There were many winners and new product announcements at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Exhibitors voted on the hottest vehicles and some new aftermarket smart technology was announced from Alpine, Ford, Cedar Electronics and Mopar.
Hottest Winners
The top trending vehicle models in five categories were announced today at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV. Selected by manufacturing exhibitors of the world’s premier automotive trade show, the SEMA Award winners are:
- Hottest Coupe: Chevrolet Camaro
- Hottest Sedan: Cadillac CTS-V
- Hottest Hatch: Ford Focus
- Hottest 4×4-SUV: Jeep Wrangler
- Hottest Truck: Ford F-Series
More than 2,400 exhibitors from the 2017 SEMA Show voted to determine what vehicle model is the hottest new and emerging vehicle.
Alpine Aftermarket Infotainment with Garage Door Opening & Smart Homes
Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., manufacturer of premium in-vehicle infotainment systems, today announced a partnership with Chamberlain Group, a global leader in access solutions and manufacturer of Chamberlain® and LiftMaster® garage door opener brands. Several of Alpine’s aftermarket in-dash navigation systems can now control Chamberlain and LiftMaster residential garage door openers, as well as smart lighting controls and other devices, signifying Alpine’s launch into the Internet of Things (IOT).
The MyQ app allows users of internet-connected Chamberlain and LiftMaster MyQ-enabled garage door openers to check the status and control their garage door from anywhere with a smartphone or other internet-connected device. The MyQ app can also turn on/off lights and can activate the “Home” or “Away” mode on Nest Learning Thermostats.
The MyQ and Alpine Connect apps are available now on the App Store and Google Play for use in the U.S. and Canada. There is a subscription fee of $1/month or $10/year to link the MyQ app to Alpine Connect. MyQ through Alpine Connect is compatible with these Alpine navigation systems:
- 7-inch In-Dash Navigation System: models INE-W977HD, INE-W967HD
- 8-inch In-Dash Navigation System for Select Vehicles or Custom Installation: models X208U, X108U
- 9-Inch Alpine Restyle In-Dash Navigation System for 2011-2017 Jeep Wrangler: models X209-WRA, X109-WRA
- 10-Inch Alpine Restyle In-Dash Navigation System for 2014-2017 Chevy Silverado: model X110-SLV
- 10-Inch Alpine Restyle In-Dash Navigation System for 2014-2017 GMC Sierra: model X110-SRA.
Ford Perfomance Performs
Ford announces the all-new Ford Performance Drift Stick, the first-ever, rally-inspired electronic handbrake, developed and designed for Focus RS and approved by rally and stunt star Ken Bock.
The Drift Stick – internally called Project Wicked Stick and led by Ford Performance program manager John Wicks – was born out of the Focus RS industry-first Drift Mode and developed by the same team.
The Drift Stick is an aluminum lever between the driver’s seat and manual transmission, which uses the innovative Ford Performance all-wheel-drive system in conjunction with the antilock braking system, opening up the rear-drive unit clutches and applying hydraulic pressure to lock the rear wheels to induce drift with the simple pull of a lever. The results are clutch-free drift turns very similar to the experience of a real rally car.
Radar Detection and Dashcams from Cedar Electronics
Cedar Electronics, a consumer electronics company specializing in communication and detection products, today announced its ESCORT, Cobra Electronics and WASPcam brands is showcasing its latest automotive electronics accessories at SEMA.
The ESCORT MAX Ci 360 is designed to be seamlessly integrated into the vehicle, it features both front & rear radar detection as well as front and rear laser shifters that protect drivers against all speed monitoring devices. The new MAX Ci 360 also includes GPS and Bluetooth® for connectivity to the ESCORT Live Community and the DEFENDER® database of red light & speed camera locations. The ESCORT MAX Ci 360 is available now for a MSRP of $3,499.95 (plus installation).
The all-new ESCORT REDLINE EX is the first portable detection system to combine connected technology, like GPS and Bluetooth® wireless technology with 100% TotalShield technology making it able receive real-time alerts and filtering, but still be invisible to radar detector-detectors.Its patented AutoLearn anti-falsing design uses GPS to learn and automatically rejects fixed position false alerts, while its updateable IVT Filter reduces noise from In-Vehicle Technology sources such as collision avoidance systems for more quiet and accurate alerts giving the driver only the information they need. ESCORT REDLINE EX is compatible with ESCORT Live.
The Cobra RAD 500G radar / laser detector features an integrated GPS receiver and the AURA® database providing location-based alerts of red-light/speed trap camera as well as known speed traps. Svailable in November at for a retail price of $229.95.
The Drive HD CDR 995 DI Dash Camera System by Cobra allows drivers to protect their vehicle, relive their drive and share interesting footage by continuously recording video of the road ahead and behind them HD Video. The CDR 995 DI captures beautiful front and rear video, provides for flexible installation for multiple vehicle types, and is packed with extra features. State of the art features include Dual View Recording, iRadar App Community Integration for avoidance of speed traps, stop light and speed recording cameras, Driver Safety Alerts like Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning, and Bluetooth enabled GPS which makes this the most complete dash cam system on the market. The Drive HD CDR 995 DI will be available in November for a retail price of $299.95.
The latest in the Cobra JumPack series of portable power and jump starter line, the Cobra JumPack XL H2O is the most versatile and powerful JumPack yet. Designed to jump start large V8 gasoline and diesel engines, the new JumPack H2O is UL listed and will keep you going in all-weather conditions. The rugged and waterproof design makes this the perfect portable power device fr any trip, on the road, off-road or on the water.
More Mopar
Mopar’s new Jeep Performance Parts include lift kits, beadlock-capable wheels, off-road bumpers, LED off-road lights and unique rock rails that target hardcore trail enthusiasts and 200-plus Mopar products for all-new Wrangler.