Lexus has teamed up with numerous tuning firms to create eight project vehicles for the 2008 SEMA Show. Besides our favorite 2009 Lexus Project GS by Five Axis, ICON caught the attention of SUV lovers with their version of the Lexus LX 570.

The ICON Lexus LX 570 sports a two-tone matte gray paint on the outside along with black chrome trim and emblems. The interior wood panels were replaced with carbon fiber surface effect coatings. The ICON Lexus LX 570 rides on 24-inch MOZ Calgary wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico 285/35R-24 tires.

Performance wise, ICON gave the LX 570 a custom intake system, a new stainless steel exhaust system and 6-pistons on the front and 4-pistons on the rear braking system.

ICON Lexus LX 570:

Troy Sumitomo of Five Axis automotive design wowed the crowd at the 2007 SEMA Show with the Lexus Project IS-F. This year at the 2008 SEMA Show, Sumitomo is at it again with the Project GS.

As soon as you lay your eyes on the Five Axis Project GS, you’re attracted to the widebody conversion kit with custom formulated Satin Titanium Pearl paint with some onyx and papaya accents. The Project GS concept sits on 20-inch FIVE AD Onyx R5 wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan concept tires with the tread designed by Five Axis itself.

Five Axis also provides a boost in the performance area with a custom fabricated exhaust with dual finishers. The suspension has also been lowered along with sport shocks. Braking power comes from 355mm x 32mm rotors with 6-pistons at the rear with a bolt-in-bridge caliper – the front carries 345mm x 28mm rotors with 4-pistons.

Check out a video of Sumitomo explaining his design.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery.

2009 Lexus Project GS by Five Axis:

Two customized version of the new 2009 Mazda6 will highlight the Japanese automaker’s presence at the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Mazda has teamed up with Tory Lee and David Green to give the Mazda6 a little custom touch.

Tory Lee’s Mazda6 features custom paint and detailing by L&G Enterprises, paint material by PPG and body modifications by Funktion USA. Lee also added 18-inch Momo Strile wheels, Hoosier tires and window-tinting by A-1 Tinting. Performance wise, Lee did some suspension modifications by Eibach Springs, cross-drilled, 6-piston big brake kit by Wilwood Engineering and custom brake fabrication by JD Performance.

David Green’s Mazda6, known as the Green Energy, features a body kit by DG Motorsports, 19-inch Volk rays and Yokohama tires.

If you’d rather just by a regular Mazda6 from Mazda, the sedan is available now in a 2.5L 4-cylinder version and a 3.7L V7 version.

Tory Lee’s Mazda6:

Nissan is celebrating its 50th year of selling cars and trucks in North America and its 10th year attending the SEMA Show with 12 customized Nissan cars from suppliers, tuners and Nissan’s own design and engineering team.

Of course the GT-R is the highlight of Nissan’s display at SEMA. NISMO, the premier supplier of high-performance aftermarket parts and accessories for Nissan will also be attending and will be display a variety of NISMO performance components, accessories and apparel.

Follow the jump for the list of Nissan SEMA Show vehicles.

Steve Millen 2009 Nissan Maxima:

· Steve Millen Sports Cars Maxima – Nissan’s “4-Door Sports Car” receives the full aftermarket treatment from well-known Nissan race driver and builder Steve Millen.  Modifications include engine airflow management improvements, rear roof and deck lid spoilers, custom wheels and tires and a two-tone black-and-silver paint treatment.

· “Citizen Soldier” Altima Coupe – Sergeant Nick Ashby and Steve Millen Sports Cars pay tribute to the National Guard with a transformed Altima Coupe.  The vehicle, complete with military themed paint and extreme custom interior upgrades, was the centerpiece of the National Guard recruitment display at Hot Import Night events in 2008.

· “Hot Rod Hybrid” Altima Hybrid – Braille Battery put together this extreme Altima Hybrid to promote hybrid technology and alternative fuel usage.  The E85-powered Altima uses an electric supercharger to supplement the heavily modified drive train.  Race-style interior modifications and an eco-focused paint scheme complete the long list of modifications.

· Automotive Design Concepts Rogue – Automotive Design Concepts injects the Nissan Rogue with a shot of active lifestyle adrenalin with engine modifications, a suspension lift, aggressive snow tires and full snowboard co-branding.

· 4X4 Parts Pathfinder – The popular Nissan Pathfinder receives a serious work-and-play treatment, adding the equipment to “help build and enjoy a log cabin in the remote parts of the forest.”

· NISMO Titan – This modified NISMO Titan, built by Nissan North America, features a new package of chrome accessories.

· Muscle Road Frontier 4×2 – In a twist on the classic low-rider truck look, Muscle Road Inc. created this full-fledged “sports car” sport truck.  Low to the ground with wide road racing wheels and tires, the Nissan Frontier 4×2 looks ready to carve canyons with the best of the Nissan ZÒs – but it can also bring along a payload in the bed.

· Rick Kulach Racing 350Z – This fully prepped Nissan 350Z comes to SEMA fresh off competing at the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) National Championship Runoffs.

· Rockford Fosgate Armada Rocker – Rockford Fosgate, a supplier of premium audio systems for a variety of Nissan vehicles, turns a full-size Nissan Armada SUV into the ultimate off-road sound studio.  With V8 power and an equally powerful sound system, this is one Armada that’s ready to “Rock the Rockies.”

· Time-Attack 350Z – The Westside Group joined with Mines Performance, one of Japan’s top ZÒ tuners, to create an all-out time-attack vehicle.  A wide range of extreme body and powertrain modifications promise to make this one of the most intriguing ZÒs at the show.

· Nissan GT-R – With 480 horsepower from its twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 and aggressive aerodynamic styling, the 2009 Nissan GT-R needs no introduction to the SEMA crowd – and no modifications.  This factory supercar is expected to draw large crowds throughout the run of the show.

· Z Highboy Roadster – Nissan North America employee Jack Taylor built this unbelievable variation on the classic 1932 Ford Highboy Roadster utilizing a complete Nissan 300ZX drive train.  This is one hot rod that deserves a second look – especially under the hood.

