J+ BOOSTER 2 Brings Industrial Tubular Spark Solution To SEMA 2023

J+ BOOSTER 2 booth backdrop at SEMA 2023 showing all of the pickup and go usefulness of this multiplayer adapter/charger. This portable EV Charging solution is even compatible with household 110/120v outlets and may give one a quick 6 miles of range in one hour. A great solution when one is travelling outside of their normal template of multi-hour charging opportunities. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - EVHNews.com (2023)

J+ BOOSTER 2 Brings Industrial Tubular Spark Solution To SEMA 2023

Kit Tags Along Easily To Smooth Rough Edges Of Random & Vacation Airbnb Style Travels

Once one decides to have their main source of mobility be an EV platform, one accommodates themselves to the existing electric charging lay of the land that allows for a relatively seamless flow of having a vehicle with enough charge, in the high 95+ percentile, in order to enjoy an uninterrupted travel experience. They know where the most open and quick charging stations exist along their planned route from home to where they work, shop, and maintain relationships, and back to home base again, day in and day out.

After a time, this all becomes routine and everything becomes "in its place" for a simple and successful EV experience. Where this comfort becomes a little less available is when one wishes to travel to visit family and friends, or travel for vacation and other outreach experiences that are outside of one's daily living experience. 

Enter the professionally built industrial grade aluminum tube EVSE (Electric Vehicle Service Equipment) portable charger/adapter J+ BOOSTER 2. The portable wall charger for all EV's. No electrician needed. Charge up to 7x faster, installation-free.

Juice Americas, a subsidiary of Juice Technology - based in Switzerland, has a mission to simplify home and travel charging with the J+ BOOSTER 2, a portable charger designed for level 1 and level 2 charging for electric vehicles. The company employs this charger on their own electric vehicles almost exclusively to assess its performance and durability.

 Hyundai IONIQ 6 World Car Of The Year. Image Credit: Hyundai Motor Corporation (2023)

Plastic components, while a means to a build end, are not a truly professional and serious build for a potential everyday usage. Image Credit: Hyundai Motor Corporation (2023)

The importance of this portable equipment option be included in one's Electric Vehicle choice has been supported most recently through Hyundai including their portable adapter charging cable with each and every Hyundai IONIQ 6 which was recently named "World Car Of The Year" by a panel of 102 Journalist from 30 countries.

The J+ BOOSTER 2 is designed to endure harsh conditions and significant weight through its rugged military-grade casing and robust power output, perfect for the first time user. Image Credit: electrek.co (2023)

First time owners need to be aware that many plastic, wall-mounted residential electric vehicle charging units lack durability as they simply hang on the wall with no other purpose. In contrast, the J+ BOOSTER 2 is designed to endure harsh conditions and significant weight. This solution, for the first time EV mobility solution user allows for one to have an instant charging station at home before one decides on a permanent station. 

In addition, this adapter/charger can also be used at a second home, a trip to a family home visit, even on an Airbnb secure home stay. This industrial strength aluminum tube unit boasts an IP67 rating, providing resistance to dust and water, and it's robust enough to withstand the weight of a 5,000-pound electric car. This has been tested by running over the J+ BOOSTER 2 with a car on several separate occasions.

Image Credit: Pricepulse (2023)

This level of durability may appear to be a mere novelty, but it proves incredibly practical. These charging units are often situated in precarious locations, straddling the garage or positioned in the path of vehicle tires. With the J+ BOOSTER 2, the fear of damaging the charger is alleviated, addressing a common concern for new electric vehicle owners - we live in a Human world.

Industrial grade aluminum tube houses and protects charging circuitry. Image Credit: Pricepulse (2023)

Ultimately, having control over the options on just how and when one can assure access and capture of the required power for one's mobility needs is key to a positive experience in EV transportation and its continued use. The smart 1st time EV buyer would be well served to purchase 2 of these - one to keep wall mounted in the garage, and the other in the trunk.

The J+ BOOSTER 2 delivers a robust industrial grade tubular solution at a cost of well under $1,000.00 that protects the flexibility to charge most anytime and most anywhere. A tubular spark with the ability of being one's first Homebase mounted unit as well as travel companion for use in directed convenience or emergency stress charging situations.

