Good As Gold
September 24, 2022
THE AUTO BUILDER
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Spotlighter
Inside the Hottest Booths at SEMA 2025
A showcase of the vehicles that made us stop, stare, and appreciate the art of the build.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
The Pulse of the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show stands alone as the ultimate proving ground for the automotive aftermarket world. No other event brings this level of innovation, craftsmanship, and straight-up creativity together in one place. Everywhere you turn, there’s something new—fresh tech, wild ideas, and custom builds that push boundaries in ways only SEMA can inspire.
Where Innovation Meets Competition
What makes SEMA electric is the intensity. Every brand shows up ready to outdo the next, every builder arrives with something to prove, and every booth fights to earn its moment in the spotlight. It’s a swirling mix of product launches, emerging trends, pro-level education, and industry-shaping connections—all happening at once, all at full throttle.
Standout Booth Cars We Spotted
Amid the chaos, chrome, and creativity, a handful of builds rose above the noise and demanded attention. These are just a few of the standout booth cars we spotted—machines that stopped us in our tracks and reminded us why SEMA is the most exciting week in the automotive world.
Blueprint Engines & Chip Foose
The BluePrint Engines booth hit SEMA like a thunderclap this year—bright lights, big energy, and that unmistakable “Horsepower to the People” attitude that’s been their calling card since 1982. It’s a corner of the show where reliability meets rebellion, where affordable power doesn’t mean compromise, and where every crate engine is treated like a piece of performance art. BluePrint’s team—led by the legendary Norris Marshall—preaches accuracy over ego, passion over posturing, and engineering that genuinely serves the fanatics, the families, and every throttle-happy soul in between. Their engines aren’t just built—they’re matched, tuned, and tailored to the individual. Dyno-tested. Trusted. Backed by the best warranty in the game. This is a brand that doesn’t chase hype; it creates believers one crate engine at a time.
And right in the middle of all that horsepower swagger sat one of the show’s biggest crowd-stoppers: Chip Foose’s latest masterpiece, a 1956 Lincoln Continental restomod that mixes elegance with audacity in a way only Foose can. From across the hall, the car glows with its deep green finish and perfectly subtle curves—every line massaged, every surface reconsidered. Foose didn’t just customize the Continental; he reimagined it. The factory never built a convertible version, so he did. The classic bumpers gleam brighter than ever, the hood wears newly sculpted contours, and even the door handles—borrowed from a ’56 Ford pickup—fit so naturally you’d swear they belonged there from day one. The trunk’s spare-tire hump? Dropped three inches for a sleeker profile only the sharpest eyes would catch. The interior carries that same thoughtful vision, blending olive green and eggshell white leather with green-backed gauges and a ’64 Thunderbird rear seat. It’s familiar, luxurious, and completely fresh all at once.
But the real fireworks happen under the hood. Purists might clutch their pearls, but Foose didn’t build this Continental to play it safe—he built it to move. And move it does, thanks to a BluePrint Engines LS-Compatible 376ci Pro Series V8 kicking out a stealthy-but-serious 530 horsepower. Dressed with stock-style air cleaner and valve covers, it looks tame… but the stainless exhaust sings a very different song. Compared to the original 285hp 368ci V8, this thing is an entirely different animal. Backed by lowered suspension geometry, four-wheel discs, and one-off multi-faceted wheels, the Continental finally performs like it always should have. Whether Ford purists forgive the LS heart or not, the craftsmanship is simply undeniable—and if your wallet is as ambitious as Foose’s imagination, Chip Foose Designs might just build you one of your own.
CMC Classic Cars
CMC Classic Cars brought serious pedigree to its first appearance at the 2025 SEMA Show, showcasing two client builds that embodied the shop’s signature blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and modern execution.
The 1970 Camaro RS stood out as one of the rare second-generation Camaros on display, pairing classic muscle proportions with carbon-fiber details and a numbers-matching powerplant. The interior—fully reimagined with premium materials and sharp detailing—earned the TMI Best Car Interior award, underscoring the quality behind the build.
Alongside it, Christopher Cairo’s 1967 Mustang Fastback drew steady crowds thanks to its unique color palette and subtle ghost striping. The car advanced into the Top 40 Battle of the Builders and secured a Top 10 Young Guns finish, marking a strong debut for both owner and builder on one of the industry’s biggest stages.
