2010 SEMA Show: Ferrari 458 Italia (Giovanna Rims)
(Photography by Rene Zamora)
2010 SEMA Show: Audi S5 STASIS Concept Series
(Photography by Rene Zamora)
2010 SEMA Show: Audi Q5 SIGNATURE Concept Series
(Photography by Rene Zamora)
2010 SEMA Show: ABT Audi R8 GT: Global Launch
(Photography by Rene Zamora)
November, 2010 (Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.): Every November, the SEMA dawns upon the city of Las Vegas for the one of world's largest shows in automobile tuning: the 2010 SEMA Show. This event is unique as the usual emphasis is on domestic aftermarket tuning aimed for North American audiences. However, the 2010 show had one outstanding flavor: the presence of more exhibits and exposure of foreign, in particular, European models in the show floor. This feature is unique because past shows have emphasized the North American models and 201o marks the first year the global expanision of exhibits has been demonstrated. The exhibits at the lower South Hall, for example, emphasize tires and aftermarket rims. Last year, more and more European models were displayed and as an example above, the latest rendition of the Ferrari line, the 458 Italia, in an attractive aftermarket Giovanni rims. Moving on, 2010 also marks the first year that extensive German manufacturer presence was appreciated. In particular, the Ingolstadt-based Audi AG had several displays in 2010. Two examples in the North Hall of the LVCC were as shown above were: 1. Audi S5 Cabriolet STASIS Concept and 2. Audi Q5 Signature Challenge Series. These are aftermarket concept cars for the newest models of the Audi AG line. Concept cars were not common in past SEMA shows and 2010 marks the first year that extensive displays were evident especially for European models. Lastly, the global launch of the ABT Audi R8 GT occurred in last year's show. ABT, a popular Audi/VW tuner in Germany, deciced to use the 2010 SEMA show to launch their flagship model for the already sporty and road-going Audi R8. For tuner enthusiasts who wish add uniqueness and style to the already gorgeous and futuristic design of the stock Audi R8, the ABT Audi R8 GT will certainly turn heads in the recovering North American market. In summary, all of the displays mentioned above are encouraging news that the SEMA show is heading in a global direction for the future in comparison to its European counterpart, the 2010 Essen Motor Show, in Essen, Germany were Audi did not have an exhibit for the first time in a number of years. We will see in 2011 what transpires as global expansion is now occuring on both sides of the Atlantic. (All photos were taken and text written by: Rene L. Zamora, Photography by Rene Zamora, Henderson, Nevada, U.S.A.)