Zele International’s orange Nissan GT-R has made its way to the U.S. and is now on display at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show. The Zele Nissan GT-R  shows off a variety of carbon fiber body parts for Godzilla and a few performance modifications.

The car features a Lamborghini Arancio Atlas Metallic Orange paint job, black forged standard wheels, carbon fiber NACA ducts, front lip spoiler, side skirts, a rear lip and Recaro seats which are lowered by 14mm. The Zele Nissan GT-R also features a lowered suspension and a modified front bar with front air ducts. The parts are available in the U.S. through GT Motoring, Tomei Powered USA Inc. and BulletProof Automotive. Prices range anywhere from $500 to $1,000.

Zele also offers ECU upgrades that allows for a rev-limit increase to 7,200 rpm and a top speed of 211 mph.

Zele Nissan GT-R:

Volkswagen showed its new Super CC Performance Concept at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show today. Volkswagen’s design team gave the CC a sleek exterior treatment with black chrome accents and gray pearl paint. The body kit consists of a new front and rear bumper, side panels and a motorized aluminum spoiler. Inside the Super Performance CC Concept gets black leather Recaro seats and matching floor mats with white piping.

Performance wise the 2.0L TI engine has been upgraded with a APR stage 3 turbocharger with three different performance levels. On Full Power mode the car produces 311-hp with a maximum torque of 313 lb-ft; GT mode makes 252-hp and 268 lb-ft; and the Eco mode produces 222-hp with a peak torque of 236 lb-ft. When in Eco mode, the Super CC Performance Concept gets an average fuel-economy of 33/27 mpg (city/highway).

Volkswagen also added 20-inch 10-spoke wheels, an H&R coil over sports suspension kit and 14-inch Brembo brakes with 4-piston aluminum alloy brake calipers and 355×32mm 2-piece floating cross drilled discs with Billet aluminum hats.

Volkswagen Performance CC Concept:

Probably the hottest vehicle at SEMA was unveiled today. Mopar has taken the covers of the much-anticipated 2009 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. Team Mopar driver Shaun Carlson and two-time Formula Drift champion Samuel Hübinette were on hand for the reveal. The two will steer the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger during the 2009 Season.

Power for the 2009 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger comes from a A8 aluminum engine build by Gary Stantion Racing Engines with Mopar W9 raised port heads making 850-hp with a maximum torque of 849 lb-ft being transferred to BFGoodrich tires. Mopar also added front and rear sway bars on the suspension.

“This is going to be an exciting time, bringing out another car and another platform,” said Hübinette, who in 2009 will mark his sixth year as a member of Team Mopar. “All that we learned from building the Dodge Charger drift car is transformed into this car and really makes it competitive.”

You seen all the pictures and have read all the details - now it’s time to see the five 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Concepts that are taking over the 2008 SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas.

StreetFire.net brings us a video of all the five Camaros including the Camaro LS7 Concept, Camaro Black Concept, Camaro GS Racecar Concept and Dale Eranhardt Jr. Camaro. They also give us a glimpse of a Camaro RS customized by GM Performance Parts.

We’ve also posted a video from GM of the production process of the Camaro LS7 Concept. Dr. Jamie Meyer of GM Performance Parts takes us through the installation of the LS7 crate engine into the 2010 Camaro.

Click through for both videos.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show:

StreetFire.net: 5 Camaro Concepts @ SEMA 2008:

 
5 Camaro Concepts @ SEMA 2008 

LS7 Engine: A Perfect Fit for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro:

2010 Chevrolet Camaro at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show:

Honda is displaying more than 16 project, concept and accessorized production vehicles at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas; however 3 models will be in the spotlight including the 2009 Fit equipped with MUGEN accessories, the Civic Honda Factory Performance (HFP) Concept and the 2009 Ridgeline Powersports Concept .

The 2009 Honda Fit fitted with MUGEN accessories marks a very special announcement. Everything you see at SEMA on the 2009 Honda Fit by Mugen will be available through authorized Honda dealers. Available Mugen accessories will include 16-inch alloy wheels, aluminum oil filler cap, front sports grille, front under spoiler, side spoiler, rear under spoiler, sports silencer, rear emblem, quick shifter, shift knob, sports pedals (MT), sports floor mats and a mirror cover.

Honda is also showing the Civic Honda Factory Performance (HFP) Concept sedan. The concept features HFP body kit, super-light alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers, a lighter HFP exhaust system and an upgraded HFP suspension kit. Honda has not said whether the kit will be availabe for purchase in the future.

Last but not least the 2009 Ridgeline Powersports Concept sports currently available Honda Genuine Accessories. The concept features a Honda CRF 450R Special Edition bike, Honda Genuine Accessory motorcycle wheel guide and bed extender. Other than that it gets a new front grille and black finish 18″ wheels.

Other models on the floor include Galpin Honda 2009 Accord 2dr, Tjin Edition 2009 Fit, Ryan Shutt 2009 Pilot and DSO Eyewear 2009 Pilot.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

Honda at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show:

R. Millen Motor Sports Sales (RMR) was founded 12 years ago by Rhys Millen. In February, the company approached Hyundai to introduce the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to the aftermarket tuning world and racing enthusiasts before it goes on sale in spring 2009. Hyundai took its sweet time to deliver the first Genesis Coupe 2.0T to the RMR shop in August allowing the crew of six just 12 weeks before they put it on display today at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show.

Appearance wise, RMR added a blue/silver paint scheme with unpainted black carbon fiber and its signature weave pattern. RMR’s main focus was to reduce the weight of the Genesis Coupe. Ranging from 50 to 80 percent lighter than the sheet metal RMR replaced the hood, deck lid, roof, doors, fenders, front fascia and side skirts with carbon fiber body panels. For example, the Genesis Coupe’s standard door weighs 68 pounds but RMR reduce the door weight to just 8.5 pounds. Inside, RMR removed all the comfort and replaced it with a custom eight-point safety cage and firewall. That made room for single Sparco racing seat.

