SEMA 2018 Roundup

The annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show took place from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 in Las Vegas. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles brought a bunch of cool concepts and customized vehicles and dropped some exclusive news during the show. Here’s our roundup of all the big stories from SEMA 2018!

The Jeep Wrangler won its ninth consecutive SEMA “4×4/SUV of the Year” Award.

The Wrangler has won this award every year since the SEMA Awards were introduced in 2010. The awards are the show’s OEM awards to highlight popular vehicles that showcase aftermarket parts.

“Once again, the Jeep Wrangler is voted as a favorite from the aftermarket community, with more exhibitors choosing the Jeep Wrangler as the SEMA ‘4×4/SUV of the Year,’” SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting said in a press release. “Whether drivers

 are accessorizing the Jeep for off-roading or for everyday driving, there are outstanding options available for Jeep owners.”

Mopar announced new performance axles for the 2018 Wrangler JL at SEMA.

Mopar and Dana continued their 70-plus-year relationship and teamed up to create the JPP Ultimate Dana 44 AdvanTEK axles, which were on display at the show. These axles, which are the latest addition to the more than 200 Jeep Performance Parts, were installed on the Nacho Jeep Wrangler concept, which was also at the show.

The axles are high strength with AdvanTEK gear technology to reduce gear set packaging. They give more durability and strength, which allows for a condensed carrier and improves ground clearance.

Dodge announced the 1320 Club for drag racing enthusiasts at SEMA.

The 1320 Club is for people competing in sanctioned quarter-mile drag races as it’s an opportunity to record and share accomplishments and communicate with other drivers in the drag racing community. The racers with the best times will earn spots on either the Stock or Modified 1320 Club Leaderboard.

For more, head to Dodge Garage.

Mopar debuted the 1,000-horsepower “Hellephant” 426 Crate HEMI engine and 1968 Dodge “Super Charger” Concept.

The engine was unveiled along with the Super Charger, which has been reimagined with modern elements and to accommodate the massive engine.

“Our enthusiasts crave power and performance and our new ‘Hellephant’ Mopar Crate HEMI engine and kit deliver huge horsepower and torque in a plug-and-play package that is unique in the industry,” Head of Mopar and Passenger Car Brands for FCA North America Steve Beahm said. “The 1968 Dodge Charger is one of the hottest classic cars, which is why we decided to use it as a starting point for the ‘Super Charger’ Concept. It’s an amazing vehicle and a great showcase for our ‘Hellephant’ engine.”

Learn more about both here.

Mopar showcased two custom Ram 1500 trucks at SEMA.

The Mopar-modified Ram 1500 Rebel Concept and Ram 1500 Big Horn “Low Down” Concept, as well as 12 other custom vehicles, were both on display during the show. Both trucks were customized with a combination of Mopar production and prototype parts and accessories.

Learn more about both here.