For CMC Classic Cars, the week served as a milestone—an opportunity to demonstrate the shop’s commitment to elevating vintage platforms with precision, creativity, and respect for their original character.
Dapper Lighting & Nostalgia Hot Rods
Dapper Lighting rolled into SEMA 2025 with a booth that flat-out glowed—the kind of display where the lights alone stop you in your tracks, and then the cars finish the job. Their story is all about young talent, obsessive craftsmanship, and the drive to mix classic style with modern optical tech. Every set of lamps is hand-built, tailored, and backed by legit confidence because these guys only ship what they’d proudly run on their own rides. It’s no wonder they’ve become one of the most trusted lighting brands in the game.
The 1970 Pontiac Firebird “DraKon” is a 1500HP fusion of personal history and supercar-level engineering, brought to life through a collaboration between Nostalgia Hot Rods, Speedtech Performance, and Tom Nelson Racing Engines. Originally the owner’s high school car, it’s now a ProTouring Firebird built on a full chassis with air-over-coilover active suspension, Motec management, ABS braking, and a luxury-meets-race interior that leans into European-exotic vibes. Wrapped in a custom House of Kolor finish and lit by Dapper Lighting LED headlights, DraKon doesn’t just make a statement — it rewrites the Firebird rulebook.
The 1968 Dodge Charger “Violent” takes the Mopar icon and turns every dial past the stop. What started as a rusted-out shell became a candy-purple widebody Charger with seven extra inches out back, six and a half up front, a 3/8-inch chop, fully handmade doors, and wicked deep door scoops. Underneath sits Speedtech’s first-ever B-body chassis—full IRS, pushrod suspension, and identical geometry front and rear—while the back end wears custom billet, infinity tail lights, and razor-sharp aero. It’s bold, brutal, and beautifully executed… exactly why they call it Violent.
Nostalgia Hot Rods LLC.
1196 Wigwam Pkwy
Henderson, NV 89074
Dynamat with Kindig-It Designs, Pure Vision Designs, & Restomod Vette
Dynamat showed up to SEMA 2025 with a booth that felt less like a display and more like a victory lap for a brand that changed the entire industry. Thirty years of innovation, problem-solving, and pure passion were on full display—an entire legacy built from one simple idea: make an old car feel like a better car. From Scott Whitaker’s first attempts to quiet down his own project to millions of square feet of product installed worldwide, Dynamat has become more than a product line. It’s a household name, a verb, a must-have for anyone who wants their ride to feel tight, solid, and refined. As president Michael Good put it, Scott didn’t just build a business—he built a movement. And at SEMA, wrapped in history and surrounded by iconic metal, that legacy echoed through every panel and every car in the booth.
Front and center was the 1965 “Studio Concept” Mustang, a rolling piece of design history penned by Peter Brock and resurrected by the crew at Restomod Vette. Built to satisfy SCCA’s vision of a true competition fastback, the car channels that what-if moment in Ford history when racing ambitions met design bravado. Brock’s original two-seat concept never made it to Ford’s production lines, but here it stands—clean, poised, beautifully proportioned, and wrapped in Dynamat sound-deadening to feel as refined as it looks. For anyone walking the show, this Mustang wasn’t just a car; it was a glimpse into an alternate timeline of American performance.
Sharing the spotlight was Kindig-it Design’s 2015 Suburban, a slammed, full-custom, cross-breed piece of modern hot-rodding insanity. KevDog walked the Dynamat crowd through the build—Escalade DNA, Suburban bones, Sierra bits, all tied together on a brand-new chassis sitting slammed on 26-inch Billet Specialties with monster Wilwood brakes at every corner. The paint? A deep Nostalgic Blue straight from Kindig-it’s own line. Inside, the story gets even better: layers of Dynamat and Dynaliner everywhere—headliner, floor, cabin—transforming this stretched-out cruiser into a vault-quiet luxury rig. When KevDog says it’ll feel like a brand-new Lexus inside, you believe him. That’s the Dynamat difference.
And then there was the Pure Vision ’67 GTO, a Steve Strope masterpiece and a textbook example of how Dynamat turns killer builds into world-class machines. Known for the Martini Mustang and other top-tier restomods, Strope brought a GTO that hits with presence—Detroit Speed suspension, a stout 462 Pontiac engine from Penta Motorsports, Billet Specialties Tru-Trac, and a Hughes Performance 4L80E all tucked under a beautifully sorted chassis. The interior design, shaped by Eric Brockmeyer and destined for Gabe’s magic, shows the same level of vision. Wrapped in Dynamat insulation from nose to tail, this GTO isn’t just clean—it’s tight, quiet, and built to feel every bit as premium as it performs.