... notes from The EDJE

FEATURED POSTING >>>

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Top Rated By Sacramento Bee - November 11, 2023 >>>

TAGS: J+ BOOSTER 2, portable, SEMA, 2023, EVSE, durable, Juice Americas, adapters, homebase mounted, unit, travel companion, industrial grade, tubular, The EDJE

SEMA 2023 Issues Inaugural Best Engineered Vehicle Award To '23 Cobra Venom By Scorpion EV

Cobra Venom EVs are ready to strike - like lightening - at the famed Willow Springs "Big Willow" course where they will cruse through the "Omega Turn" with ease. Image Credit: Scorpion EV (2023)  

SEMA 2023 Issues Inaugural Best Engineered Vehicle Award To '23 Cobra Venom By Scorpion EV

Announced in mid-September 2023, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) put forward a special new award to recognize a featured vehicle at the 2023 SEMA Show that showcases exceptional engineering. The SEMA "Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award" honors and celebrates a build that demonstrates quality engineering throughout the entire vehicle, or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond just physical appearance. 

The first ever SEMA "Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award" goes to? ... the '23 Cobra Venom by Scorpion EV.

Scorpion EV, the company in Temecula, California that converts classic AC Cobra cars to electric power wins fist "Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award" at the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas on November 2, 2023. Karen Salvaggio holds the award trophy as Bill Cardoso and staff pose next to the innovating '23 Cobra Venom by Scorpion EV at the Scorpion EV Booth #24513, Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)

"Venom" is an electric vehicle (EV) conversion car designed to demonstrate the ease with which internal combustion engine vehicles can be converted to electric power. The car showcases Scorpion EV's Venom EV conversion kit, which solves the challenges related to EV conversions by providing the DIY builder with a complete, turnkey solution.

"As a small company with a passion for EVs and one that's pushing the envelope for this rapidly growing sector of the market, the Team at Scorpion EV is very proud to be creating a product that can be used by the very core of our industry, which is the DIY builders, shop owners and guy or girl working in their garage at home," said Karen Salvaggio of Scorpion EV. "This award is a recognition of the power of a team who believe in dreaming, designing and truly building the future! When you look around the Show and witness all of the incredible builds and envelope-pushing designs gracing these halls, just to be nominated for the Best Engineered Vehicle Award is a true honor."

Huge Thanks to Dr. Bill Cardoso for his vision and incredible engineering skills in bringing this truly ground-breaking, game-changing product to market. Honestly such an honor to be recognized by your peers and industry leaders for the hard work and all of the effort it takes to imagine, design, build and create a whole new lane in the market. Image Credit: Karen Salvaggio (2023)

Earlier during the show, Scorpion EV and the all new Venom EV Conversion Kit made the Top 3 Finalists for Best New EV Product in the 2023 SEMA New Products Showcase - and was further recognized in the Global Media Award for best new product application in International and Global markets! 

Quite a SEMA Show for a local Southern California outfit. Just keeping the motor culture spirit alive in the geography where it all began.

... notes from The EDJE

FEATURED ARTICLE >>>

TAGS: SEMA, 2023, Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year, #ScorpionEV, #Venom600, #EVConversionKit, New Products Showcase, The EDJE

SUNMAD Chevy Nomad Makes Annual Trek To SEMA

 

A 1955 Nomad that ended up becoming a four-door model due to a very unique modification. Custom chassis, wheels and engine change-out make this a Nomad not made for the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach. Image Credit:  Carlos Do Amaral-Gourgel (2021)

SUNMAD Chevy Nomad Makes Annual Trek To SEMA

A classic California Blue background with Yellow lettering license plate acts as a branding label of a beautiful 1955 Chevrolet Nomad two-door station wagon. The brand of this Orange Sherbet Pearl with highlights, custom split tailgate restomod? - SUNMAD.

SUNMAD on display in front of the newest section of the Las Vegas Convention Center not far from the new LVCC Tesla Loop transportation center. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

Research proves that this beautiful version on a non-stock '55 Nomad makes it around to many car shows, but is almost a certain 'greeter' at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) tradeshow in Las Vegas. 

To be clear, this LongRoof beauty is not meant to be a daily driver, it is a showcar in every sense of the term. No one would wish to have pavement pebbles chip the beautiful presentation this car holds. 

