The Specialty Equipment Manufacturer’s Association show in Las Vegas, better known as SEMA, is quite possibly the largest gathering of tuning-focused companies and individuals under one roof. Here’s Part 1 of the highlights from the 2013 show held last week. Also check out Part 2 and Part 3 Photos by Newspress.
The 2013 Dubai International Motor Show, held once every two years, has grown to become the largest auto show in the entire Middle East region. Regional new-model debuts included the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Chicane, the Peugeot 2008, the Ford Fusion and Ecosport, the Lincoln MKZ, the Toyota Corolla, the McLaren P1, the Nissan Patrol and Pathfinder Hybrid, the Alfa Romeo 4C and the SRT Viper, among others. Concepts shown included the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, the Ford Atlas, the Hyundai Genesis, the Lexus LF-LC, the Jaguar C-X17, the BMW X4 and the Jaguar Concept 7. Here’s as much of the highlights from the show as we could possibly cover.
The 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show is under way in Germany, with a number of new product launches, otherworldly concepts and near-production concepts. Some of the new models launched include the Nissan X-Trail, the Volkswagen Golf R and the Bentley Continental GT V8 S. Some of the near-production concepts, which hint at the future direction of these brands, include the sleek Infiniti Q30, the staid Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, the unlikely Volvo Coupe and the unfortunate BMW Active Tourer. Here’s a selection of photos right from the show floor.
The 2013 Detroit Auto Show, the largest in North America, is once again the scene for several new launches, although the total number is distinctly lower than several years ago. Among the new launches are the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the 2013 Porsche Cayman, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the 2014 Lexus IS F-Sport, the 2014 Infiniti Q50 and the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. Notable concepts include the Hyundai Genesis HCD-14, the BMW 4-Series Coupe, the Volkswagen CrossBlue, the Lincoln MKC, the Ford Atlas, the Nissan Resonance and the Toyota Corolla Furia, all foreshadowing future models that will debut in a year or two.
One of America’s biggest events, the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, running from November 30 to December 9, yet again plays host to several production debuts and a handful of concepts. New models showcased include the Acura RLX, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series, Kia Forte/Cerato, Fiat 500L, Toyota RAV-4, Porsche Cayman, Honda Civic and the Hyundai Santa Fe LWB. The concepts include the Volvo S60 Polestar, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen Ener-G-Force and a few others. Photos by Newspress.
The 2012 edition of the Sharjah Auto Show is expectedly as cosy as it’s always been, but it held a few interesting surprises this year. Held alongside the Middle East Motor Awards, almost all the top nominated cars were displayed together in one mega-display of great cars, including the McLaren MP4-12C, the Toyota 86 and the Porsche 911. Elsewhere, Mitsubishi launched two new unexpected models, the Lancer Fortis and the Mirage. Nissan displayed their entire range, including the new Altima, redesigned Urvan and the current GT-R, with Infiniti taking another section. Volkswagen brought out the new Polo Sedan as well as a lifted Amarok pickup.
We held our sixth quick meet back before the start of summer. Direct invites went out to our meet regulars while a last-minute announcement about the meet was made in the MyRide forums, so that we could keep it a small affair where everybody gets to talk to everybody. It was again a great afternoon, as our Honda S2000 made its first public appearance, and we brought along a Lexus IS 300C and a Lexus GS 350 so our attendees could take a closer look at them, and even take them for a spin.
The Dubai Autodrome racetrack played host on the 27th April to the first editon of the Dubai Chase, also being dubbed as a “street-racing festival” of sorts. All sorts of tuner cars from various clubs were displayed at the paddock area, with some driving activities taking place as well. There was drag racing on the main straight, autocross in the paddock area and apparently drifting somewhere else on the track. There was also an R/C drifting competition and a gathering of cars with big sound systems. Photos by Salma Sultana.
The 2012 New York Auto Show is not one of the bigger motorshows in the world, but certainly very prominent, with its own set of world debuts. This year’s edition marked the introduction of various 2013 models such as the Toyota Avalon, Subaru XV CrossTrek, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Altima, SRT Viper, Lincoln MKZ, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Lexus ES and more. The few concepts included the Honda Crosstour, Infiniti LE, Acura RLX and the BMW i8 Spyder. Photos by Newspress.
The 2012 edition of the Middle East Motor Tuning Show ran from the 15th to the 17th of March at the Expo Centre in Sharjah. Easily the UAE’s largest show of its kind, it seems to be gaining in popularity, with various firms showing up to display their wares, but this time around, an entire hall is dedicated to personal cars. A drifting arena outside and a simulator inside round out the on-site activities, alongside live demonstrations of truck modifications and airbrushing. With input from Salma Sultana.