Gandrud Performance
Gandrud rolled into SEMA 2025 with the confidence of a true powerhouse in the Chevrolet Performance world. Known for their unbeatable pricing, deep inventory, and commitment to keeping builders supplied with the parts that make projects possible, their booth was buzzing from the moment the show opened. Gandrud has built a reputation not just on volume, but on trust—becoming a go-to source for enthusiasts who want quality, reliability, and real support behind every component they buy.
In their display sat one of the most talked-about pieces of the show—a wildly controversial two-seater Camaro concept that instantly split the crowd. Transforming a modern Camaro into an open-top two-seater borders on sacrilege for purists, and plenty of people said so on social media. But that’s exactly why the car drew such a steady stream of spectators. It challenged expectations, flipped a modern icon on its head, and dared people to imagine what a factory two-seat Camaro roadster could feel like. Whether you loved it or hated it, you couldn’t ignore it—and that made it one of the most memorable moments in Gandrud’s booth.
Gentex Corporation & Ringbrothers
Gentex Corporation showed up at SEMA with the quiet confidence of a company that doesn’t just participate in the automotive world—they help shape it. As a global tech leader and Tier 1 automotive supplier, Gentex ships cutting-edge driver-vision and safety systems to nearly every major automaker on the planet, all while innovating across aerospace, fire protection, and medical technology. Their booth was a showcase of purpose-driven engineering: a reminder that Gentex’s real mission is to elevate every experience—whether you’re driving, flying, or depending on life-saving equipment. With a culture built on innovation and a commitment to meaningful impact, the company’s presence at SEMA felt less like an exhibit and more like a statement of where the future is heading.
Ringbrothers’ Aston Martin Octavia took that future-forward mindset and wrapped it in a tuxedo of British elegance and American ferocity. Based on a 1971 Aston Martin DBS restomod, this reimagined machine is the brothers’ first European sports car build—and they didn’t just dip a toe into new territory; they cannonballed into it. Over 12,000 hours went into transforming the original car, with nearly a third of that spent in CAD before a single carbon-fiber panel was shaped. The partnership with Gemini Technology Systems led to every exterior surface being recreated in carbon fiber, allowing the proportions to be stretched, widened, and tightened in ways that make the Octavia look like a factory-built Bond car that slipped through a wormhole from another timeline.
Performance-wise, the Ringbrothers Octavia trades polite British composure for full-blown super-spy aggression. The chassis was completely reengineered with a Roadster Shop Fast Track Stage III platform, independent rear suspension, Fox coilovers, and a rear-mounted Tremec TR-6060 transaxle for ideal weight balance. And where a DBS would normally carry a straight-six, the Ringbrothers went rogue—they dropped in a supercharged Ford Performance 5.0L V8 belting out 805 horsepower. Widened by eight inches in front and ten in the rear, rolling on HRE centerlock wheels, and packed with 3D-printed custom trim from Azoth 3D, the Octavia drives and feels like a modern exotic wrapped in a vintage silhouette.
The Bond inspiration runs deep—and this is where the Gentex connection becomes a headline feature. Look closely and you’ll spot “Aston Martini” valve covers, a martini-glass dipstick, a pistol-grip handbrake, and a license plate reading SHAKN. But the coolest gadget might be the auto-dimming sunshades supplied by Gentex. Just like Bond’s gear, they adapt instantly to changing light, darkening or clearing to maintain perfect visibility no matter the conditions. Paired with the car’s Double-O Silver paint, widened stance, and endless custom details, the Aston Martin Octavia isn’t just a restomod—it’s a rolling tribute to craftsmanship, storytelling, and next-gen tech working in perfect sync.
Heidts & Pure Vision Design
came into SEMA 2025 doing what they do best—proving why they’re one of the undisputed leaders in hot rod suspension, muscle car suspension systems, and modern chassis innovation. What started in Gary Heidt’s 700-square-foot garage has evolved into a 50,000-square-foot powerhouse turning out some of the most trusted IFS and IRS suspension kits in the industry. Their booth was a celebration of engineering excellence, fast shipping, hands-on expertise, and a legacy built by testing their own parts on real autocross and road-course machines. Whether you’re a pro builder or a weekend wrench, Heidts continues to deliver the kind of quality and customer service that keeps their name at the top of the suspension game.