Performance wise, RMR added Turbonetics turbocharger to the 220-hp 2.0L turbocharged engine that comes with the base Genesis Coupe. That allowed for extra horsepower and torque which RMR did not disclose. Further enhancing performance, RMR added a KW coilover suspension with two-way adjustable damping technology.

The RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza race slicks tires. RMR kept the factory Brembo brake calipers since they were ideal for racing.

Follow the jump for the high-resolution image gallery.

Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) Genesis Coupe:

Prior to the 2008 SEMA Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz launched the “Tuner Challenger” a competition for tuning firms to show their skills with the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class compact SUV.

Four interpretations are being shown including the RENNtech GLK Pikes Peak Rally Racer, BRABUS Widestar, Boulevard Customs’ GLK Urban Whip and Legendary Motorcar Company’s GLK Rock Crawler. The base vehicle for Boulevard Customs, Legendary Motorcar and RENNtech is the GLK350 with a 272 3.5L V6 engine that we’ll see in the U.S. BRABUS took a different route focusing on the diesel GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC. A diesel version of the GLK for the U.S. is currently under consideration.

Mercedes-Benz has put together a voting program for the show goers at SEMA and will also show the concepts at the 2008 LA Auto Show where visitors will be able to vote again. If you can’t make it out to either show Mercedes-Benz is also running a poll at www.mbusa.com. The winner of the “Tuner Challenge” will be announced on Dec. 2nd.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery.

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK Interpretations at SEMA 2008:

Kia is showing off the Borrego Limited Concept, a customized Ruo5 hatchback, the Soul Burner and KOUP Concepts at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show today in Las Vegas.

The 2009 Kia Borrego Limited Concept shows an accessorized Borrego made by Kia’s design team as a test bed for a new line of accessories being studied for the future. Besides a lowered suspension, the Borrego Limited sports an black-glossy exterior with a chrome accents in the grille, front bumper grille, door handles, side-view mirror housings and the bumper step plate.

Completing all that chrome-ness are 22-inch Avarus chrome wheels and Spec-X tires.

Kia Borrego Limited:

Nelly will see his brand new customized 2009 Ford Flex for the first time today when it is unveiled at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. The, 34-year old rapper turned actor says that he fell for the Flex when he saw it at a Ford-sponsored event in Atlanta – his home town. How convenient.

“When I saw it, I said ‘Yo, that’s hot!  How can I get one of those?’” he recalled.  “I thought it was a real unique vehicle.”

What’s more convenient is later that night Nelly ran into DJ Funkmaster Flex who also owns a customized Flex. Nelly shared his excitement with Funkmaster Flex and well Funkmaster made some phone calls and now Nelly has his own.

If you care to learn more about all this excitement follow the jump for the press release.

Press Release:

“NELLY” FLEX UNVEILED AT SEMA SHOW

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Nov. 4, 2008 – Grammy Award-winning artist Nelly will see his brand new customized 2009 Ford Flex for the first time today when the vehicle is unveiled on the Ford stand at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

The 34-year-old rapper, singer and actor says Ford’s newest crossover caught his eye for the first time in July when it was on display at a Ford-sponsored event in Atlanta.

“When I saw it, I said ‘Yo, that’s hot!  How can I get one of those?’” he recalled.  “I thought it was a real unique vehicle.”

Later that night, Nelly shared his excitement about the car with his good friend, hip hop DJ Funkmaster Flex, who has a customized Flex of his own.  That’s when the metaphorical wheels started turning.

“I’ve been partnering with Ford on some amazing vehicles since 2005,” said Funkmaster Flex. When Nelly reached out on wanting a custom Flex of his own, I knew it was going to be ‘on and poppin.’  From our initial meeting with him at my warehouse in the Bronx to follow-up conversations that we had about this vehicle, there was no doubt that we could deliver something that would ultimately be true to Nelly and his own style”.

“When it comes to a vehicle looking sweet, this crossover is beyond sweet,” said Flex of the crossover. “This vehicle is one where you can be hot coming off the dealership lot—which is a plus, but when you know that you can customize it afterwards and turn a car that’s a 10 into a 20—that’s super hot.” It was even more exciting for me to be able to work with Nelly and introduce him to the Ford team of designers to create a vehicle all his own. It was definitely an experience.”

Usha Raghavachari, Ford’s Crossover Marketing Communications Manager, attended the initial event in Atlanta and says she was delighted to see how enthusiastic Nelly was about the Flex.

“He is a huge hip hop star who transcends the traditional audience.  The fact that he is attracted to Flex is testament to its head-turning design,” she said.

Nelly says he was thrilled about the idea of “building” his own Flex.

“I’m what they call a ‘premiere stuntastic stuntman,’ and so you know when it comes to cars, I’m pretty inclined to go overboard,” he said.  “I wanted to really turn the vehicle into mine.  You can do so much with it, and I think that’s the best thing about it.”

After meeting with Nelly and getting a feel for his taste, Ford Designer Melvin Betancourt began sketching.

“Just from talking with Nelly, we knew that he wanted a custom-color blue car with a white roof, a great sound system, 22-inch wheels, an exhaust system with a little bit of a rumble on it, and a personalized interior,” said Betancourt, who worked with Catalyst Industrial Marking, Inc. to build the vehicle.  “He wanted our input on the other elements of the customization.”

One of the first ideas they had, says Betancourt, was to design a custom appliqué for the roof.

“We created an art form that we feel reflects Nelly’s personality,” he said.  “It’s a bird, which is a symbol of freedom — the ability to do whatever you want in life — and it has a very modern feel to it, which is very Flex.”

The wheels had to stand out.  So the team chose NC Forged “6 Spoke” 3-piece aluminum, 22-inch wheels with NC floating center caps.

“Wheels are usually either all-chrome or all-painted.  We did custom chrome rims with a brushed aluminum center, which is very unusual,” he said.  “We also wanted a wild, crazy offset on the wheels, so we went with a 4½-inch rim in the back and a 3-inch rim in the front, which creates a staggered look.”