Not your average base level 265 cu in (4.3 L) V8 Chevy Nomad powerplant. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

Under the hood is an LS1 (5.7L) V8 engine with a 4L60E automatic transmission and a wiring kit from Street and Performance Wiring. 

The car’s interior is equally interesting, with upholstery work by Dan Williams of DJ Designs. There is a custom steel center console with a B&M Street Bandit shifter, and the bucket seats were sourced from a Lexus! Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

If one were to take this Nomad for a ride, it would be made all the smoother because the SUNMAD rides on a Paul Newman chassis with C4 Corvette independent suspension and brakes.

SUNMAD on full display. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

One of the most unique custom modifications of this genius design station wagon, produced as a two-door "sport wagon" and considered a distinct model line, is the split tailgate fashioned in such a way as to become totally hidden from the original lines, The owner explains that he did this modification because he got tired of having to lean over away from the back floor deck of the wagon to access what he had placed there. 

A very faint and unnoticeable fit line sets up along the center (of seven) Nomad iconic chrome tailgate embellishments. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

When it comes to the Tri-Five Chevys of 1955, 56, and 57, most owners fall into one of two groups. Some which are restored to their full original condition, and others which have been set up for drag racing with a big block, roll cage, rear wheel tubs, and drag slicks. It was quite unusual to see Ron and Debbie Pfisterer’s 1955 Nomad at SEMA 2015, because it wasn’t like either of these restoration styles. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

The SUNMAD is a heart warming version of a car intended to be the sport wagon for a family man with an attitude of never giving in to the four-door world. 

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

In this SUNMAD restomod case, however, we are now counting four-doors but intended for completely different reasons.

... notes from The EDJE

FEATURED ARTICLE >>>

TAGS: Debbie and Ron Pfisterer, 1955 Nomad, SUNMAD, Orange Sherbet Pearl, Dan Williams, DJ Designs, Tri-Valley Glass, Mad Mooks, Paul Newman Car Creations, C4 Corvette Suspension, SEMA, Las Vegas Convention Center, 2022, The EDJE

Dicken Wear . . . Gettin'​ His Kicks On Route 66

How does one define a Dicken Wear? Neither easily nor shortly. A recognition of a friend and colleague who passed from this life a bit too quickly on Father's Day 2020. Image Credit: John Dinkel (2017)

Dicken Wear . . . Gettin'​ His Kicks On Route 66
By: John Dinkel, Contributor to the SAE's Automotive Engineering magazine - Republished with permission - published originally on June 24, 2020

So . . . how to define a Dicken Wear.  That’s the third thought that hit me after learning from friends back in the north country (the One that is North of Australia) that Dicken had passed away.

My first thought was that Dicken was in a far better place, free of the cancer that had wracked his body for the past two years, and, secondly, great sadness at the loss of a dear friend.

Dicken behind the wheel of a Kidracer at the 2017 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Image Credit: John Dinkel (2017)

Dicken was amazing.  I don’t know another person who had the knowledge and connections in motorsport that Dicken had.  And seemingly in every area and at every level of motorsport.  And these were not just casual acquaintances from chance meetings.  He literally knew and was friends with motorsports connections from go-karting to Formula 1.

Dicken hauled my Meyers Manx all the way from Arizona when I bought it. And yes, that is "Competition-Engineering.com" lettered on the engine-protection bumper. Image Credit: John Dinkel (2017)

But Dicken was much more than a storehouse of motorsports knowledge.  He was a genuinely nice guy.  You got a problem?  Dicken was there to help. I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I called Dicken, or he called me, when he wasn’t behind the wheel of a truck or a car . . . typically a BMW.  Someone needed a car or something hauled somewhere.

Question: Did Dicken ever NOT wear a car shirt? Image Credit: John Dinkel (2017)

About 10 years ago [2010], I posted the following words on Dicken’s Linkedin page that are as true today as they were then:

How do you define a Dicken Wear? 

Neither easily nor shortly. An East Coaster, from Road [sic] Island, with deep roots in the auto industry. His grandfather was a Duesey of an enthusiast who built Rolls-Royces and imported, distributed, or sold almost all English sports cars from the 1940s through the mid 1960s. Aston-Martin, Morris, MG, etc. In other words he Triumph-ed over adversity to live a live of Riley, but it was not an Austin-tacious lifestyle. 

