The annual SEMA show extravagancy opened its doors to the automotive aftermarket trade yesterday in Las Vegas.

During a quick pre-run through the exhibit halls and outside parking lot displays I got a peek at what visitors can expect to see in the coming days. Of course, many of the concept and hot-rodded cars from major manufacturers were still under wraps.



Matte paint finishes and wraps still seem to be popular, though weíre not sure we really like to see a matte-black Rolls-Royce or a slammed matte-red BMW wagon.

Ford has a magnificent display of historic Ford race cars mounted on shipping containers as well as historic road cars like an AC Cobra and Bronco.


We will be bringing you more photos and information on cars that grab our attention as they are unveiled during the next few days.

By coincidence, the organizers of the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which takes place at the same location in just over two months, announced that the upcoming 2012 CES will have the largest number of automotive exhibitors in its history. The list of the six major auto exhibitors at CES includes Audi, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Kia and Mercedes-Benz. Ironically there are only eleven manufacturers – Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Scion, Subaru and Toyota – exhibiting at SEMA.

Having been to both shows for several years it makes sense to see so much crossover as the electronics and automotive industries share more and more technologies. Unfortunately CES changed its dates next year and now the media days for both CES and the 2012 Detroit Auto Show are on the same two days in January, which means journalists and industry execs will be unable to attend both events lessening the media coverage for each as a result. Which to choose?

Read more at Road & Track:
Full Coverage: 2011 SEMA Show
Photos: Best of SEMA 2011