By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) invites its members to attend its online Coffee and Conversation networking event on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. PDT.

The event will bring together automotive aftermarket professionals to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the wheel, tire, suspension and brake markets. Attendees will expand their professional network, learn about business leaders' expertise and backgrounds and exchange ideas for business growth.

"The WTSBC Coffee and Conversation events bring together some of the industry's most insightful and informed professionals," said past event participant Moses Ludel of 4WD Mechanix magazine. "The group is welcoming and always open to new ideas."

Discussion topics will be available to start the conversation; however, attendees are encouraged to also bring a topic that impacts their business. Past topics have included advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), legislative changes, new vehicle technology and more. 

Register for the event here.

If you have topics that you would like to have covered, email them to WTSBC Council Director Nicole Bradle at Nicoleb@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Scholarship program is seeking passionate individuals to volunteer as a SEMA Scholarship judge. Signups are open now at this link and close on March 22.

The SEMA Scholarship program supports career development and access in the automotive industry, offering financial assistance of up to $5,000 to students preparing for careers in the automotive field.

Sign up by March 22 to review scholarship applications and assist with selecting award winners.

Volunteer judges play a crucial role, reviewing scholarship applications and assisting with selecting deserving award winners. In addition to making a meaningful impact, volunteers get the opportunity to read inspiring stories from passionate students who are eager to pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket.

Volunteer hours are flexible and can be performed around the volunteer's schedule. Judging begins on April 3 and continues until May 13. Learn more and apply to volunteer here. To learn more about the SEMA Scholarship program, visit sema.org/scholarships.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is hosting a networking mixer at the MOORE Overlanding and Off-Road Expo on April 18, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. CDT. The event will take place in booth 225.

SBN members are invited to attend the mixer, where they can grow their professional network and learn about career-building resources for women in the automotive specialty-equipment market. Attendees will meet the SBN select committee, discover ways to get involved in the industry through volunteering and forge valuable connections with influential women that can propel their careers forward. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served.

Prospective members are invited to attend, as it's a great way to introduce yourself and learn what SBN membership has to offer. RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

The last chance to submit a nomination for the SEMA Hall of Fame, the association's highest honor, is March 15 at 5:00 p.m. PDT. Nominate here.

Created in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame recognizes exceptional individuals whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have significantly enhanced the growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Inductees include visionaries, innovators and leaders who have positively impacted the industry in extraordinary ways.

Nominee criteria include: 

• The candidate must have made contributions that extended beyond the local level and reach throughout the national and/or international level. 
• The candidate is and/or has been involved in the automotive specialty industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, although 15 years is preferred. 
• The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity and/or general stature and growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. 
• The candidate must have conducted himself/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. 
• The candidate must be at least 50 years of age prior to the SEMA Show during the year of induction or they may be at any age if deceased as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous. 

SEMA is also accepting nominees that have been employed by the association or have served as a contractor and/or vendor of SEMA. In addition to meeting the above qualifications, the nominee must have no less than one year of total separation from SEMA in any and all capacities, arrangements or relationships.  

The Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in May and honored during the SEMA Leaders and Legends Gala in July.  

Don't miss your chance to bring an outstanding person's contributions to the forefront! Nominate by Friday, March 15 at 5:00 p.m. PDT at sema.org/hof. 

Questions can be directed to SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer at Chriss@sema.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

Mercedes-AMG GLC EV

SEMA News sources recently spotted the upcoming all-electric Mercedes-AMG GLC testing in the Arctic Circle.

Built on the new, all-electric C-Class sedan platform, the GLC is intended to replace the current gas- and diesel-powered C-Class models.

Beneath the exterior lies the new MB.EA architecture for medium and large-sized vehicles, according to insiders. The technology includes 800-V capability, a modern silicon carbide inverter for improved efficiency, conventional radial flux motors producing an estimated 250 to 500 hp, rear- or all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering and a two-speed gearbox to further reduce energy consumption. These features are expected to apply to both the standard and AMG models.

The AMG variant will also feature drilled ceramic discs, a lower ride height, a wider track, AMG wheels, AMG-branded brake calipers and new bumpers.

Mercedes-AMG GT EV

Photographers have captured new images of the four-door Mercedes-AMG GT electric vehicle (EV).

Caught testing in Germany, the GT EV stems from the AMG Vision and will bring elements from the concept vehicle to production, according to sources.

The AMG.EA platform serves as the technological backbone for the GT, featuring an axial flux electric motor coupled with a high-voltage battery. To bolster its performance capabilities, Mercedes recently acquired Yasa, a specialist in axial motors based in England.

The four-door variant showcases a streamlined silhouette reminiscent of the Mercedes EQXX. Adorned with three-part LED headlights framing the Mercedes star, the design is accentuated by a horizontal light strip.

In the rear, the GT features an active spoiler and a rear light strip, enabling customizable lighting configurations. Additional design highlights include a lengthy wheelbase, forward-leaning A-pillars, minimal front overhang, extended rear overhang and flared fenders.

By SEMA News Editors

Hotel reservations for the 2024 SEMA Show--November 5-8, Las Vegas--are now open online here. Once again, Show organizers have negotiated the lowest possible nightly rates at the best hotels in the area, only available through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.

"We're seeing increased interest in the SEMA Show; rooms are filling up more quickly than last year, and some properties have limited inventories, so we advise exhibitors and attendees to book their hotels safely and securely through onPeak today," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director.

Booking a 2024 SEMA Show hotel through onPeak allows attendees and exhibitors to claim hotel loyalty rewards points and book their entire group online with immediate confirmation--knowing they've secured the lowest rate without needing to browse the web for hours.

