The SEMA show has returned, and even in the preview day, as exhibitors put the final tweaks on booths and SEMA announced its award winners and gave the media a taste of things to come, the excitement was palpable. “The SEMA Award celebrates the industry’s unique ability to identify and set trends that influence automotive enthusiast worldwide,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO. “Consumers are able to look to SEMA Award winners for guidance on which vehicles offer the greatest opportunities for customization.” Ford and Toyota took the top honors this year, with Ford’s Bronco, F-Series and Mustang leading the pack, and Toyota gaining recognition for it’s sport compact and mid-size Tacoma. The awards indicate the trends the aftermarket is seeing, meaning that Ford and Toyota are also generating the most interest from consumers looking to upgrade, change and modify their vehicles.

SEMA Award Winners

Car of the Year: Ford Mustang
Sport Compact of the Year: Toyota Supra
4×4/SUV of the Year: Ford Bronco
Full-size Truck of the Year: Ford F-Series
Mid-Size Truck of the Year: Toyota Tacoma

SEMA also unveiled several feature vehicles for the eager media presence, including a custom 1962 Buick that has been converted into an electric car in collaboration with American actor James Marsden. The vehicle features a state-of-the-art bespoke electric vehicle with carbon fiber parts and a brand-new Karma Revero concealed underneath. A Radford Lotus Type 62/2 Gold Leaf car (shown here), built in collaboration with Jenson Button, 2009 Formula One World Champion and Super GT Series Champion has been the posterchild of this years SEMA show. Other concepts include the new 2023 Nissan Z, a 1953 Corvette-inspired carbon fiber concept car by Dave Kindig and some surprises from GM. Stick around the slideshow to preview many of the other vehicles which will be on display throughout the show, which officially kicks off on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. PST. Lotus Photo Courtesy of SEMA