Ditto his father. Dealerships, racing, fabrication . . . that’s a small microcosm of a Dicken Wear. 

Wanna design and build a go-kart track? That’s Dicken. Name a dozen top currents racers and more than a few probably attribute their success to Dicken. Formula Atlantic, IMSA, Grand-Am? Dicken has had his hands wrapped around all of them. SEMA, LBGP, PRI? Dicken will be hanging out. LA Auto Show, Grand National roadster Show? Yup, he’ll be there too. Ditto car museums. 

Write him a big enough check and he’ll design and build you a sports racer/track car/hot rod. And that’s not a complete fabrication! Right now he’s got a hot SEMA Dodge Challenger connected to his name. Dicken loves anything dealing with cars and car people. 

He owns more BMWs than most car dealers . . . and most of them need a little work. But they are fast and they handle. He also loves writing and shooting cars, following in the foot steps of one of his heros, Pete Lyons. 

I can’t think of anyone more fun to hang out with than Dicken Wear. Okay, Paris Hilton would probably get me “access” to a few more places than Dicken. Oh, and we have one other thing in common: We’re both pizza snobs! 

You owe it to yourself to know a bit more about this unique human being called Dicken Wear.  I suggest the following links as a start.

http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/i/inskip/inskip.htm

http://www.competition-engineering.com/albums.html

http://www.the-motorsports-report.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dicken-wear-1b3a878/
ENDS

... notes from The EDJE




TAGS: Dicken Wear, Inskip, Competition-Engineering, Go-Karts, Rolls Royce, Motor Press Guild, SEMA, PAPA, AARWBA, ASRA, The Motorsports Report, The EDJE

Save Automotive Education & Conversion From EPA Regulation Deathgrip And Control

Built upon the shoulders of many shade-tree mechanics and decades spent competing on a race track, BMW badged Rahal Letterman Lanigan racecar follows the Whelen Racing Chevy Corvette into the top of the famed "Corkscrew Turn" at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca which, itself, was built upon a history of hundreds of thousands of shade-tree mechanics and automobile engineers. All of this activity is set to decrease if the EPA has its way with its newly proposed phalanx of regulations. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2015)

Save Automotive Education & Conversion From EPA Regulation Deathgrip And Control

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA - a non-elected regulatory department of the federal government) is working to make it illegal, through regulation(s), to convert automobiles originally designed for on-road use into racecars, even though such conversions have been done since automobiles have been produced in a factory for sale to the general public.

Under the EPA’s proposed regulation(s), it is proposing that it would also be illegal to sell any performance-related products for those cars that would aid in the conversion.  The EPA’s proposal would have a devastating impact on any conversion including motorsports since many types of racing rely on production vehicles that have been independently modified (due to cost and availability) for use strictly at the track.

Autobooks Aerobooks book signing of Mazda MX-5 Miata: Twenty-Five Years by Thomas Bryant (Author), Bob Hall (Foreword) - this would never exist if the progressives in the EPA and federal government had their way. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2014)

Table of Contents of Mazda MX-5 Miata: Twenty-Five Years by Thomas Bryant (Author), Bob Hall (Foreword) - Chapter Four titled More Performance: Second Generation (NB), 1999-2005 or Chapter Seven titled The Greatest Turnout In Racing would never exist if the progressives in the EPA and federal government had their way. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2014)

One has to ask, is this really the role of government that was organized under the construct of the United States Constitution?

This excerpted and edited from Wikipedia -

The Preamble was written to establish the origin, scope and purpose of the Constitution. Its origin and authority is in "We, the people of the United States". This echoes the Declaration of Independence. "One people" dissolved their connection with another, and assumed among the powers of the earth, a sovereign nation-state. The scope of the Constitution is twofold. First, "to form a more perfect Union" than had previously existed in the "perpetual Union" of the Articles of Confederation. Second, to "secure the blessings of liberty", which were to be enjoyed by not only the first generation, but for all who came after, "our posterity".
[Reference Here]

Special 1967 Chevy C10 pick-up truck with turbo-charged radial airplane engine custom conversion on display just outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center halls. Question(s): What has been done to modify this engine to increase performance? Is the extreme horsepower developed in this aftermarket power plant used in racing? Would this too be rendered illegal by the new regulations proposed by the EPA? Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2014)

So, what can anyone do to stop this march toward total elimination of the freedom to learn, create, transform, produce, capitalize, and generally enjoy the process of conversion of an automobile to a purpose it was not originally produced to be intended for?

