorvettes.com)...
Karl Kustom Corvettes (www.karlkustomcorvettes.com) combines old and new with this split-window body on a C6 platform.
Specter Werkes/Sports (www.spectergtr.com)...
Specter Werkes/Sports (www.spectergtr.com) did a masterful job enhancing and sharpening the lines of the C6 without going to excess. The car appeared as part of the always entertaining Mobil 1 (www.mobil1.com) exhibit.
Rossi's SixtySix has C6 underpinnings...
Rossi's SixtySix has C6 underpinnings with the appeal of Sex and the City.
The Corvette Specialty of...
The Corvette Specialty of California (www.corvettespecialty.com) shined with its CSOC GS bodywork, and roared with a supercharged LS3.
Flaming River Industries (www.flamingriver.com)...
Flaming River Industries (www.flamingriver.com) now has a power rack-and-pinion cradle designed to convert '63 to '82 Corvettes to power steering.
If you've hopped up your LS...
If you've hopped up your LS engine, the axles might be feeling a bit stressed. The Driveshaft Shop (www.driveshaftshop.com) has developed an upgrade for both the C5 and C6 drivetrains, rated for 1,000 hp.