Front and center this year was the jaw-dropping collaboration between Heidts and Pure Vision Design—the “Haraka” 1970 Plymouth Road Runner, a stunning themed build from Steve Strope that merges high-performance engineering with luxury-watch elegance. Wearing a rich Plum Crazy “Inkwell Violet” finish, this Mopar masterpiece showcased Heidts’ brand-new PRO-G IFS & IRS systems for B-body Mopars, giving the classic Road Runner the agility and composure of a modern sports car. The build goes far beyond aesthetics, featuring a MoTeC-fed Chrysler 440, TKX 5-speed, Porsche Panamera seats, and the now-famous timepiece-inspired gauge cluster that had showgoers frozen in place. Pure Vision brought the artistry, Heidts brought the technology, and together they delivered one of the most refined, talked-about debuts in SEMA 2025.
JBL
JBL arrived at SEMA 2025 with a clear mission: demonstrate how world-class car audio can elevate a classic build from impressive to unforgettable. Their booth featured a standout 1956 Chevrolet, a car that turned heads not just for its bold craftsmanship, but for the sonic muscle packed into every corner.
The exterior alone drew crowds—flawless chrome, a reverse-opening hood, and a supercharged big-block engine that gave the ’56 plenty of presence before anyone ever heard it. The bubble-top windshield sourced from a 1961–62 Impala stopped enthusiasts in their tracks, blending eras in a way that felt both daring and seamless. Inside, the car was a rolling study in custom refinement: hand-stitched upholstery, a smoothed and fully shaved dashboard fitted with Dakota Digital instrumentation, and a half-wrapped leather wheel tying the interior design together with OEM-level precision.
But the real centerpiece—and the reason the car anchored JBL’s booth—was the JBL audio system. The rear of the car housed a meticulously integrated JBL installation, turning the trunk into a performance-grade acoustic chamber that showed exactly what their engineers are capable of. Clean, powerful, and visually sculpted to match the build’s theme, the setup became one of the most photographed car audio displays of the show.
For JBL, the ’56 Chevy wasn’t just a demo car—it was a statement piece, proving that premium automotive sound can become a defining element of a top-tier custom build.
Kindig-it Design
Kindig-it Design hit SEMA 2025 with the kind of swagger only a shop at the top of its game can pull off. After 25 years of redefining custom car fabrication, pioneering their own Modern Classikk paint line, and stacking awards from Ridler to multiple SEMA Design Awards, the Utah-based crew didn’t just show up—they shook things up. Their booth was already a magnet thanks to their reputation and TV presence, but this year’s headline act drew even more heat than hype. And that wasn’t by accident. Kindig-it brought a build they knew would stir the pot: a radically reimagined 1969 Camaro mod rod that instantly split the crowd. For a shop famous for craftsmanship, creativity, and fan-favorite builds, dropping something this bold was a statement—and it had the entire hall talking.
That conversation? Not quiet. Not polite. And not unanimous.
This is the second 1st-gen Camaro we’re featuring from the show, and ironically, it’s also the second one stirring up a storm online. Purists fired up the comments the moment this thing hit the floor—blasting the proportions, the stretched wheelbase, the widened body, and the fact that almost nothing from the original sheetmetal remains. But that’s exactly where this car flexes. Nearly every panel was hand-crafted, every line sharpened, every proportion reconsidered. The team kept only the roof, door jambs, inner door shells, and a few slivers of ’69 Camaro DNA—everything else is new. Beneath the Z06 Corvette Orange paint lies a fully custom chassis, widened stance, aero work, and massive EVOD wheels. The Whipple-charged LS7 and groundbreaking dual-clutch transmission push it even further into modern supercar territory. Love it or hate it, this thing refuses to blend in. It’s controversial, it’s ambitious, and it proves that Kindig-it Design isn’t here to follow nostalgia—they’re here to rewrite it.
OSH Cut & Dillon Houck
OSH Cut showcased the possibilities of modern sheet metal fabrication at SEMA 2025, proving how on-demand services and advanced technology can bring ambitious builds to life. With instant online quoting, virtual simulations, and same-day production options, OSH Cut equips automotive builders, fabricators, and engineers with precision tools to tackle complex projects confidently. Their 2D Fiber Lasers, 3D Tube Lasers, CNC Press Brakes, and finishing equipment make rapid prototyping and full-scale production equally accessible, cementing their role as a leader in custom metal solutions.