Enter a political action committee that was formed for addressing the bureaucratic regulatory activity over-reach - The SEMA Action Network (SAN).

This excerpted and edited from the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association -

What Is SAN?

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is a nationwide partnership between vehicle clubs, enthusiasts and members of the specialty auto parts industry who want to protect their hobby. Founded in 1997, the SAN was designed to help stamp out legislative threats to the automotive hobby and pass favorable laws. The SAN regularly:

Rallies the support of 3,000-plus car clubs, thousands of individual contacts, and 100-plus publications, with an estimated reach of 36 million enthusiasts nationwide, amplifying SEMA’s political voice on issues affecting the specialty equipment auto parts industry.

Sends out action alerts to generate an abundance of responses to state and/or federal legislative actions and regulatory proposals.

Issues timely updates of legislative and regulatory developments.

THERE ARE NO COSTS, FEES OR HASSLES to participate in the SAN. 

The concept is simple:

SEMA provides detailed, regularly updated information on legislative and regulatory issues that impact your hobby. The more hands that touch this information, the more eyes that read this information and the more people that stand up and do something about this information…the more effectively we protect our hobby. If action is required, we will urge SAN members to contact legislators and regulators to express support or opposition to a particular bill or proposal that directly affects the automotive hobby.
[Reference Here]

There is something an enthusiast can do right now in order to voice their displeasure with this government action that plans to eliminate a whole for-education, for-profit, and for-fun activity and marketplace that has developed over the course of over 100 years.

SIGN THE PETITION:

Say “No” to EPA’s Threat to Motorsports : SEMA Opposes Regulation Prohibiting Conversion of Vehicles into Racecars

Please sign the White House Petition asking the EPA to withdraw its proposal.  We need 100,000 signatures in 30 days, so don’t delay!  Add your voice now and forward to your friends.  Stop the EPA from making racecars illegal!

SEMA Opposes Regulation Prohibiting Conversion of Vehicles into Racecars. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is aiming to make it illegal to convert automobiles originally designed for on-road use into racecars, even though such conversions have been done for decades.

Under the EPA’s proposed rule, it would also be illegal to sell any performance-related products for those cars.  The EPA’s proposal would have a devastating impact on motorsports since many types of racing rely on production vehicles that have been modified for use strictly at the track.

SEMA is working with all stakeholder groups to oppose the regulation through the administrative process and will seek congressional support and judicial intervention as necessary.

Link: https://petitions.whitehouse.gov//petition/tell-epa-withdraw-its-proposal-prohibit-conversion-vehicles-racecars-0
(ht: SEMA via SAN)

Please help to save for-education, for-profit, and for-fun activity of converting automobiles for other purposes from elimination through EPA regulation by - first, signing the petition - second, voting for candidates that wish to move government back to being out of the business of control over every aspect of all peoples lives ... which was the original construct of the United States Constitution.

As the Preamble of the Constitution outlines as the intention of the founding document itself - to "secure the blessings of liberty", which were to be enjoyed by not only the first generation, but for all who came after, "our posterity".

... notes from The EDJE


TAGS: The Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, Preamble, U. S. Constitution, Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association, SEMA, SEMA Action Network, SAN, NASA, SCCA, PWC, sports cars, racing, Off-Road, education, training, research and development, Free Market, The EDJE

Bubba Rope's 'Gator-Jaw' Snaps Up A 2nd SEMA New Product Award

With two SEMA New Product Awards in only five years, Bubba Rope is able to proudly display the hardware back-to-back. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2014)


Bubba Rope's 'Gator-Jaw' Snaps Up A 2nd SEMA New Product Award

Maybe this isn't as winning a record as baseball's San Francisco Giants with their recently garnered third World Series Championship in five years, but the Giants only have to compete against 30 other teams or enterprises.

