By SEMA News Editors
The 2024 SEMA Show, which continues today through Friday, November 8, had a stellar opening day yesterday with more than 2,400 brands and an estimated 150,000 attendees on the expansive Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) floor and surrounding outdoor areas, which are teeming with the latest vehicles, and automotive innovations and technology. Included among the countless product and vehicle unveilings on SEMA Show Day 1 was the launching of SEMA Live, a new-for-2024 program giving industry fans and enthusiasts an inside look at the aftermarket's exclusive trade-only event.
The action from the SEMA Live studio this week is headed by television host Chris Jacobs, who interviews some of the biggest icons in the industry. Jacobs is joined by Show-floor reporters Alliyah Becerra and JC Fernando, offering behind-the-scenes access to the Show's top booths and activations. Additionally, Adrienne "AJ" Janic is reporting from the SEMA Battle of the Builders stage (located in the Silver Lot Booth #81218 outside of Central Hall), sharing a glimpse into the competition that celebrates the best car builders from the automotive aftermarket. (Watch the full SEMA Live Day 1 recap video on YouTube here and below, and catch the SEMA Live Day 2 on YouTube here and on the SEMA Facebook here.)
During the first-ever SEMA Live stream on Tuesday, we learned that Jay Leno is eyeing the new Mustang GTD for one of his latest projects, calling the new vehicle a "truly American thing. It's an American automaker taking on Porsche... I think now is truly the golden age in automotive," he said during the SEMA Live stream on Tuesday morning, referencing the '25 Ford Mustang GTD street-legal sports car that's designed to compete with the performance vehicle Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
Leno returns to the SEMA Show in celebration of a milestone: his 20th year at the industry staple event. It all began in 1994 when he unveiled his Buick Roadmaster, marking the start of a long relationship with SEMA. Renowned worldwide for his extensive collection, which includes more than 250 vehicles and 250 motorcycles from rare classics to high-performance builds, Leno has channeled his passion into his award-winning "Jay Leno's Garage" show on YouTube (new episodes every Monday morning), plus a successful line of premium car care products under the same name, Jay Leno's Garage.
The 2024 SEMA Show began on Tuesday morning with its classic opening event, the SEMA Kickoff Breakfast. This year featured Jarod DeAnda, Jay Leno and YouTube personality Tavarish.
Leno was also part of the Show's opening event, joining the SEMA Kickoff Breakfast program on Tuesday morning to interview automotive influencer and YouTube personality Freddy Hernandez—AKA Tavarish alongside host Jarod DeAnda.
Another iconic car-loving comedian was in attendance on SEMA Show Day 1: Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias. Like Leno, Iglesias is also known for his passion for cars and the automotive hobby. He joined Leno on the SEMA Central Stage in the Grand Lobby, discussing their shared passion for automotive--while sharing some laughs with viewers.
This '70 Charger is powered by an ultra-rare 1500 HP DSR motor, one of only two in existence. You can see it at the Hemmings Booth #22493, and also purchase it on the Hemmings.com platform following the SEMA Show.
Also today, Hemmings, the world's largest collector car marketplace, has unveiled its latest one-of-a-kind listing, a '70 Dodge Charger dubbed "Sangria." This stunning build, crafted by the renowned California-based custom shop Blazin' Rodz, showcases a unique fusion of high-performance hot rod engineering and exotic design. The Sangria is powered by an ultra-rare 1500 HP DSR motor—one of only two in existence—paired with a Pure Stage 2 transmission and a Roadster Shop 9" third-member rear end. Sangria is equipped with a Driveline Pro carbon fiber drive shaft, delivering exhilarating speed and responsiveness. A cutting-edge carbon-ceramic Brembo braking system complements the high-octane performance.
"Our unveiling of Sangria at SEMA highlights Hemmings' commitment to connecting car collectors with all types of vehicles, including exceptional custom builds," said Jonathan Shaw, president of Hemmings.
Like what you see? After its SEMA Show floor debut, the vehicle will be listed for sale on Hemmings.com's "Make Offer" platform at $875,000. Interested buyers can view more details at hemmings.com/listing/1970-dodge-charger-288475.
"We are thrilled to have a beautiful custom collector car like Sangria available on Make Offer," said Shaw. "The platform delivers secure, efficient solutions that enhance the collector car experience."
Attendees can see this SEMA-exclusive custom vehicle in the Hemmings Booth #22493 now through the end of Showtime, Friday, November 8.
MagnaFlow was among the many exhibitors utilizing the SEMA Show floor for a vehicle unveiling, this one being a clean '71 Plymouth Barracuda, which attendees can see in the MagnaFlow Booth #23243.
The 2024 SEMA Show continues in the Las Vegas Convention Center through Friday, November 8. Find dozens of events and sessions that work best for your SEMA Show Week on the SEMA Show planner and SEMA Show app. For more information, visit semashow.com.