2016 SEMA Show: Highlights so far

The 2016 edition of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas is clear proof that the aftermarket and speciality tuning industry is stronger than ever. Featuring a ton of extensively modified creations based on production cars and jaw-dropping one-offs, this year’s SEMA holds many surprises.  

Here are a few of the most insane and drool-worthy cars from the show so far. 

Hyundai Santa Fe by Bismoto

Hyundai and Bisimoto have again partnered for the SEMA show, this time to make a Santa Fa with over 1,000bhp. Yes, you read that right. Making 1,040 horsepower, this particular Santa Fe is more powerful than a La Ferrari or a McLaren P1. This rear-wheel drive ‘Santa-Fast’ pumps out all that power from a flex-fuel turbocharged, Hyundai-based 3.8-litre V6 power plant. Crazy! 

Unplugged Performance’s Tesla Model X  

The Tesla Model X P100DL is the quickest production SUV right now. It’s just that in stock form, it doesn’t look as fast as say a BMW X5 M or a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. Now many Model X owners will make peace with the sleeper appearance but not Unplugged Performance. The American tuning house specialises in Teslas and has created this exterior package that gives the Model X a fierce presence on the road. Would you still rather have a go in a Beemer or a Porsche after seeing this? 

Kia Sorento Ski Gondola 

Kia unveiled not one but four all-new customised vehicles at the opening day of the SEMA. What you see here is one of them. It’s called the Sorento Ski Gondola and it takes the idea of an SUV to new heights – literally and figuratively. This custom Sorento was built by LUX Motorwerks to tackle snow and ice as it gets you and your fellow skiers up to the top of the mountain for another run. What’s more, its even got self-driving capabilities. Talk about dual purpose!  

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution 

Mazda is no stranger to the SEMA Show, allowing its designers the opportunity to let their imagination run wild to create something stunning. This year proves no different with the MX-5 Speedster Evolution. The Evolution is an ode to the lightweight, frills-free, pure driving experience of 1950s sports cars. Ultimately, the team behind this creation shaved a total of 158kg or 15 percent from the original MX-5 soft top’s starting weight. Now, it weighs a scant 900kg.