There are a lot of eyes on America this week for obvious reasons, but before we descend into a fiery comments section, let’s turn our focus to something a bit more Speedhunters-friendly: SEMA 2024.
The SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show has been a cornerstone of the car tuning world since its inaugural event in 1967.
Fast-forward more than five decades, and the show now spans a cool 2 million square feet of exhibitor space, drawing 40,000 automotive industry folk and enthusiasts from over 140 countries.
You’ll need all four days at the Las Vegas Convention Center to take it all in. Trek around each hall, and you’ll find 3,000+ brands showcasing their latest products and over 1,500 vehicles on display. That’s a lot of big numbers, even by American standards.
Like other key industry events – think Japan’s Tokyo Auto Salon or Germany’s Essen Motor Show – SEMA is a prime opportunity to gauge what’s trending in car culture while providing a snapshot of the current state of the tuning world.
From domestic trucks to Japanese imports and everything in between, there’s not a single style or trend that isn’t represented here in some way. Whether you’re attending for a few hours or the entire event, SEMA is guaranteed to inspire.
So, what can we expect from SEMA 2024? Well, you’ve probably already seen Rywire’s outrageous twin EV-motor EK Honda Civic, which made waves earlier this week. While we’re not claiming that 1990s Japanese hatchbacks are the future of performance tuning, the growing shift toward electric powertrains and conversions continues to be one of the most talked-about — and controversial — talking points in 2024.
Of course, trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles are still a dominant force at SEMA, and it’s easy to understand why, given the vast selection of accessories on display. Lift kits, tyres, bead-lock wheels, camping gear, and towing equipment — you name it, it’s here.
In recent years, there’s been a noticeable rise in adventure-based overlanding, and conversions of non-domestic models like Porsche’s Cayenne is further proof of how popular this segment is.
As for widebody cars? It’s safe to say they’re still a huge presence at the SEMA. But this year, the range of styles on display is much wider (excuse the pun) than ever, moving beyond the ‘traditional’ Rocket Bunny and Liberty Walk kits that have dominated the scene for years.
And no trip to SEMA is complete without a visit to the legendary Toyo Treadpass. Stan Chen and the Toyo Tires team always deliver here; you can be guaranteed some surprises, plenty of never-before-seen builds, and a massively diverse selection, all under the Treadpass awning.
One of our early favourites? Possibly the smallest car at SEMA: this Autozam AZ-1. Confusing 90% of attendees with its micro-supercar looks, Sprint Hart CP wheels, and gullwing doors, it’s the kind of quirky, boundary-pushing build that reminds us why we love car culture.
This is just a glimpse of what you can expect from SEMA 2024. Stay tuned later this week for a deeper dive into the show’s main halls, along with a closer look at some of the standout builds from this year’s event.
The Speedhunters
Instagram: thespeedhunters
Photography by Darrien Craven
Instagram: _crvn_
The 2024 SEMA Show on Speedhunters
