The SEMA show, which takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada is one of the most extensive automotive gatherings of any kind on the face of planet Earth. Five full days of jam-packed action, insightful vendors, new industry products/techniques, and on. There really is something for everyone at SEMA. The acronym SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association, a fancy way of saying absolutely everything aftermarket. While the specially built vehicles at SEMA are impressive on their own merit, it’s important to view them as individual showcases of the builder’s specialty, whether that be proprietary tech, design, or parts.
Amongst all the specialty equipment were some truly impressive builds. Some prove to be extremely extensive, while others are relatively simple, but, in a stroke of genius, solve existing problems. SEMA is a powerhouse of both engineering and design. The two come together in a wonderful way to give us some of the most impressive aftermarket-built vehicles ever. While we can’t name them all since SEMA exists as one of the largest shows of its kind, there are a few worth mentioning that gives a great perspective on what you might expect if you were to visit.
We gathered information photography/video from the SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV to compile this top-build list. Vehicles are ranked based on initial impressions, and overall popularity at the time they were photographed.
10 Obsession R Nissan Skyline GTR R32
Stand Out Modification: Interior materials
The overarching theme throughout SEMA is power, glitz, and being as bold as possible. It isn’t until you take a deeper look into the show that you find the true gems. Obsession R’s Nissan Skyline GTR is a project that speaks to those genuinely interested in R32 ownership. A very common problem with R32 generation cars is their interiors tend to fall apart.
Obsession R aims to remedy that problem by offering a nearly complete interior replacement kit for R32s. Trim pieces, seat material, plastics, and more are available through the aftermarket company that makes the car look, well, back to factory finish. This particular car sported Obsession R’s full interior kit, along with a tasteful blue-on-bronze paint/wheel combination. The company also offers performance upgrades.
Build Highlights:
- Color combination
- Stock+ feel, makes this R32 appear solidly built
- Color-matched underhood components
- Completely restored interior
9 Endless Lifted Trucks
Stand Out Modification: Ridiculous lift kit
SEMA wouldn’t be the same without the sea of lifted trucks/SUVs showing off extreme lifts, custom fabrication, and sometimes, some clever solutions to high-riding life complications. Take a walk outside the Las Vegas Convention Center, and you’ll find the majority of lifted vehicles parked all around the property.
It wasn’t until the last day of the show that we stumbled upon what can only be described as, “the final boss of SEMA.” This Ford F-Series pickup was raised seemingly 10 feet tall, on air suspension, and was equipped with a train horn as if its appearance wasn’t bold enough. This vehicle was so tall that it made the other massively large, lifted trucks seem like toys in comparison.
Build Highlights:
- Train horn makes this Ford a loud as it looks
- Massive wheels/tires fit the theme of the build
- Air suspension allows for some ride height adjustment
- Completely driveable without having to disconnect the driveshaft for show purposes
8 R44 BMW M3 Touring
Stand Out Modification: Single-Turbocharger Conversion
It’s not enough that the R44 and support teams were able to retrieve a European market-only BMW M3 Touring and bring it Stateside. The team went ahead and converted the S58 twin-turbo engine into a single-turbo monster of a wagon that also solves one of the S58’s shortcomings.
That would be the sound. A few examples of this modification have proven that, with the right exhaust and one less turbocharger, the S58 can create the aural sound many BMW enthusiasts are longing for.
Build Highlights:
- Rare M3 Touring inside the USA is extremely difficult to obtain
- Impressive engine upgrades
- Aggressive wheel style
- Eye-catching blue wrap
7 Flat Out Autos Chevrolet KR2
Stand Out Modification: Two-Door Conversion
The K5 Blazer has garnered something of a cult following. There have been restoration companies dedicated to bringing back such vehicles using vintage trucks. Flat Out Autos is not that. Instead, they purchase brand-new trucks from GM and convert them into the K5 of today. Appropriately named, “KR2”, the modified vehicle starts as a Silverado long bed, short cab, and is then chopped after the cab.
To achieve the right proportions and retain as much original hardware as possible, while accounting for aspects such as aero, we’re told this is the best way to achieve the KR2’s signature K5 styling. Using modern ZR2 body panels, the KR2 takes the shape of a modern Blazer. From there, the options are endless, from custom interior colors to a supercharged engine. Fox Race suspension to a myriad of aftermarket wheels and tires, you name it, and Flat Out will add it.
Build Highlights:
- Supercharged V-8 engine
- Widebody fiberglass panels
- Fox suspension
- Takes the best attributes of a ZR2 and applies them to a two-door, short-wheelbase truck
6 Pit+Paddock M3 GTS
Stand Out Modification: Dinan 4.6-liter V-8 engine
How about another BMW M wagon that we never saw? This Frankenstein of creation is nothing short of a masterpiece. The M3 GTS of the time was known for its “Limerick Orange” paint, and this M3 is reminiscent of that car.
Complete with a Carbahn 4.6-liter “stroked” S65 V-8 that makes 516 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, eclipsing even the mighty M5 of the era. BBS wheels, a BMW aftermarket wheel of choice, and up to 60 pounds of weight loss make the Pit + Paddock M3 as true to the GTS formula as possible.
Build Highlights:
- GTS orange paint
- Weight removed from the vehicle
- Over 100 horsepower added to normal M3 engine
- Wagon converted to M3, a car that never existed