Bubba Rope, which started in 2009, won its first SEMA New Product Award in 2010 for the 2011 product year, has to compete against hundreds of new products from about as many 'teams' or enterprises, won its second New Product Award in five years for Gator-Jaw™ soft shackles.

Good thinking leads to an additional threaded strand product solution that really changes the playing field. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2014)

Bubba Rope's first SEMA New Product Award was for their lead product ... the Bubba Rope. "The whole thing is branding," said Jim Flowers, a manager in Bubba Rope's business development team. Introduced to the consumer market in 2009, the nylon, military-spec recovery strap's packaging took Best New Product Packaging honors at the 2010 SEMA Show.

At a rated 32,000 pound breaking strength, combined with a property that allows the Gator-Jaw to float and weigh just a few ounces, steel shackles not only bend apart but become an old technology solution with functional problems to overcome. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2014)

Bubba Rope is a professional snatch rope that features military-spec quality and strength that surpasses any vehicle recovery strap on the market. Bubba Rope is a durable kinetic energy recovery rope (KERR) that outperforms typical recovery ropes, snatch straps and chains because it stretches, using its own kinetic energy to help recover your vehicle from the stickiest of situations. If there is mud, sand or snow where you drive, then you need a Bubba Rope!

"If you have a clear idea of what your brand is, it's a lot easier to figure out what doesn't fit," Flowers said. "It all starts with an extremely clear vision of what you want to communicate with your brand."

Just find a strong tie-down or tow point and the flexible Gator-Jaw will hold strong to anything it is attached to at a rated 16 tons of stress. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2014)

This excerpted and edited from Bubba Rope® -

Gator-Jaw™ soft shackles are made from Plasma® rope which is the highest strength synthetic rope available. These rope shackles are stronger than comparable steel shackles. Gator-Jaw™ shackles won't rust and are so light they float. Towing applications include: 4x4 off-road, agriculture & mining equipment and various marine uses - wherever a connection of a rope or tether needs to be attached to another heavy equipment object (or even connecting two ropes) without the possibility of the connection coming loose.

Advantages Over Steel Shackles:

Stronger than steel - 32,000 lb. breaking strength!
It floats - no more losing shackles in the water or muck!
Flexible - easily wraps around the most difficult pulling points!
One piece construction - no pins to fasten!

Uses:

Off-Road Recovery
Marine
Farming
Industrial
Mining
[Reference Here]

Bubba Rope's Gator-Jaw™ soft shackles are the perfect compliment to the well outfitted off-road emergency tools kit - perfect for any situation where attaching a rope or tether to a specified tow or anchor point without the weight or multiple part downsides to metal D-rings or clevises.

Be on the lookout for a Bubba Rope® "Gator-ize" type of solution for use with front and back mounted hydraulic winches.

Who knows ... maybe there might be another SEMA New Product Award in the offing.

... notes from The EDJE

New Format MPG Track Days Off To A Good Start

Motorsports Journal/Performance & Racing Tech Talk managing editor Edmund Jenks takes the first drive of the day at Big Willow in the new 5th generation Dodge VIPER T/A production two-seater super car. The Yorange 2015 Viper has not been outfitted with the SRT performance division’s 707-horsepower Hellcat engine (which was available in a lime green Charger and also driven at Big Willow) but its 8.4-liter V-10 engine is now rated at 645 horsepower, up 5 horses on the previous model year. Torque remains unchanged at 600 ft.-pounds. Production of this particular model in specialized colors (Competition Blue, Yorange, and Venom Black) will be limited to 96 units. Image Credit: Albert Wong

New Format MPG Track Days Off To A Good Start

The Motor Press Guild (MPG), the largest automotive media association in North America, re-launched its annual Track Days media event with an all-new program this week on Oct. 14-15 at the Hilton Pasadena, the Rose Bowl, and Willow Springs International Speedway.

Pulling in elements from business retreats and professional conferences, the re-imagined MPG Track Days program included a discussion panel led by A-list media, presentations from industry executives and exclusive test drives of more than 50 new cars, trucks and SUVs on public roads, closed courses and an historic raceway.

