Pow. Blam. Zing. The Specialty Equipment Marketing Association Show in Las Vegas is an annual festival of automotive originality, where the industry's aftermarket (and, increasingly, also the car manufacturers interested in exploring new trends) show their wares. OEM participation continues to grow, with Korean upstarts Kia and Hyundai joining such established players as GM, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Ford, Mitsubishi, and the Chrysler Group with vehicles modified and customized by their own special vehicles departments, or by partner companies eager to show the breadth of their imagination. In between these far-flung manufacturer stands are the usual hordes of custom equipment manufacturers and importers, the stands replete with tires and 26-inch wheels, accessories that range from the weird to the wonderful, and vehicles of every description alongside those that defy description. The Las Vegas Convention Center seems to get bigger every year, and the crowds larger. SEMA is the future. Miss it at your peril.
	Hummer SUT I think Eminem should get a hummer all pimped out with bad baby cheap rims. Homes says he can hook him up with cheap rims here. The Hummer SUT is a variation on the original Hummer H2 concept. When SUT owners need to carry four passengers, the bulkhead at the rear of the passenger compartment remains upright, retaining 30 cubic feet of cargo-carrying capacity. Then, when required, the rear window can be powered into the so-called Midgate, which folds forward along with the rear seat to expose a 4-by-6-foot pickup bed. Rubber bed mats help keep the cargo area clean, while a locking hard tonneau cover provides cargo security. Both accessories may be ordered individually, as may bed rail cover inserts and a removable, locking cargo box. SUT owners may also customize their vehicle with other GM accessories. "There's more to the H2 SUT than merely cargo-carrying capacity. At the push of a single button, the driver can lower all four side windows and the rear window. Using a separate switch, the standard sunroof can also be opened, giving SUT a truly open-air feeling, like driving a convertible," explained Marc Hernandez, H2 marketing director.
	Pontiac Autocross models Pontiac showed five concepts within the Autocross theme - Grand Prix, Grand Am, Vibe, GTO, and Sunfire. Claimed to retain enough civility to provide normal commuting capability, the cars were upgraded with performance parts relevant to autocross events, where handling is as important as straight-ahead power. The GTO Autocross pictured here is powered by the LS1 5.7-liter engine, but uses camshafts and heads from the LS6 engine to boost horsepower to 400. Accessories on the show car—available in fall 2004 at GM dealers—include front and rear fascia extensions, rocker panels, a rear spoiler with integrated CHMSL, and a symmetrical dual exhaust. Eighteen-inch wheels are wrapped with BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD performance tires, while custom rotors and calipers by Stainless Steel Brakes improve stopping power. Inside, there are machine-drilled aluminum pedals, a color-coordinated sport gauge package, and satin nickel appointments.
	Toyota Corolla XRS Toyota unveiled this new Corolla XRS, to be powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder DOHC engine producing 170 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. The engine will deliver better midrange torque than versions of the 2ZZ engine found in Celica GTS and Matrix XRS models. It will retain the VVTL-i variable valve timing and lift system that switches cam profiles at 6000 rpm, as well as the high 7800-rpm redline. The XRS is expected to clock sub-eight-second 0-to-60 runs and yet still provide good fuel economy. Toyota estimates 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Under the XRS is a sport-tuned suspension with a front connecting-rod damper, increased-rate coil springs and shocks, and a half-inch-lower ride height. Sixteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels and Michelin performance tires are standard. Steering is upgraded by a more rigid steering column and a power steering rack specially developed for the XRS. Inside, the Corolla XRS boasts sport seats, a color-keyed bezel surrounding the grille, silver-colored center cluster and switch plates, a leather-like shift boot with a leather shift knob, and unique badging. The XRS launches in spring 2004.
	Lexus Blitz SC430 Twin superchargers elevate the Blitz SC430 Lexus's maximum horsepower to an estimated 380 at 5700 rpm (that's up from 300 hp at 5600 rpm). Torque jumps from 325 pound-feet at 3400 rpm to an estimated 400 pound-feet at 4000 rpm. A Blitz Sub Computer System oversees engine activities, while Blitz gauges keep the driver informed. Chassis upgrades include a combination Blitz/Sachs coil-over shock system, Blitz 19-inch Technospeed Z3 wheels with Falken Azenis ST 115 tires, 235/35R-19s in front and 265/30R-19s in back. A carbon-fiber air dam and a new grille combine with a carbon-fiber rear diffuser and dual exhausts to give the Blitz SC430 an original look coming and going.
	Supercharged TRD Matrix Fitted with a TRD Roots-type Eaton supercharger capable of up to 7.5 pounds of boost, the Matrix's 1.8-liter engine produces 166 hp at 6800 rpm (versus 130 hp at 6000 rpm in stock form) and 145 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm (versus 125 pound-feet at 4200 rpm). The emissions-legal supercharger kit can be installed in a matter of hours and includes a supplemental ECU for optimal supercharger performance and a fifth fuel injector for better full-throttle performance. An internal bypass circuit is said to improve fuel efficiency and provide smoother operation at low speeds. A tuned and polished stainless steel TRD sport muffler, with a TRD-etched tip, is claimed to add up to 13 hp and 10 pound-feet of torque. TRD's available spring package drops the car by 1.25 inches, using progressive-rate front springs for reduced body roll and increased responsiveness. The TRD Matrix rides on Yokohama Spec-2 225/40ZR-18 tires fitted to 7.5-by-18-inch cast-aluminum five-spoke wheels finished in satin black. Molly Designs handled the graphics, along with a lip spoiler with adjustable carbon-fiber wickerbill and carbon-fiber front dive planes. Carbon fiber also covers the rearview mirrors and the rear exhaust valance. A black laser-cut TRD grille has been installed. Interior embellishments include custom leather seat covers and door panels, custom coco mats, and painted gauge bezels and dash panels.

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