Of all the B-Spec race cars that are being shown at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show, we could argue that, pound-for-pound, Road Race Motorsports’ Fiat 500 is the most impressive of them all.
The Italian hatch-turned-racer was basically stripped down to its bare necessities to make way for the transformation. A widebody carbon fiber body kit - a collaboration between Carbontrix and Road Race Motorsports - was fitted into the Fiat to give it that low stance profile perfect for racing. The car’s chassis set-up was also tweaked by Road Race Motorsports courtesy of a new rear anti-sway bar to provide better handling in racing conditions. As for the wheel-and-tire combination, the 500 sits on a new set of Stance Mindset wheels wrapped on Toyo rubber racing tires. Other features of note regarding the 500 RRM include a timing controller, and, for the purposes of B-Spec Racing, a Drew Tech GPS and Track mapping system and a Zeitronix Data logging system that can store all the pertinent racing data the team’s going to need when they’re in competition.
Finally, we get to the engine, which may not sound impressive considering it’s a Fiat 500. But thanks to Road Race Motorsports, the 500’s 1.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine was given an engine tweak, a new sports exhaust system, and a new Road Race intake system. All those improvements gave the 500 a significant output increase to the tune of 138 horsepower, up from the stock version’s 101-horsepower output.
UPDATE 11/07/2011: We have added live images from the SEMA Show. Find them in the picture gallery.
Hatchbacks may not offer the same kind of thrill as sports cars and muscle cars. They also don’t have the utility of SUVs and pick-ups. Heck, they’re not so much for luxury, either. But at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show, hatchbacks will have their turn in the spotlight as a host of custom-modded hatches will be making their way to Las Vegas.
This list comprises most of the vehicles you’ll see. There are Scions iQs, Ford Fiestas, Ford Focus, and even a Lexus CT200h. Not only are these vehicles modded to the brim, but they also give us an idea on all the possibilities that come with aftermarket works being done on hatches.
The people who think that hatches aren’t cool enough should take a good look at this list and if they don’t change their minds, then they really need to check themselves before they wreck themselves.
But for those like us that enjoy modded hatchbacks, this list will tell us all the vehicles we need to look out for at the SEMA Auto Show.
Check out the 2011 SEMA Auto Show: Hatchbacks after the jump.
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The Mazda Turbo2 won’t be the only green Mazda getting some attention at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show. 3D Carbon has arrived with its own Mazda2 tuning package to share the spotlight. Painted in a very cool Spirited Green Metallic paint, the 3dCarbon Mazda2 is highlighted with a vinyl graphic design courtesy of Sticky Fingers Design and darkly tinted side and rear windows.
The colorful additions to the Mazda2 are joined by a body kit manufactured in a high-pressure polyurethane injection molding. The body kit includes a front air dam, side skirts, a rear lower diffuser, and a Mazda2 Touring-spec upper rear spoiler. The exterior kit is topped off with a new set of 18" FIVE:AD S6:F Gunmetal wheels wrapped with Yokohama S.drive 215/35R18 tires. The vehicle will also be equipped with an Eibach Springs Pro-Kit that improves handling as well as visual appeal.
Unfortunately, 3dCarbon has decided not to match up their exterior modifications with equally pleasing engine updates. In fact, they did aboslutely nothing to increase the vehicle’s output. It’s too bad, it would’ve been cool to see the same 2.3-liter Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbo engine found in the Turbo2 displayed underneath the hood of the Mazda2 by 3D Carbon.
Updated 11/09/2011: Check the picture gallery to see new images of the Mazda2 by 3dCarbon from the SEMA Show.
The Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept wasn’t the only car at SEMA bearing the Hot Wheels brand. Turns out, Chevy’s biggest rival, Ford, also had one in attendance, on a Ford Fiesta.
As far as the latter is concerned, the hatchback comes with edgy exterior graphics from Original Wraps with the Hot Wheels logo emblazoned on the sides of the car. It also has a new rear hatch spoiler, printed headliner technology from Freudenber Vitech, an aggressive Ford Racing suspension, and a new set of 18" custom-painted Motegi Racing wheels wrapped around Goodyear Eagle F1 Ultra Performance Low Profile tires. Meanwhile, the interior of the Team Hot Wheels Ford Fiesta boasts of a comprehensive, factory-available, two-tone interior package from Ford’s Custom Accessories division and a new short-throw shifter courtesy of Ford Racing.
The elaborate graphics design on the car alone was enough to catch our attention, but we also found out that nearly all of the styling components and functional accessories on this car are available from Ford Custom Accessories, Ford Licensed Accessories, or Ford Racing Performance Parts. That leads us to think that maybe we can dress up our own little Fiestas using this smoking hot Fiesta Hot Wheels racer as inspiration.
UPDATE 11/07/2011: We have added live images from the 2011 SEMA Show. Check them out in the picture gallery!
If Gaming is not your thing, but you do appreciate good music, then REMIX has also prepared the perfect Veloster for you. Called Veloster Music, the new car features a BASF matte black paint combined with matte black headlights, gloss Hyundai logos & trim and smoked taillights. The final touch for the exterior has been given by a new set of 19-inch Privat Legende wheels in graphite.
The interior has received black Vinyl & Suede dash & door panels, red leather seats, black Suede headliner with guitar mount, red painted trim, red LED lighting and red stitched steering wheel.
But the most impressive updates have been made in the Audio - Video section. In here the tuner has added Numark NS6 DJ Controller with Serato Itch, 15-inch MacBook Pro colored by Colorware, Three JL audio HD aps, six 6.5-inch JL Audio Evolution ZR Component, speakers with Tweeter, two 5.25-inch JL Audio Coaxial speakers, JL Audio CleanSweep, two iPads, customized Odyssey laptop mount, Pioneer HDJ-2000 headphones colored by Colorware, Fender FSR Stratocaster guitar, Vox Stainless Amp, Monster Rock guitar cable, iRig Mobile Guitar Amp and iPhone 4S.
UPDATE 11/07/2011: We have added live images from the SEMA Show. Check them out in the picture gallery!