Check out our coverage from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show!

Xclutch Brings Supercharged Holden VE Commodore Ute to SEMA 2018

Posted on November 12, 2018 by bryan lusk

The SEMA Show in Las Vegas brings together thousands of manufacturers of automotive equipment and accessories from around the world. Out of all the thousands of show vehicles on display at the 2018 SEMA Show, perhaps none traveled a further distance to attend than the Holden SS-V from Xclutch.

Xclutch is based in Adelaide, South Australia and shipped this right-hand drive Ute over for the SEMA Show. According to a post on the company’s Instagram account, the vehicle traveled 3,000 miles on the road, 10,000 miles on the water and another 1,500 miles on a train. What a journey!

The SS-V is a high-performance Ute that was sold in Australia from 2007-2013. In stock configuration, the 6.0L L98 V8 engine puts out 362 hp (250 kW) and 391 ft-lbs (530 N-m). However, this one has been upgraded with a Harrop FDFI1900 supercharger kit, which boosts the power output to 603 hp (450 kW) and 626 ft-lbs (850 N-m). The included air-to-water intercooler helps keep temperatures under control.

The vehicle includes a number of additional performance upgrades. Of course, it includes a high-performance 9″ triple plate ceramic clutch and 4140 chromoly flywheel from Xclutch. This setup is capable of handling up to 2,000 ft-lbs of torque (2750 N-m).

The car is equipped with a full stainless steel exhaust and headers, and X Force Varex mufflers. There is also a Varex SmartBox which allows the user to easily adjust the exhaust sound level via a wireless remote.

Stopping power comes from Disc Brakes Australia 5000 series disc brakes in the front, and DBA T2 series disc brakes in the rear. The whole car rides on a set of 20×10 ROH RF1 wheels wrapped in Achilles ATR Sport tires.

Australian vehicles aren’t commonly seen here in the USA, particularly Utes. It was a real treat to see this one at the 2018 SEMA show and in the SEMA Cruise. Thanks to Xclutch for bringing it over. Be sure to check out Xclutch USA for high performance clutches to fit street, racing, and off-road applications worldwide.

SEMA 2018: Dodge Introduces 1,000 Horsepower “Hellephant” Crate Engine

Posted on November 5, 2018 by Trevor Freeman

From the time the Dodge Challenger revival was confirmed in 2006, Dodge has been on a roll with their high-performance enthusiast vehicles. When the third-generation Challenger made its debut in 2008, the 6.1L (372) SRT8 model put out a healthy 425 horsepower.

Dodge bumped it up again in 2011, when the Challenger SRT8 received a new 6.4L (392) HEMI V8 making 470 horses. In 2014, Dodge stunned the automotive world when they introduced the Hellcat with its 6.2L (376) HEMI making a staggering 707 horsepower – the most powerful production engine in a muscle car at that time. In 2017, the bar was raised yet again with the announcement of the SRT Demon, a supercharged version featuring an eye-popping 808 horsepower on 91 octane gas, or 840 horsepower on 100-octane.

How much further can they go? Well at SEMA 2018, we got an answer. Mopar fans were delighted to hear about Chrysler’s latest creation: a supercharged, all aluminum 7.0-liter (426 cubic inch) HEMI crate engine. The “Hellephant” as it is nicknamed, will produce 1,000 horsepower and 950 lb-ft of torque. It is far and away the most powerful crate engine ever offered by an OEM.

To promote the new engine, Chrysler’s Product Design Office (PDO) came up with the idea of installing the engine into a classic 1968 Dodge Charger. The “Super Charger” is equipped with a stock T-6060 six-speed manual transmission, along with a number of custom touches.

“De Grigio” Grey Metallic paint
Brembo six-piston disc brakes
Side mirrors from a 1971 Duster
5-inch exhaust tips borrowed from the Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Dodge Viper steering wheel
Dodge Viper seats, wrapped in Alcantara with red stitching
Sabelt four-point racing harnesses
Custom roll cage with 2-inch diameter tube
Rear seat delete
LED brake lights
20×11″ front wheels, 21×12″ custom rear wheels
lowered 3.5 inches in front, 2.5 inches in rear
shaved door handles, drip rails, trunk lock

Pricing for the Hellephant engine was not announced, though it will likely be more than the $19,530 price tag for the Hellcat crate engine. It is expected to be available for sale in early 2019.