Betancourt says the inspiration for the interior of the vehicle came largely from the exterior.

“The outside of the car reflects his personality, so it was a matter of bringing the some of the same elements inside,” he said.

The team selected a black Tuscany leather interior with Katzkin® seats and contrast blue stitching that picks up the unique exterior color of the car.  They also replaced all the wood grain trim inside the car with the same artwork appliqué featured on the roof.

In addition, Nelly’s Flex features the industry-exclusive Ford SYNC™ technology and a CIM LIIV™ wireless Internet entertainment system, which enables passengers to enjoy web surfing, online games, e-mail, downloaded movies, music and live television.

Nelly says one of the things that really attracts him to the Ford Flex is the vehicle’s potential to transcend the generation gap.

“It used to be that parents and kids didn’t like the same thing.  Families are getting a lot younger, and now it’s kind of a friendship between parents and kids,” he explained.  “When you can have a vehicle that both can rock their own way, I think you have something there that’s very special.”

Raghavachari agrees.

“Flex has successfully attracted a wide variety of people to Ford, with over half our customers being completely new to the Ford brand,” she said.  “This car helps our customers make a real statement about themselves and allows us to make a statement about where Ford is headed in terms of design and innovation.”

We saw the 2008 Ford Mustang FR500CJ briefly last month, but today Ford took the wraps off the race-ready Mustang at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show. Known simply as the Cobra Jet, it will join the Mustang FR500S, the Mustang FR500C and the Mustang FR500GT.

The Cobra Jet is the drag racing version of the Mustang FR500S, “allowing those interested in NHRA sportsmen drag racing the opportunity to get involved with an affordable vehicle that can compete right off of the truck and run in the 10-second range.” By affordable FoMoCo means $69,000. Oh and did we mention - Ford will only be producing 50 units for the 2008 model year all of which have already been ordered by Ford dealers for delivery to customers. In other words – it’s sold out.

Power for the NHRA-legal FR500CJ will come from a 5.4L supercharged V8 producing 428-hp.

2008 Ford Mustang FR500CJ:

“Like its fighter jet and dinosaur namesakes, the F-150 SVT Raptor is tough, fast, aggressive, and built with the off-road enthusiast in mind,” Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president for Global Product Development, said today at the launch of probably the wildest pickup we have ever layed our eyes on.

The 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has landed and is ready to tap into the growing off-road enthusiast market offering the most ultimate off-road performance experience. Besides its ‘Built Ford Tough’ aggressive looks, the F-150 SVT Raptor gets its power from a 5.4L Triton V8 engine that makes 310-hp with a maximum torque of 365 lb-ft. A 6.2L V8 engine will also be available after launch.

Ford’s SVT team used a specially designed 62-mile track in the desert of Borrego Springs, California, to replicate the conditions of the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 race – in which the 500-hp 6.2L V8 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R will take part.

Enthusiasts interested in owning their own F-150 SVT Raptor will have to wait until next summer. Production of the truck will take place at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant alongside the new F-150.

Want more? Check out a video from StreetFire after the jump featuring Mike Levine from PickupTrucks.com.

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor:

Ford Unveils the 2010 Raptor at SEMA 2008:

Press Release:

FORD TAKES TRUCK LEADERSHIP OFF-ROAD WITH NEW F-150 SVT RAPTOR PERFORMANCE PICKUP TRUCK

    -  Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) taps into growing off-road enthusiast market and builds on the solid foundation of the new Ford F-150 to deliver the ultimate off-road performance truck – the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
    – Industry-first internal bypass shocks by Fox Racing Shox help provide smooth ride; lower, wider design key to desert racing and off-road performance
    – The F-150 SVT Raptor launches with the proven 5.4-liter Triton V-8 with 310 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft of torque; a 6.2-liter V-8 engine will be available after launch

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 4, 2008 – Ford, the definitive leader in tough trucks, is further building on its solid foundation of the new F-150 to deliver the all-new 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, a purpose-built, high-performance off-road truck versatile enough to take on the most challenging desert adventures as well as the everyday commute.

“Ford trucks have been a mainstay on the off-road racing scene for more that 20 years because of our long history of capability and durability,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president for Global Product Development. “With the F-150 SVT Raptor, we are delivering a true off-road performance truck with the proven ‘Built Ford Tough’ capability and durability that is at the core of every F-150 and the best in performance thanks to the team at SVT.”

“Like its fighter jet and dinosaur namesakes, the F-150 SVT Raptor is tough, fast, aggressive, and built with the off-road enthusiast in mind,” he added.

Ford and off-road racing
Desert off-road racing is something Ford knows and does well, with eight championships in nine divisions in the 2007 “Best In The Desert” series and four more titles in CORR (Championship Off Road Racing). Ford has also shown its dominance at the Baja 1000 race – 12 Ford-powered vehicles have won the overall title for four-wheel vehicles, the most of any engine manufacturer.

With interest in off-road performance growing at a steady rate, the F-150 SVT Raptor was built to fulfill the desires of that highly demanding market. The high-performance off-road truck market is one that’s largely untapped, allowing the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor to set the bar for this type of vehicle.

“Most of the major manufacturers have focused on-road performance, so when we looked at what was available in off-road truck performance, it was somewhat limited,” said Mark Grueber, Ford product marketing manager for pickups and large SUVs. “This was the perfect opportunity for Ford to further differentiate the F-150 from other trucks on the market.”

Looks tough and fast
The tough, chiseled look of the new Ford F-150 has been taken to a new level with F-150 SVT Raptor. The agile, performance truck was designed to give the impression it is always on the move.

Noticeable differences between the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and conventional F-150 include a distinctive grille that has the Ford name carved into it; front bumper, vented hood, front fascia and fenders, functional hood extractors, fender extractors with ‘SVT’ bored out, as well as visible FOX Racing Shox, the only internal bypass shocks available on a street truck.

