From tire-pressure monitoring and powertrains to navigation and smartphone integration, nearly every facet of today’s automobile is controlled, managed or affected by some type of mobile electronics. As the field has expanded, an increasing number of products are introduced each year in the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase, and an ever-growing throng of buyers seeks information about the most innovative systems and components.

Since the earliest performance parts began to emerge from the dust on dry-lakes proving grounds in Southern California following World War II, hot rods have been a mainstay of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. They spark the imaginations of builders in every car and truck niche, and they continue to enthrall the motoring public at show venues and on roads across the country.

The product listings on the following pages run the gamut from powertrain and drivetrain hard parts to interior and exterior accessories, but their common bond is that they were all featured in the hot rod category of the New Products Showcase at the 2011 SEMA Show. We’ve also interspersed observations about current trends from officers at leading companies involved in the hot rod industry, as well as from young executives who are closely connected to their enthusiast segments.

New Products introduced by Eddie Motorsports, Backbone Industries, UnderCover, Spectre Performance, Edge Products and other SEMA member manufacturers.

America is reviving its traditional love affair with the light-truck, SUV and off-roading segments. With experts predicting a third consecutive year of rising auto sales in 2012, the light-truck category seems to be leading the way. The Ford F-Series and the Chevrolet Silverado again ranked first and second, respectively, among the top ten vehicles sold last year. Meanwhile, Jeep continued its strong comeback for Chrysler. Many experts credit pent-up consumer demand, while others read from the figures tentative signs of economic recovery. Either way, the growth is welcome.

Adding a little more power, even just a horse or two, changes the relationship between a car and its driver. Suddenly, drivers become enthusiasts and their cars become “projects.” The 2011 SEMA Show featured 485 exhibitors in the Racing & Performance section, entering more than 650 new products in the Show’s Ideas Alive: New Products Showcase. In an effort to satisfy those passionate consumers, more than 16,000 buyers registered for the Show, specifically to identify the newest trends and hottest products dedicated to engine performance.

Wheel manufacturers continue to innovate with attention-grabbing designs, vibrant colors and exotic finishes. In fact, for the 2011 SEMA Show more than 19,000 buyers noted a specific interest in wheels, hubcaps and related accessories on their registration questionnaire. Striking a delicate balance between style, fitment and overall performance—more than 140 exhibitors unveiled their latest creations at this year’s Show. The following pages spotlight innovations from Wheels & Accessories section exhibitors, as seen in the 2011 SEMA Show New Products Showcase.

More than 230 exhibitors attended the 2011 Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA (Tire Industry Association). Now in its second year (see p. 20), the special section within the 2011 SEMA Show is dedicated exclusively to tire industry products and has quickly become the hot destination for buyers thirsting for the latest and greatest trends. During Show sign-up, more than 36,620 registrants noted their specific interest in tires and accessories, including passenger and light-truck applications. To help satisfy that interest, the following products were unveiled both on the Show floor and in the SEMA Show’s Ideas Alive: New Products Showcase.

The winners of the New Products Showcase Awards were announced during the New Products Breakfast held at the 2011 SEMA Show. The event recognizes the most cutting-edge automotive products either on the market or about to hit the market. Nearly 2,000 new products were submitted this year for consideration.

The SEMA Show is all about innovation and creativity. For a taste of what’s coming at the 2011 event, check out the more than 100 new products previewed here. During the Show, head to the upper level of South Hall for a look at the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase at the Las Vegas Convention Center, November 1–4, 2011.

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