Last year, Showgoers saved an average of $200 or more on their trip to SEMA at several sought-after hotels, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, New York New York, Park MGM, SpringHill Suites Convention Center, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, The Signature at MGM Grand, The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, The Westin Las Vegas and Waldorf Astoria.

Booking your hotel is just one of the first steps on the road to the 2024 SEMA Show. Attendee and media registration opens on Monday, April 29. For exhibitors, the deadline to submit booth agreements (and deposits) and be included in the priority booth space selection is Friday, March 29. The SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual will go live on Monday, April 29, and the SEMA Show team will begin the booth plotting process from April 29 through May 15 (more details here).

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show.

By SEMA News Editors

Despite being draped in camouflage, SEMA News sources recently spotted the BMW M2 CS prototype testing in northern Sweden.

Much like the M4 CSL and the M3 CSL, the M2 CS is getting a ducktail spoiler inspired by the E9, according to the images. Other additions, a new set of wheels, an exclusive color, and possibly some updates to the bumpers, could come at a later date.

It's also rumored that BMW will dial the S58 engine up to at least 500 hp, which is expected to be exclusively paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Like the M4 CS, which will be released sometime in 2024, the M2 CS will be a limited-run, special-edition model rather than a permanent member of the lineup, insiders said.

By SEMA News Editors

McLaren Motorsport's one-make race series, the McLaren Trophy, will launch in the United States in 2025.

Like the European series, Pro-Am driver pairings will compete in 10 total 50-minute races across five race weekends. The grid will consist of two classes based on the Artura Trophy, designed exclusively for the McLaren Trophy, or the 570S Trophy, the Artura's predecessor.

Independent teams will prepare all cars with McLaren Customer Racing providing support and spare parts.  

The series will announce the 2025 schedule at a later date.

For more information, visit mclaren.com.

IndyCar, Dirty Mo Media Form Partnership for 2024 Podcast Content

IndyCar and Dirty Mo Media, the multimedia content platform of Dale Earnhardt Jr., have formed a partnership to promote IndyCar content created by Dirty Mo.

The partnership will highlight the "Speed Street" podcast hosted by NTT IndyCar Series driver Conor Daly and content creator Chase Holden.

The weekly podcast, which began in 2021, will feature the winner of the NTT IndyCar Series race each week in 2024. IndyCar will also feature podcast excerpts on its social media and YouTube channels.

New episodes of "Speed Street" will be released every Wednesday throughout 2024 and are available across all major podcasting platforms.

For more information, visit indycar.com or dirtymomedia.com.

Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Hoosier Racing Tire

ST Tire Line

The new consolidated tire provides oval asphalt competitors with a versatile line that can be used at most tracks or series. Enabling teams to carry less inventory and eliminating the need for constant adjustments for different tracks.

hoosiertire.com

ProCharger

'24 C8 Supercharger Kit

The '24 C8 ProCharger supercharger kits build upon the development and experience of the '20-'23 model years, ensuring optimal efficiency and reliability, according to the manufacturer, and are designed to add 230 hp on pump gas.

procharger.com

Milwaukee Tool

ROLL-ON 7,200w/3,600w 2.5 kWh Power Supply

The new Milwaukee Tool ROLL-ON 7,200-w/3,600w 2.5-kWh Power Supply features a non-removable, REDLITHIUM integrated 2.5-kWh battery with the capability to supply continuous running power to support two to four operators per unit. The ROLL-ON is equipped with two 20-amp GFCI duplex outlets with circuit breakers, one USB-C and one USB-A.

milwaukeetool.com

Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

We are excited to invite you to the SEMA and PRI Washington Rally, taking place in Washington, D.C., May 8-9, 2024. The Washington Rally provides an opportunity for SEMA and PRI member companies to come together and advocate on behalf of the specialty-automotive aftermarket and motorsports-parts industries with members of Congress. Click here to register for the event. 

By attending the Washington Rally, you will have the opportunity to meet with your members of Congress and their staff, discuss critical issues and advocate for policies that will benefit our industry. Your participation will help ensure that our industry's concerns are heard and that we can continue to innovate and grow. 

Whether it's protecting the right to repair and modify vehicles with advanced technology, combating vehicle technology mandates that limit consumer choice or protecting motorized access to federal government lands, there are many issues facing SEMA and PRI members in the nation's capital. With the 2024 presidential election heating up and the balance of power in both the House and Senate up for grabs, it's more important than ever for SEMA and PRI members to come to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the industry! 

SEMA and PRI have a limited number of rooms available at the Royal Sonesta Washington, D.C., Capitol Hill for $409 per night, plus tax. A link to book a room will be provided upon completing the registration form. 

Below is a list of 2024 Washington Rally events (all times ET): 

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. -- SEMA-PRI PAC Reception* -- Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, Sapphire Room and Terrace -- Penthouse level 

*A PAC contribution is required to attend in the suggested amount of $250 per individual. If you have already contributed to the SEMA and PRI PAC in 2024, this event may be complimentary as a part of your PAC Membership Benefits. Contact PAC Manager Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org if you have any questions. 

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. -- Washington Rally Congressional Dinner -- Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, Crown Ballroom -- Penthouse level 

Thursday, May 9, 2024

7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. -- Breakfast and Welcome Briefing -- Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, Crown Ballroom -- Penthouse level 

9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. -- Meetings with Congressional Representatives -- House & Senate Office Buildings 

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. -- Cars at the Capitol Event -- Southwest side of the U.S. Capitol on Maryland Avenue (across from the Botanical Garden) 

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. -- Congressional Luncheon -- Capitol Hill Club, Eisenhower Room 

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. -- Meetings with Congressional Representatives -- House and Senate Office Buildings 

For more information on the Washington Rally, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.