OEM show cars
SEMA concepts underline the importance of design details
A handful of JDM concepts have caught our eye from a trade show that typically passes us by
SEMA has never truly piqued our interest here at CDN towers, but this year’s outing promises a handful of concepts of note. Given the trade show's inherent fascination with JDM culture it is unsurprising to see legacy players using the platform to let loose, with Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi all getting in on the action. Some show cars are more conventional, others much less so.
Closer inspection of those projects reminded us of the importance of design details. Things that may not jump out at first glance but reveal themselves up close or after spending time with the vehicle. Because easter eggs bring surprise and delight, of course. Note that much of the design detail comes in the form of exposed mechanical components, beautifully engineered and finished in a way that elevates what are fundamentally functional parts.
Brakes, steering, suspension, aerodynamics, skid trays and more all have critical roles to play in keeping the car stable, but they can also be easy wins when reframing a car's personality. Subtle tweaks that can add up and make a big difference (then there are snow tracks, which are about as 'in your face' as it comes.)
Here is a round-up of what caught our eye from the SEMA reveals.
Toyota Snowhunter
First up is the most outlandish of the bunch, a series of five (yes, five) modified SUVs and pick-ups that now don tank-tracks in place of wheels. The Tundra, Tacoma, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia have all been given the Snowhunter treatment with the design coming out of CALTY Design Research's Michigan studio. The series also features some strong graphics to complement the look.
Toyota Crown Signia GT-S
Back in the realms of reality, the understated Crown Signia gets reworked as "a sleek grand touring machine that blends everyday space and comfort with the attitude and road feel of a true sports car.. a vehicle with room for family, friends, and gear, which looks right at home carving up canyon roads."
From our initial impressions, that seems about right. Compared to the standard car it appears to sit much lower and with its body modifications (flared fenders, more aggressive splitters front and rear) carries the shape of a conventional estate rather than a crossover. Wheel arch gaps have been eliminated and contrast cladding is now body coloured to create a continuous flowing surface. Aftermarket wheels hide what appears to be an aftermarket big brake kit, but the calipers are in fact from a Lexus RX 500h.
Toyota says it is "built for drivers who know that head-turning style and practicality can go hand in hand."
Nissan Sentra Spec V
This concept feels very much in line with the vibe of the show, with an attainable family vehicle given a facelift in the name of road presence, curb appeal and Cars & Coffee kudos.
The Sentra Spec-V concept commemorates the 35th anniversary of the Sentra SE-R's arrival in North America and beyond its obvious visual adjustments has been mechanically uprated to match. A 2.0-litre turbo unit offers 300bhp, mated to a six-speed manual transmission from the Juke NISMO RS. Brembo brakes are "GT‑R-sourced" and combine with custom NISMO coilovers and anti-roll bars, plus 19-inch NISMO LM-RS1 wheels typically found on a Nissan Z. Inside, "GT‑R-sourced" Recaro seats occupy the front row.
We would do without the spoiler personally but it is enjoyable to see an intercooler sitting proud in the front mask, a side-exit exhaust and beautiful metallic blue hardware hidden behind the wheels.
Mitsubishi Outlander Diamond Trail Edition 2028
This is perhaps the most tame of the cars on this list, but it is also the only one destined for mass production. The special edition is more a story of quiet tweaks that add up, particularly with the new bumpers that improve approach (18.3 to 20.5 degrees) and departure (22.2 to 23.1 degrees) angles, which important for off-roading and navigating steep inclines. Functional design at its best.
On the inside there is Diamond Trail branding on the instrument cluster, seats and boot floor. Given it is the first time the brand has appeared at SEMA in 12 years we might have expected more of a bang, but a strong special edition nonetheless.
Honda Passport Baja Spec
Judging by the teaser image, this special edition ‘race truck’ will be almost unrecognisable against the original Passport. Lifted high in the air with huge flared arches and 1,300bhp on tap, the Baja edition will be revealed officially on 29 October and displayed at SEMA a few days later.
We do not know much more at this juncture, but a side-by-side comparison shows just how much work has been done. In fact, beyond the wheelbase, we suspect there may be very little Passport on show at all.