One of the highlights at their booth was Dillon Houck’s 1965 Ford Falcon, Project SHO-OFF. Originally a field find during Houck’s middle school years, the Falcon has evolved into a jaw-dropping restomod, now powered by a rare 1991 Ford Taurus SHO V6, tucked into the rear-wheel-drive platform with 108 custom OSH Cut adapters, a ProCharger P-1SC supercharger, and TREMEC T-5 manual transmission. The build is rounded out with a Heidts Superide II front suspension, 13-inch six-piston Wilwood brakes, a fresh two-tone Champagne and Cherry Red Metallic paint job, and a custom leather interior with Dakota Digital gauges. Project SHO-OFF is a perfect example of how OSH Cut’s precision fabrication services allow young builders to turn bold ideas into fully realized, SEMA-ready machines.
Dillon Houk
Roadster Shop
The Roadster Shop has been a cornerstone of the hot rod, street rod, and muscle car world for more than 25 years, known for blending cutting-edge engineering with uncompromising craftsmanship. At SEMA 2025, their booth showcased eight jaw-dropping builds that exemplify their full in-house capabilities—from chassis development and suspension innovation to complete turn-key vehicle construction. Each car reflects the shop’s philosophy of marrying form and function, where every detail is as technically precise as it is visually stunning. With a dedicated team of designers, fabricators, and builders under one roof, the Roadster Shop continues to set the standard for modern performance vehicles while honoring the heritage of classic American muscle.
1966 Chevrolet Corvette – Arizona Custom Car Design
This 1966 Corvette started as a factory small-block car, but its owner envisioned a modern performance platform wrapped in classic lines. Arizona Custom Car Design transformed it into a fully realized vision, pairing Dynamic Corvette’s ZR1 widebody kit with a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis to create a seamless blend of original style and modern aggression. Every bodyline was reshaped to work harmoniously with the widebody, while the LS3 495-hp Chevrolet Performance crate engine dominates the bay as a showpiece. Custom hood hinges, Baer brakes, and AG Luxury wheels complete the package, resulting in a Corvette that is equal parts art and engineering—a testament to the evolution of design and performance.
1969 Chevrolet Chevelle – Hammer Fab
Mike and Christin Kennedy’s 1969 Chevelle is the ultimate restomod statement. Built on a Roadster Shop SPEC chassis, this Chevelle blends a GM Connect & Cruise LS3 drivetrain with a six-speed automatic for modern reliability without losing classic soul. One-off Leading Edge MAD wheels (18″ front, 19″ rear) sit tightly under Hammer Fab’s Glasurit paint, while the Avant Garde Design interior brings high-end refinement. With precision fitment, electric door handles, flush glass, and Baer hardware, this build nails the balance of performance engineering and meticulous craftsmanship.
1969 Ford Torino – Dutchboys Hotrods
Dutchboys Hotrods pushed the 1969 Ford Torino into elite territory—honoring late-’60s muscle while modernizing every performance element. Hand-fabricated hood, grille, rear panel, and side scoops create an aggressive, cohesive stance. A Roadster Shop chassis, Baer brakes, and Forgeline RS6 wheels (19×10 / 20×12) wrapped in Michelin tires give it modern supercar-level handling. Power comes from a 482ci dry-sump Cobra Jet paired with a Bowler Carbon Edition TREMEC six-speed, offering brutal acceleration and precision control. This Torino honors its era while excelling in today’s performance landscape.
1969 International Scout “THREE” – Michael Dascoli / Driven Speed Shop
Michael Dascoli’s Scout THREE is an audacious reimagining of the 1969 International Scout, with under 2% original metal remaining. Sitting on a Roadster Shop RS4 chassis with custom four-link suspension and a hand-fabricated roll cage, every inch is bespoke. CNC-machined trim, a CAD-designed custom interior, and a Wegner 6.2L LS3 with a 2.9L Whipple supercharger producing 1,000+ hp make it a true engineering flex. Forgeline wheels, custom branding by Miles McDermott, and 7,500+ labor hours elevate this Scout into pure automotive artistry.
