Compact Cars
SEMA always delivers sensory overload — the unveilings, the crowds, the horsepower echoing off every hall. But this year, the real thrill came from the unexpected. Tucked between the headline builds and mega displays were the parts that made us slow down, lean in, and say, “Okay… now that’s something special.”
Every November, the SEMA Show turns Las Vegas into the beating heart of the custom car world—but one showdown always steals the spotlight: the Battle of the Builders 2025. It’s the aftermarket industry’s ultimate test of skill, creativity, and innovation—where the best in the business fight for glory and the title of the world’s top custom builder.
After years away, NOPI Motorsports made a triumphant return with the NOPI Nationals 2025, officially the NOPI Nationals Motorsports Supershow. Fans from across the country flocked to the event, experiencing two full days of custom car showcases, high-octane competitions, and festival-style entertainment that reminded everyone why NOPI is a cornerstone of car culture.
The NOPI Nationals needs no introduction. Like Michael Jackson or The Rolling Stones, it doesn’t require an opening to get the crowd warmed up. Basically, they could cut out all of the fat and get right down to what the people came to see: all the hot cars scattered throughout the Atlanta Motor Speedway.
NOPI, NOPI, NOPI … that was all I heard in August. Everyone I spoke to was getting ready for the NOPI Nationals in Atlanta. Whether I was talking to a manufacturer, builder or enthusiast, I got the same response: “… getting ready for the NOPI Nats.”
When you’re chasing horsepower, every ounce of wasted motion is power left on the table. That’s why the Super-Street GM LS Aluminum Roller Rockers are worth a hard look. Proform went back to the drawing board and rebuilt their rocker lineup from the ground up—stronger, smoother, and better-looking than ever.
From suspension breakthroughs to slick bolt-ons and next-gen wiring solutions, this curated collection of fresh hardware gave attendees a first look at what’s about to hit the streets—and the shelves. With awards on the line and plenty of eyeballs walking the floor, companies brought their A-game, packing the display cases with smart engineering, clean design, and purpose-built upgrades. Whether you’re a pro builder or garage warrior, this was the place to get hands-on with the future of hot rodding.
If you’re stuffing big power into a classic muscle car, restomod, or street bruiser, don’t let your transmission be the weak link. The SuperMatic 4L75-E REMAN from Chevrolet Performance is the no-nonsense, overbuilt four-speed automatic your LS-powered project has been begging for—and Gandrud Performance Parts has them in stock and moving fast.
Things have been changing, especially with the types of cars being built and showcased. Instead of industry-backed projects, these are cars put together by everyday enthusiasts. Erick Dickerson is one of those people. You might call him a collector—he owns nearly every model of Honda or Acura from the recent generation. With a garage full of Civics, an S2000, several Integras, and even an NSX, Dickerson may not exactly be your average guy—but his biggest decision each morning isn’t what to wear, it’s what to drive.
Some of the greatest feelings in life come with a rise in rpm, a dropped clutch and tests of traction stretching the boundaries of our physiology. These are the emotions many of us cherish, and while many factors can evoke such emotions, the single most influential force behind these kinetic kicks is torque (which is then equated into horsepower).