Chris Kersting, CEO of SEMA, the trade association representing the $33B automotive aftermarket industry, shared his insights on the latest parts and accessory trends ahead of the SEMA Show. The SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show, scheduled for November 4-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and plays host to more than 130,000 attendees and is where the industry comes to do business. For the first time in the Show's nearly 50-year history, the general public will be invited to partake in the action at a separate event called SEMA Ignited after the Show closes.

MPG Track Days “Secrets of Success in Automotive Journalism” panel shared many strongly held opinions in a lively and open, back and forth, forum. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2014)

MPG Track Days' professional media panel this year, entitled "Secrets of Success in Automotive Journalism," was moderated by Sue Callaway, editor-in-chief of THE AUTO 100 and senior contributing editor at Fortune magazine. Callaway and the panel shared insights on what it takes to be an influential journalist in today's complex media world. Panelists included "BJ" Chris Woodyard, auto industry reporter at USA Today; "The Retiring" Mark Vaughn, west coast editor at Autoweek; "Just a grateful blogger" Michael Harley, west coast editor at Autoblog.com; "From radio to video" Micah Muzio, managing editor for video, Kelley Blue Book; and "Managing Motormouth" Michelle Naranjo, editor-in-chief at Autobytel.com. A second panel discussed the role of technology in the auto industry, from design to driving.

As in years past, MPG journalist members drove and evaluated vehicles from nearly every automaker in various environments on road, off road and on track. A back-to-back comparison test of compact SUVs and luxury sedans were staged at the historic Rose Bowl, followed by a street drive through scenic Pasadena. On-track drives at Big Willow and Streets of Willow courses were held at the historic Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, CA. An off-road course through the hills overlooking the Raceway hosted a selection of trucks and SUVs, including the incredibly capable 550hp Lingenfelter Chevy Reaper pickup truck.

The much anticipated, limited-edition Reaper, a no-nonsense performance off-road edition of the 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 pickup, is now available at select General Motors dealerships nationwide. The heavily customized Chevy Silverado that can be ordered with a supercharged 550hp 6.2L, comes in red, white, gray and black with a long list of standard features: three-inch lift, long-travel off-road suspension; Fox Racing shocks; 20-inch exclusive Reaper wheels mounted on General Grabber LT tires; and a Lingenfelter performance exhaust system. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2014)

"Our track event has always provided a vital comparative driving experience for professional journalists to evaluate several cars in a short amount of time," said Joni Gray, MPG president. "This year, we've stepped up our program with newsworthy speakers and hands-on instruction to provide our members with even more content to fill the stories, reviews, TV segments and podcasts they create in the automotive media space."

MPG members were treated to a special ride along in a 2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO - one of only three in the country -- with 2011 Nissan GT Academy winner Bryan Heitkotter.

On the evening of Oct. 14, the gala dinner prepared by celebrity executive chef Gina Rodriguez was served. Rodriguez was a contestant on Food Network's hit show, Chopped. In the morning following the dinner, members were transported between the Hilton Pasadena and Willow Springs on Wi-Fi enabled luxury corporate coaches, which allowed members to network and be productive on the 90 minute ride each way.

MPG Track Days was open to all Motor Press Guild members, but only journalist members were credentialed to drive vehicles.

For information about becoming a member of MPG, please visit www.MotorPressGuild.org, or follow us on the MPG Facebook and Twitter pages.

Presenting Sponsors:
SEMA - Specialty Equipment Market Association
Nissan North America

Sponsor provided street drive cars lined up on the parking lot tarmac at the Southwest front entrance of the Rose Bowl complex. Journalist members had an enjoyable time driving a neighborhood street course that had all cars pass by a California Highway Patrol field office just off of the 210 Freeway. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2014)

Participating Sponsors:
Volkswagen of America
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
Mercedes-Benz North America
Lingenfelter
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Mazda
Ford Motor Co.
Subaru of America
Kia Motors
Hyundai Motors
Chrysler Corp.
Jeep
Fiat
Alfa Romeo
Infiniti
Honda North America
Acura
BMW North America
Volvo
Toyota
Scion
MINI
Porsche Cars North America
Jaguar
Land Rover
Tesla Motors
NVIDIA
Newspress
PR Newswire
(ht: Doug Stokes - MPG Track Days Committee)

... notes from The EDJE