Another key difference between the F-150 SVT Raptor and the base F-150 is it is more than seven inches wider. Ford designers took advantage of this difference and highlighted it with distinctive marker lamps. When turned off, the marker lamps are well-integrated into the F-150 SVT Raptor’s front end, as opposed to on top of the cab. When lit up, Raptor’s imposing stance is immediately recognizable.

While the exterior design of the F-150 SVT Raptor is about creating an image, the interior design is about creating the feel of the truck, and both must complement each other.

Design elements from the unique grille and front fascia have been carried through to the interior on the console and dashboard. The steering wheel is wrapped in black leather and features a molten-orange leather strip that serves as a centering sight line – which is especially useful in extreme driving maneuvers that can often cause the driver to lose perspective of the steering wheel’s center point.

Revved up and ready
The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is powered by the F-150’s proven 5.4-liter Triton V-8 three-valve engine, which delivers 320 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. A new open-valve fuel injection strategy improves the air/fuel charge conditions in the combustion chamber, allowing greater spark advance at higher loads and engine speeds. This delivers increased horsepower during towing and higher rpm operations, lower emissions and more efficient use of fuel.

A new 6.2-liter V-8 engine will be available after launch. The 6.2-liter engine features all-new architecture specifically designed for robustness in a truck application.

Given reliability and longevity under harsh conditions are key to truck customers, the Ford team performed extensive testing to ensure the 6.2-liter V-8 engine would live up to the ‘Built Ford Tough’ promise. Fifty 6.2-liter V-8 engines successfully endured more than a dozen of the toughest engine tests at Ford’s dynamometer lab during development.

SVT used a specially designed, 62-mile durability loop in the desert of Borrego Springs, Calif., to replicate the conditions of the Baja 1000 race, to further test the engines’ performance.

Take off and landing
Building a high-performance off-road truck is not about the horsepower – it’s about the suspension. The F-150 SVT Raptor doesn’t disappoint, with 13.4 inches of usable travel in the rear suspension and 11.2 in the front.

“With the F-150 SVT Raptor, we changed the axle, the whole front suspension is different – new upper A arm, new lower A arm, new tie rod, new half-shaft joints,” said Jamal Hameedi, Ford SVT chief engineer. “It’s well beyond what SVT has ever done with one of our vehicles.”

Raptor’s wider track and softer suspension mean it will comparatively glide over obstacles. And when it has to be “launched,” be prepared for a soft landing. “The suspension does all the work to keep the truck’s attitude stable,” Hameedi said.

In addition to a beefed up suspension, the F-150 SVT Raptor also boasts unique internal bypass Fox Racing Shox, the only internal bypass shocks on a street truck. The position sensitive dampening internal bypass feature allows the shock to become significantly stiffer as it travels, preventing the truck from bottoming out.

By working with Fox internal bypass technology and applying the Ford engineering methodology, there haven’t been trade-offs to assure extreme off-road handling over on-road ride comfort.

“This truck is also going to be a daily driver. We brought together a lot of experts to ensure the on-road steering precision and comfort was there, too,” said Hameedi. “That’s where Ford expertise really came to the table and complemented Fox’s off-road expertise.”

A tough truck needs tough tires, and a BF Goodrich All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tire does the job.
To help improve the tire in a variety of conditions, the compound of the tread was altered. Engineers made the rubber softer for better performance on and off-road and for precise and predictable steering in a variety of conditions while the interior of the tire was modified to improve lateral firmness.

The tall sidewall on the 35-inch tire can handle rocks and irregular surfaces commonly experienced in an off-road environment. A 17-inch cast aluminum wheel is designed to absorb the impact of objects the truck could encounter in some of the most extreme environments.

Specialized Technologies
The F-150 SVT Raptor provides the complete package for off-roaders, including state-of-the-art technologies to keep it at the top of capability.

“For many years, enthusiasts have been struggling with the performance of electronic technologies in the extreme off-road environment since that was not the environment they were designed for,” Hameedi said. “What SVT has done is tailor technology to function in both an on-road and an extreme off-road environment.”

Technologies include:

    – AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) predicts the vehicle’s path using a sensor to detect and measure oversteer and yaw by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When the system senses wheel slip or the loss of traction, it applies braking where needed to keep the truck tracking safely on its intended path. If a significant roll rate is detected, the system applies additional countermeasures to enhance vehicle roll resistance.

The off-road enthusiast has the option to switch to two available settings – sport mode and full off-road mode depending on their driving situation. The sport mode shuts off traction control enabling the vehicle to have more yaw movement.

Full off-road mode shuts off all electronic stability programs and the ABS system switches to a special off-road setting. Widening the threshold of sport mode, the wheels will lock more which is helpful in off-road terrain. Also in full off-road mode, the locking rear differential is allowed to stay locked at elevated speeds to mimic a spool differential found on racing trucks.

    – Trailer Sway Control works in conjunction with AdvanceTrac with RSC and can determine from the yaw motion of the truck if the trailer is swaying and take measures – such as applying precise braking or reduced engine torque – to bring both vehicle and trailer under control.
    – Integrated Trailer Brake Controller is factory-installed and allows direct operation of the trailer’s electronic brakes by squeezing the control module on the instrument panel with more confidence than the typical aftermarket system.
    – Electronic Locking Differential uses a true mechanical connection to lock the left and right axle shafts together so both turn at the same speed with the same amount of torque. This switch-controlled feature maximizes traction capability at the wheel with grip, without having to stop the truck.
    – Hill Descent Control on the F-150 SVT Raptor is Ford’s first application of the technology. Utilizing ABS, the driver can control hill descent without applying the brakes. The speed is set for the truck to descend the hill by pushing a button and allows for the driver to concentrate on driving, rather than on how to modulate the brakes on a steep decline.
    – Off-Road Mode engages a third throttle map and a third shift schedule for improved off-road performance. Third throttle map alters the throttle by changing the driver demand table so it is better suited to high and low-speed off-road driving conditions. A third shift schedule is a unique strategy for the off-road environment that holds the transmission in each gear for a longer period of time, allowing better engine throttle modulation to control the vehicle.
    – Auxiliary Switch Board on the center console makes aftermarket customization easier, with four prewired switches attached to the power distribution box for electrical accessories. Also located on the auxiliary switch board are two switches for improved off-road performance – Hill Descent Control and Off-Road Mode.

