If there is such a thing as an automotive fantasy world, the 2006 SEMA (Special Equipment Market Association) show was it. Thousands of modified cars and industry enthusiasts, hundreds of hot, sexy import models and an overwhelming amount of product demonstrations packed the 3.2 million-square-foot Las Vegas Convention Center from Oct. 30 to Nov 2.
My SEMA experience started with a bang. With the guidance of my trusty map and instructions from Captain Nads (our semi-wonderful editor-in-chief John Naderi) I made my way to the North Hall where most of the import cars sat. Upon entering my attention was immediately drawn to a widebody kit Subaru Impreza WRX STI and a sparkling white Nissan Skyline GTR. The Skyline was equipped with wantables such as carbon fiber rearview mirrors and underbody spoilers while the WRX STI basked in its own glory, flaunting a custom fiberglass dashboard and a huge front-mount intercooler. Mmmmm.... front mount intercooler.
Making my way to the back of the North Hall, I passed crowds gathered around other extravagant cars and half-naked import models. I heard the sounds of unruly blow-off valves and powerful engines being bounced off their rev limiters. This truly was a fantasy world and I was sucked in like a fat kid in a candy store. And that was in just the first hour.
Don't believe me? I have proof....lots of photographs and even some top-secret video clips. The pictures will be linked by two stories, so look for the link at the end of this story. And the video clips will be posted up as they are edited.
Enjoy.