The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show returned to Las Vegas in the fall of 2022, and it looks to be at full strength. Nearly 2,000 exhibitors had wares on display and the show took over the entirety (all 3.2 million square feet) of the Las Vegas Convention Center. For years, SEMA has been highlighted by smaller companies building incredible, innovative products and in 2022, a number of larger established automakers have dropped out of the show—Ford, Hyundai, and General Motors all declined to attend an exhibit at SEMA in 2022. However, a number of automakers remain in attendance with some incredible products on display.
Volkswagen
Leading the press-conference schedule, Volkswagen unveiled a slew of concept vehicles at the 2022 SEMA show. Among other products, and with Tanner Foust on hand to walk the media and other attendees through the program, Volkswagen showcased Basecamp Atlas and Taos crossovers, an ID.4 EV concept, and the star of the show, the Jetta GLI Performance Concept.
The Atlas Basecamp Concept adds a suspension lift, additional lighting, and all-terrain tires to increase the crossover’s off-road capability. Built on an Atlas SEL trim with the company’s 3.6-liter V6 engine and 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD), it looks exciting but remains accessible. Volkswagen mounted a Thule basket atop the Atlas Basecamp and fitted the concept vehicle with an onboard air pump and a fit-to-size air mattress.
Like the Atlas Basecamp, the Taos Basecamp Concept starts with an SEL 4Motion trim and tacks on all-terrain tires, H&R springs, and a suspension lift. A bike rack sits atop the Taos Basecamp and the trunk has been equipped with flood lights to keep things illuminated after the sun goes down.
Volkswagen partnered with the Tennessee Valley Authority to create the ID.4 EV Drone Command Concept, a response vehicle project. The Drone Command Concept employs a retractable side awning and a roof-rack-style landing pad for a drone. Larger wheels and all-terrain tires keep it capable, and a slew of lighting features allow it to illuminate the surrounding area.
The star of Volkswagen’s show is the Jetta GLI Performance Concept. Lowered to mere inches above the ground and fitted with Rotiform wheels, the Performance Concept looks like a Jetta with a bad attitude. Volkswagen upgraded the standard GLI engine (228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque) to a RacingLine powertrain making 350 horses and 372 pound-feet, sent to front-wheel drive (FWD) via the standard six-speed manual transmission, albeit with an upgraded clutch. Of all Volkswagen’s concepts, the GLI Performance Concept is the one that we’d be most eager to drive—preferably on a closed circuit.
Lexus and Toyota
Located in the Central Hall, the massive Toyota and Lexus exhibit featured both track-focused sports cars and off-roading builds. In addition to a GR Corolla Rally Concept and two modified GR Supras—plus automotive photographer and enthusiast Larry Chen’s GR86 build—the Toyota stand featured an array of big, burly off-roaders.
Most notably, Toyota introduced its new Trailhunter trim level. While TRD has been the nameplate most commonly associated with off-road-capable Toyotas, Trailhunter will focus specifically on overlanding-ready vehicles. Although the Tundra Trailhunter on display is a concept vehicle, it certainly looked ready to overland here and now. Skid plates, a refrigerator, and a roof rack that spanned the roof and the truck bed (and a collapsible tent mounted atop the rack) highlighted the list of features.
Dodge, Jeep, and Ram
Although the Stellantis brands didn’t host a press conference, they displayed plenty of vehicles at the 2022 SEMA show. Dodge had a number of products on display, including a Dodge Hornet GLH (for “Goes Like Hell”), six “Last Call” Dodge Charger and Challenger special edition models, and the company’s Charger Daytona SRT Concept—an all-electric muscle car producing massive performance figures off a steady diet of electrons.
Jeep showed a number of all-new concept vehicles in addition to six Easter Jeep Safari Concepts seen previously. Jeep also took home two trophies at the SEMA Awards: the Wrangler was awarded 4x4/SUV of the Year over the Ford Bronco, and the Gladiator won the Midsize Truck of the Year award. On Ram’s side, the 1500 won the Full-Size Truck of the Year honors.
Nissan
Nissan closed out the day with a reception to showcase the new Z GT4 track car. With a striking red and black livery and a huge rear wing, the Z GT4 is undeniably a Z car but also clearly meant for more than just the street. Priced at $229,000, the GT4 should be available for purchase in mid 2023, with orders being delivered in 2024.
Also on display at the Nissan stand was the Sunny Leaf project—an EV resto-mod of a classic Sunny pickup truck fitted with the electric motor and battery array from the Nissan Leaf. There’s also the Ariya Surfwagon Concept. Although the Sunny Leaf project took modern equipment and put it in a classic design, the Surfwagon goes the other way—it puts a classic design aesthetic on a decidedly modern vehicle. The Ariya powertrain went untouched, but a pair of roof-mounted surfboard and a wood-panel-inspired exterior wrap take the Surfwagon back to the past.
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