1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer “Blackberry Smoke” – Hogan Built
Hogan Built’s “Blackberry Smoke” K5 Blazer is a 900-hp supercharged LS3 bruiser built on a Roadster Shop RS4 chassis. Featuring Don Hardy power, Whipple supercharger, billet rocker electric steps, and custom Evo Industries moldings, this Blazer blends off-road grit with show-level polish. 17×9 KMC beadlock wheels, candy accents, and polished calipers bring visual punch, while the late-’60s-inspired interior and retractable billet rocker trim deliver a retro-meets-modern vibe. It’s a one-of-one off-road weapon built with next-level detail.
1972 Chevrolet Corvette – Gap Industries
Tim Palazzolo’s 1972 Corvette is a widebody monster riding on a Roadster Shop billet chassis with a 1,000+ hp big-block V8, a six-speed manual, and independent rear suspension. Precision components like billet ARs, billet spindles, and a Detroit TrueTrack nine-inch rear ensure clean power delivery. Combining vintage Corvette style with modern suspension engineering and cutting-edge performance hardware, this build proves that classic lines and modern muscle can coexist flawlessly.
1980 Pontiac Trans Am – Johnson’s Hot Rods
Angie Johnson’s 1980 Pontiac Trans Am pays tribute to the Indy Pace Car legacy with modern attitude. Riding on a Roadster Shop chassis, it’s powered by a Procharged 6.7L LS making 415 hp through a six-speed automatic. Billet turbine wheels, satin gunmetal accents, and pearlescent white paint give it subtle sophistication, while interior upgrades—leather-wrapped dash, heated seats, modern gauges—respect the original design. With a refined engine bay and LED-lit seal plates, this Trans Am blends 1980s Pontiac flair with today’s performance expectations.
1991 Velocity Ford Mustang Fox Body – Velocity
The Velocity Fox Body Mustang is a masterclass in Fox Body restomod engineering. Finished in Jet Black BASF Glasurit, it rides on 18-inch CCW SA50 wheels beneath a 2-inch cowl hood on Ringbrothers billet hinges. Inside, Recaro heated seats, Alcantara, Dakota Digital/Autometer gauges, and a Blaupunkt/Focal system deliver modern comfort. A Ford Performance Gen 4X Coyote 5.0 with a Whipple 3.0L supercharger pushes 800 hp through a 10R80 10-speed, backed by a Roadster Shop SPEC chassis, Ford 9-inch rear, and carbon fiber driveshaft. Custom bay closeouts, mini-tubs, and production beginning in 2026 make this Fox a future collectible icon.
SEMA Central Booth Spotlight
The SEMA Central booth is where the stakes spike and only the most elite builds get the invite. With thousands of wild machines scattered across the show floor, the cars placed here have to rise above the noise—and they absolutely deliver. From master-level coach-built creations to razor-sharp restomods, each vehicle pushes the limits of design, engineering, and craftsmanship. These aren’t just display cars; they’re statement pieces demanding attention from enthusiasts, builders, and judges alike.
“Pantheon” – Rick Dore
Step into the realm of world-class coach-built artistry with “Pantheon” by Rick Dore, a full-custom masterpiece sitting atop a precision-engineered Art Morrison chassis. Its flawless bodywork features closed-in fenders, a sculpted silhouette, shaved handles, and a removable hardtop—all tied together with a stunning chameleon blue exterior that shifts and highlights every hand-crafted surface.
Inside, the execution is just as meticulous. A bespoke gauge cluster anchors the hand-finished dash, surrounded by rich leather and premium finishes that echo the exterior’s elegance. The custom interior blends luxury with old-school showmanship, creating a cabin that feels as exclusive as the metalwork itself. At SEMA, “Pantheon” stands tall as rolling sculpture—where elite design, next-level fabrication, and performance engineering collide into one breathtaking presence.
1969 Chevrolet Chevelle – Velocity Restorations
The 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle built in collaboration with Velocity Restorations is a modern restomod stunner engineered to drop jaws at SEMA Central. Its exterior wears a three-stage Aurelian BASF Glauce paint, giving it layers of depth and warmth. Velocity-exclusive billet door handles, a hand-built splitter, custom rear diffuser, tucked bumpers, and reshaped rear sheet metal transform the car into a sharpened, modernized version of itself. Three-piece billet wheels sit perfectly in the arches, completing the aggressive yet refined stance.
