SEMA 2011: Wrapup

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Subaru STI
David Higgins used this WRX STI to win the 2011 Rally American Championship, including three first place wins and two second place finishes.  It also shattered a 13 year course record at the Mount Washington Hillclimb earlier this year.  No glitz or glamour- just go fast engine parts and aerodynamic upgrades- seam welded shell, FIA Open Class roll cage, ΒΌ” aluminum sump guard, composite under floor protection, carbon fiber roof scoop and rear wing.  The car makes about 303hp and 451 lb/ft of torque with a Rally America Open Class mandated 34mm restrictor.

 

1986 Subaru XT
Drive magazine's 1986 Subaru XT restoration project car was restored with as many OEM parts as possible, no easy feat given most of these parts are discontinued.  When the XT was first offered in 1985, its 0.29 drag coefficient (similar to today's sport compact cars such as recent versions of the 370Z, G35, Acura TL, and even Porsche Cayman) made it the most aerodynamic car on the market.  The XT Coupe model was offered in front wheel drive (turbo and N/A) and all wheel drive (“4WD”; all turbo) versions.  The 4WD versions had a self-leveling air suspension system that could be set by the driver.

 

Mazda rotary at Garrett booth
The BMI Racing Mazda RX-8 Drift Circuit monster was on display at the Garrett Turbos booth.  You can tell this ain't no trailer queen!!

 

 

Medal of Honor

Medal of Honor
The 1932 Medal of Honor Ford Roadster has a steel body built by volunteers from parts donated from American manufacturers. It will be auctioned in January at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale; proceeds will fund scholarships for the Iron Men foundation for slain and disabled US Veterans. 

 

Front of Lambo ATVBack end of Lambo ATV
So it's nothing new to put some kit body on an ATV to turn it into the sports car of your dreams, but this one looks a little like something you'd see on Peewee's Playhouse.   The Lamborghini Murcielago Shell appears bent up in the middle and the oversized tires give it a comical appearance and probably make turning unfathomable, but it's unique… I guess… 

 

VW Passat sharpie Star Wars
This Volkswagen Passat was actually Sharpied at the San Diego Comic-Con convention a few months ago by comic book artist, Ken Lashley.  It was auctioned off then and made its way to SEMA wearing a set of Rotiform BLQ's.

 

DatsunAngle of attack
This Datsun 240Z was outside in the Optima Ultimate Street Car area.  The car has Enkei NT03s wrapped in Toyo Proxes, a 5 lug conversion, and underneath the hood, a Toyota 2JZ swap with single turbo conversion.I'm only a fan of crazy shopping cart wings when they're functional, like the one on this 1969 Dodge Daytona Tribute which also competed in the Optima Ultimate Street car challenge.

 

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