Part Number Reference:

Interior
Fuel Level, Full Sweep, Electronic 2 1/16″, Black Dial – 77060043
Oil Pressure, Short Sweep, Electronic 2 1/16″, Range 0-100 psi, Black Dial – 77060045
Speedometer, In-Dash, Full Sweep, Electronic 3 3/8″, Range 0-160 mph, Black Dial – 77060055
Voltmeter, Short Sweep, Electronic, 2 1/16″, Range 8-18 volts, White Dial – 77060050
Tachometer, In-Dash, Full Sweep, Electronic 3 3/8″, Range 0-10,000 rpm, Black Dial – 77060057
Water Temperature

Performance/Engine
426 Supercharged Crate HEMI Engine Kit: 77072500
Hellephant 426 Supercharged Crate HEMI Engine: P5160194
6.2L EO Air Filter Element – 77072491
6.2L Supercharged Crate HEMI Engine FEAD Basics Kit (includes alternator, power steering pump, pulleys, and hardware) – 77072492

SEMA 2017: 1972 Corvette C3 “Menace” by Heartland Customs

Posted on November 10, 2017 by Trevor Freeman

Jeff Page from Heartland Customs shows us around their 1972 Corvette C3 “Menace” at the 2017 SEMA Show. This wild restomod features a Roadster Shop chassis, supercharged 427 engine making 860 horsepower, an active wing spoiler, and a full custom supercar-style interior. Be sure to check out their site for build photos and more information.

SEMA 2017: 1978 Trans Am by HEIDTS Automotive

Posted on November 9, 2017 by Trevor Freeman

Mike from HEIDTS Automotive Group gives us the rundown on this 1978 Pontiac Trans Am pro-touring restomod build at the 2017 SEMA Show. This car features major front and rear handling upgrades thanks to HEIDTS suspension components.

SEMA 2017: 1969 Camaro by Chris Holstrom Concepts

Posted on November 8, 2017 by Trevor Freeman

There is no shortage of shops building resto-mod muscle cars, but Chris Holstrom Concepts from Puyallup, Washington has distinguished themselves from the crowd. They captured a GM Design Award for “Best Chevrolet Exterior” in 2015, and they were back at it in 2017 with a fresh new 1969 Camaro build. We caught up with Rick from CHC as he walks us through some of the features that make this car so awesome.

SEMA 2017: 1967 Pontiac LeMans by The Custom Shop

Posted on November 6, 2017 by Trevor Freeman

John Wargo from The Custom Shop in Flanagan, IL takes a few moments to show us around their latest build: a resto-modded, pro-touring 1967 Pontiac Lemans nicknamed “GTLS3.” This car is loaded with custom touches, from the LS3 engine swap to the unique paint and interior. This car was displayed at the Optima Batteries booth at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

SEMA 2017: 1968 Chevy Nova AWD

Posted on November 5, 2017 by Trevor Freeman

The Chevrolet Nova was one of the most popular American muscle cars of the 1960s. Produced for 17 years, the Nova came in nearly every body style and had a huge list of engine choices. One thing is for sure: no Novas ever came with all-wheel drive from the factory. We caught up with Parke Bishop of Bishop Built Rides and he talked us through his 1968 Nova custom car with AWD drivetrain.

Congratulations to Bishop Built Rides on winning a Gran Turismo Award at SEMA 2017!

SEMA 2017: 1963 Rambler American Wagon Custom Build

Posted on November 5, 2017 by Trevor Freeman

Generation: High Output was on scene for the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas! One of the cars that caught our attention was this amazing Rambler American Wagon owned by Suzy Bauter. She was kind enough to tell us about the car, which she built for autocross racing. From the LS engine swap to the massive fender flares, this is both a show car and a race car! Watch the video segment to learn more. Congratulations to Suzy on winning Best Hot Rod in the Gran Turismo Awards!