Inside, the upgrades continue: a Velocity-exclusive interior featuring Recaro Expert M seats, a Holley EFI Pro Dash, Focal audio, and a color-matched roll cage—finished with custom leather accents and a tailored steering wheel. Power comes from a Nelson twin-turbo LS427 hammering out 1,000 RWHP, paired with a T-56 six-speed manual and planted on a Roadster Shop F-Track chassis. Add in the big brake kit, hand-formed engine bay panels, and sticky Pirelli tires, and this Chevelle becomes the perfect blend of classic soul and cutting-edge performance.
SEMA FutureTech Studio
The SEMA FutureTech Studio isn’t just another corner of the show—it’s the proving ground for the ideas bold enough to shape the next decade of performance innovation. With EV, hydrogen, hybrid, autonomy, and advanced propulsion technologies all under one roof, this hall brings together the thinkers and builders redefining what’s possible. Every build here has to earn its place—and the machines on display don’t just earn it, they announce it. Each one merges next-gen technology with the soul of automotive craftsmanship. When the rest of the show celebrates tradition, FutureTech challenges it—and this year’s lineup makes that mission unmistakable.
VOLT+STEEL “Project Zero”
VOLT+STEEL’s “Project Zero” rewrites Corvette history with a single provocative question: What if there were a fourth 1960 Le Mans car—an experimental C1 built not for nostalgia, but for the future? This 1958 Chevrolet Corvette pays tribute to the legendary Cunningham racers by imagining the missing entry: car #0. It blends heritage with high-voltage innovation thanks to a reVolt Systems 450 kW electric motor delivering 600 HP and 900 lb-ft of torque, powered by an 85 kWh traction pack and controlled by AEM electronics. Instead of carburetors or displacement, this Corvette uses electrons to channel the same outlaw spirit that shaped early American endurance racing. It’s loud without sound, rebellious without fuel, and unmistakably crafted with purpose.
Every inch of Project Zero reflects meticulous craftsmanship: an Art Morrison independent chassis, custom wiring harnesses, Billet Specialties wheels, Wilwood brakes, and an AVS Motorsports finish that fuses vintage cues with modern precision. The Ron Mangus interior, wrapped in blue and orange, echoes 1960s Le Mans flair while embracing futuristic digital command through Dakota Digital instrumentation and a custom center-console MMI. With bespoke machining throughout—roll cage, billet box cover, master cylinder, trim, even the custom driveshaft—this Corvette isn’t an EV swap. It’s a manifesto. A message to the next generation: innovation and heritage can coexist, evolve, and inspire.
Twisted Iron Performance’s “Darrell” – The Hydrogen-Powered ’61 Impala
In a hall full of futuristic concepts, Twisted Iron Performance drops something truly unique with “Darrell,” the hydrogen-powered 1961 Chevrolet Impala built to bridge classic American muscle with zero-emission propulsion. Under the hood is a Hydrogen LT4 supercharged engine running on 100% hydrogen, proving internal combustion doesn’t have to vanish—it can evolve. Supporting the powerplant is a dedicated 48-volt hydrogen fuel cell powering the Impala’s fully electric HVAC system, allowing A/C to run even with the engine off. It’s clean energy meets old-school cool, engineered with intention.
“Darrell” uses cutting-edge tech like Infinity Box electronics, intelligent power management, and advanced control logic to blend performance with sustainability. Twisted Iron has carved out a niche as specialists in ICE-based hydrogen conversions, creating functional hydrogen powerplants capable of serious performance with zero tailpipe carbon. With its seamless mix of classic sheet metal and breakthrough hydrogen systems, this Impala stands as one of the most forward-thinking vehicles in the entire SEMA FutureTech Studio—a bold glimpse at how muscle cars can thrive in a cleaner, smarter future.
Twisted Iron Performance Shop
SEMA 2025 BOTB Young Guns Top 10 - Hydrogen Powered 61 Impala
Blazin Rodz Hybrid Hypercar – The Carbon-Fiber 1969 Camaro Reinvented
Blazin Rodz returns with one of the most ambitious builds in the entire show—the world’s first classic hybrid hypercar, a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro reinvented with a full carbon-fiber body, supercar proportions, and performance stats that sound fictional. This limited-production program pairs a 1,300 HP twin-turbo Chevrolet R07 V8 with a 300 HP axial-flux electric motor for a combined 1,600+ horsepower and through-the-road AWD. With a targeted 210 MPH top speed, advanced torque management, and a custom 800V Raeon UK battery pack, this isn’t just a restomod—it’s a technological moonshot wearing a Camaro badge.