The F-150 SVT Raptor will be built along side the new F-150 at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant at the historic Rouge Center in Dearborn, Mich.

Along with four customized 2010 Chevrolet Camaros, GM Performance Parts will show a lineup of new accessories and performance components ready for launch at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas.

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro can be personalized to individual tastes with a lineup of interior trim kits, interior accessories, audio and electronics upgrades, car covers, exterior accessories, stripe kits, wheels and tires and performance parts.

All performance parts are 50-state emissions legal, with CARB EO numbers where required. Follow the jump for the press release for more details.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Accessories and Performance Parts:

Press Release:

CHEVY CAMARO GETS PERSONAL WITH FULL ARRAY OF ACCESSORIES AND PERFORMANCE PARTS

LAS VEGAS – The Chevy Camaro has always been a car that owners love to personalize. The all-new, 2010 Camaro carries on that tradition with a diverse lineup of accessories and performance components ready at launch.

Ranging from interior accessories and audio/electronic upgrades to exterior styling accessories, 21-inch wheel-and-tire kits and parts that enhance performance, the Camaro “add-on” portfolio offers something for every taste and budget. The accessories and performance parts can be ordered and installed at the dealership and, in some cases, their cost can be rolled into the vehicle’s financing for a seamless, one-stop personalization experience.

Camaro designers and engineers worked from the earliest stages of vehicle development to design, test and validate the accessories and performance parts to GM production-vehicle specifications. They are manufactured with production-quality materials, too, so customers are assured of original-equipment-quality parts with the best fit and finish for their Camaro. The performance parts are 50-state legal, for worry-free emissions compliance.

Here’s a look at the all-new portfolio of Camaro accessories and performance parts:

Interior trim kits – For Camaros equipped with the factory illumination package, Camaro’s accessory interior trim kits offer colors that enable owners to match or contrast the vehicle’s exterior color. They’re available in yellow, orange, white and silver.

Interior accessories – A variety of accessories bolster both the style and convenience of the Camaro’s cabin, while helping maintain its original condition. They include floor mats, sill plates and more. The deluxe carpeted floor mats feature embroidered Camaro logos, while the sill plates add a distinctive appearance and added protection when entering the car. A cargo-area floor mat, cargo net and a smoker’s package are also available.

Audio and electronics – Customers can take the Camaro’s technology to a higher level with upgraded audio and lighting systems, as well as remote starting. The upgraded audio system brings greater features and capability, while a peripheral device interface module allows portable players to play through the audio system. Remote starting brings the convenience of letting the vehicle heat up on a cold morning or cool down on a hot day. Also, Camaro’s accessory footwell and cupholder lighting kit delivers customizable, colored ambient lighting for a premium, high-tech interior appearance.

Car covers – Protecting the Camaro from the elements and UV rays is easy with custom-contoured car covers. They are designed to fit the Camaro’s contours and are available in red or black – each with stylish, heritage-inspired black stripes.

Exterior accessories – Customers can create a unique look for their Camaro with a diverse lineup of exterior accessories, from a grille insert and satin nickel fuel door to color-matched splash guards and a complete ground effects kit. And don’t forget to check out the stylish, wing-style rear spoiler.

The ground effects package creates a dramatic, ground-hugging look for the Camaro, and comes in a great, Metallic Grey color that accents the car’s original color. The wing-style rear spoiler complements the ground effects’ competition-ready appearance. All Camaro exterior accessories are designed and manufactured to the same quality and durability standards as regular-production components.

Stripe kits – The heritage-inspired 2010 Camaro is accented perfectly with accessory stripe kits. They give the Camaro a classic look and contemporary style. Available styles include hockey stick-style, hood and hockey stick-style and rally-style stripes in a variety of colors.

Wheels and tires – The 2010 Camaro comes with a family of attractive, 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels, but Camaro enthusiasts can take it a step further with great-looking, racing-inspired 21-inch wheels and complementing performance tires. The wheel design features a contemporary split five-spoke center that is available in two finishes. The first is a black-painted finish and the other has a machined-aluminum finish with black accents. They are offered in an 8.5-inch width for V-6 models; and 8.5-inch front and 9.5-inch rear widths for SS models.

Center caps, chrome lug nuts and necessary tire pressure monitor sensors are available seperately. For convenience, complete kits of wheels, tires, center caps, lug nuts and pressure sensors are available.

Performance parts – GM Performance Parts (GMPP) designers and engineers worked with the Camaro engineers to develop emissions-legal bolt-on components that would accentuate and enhance overall performance.

GMPP developed air box, header and exhaust kits, as well as complementing short-throw shifters for manual-transmission applications. Also available are color-coordinated engine covers that add a dash of color-coordinated style under the hood. All the components are 50-state emissions legal, with CARB EO numbers where required.

Details of the performance parts include:

    – Air box kits include an open-element, performance air filter for lower restriction and a great-looking, performance-style housing, with a chrome lid for a true tuner appearance. They’re available for V-6 and V-8 applications
    – Exhaust kits upgrade the look and sound of the Camaro and are offered in quieter street-legal systems and off-road-only kits. Different applications are designed to work with or without the Camaro accessory ground effects package
    – Headers enable exhaust gases to be carried away from the engine quicker, boosting the engine’s airflow efficiency and overall performance. GMPP’s bolt-on header kit for V-8 engines is emissions-legal and a simple bolt-in replacement for the factory exhaust manifolds. Match them with one of GMPP’s exhaust kits for even greater performance
    – Short-throw shifter. A greater feeling of control comes with a precise, quick-acting shifter, and GMPP’s kits for both V-6 and V-8 models deliver sharper and quicker throws between gears. They were developed with legendary shifter manufacturer Hurst, so they complement great performance with classic styling
    – Engine cover kits give the Camaro’s V-6 and V-8 engines a stylish, show-quality upgrade. They’re available to match most exterior colors, allowing customers to complement or contrast the color to suit individual style. They are easy to install and don’t interfere with oil fill or other common maintenance access points

GM will be bringing four concepts based on the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro to the 2008 SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. The lineup consists of the Camaro LS7 Concept, Camaro Black Concept, Camaro GS Racecar Concept and one customized by Dale Eranhardt Jr.

