Every year about halloween time, a zillion aftermarket automotive companies converge on a giant convention center in Las vegas to show off the new wares for the coming year. We attend to snap some photos, ask questions, and look at all the pretty women, err, lights along the strip. this year the event was bigger than ever, but unfortunately it's only open to 4x4 dealers and parts suppliers so not everyone can get in. but don't fret because we shot photos and tracked down all the info on the hottest goods in the 4x4 scene.
Since there was so much new stuff, every month we'll be showing other exciting products that didn't make it in this latest installment of new products. if your product didn't make it in this month, or if you found an awesome truck- or 4x4-related widget that you think our readers need to know about, send us an e-mail with a hi-resolution digital image (no less than 1600 x 1200 pixels or two megapixels and saved as a tiFF, EpS, or a maximum-quality JpEG) and the name, number, and Web site of the manufacturer to: newproducts@4wheeloffroad.com and we'll find a place to fit it in a future issue.
ATS Diesel performance made its name in the transmission market by building high- performance transmissions for hot-rodded diesel engines, and now the company is expanding into all things diesel like its new Sub zero intercooler Systems for Dodge cummins engines. The intercooler comes with 31/2-inch inlet and outlet and are guaranteed up to 100 psi of turbo boost. GM and Ford editions are coming soon. plus when your boost charge is cooled it equals more power.
Ats Diesel Performance
866.230.4094
www.atsdiesel.com/sema
Having a great set of lights is very important when hitting trails after hours. Hamsar Diversco had some great new lights on display at SEMa. These new high-intensity discharge hiD xenon lights would be great for any trail machine that needs a small light that covers a large amount of trail while also still holding up to the rigors that a 4x4 experiences. in fact these lights draw very little current and were designed for the mining and forestry industry with an internal ballast. the lights have no bulb or filament to burn out so they should take some abuse. Hamsar also had some wicked-cool new hiD replacement headlamps that we hope to test in the future.
Hamsar Diversco Inc.
800.567.5483
www.hamsar.com
Lots of OEM manufacturers have unique vehicles at the SEMa show, and toyota had quite a few this year. the truck that was getting all the buzz was a big diesel dualie tundra concept. Unfortunately our sources told us that although a diesel is in the works, the massive 8.0L hino engine isn't likely to be the production candidate. however, they also pointed out this FJ cruiser with a convertible top. We found it interesting especially when they told us it was engineered for production, which means all they need is a green light and it could be at dealers soon. cross your fingers.
Toyota
www.toyota.com
Rubicon Express had its new long-arm Jeep Jk suspension on display as well. the folks at rubicon decided that using a radius-arm setup both front and rear along with a track bar would work best for the ride and on-road performance that they were looking for. Since there are great forces applied to a radius-arm suspension, the arms are claimed to be made from heat-treated chromoly steel and designed to keep both pinion angles in phase and reduce jacking of the suspensions. the kit is available for both the two- and four-door models of Jeep Wrangler Jk, and results in a 41/2-inch lift.
Rubicon Express
877.367.7824
www.rubiconexpress.com
Mopar announced that it will be getting more heavily involved with its 4x4 aftermarket parts. this includes the offering of new Jeep Jk rubicon axles already set up with 4.10 gears and selectable lockers, and the prices they were quoting were dirt cheap! however, we found this neato rear Dana 60 axle with a burly cast differential cover under a Jeep, and rumors were that it was a factory-installed piece for a special project. hmmm, could there be a Dana 60 with full Wrangler suspension mounts offering in the wings at Mopar? Or better yet, a Jk that requires a big rear axle with, say, a v-8 or diesel under the hood coming from Jeep? Only time will tell, but keep an eye on your local Dodge and Jeep dealer.
Mopar
www.mopar.com