SEMA 2009 Take One : VW, Audi + Porsche

Tuning VW’s, Audi’s and Porsche’s requires hard work and self sacrifice. The kind of sacrifice and dedication that requires making an annual trip to the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in Las Vegas, Nevada. A handful of burdened 3ZERO3 Motorsports Staff members left Denver, Colorado last week and made the trip into the desert to shake hands with fellow industry faithful and visit one of the greatest trade show conventions imaginable.

Read on and learn more about SEMA and see firsthand as the aftermarket maintains pace with the growing Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche brands!

S.E.M.A:

• $36 Billion dollar a year industry.
• Started in 1963 by a group of automotive captains of industry, including  the legendary Vic Edelbrock Jr.
• SEMA not consists of nearly 7,100 companies spanning all corners of the globe as well as all corners the vehicle aftermarket.
• The SEMA show is NOT open to the public.
• Attracting over 100,000 trade professionals for the duration of the one week exhibition.
• Includes over 2 Million square feet of exhibits.
• Includes lectures, seminars, product demonstrations and special exhibits.

TRENDS

The Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen brands continue to grab an increasing share of the North American market, as tuners do their best to keep pace. New models are constantly in development, and one way we can follow these trends, is by paying close attention to how these aftermarket suppliers react to continued model expansion.

• Audi continues its attack on the luxury sport coupe market, as the R8, S5, and MkII TT’s continue to dominate the enthusiast demographics.
• Volkswagen and the aftermarket are gearing up for another big model evolution with the Golf Mark VI chassis. VW enthusiasts are crossing their fingers that the curvy Scirocco will make its way to our shores.
• Porsche continues to develop new models with its unique aesthetic approach. Critics may argue, but the 4 door Panamera will continue to blow the doors off the competition.

AUDI

Springing off the success of the first Audi TT more than 9 years ago, the Audi model line up consists of much more than sedans and avants. The Audi S5 is now allowing Audi to compete head-to-head with other swoopy 2 seater luxury sports coupes in a way that was not possible a decade ago. Modified S5’s were in abundance at the this year’s show. This Ibis White Audi S5 is just how I would want mine to come from the factory.

The lads at Forgiato have the verve the make some exterior changes to their Audi R8. Upping the aesthetic ante on this supercar even further.

VOLKSWAGEN

The VW Golf platform continues to win over the enthusiast market with great tuning options from its 2.0TFSI and AWD R32 platforms. As the Mark VI vehicles hit US VW showrooms we see tuners getting ready to support the new chassis. The Koni/Forge Volkswagen Scirocco was no exception.

Still no word if the MKVI Scirocco will be available for sale in the US. Volkswagen marketing execs are concerned that the addition to the coupe could cannibalize GTi, TT, and even Boxster/Cayman sales figures.

The H&R Golf VI proudly and tastefully displaying the colors of its motherland.

Hard to notice in this picture but the widebody kit over the rear arches on this HPA motivated MkV VW R32 are really well done.

PORSCHE

The Porsche Panamera Turbo. This 4 door Porsche has been getting alot of mixed reviews on its perhaps cumbersome rear end. ( Notice here I am presenting the car from a more favorable angle And while you can debate the aesthetics of the car please remember this twin turbo V-8 sedan will do the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds. Not many 4 door production sedans can do THAT.

This Cayenne Twin Turbo sporting a very sexy wide body kit and  looking good with its euro styled wheels, in a very american sizing. Remember when the Cayenne debuted 5 odd years ago, and all of the Porsche purists were “insulted” that Porsche would make an SUV ? Well that SUV just happened to have saved Porsche’s hide. 5 years later Porsche continues to build dedicated sports cars in spite of the world economy, and the Cayenne is as cool as ever. Think not ? Get behind a wheel of a Cayenne Turbo, they are amazing.

Again, Forgiato and Wicked Motorsports team up to take a radical approach to an already riotous vehicle.

The dish on the wheels and the body work were pushed over the top on this Porsche 997 Twin Turbo.

The Porsche 997 GT3 RS, like crack for the track.

A little different approach on this Porsche 911, the Falken Tire drift machine.

A silver example of another Forgiato Porsche 911 Twin Turbo.

3ZERO3 Motorsports continues to be your Denver, Colorado and SEMA  choice for all the best in Volkswagen tuning, high performance, and motorsports applications. Our factory trained technicians and service advisors are here to support you and your vehicle 6 days a week. For all of your maintenance and repair issues as well as high performance tuning, please contact 3ZERO3 Motorsports today. From downtown Denver, all the way to Avon, and everything in between, we are the best choice for factory style maintenance at dealer busting prices. Contact us day or night at Info@3zero3motorsports.com

Comments

Nov 10, 2009
Zac Foxx
More great shots Max! I wouldn’t mind having one of the new S5s myself! And the dish on the back of that 997 Turbo is outrageous!


Mar 21, 2010
PANCHO
GREAT CARS!!!!


Mar 22, 2010
Max
Love em all !!!!!!!!

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