The Camaro LS7 Concept gets its power from a GM Performance Parts’ LS7 crate engine and pays homage to the legendary COPO Camaros. The LS7 crate engine gives the Victory Red colored Camaro 550-hp with a Tremec 660 6-speed manual transferring power to the wheels.

The Camaro Black Concept offers a stealthy look to the new muscle-car with a matte-black finished hood, dark 21-inch wheels, tinted glass, RS taillamps with dark-tinted lenses, a black grille and a black SS-model spoiler. Power comes from the production 3.6L V6 that produces 300 horsepower.

The third concept, called the Camaro GS Racecar Concept, features a race-ready suspension, reinforced chassis and drivetrain that is required for racecars for the Trans Am road racing series. The model that will be shown at SEMA has already logged many hours on the racetrack and has the bruises to prove it.

Lastly, GM will show a 2010 Camaro customized by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Based on the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS and its 6.2L V8, the concept has been modified to use E85 helping it deliver a few extra horsepower. It also features a Brembo braking system and a lowered ride height.

You can learn more about each concept in the press release posted after the jump.

Click through to view high-res images.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show:

Press Release:

CAMARO STEALS THE SHOW WITH FOUR DISTINCTIVE CONCEPTS AT SEMA

    – Camaro LS7 Concept – the spirit of COPO lives with a GM Performance Parts LS7 crate engine that delivers more than 500 hp
    – Camaro Dale Earnhardt Jr. Concept – customized to Dale Jr.’s style
    – Camaro Black Concept – a sinister-looking exercise in bold design
    – Camaro GS Racecar Concept – an homage to a road racing legend

LAS VEGAS – Chevrolet introduces a quartet of stunning concepts based on the all-new, 2010 Camaro at the 2008 SEMA Show. The concepts join regular-production and accessorized models, along with a dream collection of vintage Camaros – including rare COPO, Indy Pace Car and early Z28 models – to mark the introduction of Chevy’s re-born sports car. The Camaro is the official car of the 2008 SEMA show.

Each of the concepts represents a different interpretation of the new Camaro’s performance, styling and personalization possibilities, from no-holds-barred high-performance to carefully crafted, street-savvy customizing.

“The new Camaro is a 21st century sports car for the young and young at heart,” said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. “Wherever your automotive passion lies, the Camaro complements it with world-class design and an exciting driving experience. The concepts unveiled at SEMA accentuate those qualities and trigger the imaginations of countless enthusiasts.”

In addition to the concept and classic Camaros, a production 2010 model showed off the range of appearance, performance and convenience accessories that will be available from Chevrolet when the car hits dealerships early next year. The accessories allow customers to personalize their vehicle with genuine Chevy components that are designed, tested and warranted to the same standards as the Camaro itself.

As for the Camaro concepts, they show the extreme possibilities of what the new sports car can offer. See below for highlights on all four vehicles.

Camaro LS7 Concept: Designed to highlight the capability of the new Camaro as a weekend bracket warrior, the Camaro LS7 Concept combines the power of a GM Performance Parts’ LS7 crate engine and targeted bolt-on upgrades to deliver the wheels-up spirit of the legendary COPO Camaros.

Made famous by Chevy dealers like Don Yenko and Fred Gibb in the late 1960s, the COPO cars were ordered for one thing: drag racing. They were quickly outfitted after delivery with the requisite tires, safety equipment and other accessories necessary for competition in popular Stock-class drag racing series.

The LS7 Concept honors the COPO ethos with features such as drag strip-ready rubber on the rear wheels – and unlike many of the stripped-down racers from 40 years ago, this strip-ready competitor serves double duty as both a racecar and a daily driver.

The LS7 crate engine (part number 17802397) uses a high-performance replacement camshaft from GM Performance Parts (part number 12480033) to help it produce approximately 550 horsepower. Complementing upgrades include GM Performance Parts-developed headers and air intake system that will be offered at the Camaro’s launch in early 2009. The LS7 also is modified with a wet-sump oiling system; the production engine features a dry-sump system that requires an external oil tank.

Backing the LS7 engine is a production Tremec 6060 six-speed manual with a GM Performance Parts Hurst shifter. Additional drivetrain details include:

    – Brembo four-wheel disc brake package
    – Lowered ride height
    – Custom 20-inch wheels
    – Driveshaft safety loop
    – GM Performance Parts exhaust system

The Camaro LS7 concept is painted Victory Red, with matte black accents on the hood and taillamp panel. “LS7″ logos are strategically placed and warn those in the know this Camaro means business when the Christmas tree lights count down to green. It’s all business on the spartan interior, too, with base trim and few accessories to minimize overall mass for a quicker elapsed time.

Although the Camaro LS7 Concept is just that – a concept – its duplication by enterprising enthusiasts and racers is enabled by GM Performance Parts’ LS7 crate engine package. It delivers a fully assembled, production version of the engine, complete from the intake manifold to oil pan. An oil reservoir for the standard dry sump system and GM Performance Parts’ LS7 engine controller (part number 19166567) are all that’s necessary to get the engine running in an enthusiast’s project vehicle – well, that and a chassis capable of handling more than 500 lb.-ft. of torque!

Camaro Dale Earnhardt Jr. Concept: NASCAR star Dale Jr. is fan of vintage Camaros – he cruises around in a Pro Touring-style ‘72 Camaro powered by a GM Performance Parts LS crate engine – and the heritage-inspired design of the 2010 Camaro appeals to him like a checkered flag at Daytona. His vision for the car was channeled to GM’s designers and crafted in a multi-color combination of style, capability and comfort.