The team showcased a 1:3 OE-grade scale model and a full-size front-end assembly highlighting their patent-pending suspension system, which uses torsion bars, pneumatic air springs, and hydraulic pushrods for a continuously variable-rate setup. The hypercar integrates HP Additive Manufacturing 3D-printed components, custom hybrid control firmware, regenerative braking logic, and precise torque-fill for launch control. Sharing the booth is “Doughboy,” the award-winning 1970 Chevelle that stunned SEMA 2024 with its 2,800 HP twin-turbo big block. For 2025, it sits elevated with the fenders removed so visitors can take in its billet suspension, machined components, and one-piece billet fuel cell integrated into the rear diffuser.
The Blazin Rodz booth represents the bleeding edge of performance engineering—traditional craftsmanship fused with aerospace-grade technology. With limited production planned and pricing starting around $1.6 million, this hybrid hypercar program isn’t just redefining what a ’69 Camaro can be—it’s rewriting what the future of extreme performance might look like.
SPAL
In a sea of innovation, the SEMA SPAL Automotive booth stands out as a destination for builders chasing absolute control over heat management, performance, and reliability. With more than 60 years at the forefront of advanced cooling technology, SPAL continues to raise the bar with cutting-edge brushless fans, high-efficiency coolant pumps, and smart thermal management systems trusted by top OEMs around the world. Every component in their lineup speaks to deep R&D, precision engineering, and a relentless commitment to durability—because the hottest builds demand the coolest tech. In a hall where every booth fights to be seen, SPAL’s presence is defined not just by products, but by the elite custom machine chosen to represent them.
SPAL stole the spotlight with a one-off 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1, a build that seamlessly fuses pure craftsmanship with modern engineering in a way few SEMA cars ever achieve. Designed by the renowned Sean Smith and executed to perfection by Vini’s Hot Rod Shop, this Mach 1 wears a mesmerizing Titan Green finish that shifts and shimmers under the hall lights. The body has been meticulously reimagined through full 3D scanning, CAD engineering, and advanced additive manufacturing, giving the iconic profile a level of refinement and precision you only catch when you’re standing inches away. It’s subtle. It’s impossibly clean. And it has the presence of an OEM “what if” concept polished far beyond factory standards.
Inside is where this Mustang cements itself as one of the standout builds of the event. The interior—custom-designed by Sean Smith and crafted with remarkable detail by the Avant Garde Design team—is already being whispered about as one of the best interiors at SEMA. Every surface feels intentional, blending hand-finished materials with digitally engineered components in a way that looks effortless but takes serious discipline. Built for owner Dave Boroughs, this Mach 1 doesn’t beg for attention; it just owns the room. It’s a beautifully modernized Mustang that perfectly mirrors SPAL’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and performance under pressure.
SPAL Automotive USA
1731 SE Oralabor Road
Ankeny, IA 50021
U.S.A.
Phone: 800-345-0327
Toyo Tires Treadpass – A Signature SEMA Experience Returns
Toyo Tires brought serious energy back to SEMA 2025 with the return of the iconic Toyo Tires Treadpass, now in its twelfth year and still one of the most anticipated walk-throughs of the entire show. Known for innovation in engineering, world-class performance tire technology, and a global commitment to pushing the limits—from Proxes® to Open Country®—Toyo channels that same mindset straight into Treadpass. Designed as a space where top creators can experiment, build, and reimagine, Treadpass blends Toyo’s heritage with the forward-thinking work of builders who thrive on doing things differently. It’s a must-see corridor between the Central and South Halls, packed with style, creativity, and unmistakable proof of why Toyo is a favorite among racers, show builders, and everyday drivers.
This year’s Treadpass lineup features 28 new custom builds, each chosen to spotlight a different flavor of performance and craftsmanship. Attendees will find everything from exotics to off-road bruisers to meticulously engineered vintage restorations—think a custom Lamborghini Murciélago, a twin-turbo Ford Bronco, a wild BMW E28, a high-horsepower Chevrolet Nova, and more. Toyo also expanded the experience with digital build spotlights on their website, a full-size life-size die-cast “toy box” installation produced with Time Capsule, exclusive Leen Customs collectible pins, and a fan vote that will bring one featured Treadpass vehicle into the CSR2 mobile racing game. It’s a showcase celebrating imagination, precision, and the culture that surrounds Toyo Tires—cementing Treadpass once again as one of the most creative and talked-about corners of the entire SEMA Show.
