The full-on Chevrolet Sonic SEMA onslaught figures to go full-steam ahead with the introduction of more models that have been customized to high heavens by the boys at Chevy. One new piece is the Sonic Boom Concept, a car that Chevy cranked up with a sound system-based concept, delivering the kind of boom-tastic thrills for audiophiles the world over.
In setting up the concept audio system on the Sonic Boom, Chevrolet and KICKER Audio drew inspiration from the design of jet engines, emulating their style in the shape and positioning of the components. A high-tech head unit controls the system, which features a pair of 15-inch Comp VX subwoofers, 12 six-inch QS Component speakers and tweeters, six QS Component speakers and tweeters, two IX1000.1 Mono subwoofer amps, four IX500.4 four-channel mid and high amps, and a ZXSUM8 summing interface signal processor. The whole setup is completed to deliver a total sound output of 4,000 watts.
To keep the Sonic’s interior as fresh as can be, Chevy also added a bevy interior modifications, including custom-fabricated rear speaker enclosures and custom load floor, perforated black suede seat inserts, liquid metal trim pieces, a Jet Black leather-wrapped instrument panel with distressed leather inserts and red piping, and a Jet Black leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with distressed leather and red stitching.
As for the exterior, Chevrolet dressed up the Sonic with an anodized Sonic Boom Red exterior color with custom body graphics, window tint graphics, tinted front headlamps with Boom logo, a Concept Z-Spec grille, a Concept Z-Spec spoiler, and a new set of 19" wheels.
UPDATE 11/08/2011: We have added new images from the 2011 SEMA Auto Show. Check them out in the picture gallery provided!
Ferrari is offering a new "Tailor Made" personalization program for customers who want to add a little more flavor to cars like the 458 Italia and the 599 GTB. The new program includes cashmere-covered seats and gold-colored exterior paint. However, don’t expect these upgrades to come cheap; they will add between 20% - 60% to the price of the vehicle. It’s also a sly way for Ferrari to boost its profit now that it has limited its sales to 7,000 vehicles a year to guard its elite appeal.
Ferrari’s production volume will only exceed 7,000 if the waiting list extends beyond 18 months, but the absolute limit is 10,000 units. The money from this new personalization program will go to Fiat who leans on Ferrari as a source of cash to offset falling earnings in mass-market cars.
"The exclusivity of the materials and the service level we provide call for a different price," said Nicola Boari, Ferrari’s head of product marketing. "The customer has a car that is 100 percent unique because it reflects his choices."
It seems Nissan Motorsport engineers have been fiddling around in the shop lately and have combined a Nissan 370Z with a street-legal 370Z Nismo Coupe to create the new 370 Nismo RC. This new race car conforms to FIA GT4 and World Challenge GTS class specifications and can even be modified to compete in the Grand Am Continental Tire Challenge GS class. Nissan has already begun taking orders.
The new Nismo 370Z RC is significantly lighter than its production variant, coming in at 2,954 lbs to the Nismo 370Z’s 3,314 lbs and the standard 370Z’s 3,245 lbs. The Nismo 370Z RC is powered by a 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 engine that delivers a total of 355 HP at 7,400 rpm with 276 lbs of torque at 5,200 rpm, 5 HP more than the Nismo 370Z. Helping the engine along is a Nismo race exhaust, a Nismo tuned ECM, and high capacity Nismo clutch, flywheel, engine oil, transmission, and differential coolers. The engine is also stocked with numerous hose and connector upgrades to meet the rigorous demands of track use.
The new Nismo 370Z RC comes equipped with an FIA-compliant roll cage, a fire extinguisher, a Recaro racing seat with 6-point racing harness, a Sparco racing steering wheel, a revamped, and a race-ready carbon fiber switch panel.
With the 5-Series GT’s fading sales - not that they were extravagant in the past - BMW has long considered putting the vehicle out of its misery. At one time though, the company had big plans for their sports activity vehicle. BMW expected to sell 4,000 to 8,000 GTs annually, but they ended up only selling 2,848 units in 2010 and may sell up to 2,160 units in 2011. However, it would be a shame if they sent it away without so much as a last fighting chance. Enter the BMW 5-Series GT M-Sport Package.
The upgraded 5-Series GT will benefit from the usual array of M-Sport package accessories, including dark chrome tailpipes, a lowered M Sport suspension, and a new set of 19-inch V-spoke M alloy wheels. The interior will see new sports seats upholstered in fabric Alcantara, an M leather steering wheel, an M driver’s footrest, M door sill finishers, Palladium Grey interior trim strips, and a BMW Individual roof lining in anthracite.
The 5-Series GT may be fading off into the distance, but BMW will be making its last half-hearted attempt to make it great with sales starting in late Fall 2011. We’re not quite sure it will make a difference - we think the hatchback will need much more than the random added accessories - but sometimes it’s the thought that counts.
As one of Chevrolet’s most popular cars on the market today, the Cruze compact sedan has developed quite a following over the past few years. So with its popularity continuously ascending, it was an obvious choice for Chevrolet to bring a couple of customized models to the 2011 SEMA Auto Show.
One of the models is the Chevrolet Cruze Z-Spec. You might recall that a year ago, Chevy rolled out the Cruze Z-Spec Concept at the 2010 SEMA Auto Show. That particular model came with its share of accessories, including a full plastic bodykit made up of front and rear bumper add-ons, side skirts, and a rear spoiler.
This particular model, on the other hand, will carry its own set of custom parts, including a high-flow grille, an accessory spoiler, a new stripe package, and a set of 18" custom wheels. Inside, the modifications done on the car comprise of a new steering wheel, special seat inserts, a racing-style pedal kit, an accessory shift knob, and a unique interior trim, among others.
There’s no indication as to whether this particular Cruze Z-Spec will be anything like the one we saw last year, but the good news is that we won’t have to wait too long to find out. The 2011 SEMA Auto Show opens its doors on November 1, giving us only a few sleepless nights to ponder over it.