They started with a new Camaro SS that uses the standard 6.2L V-8, but modified to use E85. Taking advantage of E85’s favorable octane rating, the engine was calibrated to deliver a few extra horsepower, with the exhaust exiting through GM Performance Parts’ new headers. It’s backed by the SS’s available six-speed manual transmission and GM Accessories’ short-throw Hurst shifter. Additional performance enhancements include a Brembo brake package and a lowered ride height, giving Dale Jr.’s Camaro a sleeker look to match its road-hugging capability.

A custom gray-over-white paint scheme blends the high-performance drivetrain with serious style. It is accented with an orange stripe separating the gray and white sections. Also generating attention on the exterior is a set of 21-inch, five-spoke wheels inspired by the Camaro Convertible Concept. They feature dark-painted center sections on the spokes that complement the body’s gray color. The wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero ZR-rated performance tires.

Additional exterior details include:

    – Chevy Accessories grille
    – Chevy Accessories ground effects and rear diffuser
    – Chevy Accessories exhaust system
    – Early Camaro-style “dovetail” rear spoiler
    – Production high-intensity discharge headlamps
    – Production RS taillamps

Similarly, the interior is outfitted for performance and style, including:

    – Custom-trimmed leather-and-suede-covered seats with accent stitching
    – Leather-trimmed steering wheel, shift knob, door armrests and center console lid, with accent stitching
    – Carbon-fiber treatment on the instrument panel and door panel inserts
    – Racing-style aluminum pedals
    – Production-optional four-pack auxiliary gauge cluster
    – Revised gauge cluster with unique graphics and colors
    – Custom sill plates

Dale Jr. also specified Chevy Accessories’ upgraded audio system for the Camaro, which is matched with a Boston Acoustics speaker system, including amps and subwoofers.

Camaro GS Racecar Concept: One of the most iconic cars of the legendary Trans Am road racing series was the distinctive blue-and-yellow Camaro of Mark Donohue. He was a dominant racer in the series and drove his #6 1969 model to the series championship that year.

With the assistance of GM’s High Performance Vehicle Operations, North Carolina-based Riley Technologies re-created the look and feel of that standout racecar with a tribute that looks, sounds and drives like it’s ready to do battle with its contemporary pony car competitors. In fact, the heritage-inspired racer is more than concept. It is an early prototype for the Grand Am Koni Challenge GS racing class. Racecars like the GS Concept are offered and manufactured by Riley Technologies for the 2009 Grand-Am season.

The GS Concept features the race-ready suspension, reinforced chassis and drivetrain conform to the specifications required of racecars certified for the series. In fact, this racecar has already logged many hours on the racetrack as Riley team members worked to dial-in the chassis and powertrain. Additional features include:

    – Seam-welded production Camaro body-in-white
    – Carbon fiber hood, trunk lid, doors and fenders
    – Production LS3 V-8 engine (used with solid engine mounts)
    – Tremec 6060 six-speed manual transmission with close-ratio gearing
    – Three-inch exhaust system with Coast Fab mufflers
    – C&R racing aluminum radiator
    – Upgraded engine oil cooler
    – Transmission and differential coolers

The GS Racecar Concept is shown at SEMA just as it was last driven off the track, with the grime, brake dust and body imperfections commensurate with a day’s worth of racing. Indeed, it isn’t a car that spent hundreds of hours in a body shop in a quest of sheet metal perfection. It displays the bruises of competition and wears them as badges of honor.

Like Donohue’s ‘69 Camaro racecar, the GS Racecar Concept wears a deep blue paint scheme that is accented with yellow graphics, a yellow-painted interior and yellow racing wheels.

Camaro Black Concept: It’s hard to go unnoticed in a 2010 Camaro, but the Camaro Black Concept suggests a stealthy approach to street style. From its matte black-finished hood and ground effects to its dark wheels and red-glowing HID headlamp halo rings, the Camaro Black Concept is a sinister-looking urban tuner vehicle.

The Camaro Black Concept prowls the streets with the following equipment:

    – Chevy Accessories ground effects package and rear diffuser
    – High-intensity discharge headlamps with unique red “halo ring” color
    – Revised, darker grille finish
    – RS tail lamps with dark-tinted lenses
    – Color-matched exterior badging
    – SS-model spoiler
    – Matte black hood finish
    – Tinted glass
    – Chevy Accessories 21-inch wheels with darkened finish
    – Brembo four-wheel disc brake package

The interior also carries a slightly sinister ambience, with:

    – Red LED instrument lighting and red footwell ambient lighting
    – Black chrome trim accents
    – Dark-finished accents, including the shift knob, radio face, steering wheel ring, gauge trim and door handles
    – Custom sill plates
    – Leather-covered seats with grey accent stitching

The Camaro Black Concept also features Chevy Accessories’ premium audio upgrade package, along with MTX speakers.

Under the hood is the production 3.6L V-6 that produces 300 horsepower. A Chevy Accessories engine cover provides a suitable accent.

You would think with the amount of limited cash that GM has on hand they would refrain from bringing concepts to the 2008 SEMA Show. Nonetheless, as some say, the show must go on. Joining the Pontiac G8 GXP Street Concept and the Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe will be the Pontiac G8 ST Concept.

The Pontiac G8 ST Concept is basically a production 2010 Pontiac G8 ST that incorporates many parts that will likely be offered by GM Accessories when the G8 ST hits dealerships in late 2009. The concept features a Liquid Hot exterior color, 20-inch wheels, leather trimmed seats, steering and shift knob with red inserts, custom interior trim kit, a hard tonneau cover and a lowered ride height.

Power comes from a 6.0L V8 that makes 361-hp with a maximum torque of 385 lb-ft. It also features GM’s Active Fuel Management technology, which allows the engine to switch from V8 power to four-cylinder operation during light-load driving conditions.

Pontiac G8 ST Concept: