© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Powerful Customs
Every year the massive Specialty Equipment Market Association trade show — aka the SEMA show — brings together the world of automotive high performance and customization at the sprawling Las Vegas Convention Center. And every year an astounding number of new cars debut at SEMA from auto manufacturers, tuners, customizers and suppliers that build cars specifically showcasing new products and talents. Take a quick look at a select cross section of amazing cars that managed to catch our attention at the 50th-annual SEMA show.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Chevrolet Chevelle Slammer
For a modern take on classic muscle, the Chevelle Slammer concept is a modified 1969 Chevelle that retains its classic lines but is slammed to accommodate 18-inch front and 20-inch rear polished wheels. Nearly the entire body is subtly modified to give it a smooth appearance without losing the original shape, including painted minimized bumpers. Under the long hood sits Chevrolet’s new LT376 crate engine, which is based on the LT1 engine found in the Corvette and Camaro SS but with a unique camshaft and heads to produce 535 horsepower — 75 horsepower more than the Corvette.
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Chevrolet Chevelle Slammer
The Chevelle Slammer’s LT376 engine gets paired with the new SuperMatic 4L75-E transmission — a 4-speed automatic designed to handle high-torque engines. Chevelle Slammer rides on adjustable air suspension that can alter the ride height at the push of a button, including dropping it to the ground for display. Brakes are based on the sixth-generation Camaro, including 6-piston front calipers. The interior is finished in Adrenaline Red with 2016 Camaro front seats and custom gauges.
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2017 Chevrolet Camaro SS Slammer
The Camaro SS Slammer rides on adjustable air suspension for its slammed stance, and the modified body accommodates 22-inch front and 24-inch rear chrome wheels. Other mods include a Chevrolet Accessories ground effects kit, black bow tie emblems, Camaro fender badges, tinted headlight lenses and tinted headlights. The Dazzling Black paint is a tri-coat process that incorporates gloss white flakes for depth and sparkle from different angles.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
2017 Chevrolet Camaro SS Slammer
Inside this Camaro SS, Adrenaline Red is the production color, but the Slammer takes it to another level with all upper surfaces, including the instrument panel, in AR. The Camaro SS Slammer is powered by a 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine rated at 455 horsepower combined with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Chevrolet Performance axle-back stainless-steel exhaust improves engine breathing and exhaust sound by reducing back pressure up to 25 percent.
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2017 Chevrolet Camaro 50th Anniversary Special Edition
Chevrolet celebrates 50 years of its iconic pony car with the Camaro 50th Anniversary Special Edition. Finished in Nightfall Gray Metallic with a 50th Anniversary stripe package and badges, this special Camaro is offered on the 2LT and 2SS coupe or convertible, with a black top for the convertible. Upgrades include 20-inch 50th Anniversary wheels, a unique grille with satin chrome accents, a body-color front splitter, orange brake calipers, unique black leather interior with suede inserts, orange accent stitching and 50th Anniversary interior trim.
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2017 Chevrolet Camaro 50th Anniversary Special Edition
The Camaro 2LT is powered by the 2.0-liter turbo engine putting out 275 horsepower (a 335-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 is optional), while the Camaro SS derivbes power from the LT1 6.2-liter V8 putting out 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. World Series MVP Ben Zobrist received a 2017 Camaro SS 50th Anniversary Edition convertible immediately after the Chicago Cubs’ historic win in the 2016 World Series.
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2017 Chevrolet Camaro Turbo AutoX
Modified to optimize performance on autocross courses, the Camaro Turbo AutoX concept is finished in Shock Yellow with Satin Carbon Fiber accents for the mirrors, hood, rocker panels and rear diffuser, as well as Pearl Nickel hood accent stripes. Exterior modifications include 20-inch wheels with SS rear wheels, Chevrolet Accessories lower grille painted pearl nickel, a modified SS front splitter, an SS hood with Carbon Flash Metallic vents and Chevrolet Accessories Ground Effects kit with side rockers and rear diffuser.
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2017 Chevrolet Camaro Turbo AutoX
Performance upgrades for the Camaro Turbo AutoX feature a Chevrolet Performance 6-piston front brake upgrade with Shock Yellow calipers, a suspension handling kit, a short shifter, air intake and strut tower brace. Interior features include black leather, a black suede-wrapped steering wheel, ZL1 carbon fiber instrument panel trim, a bolt-in track bar and 5-point safety harness.
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2017 Chevrolet COPO Camaro
Sold through the Chevrolet Performance parts catalog, the COPO Camaro is not for the street, but designed specifically to compete on the drag strip. A modern version of the legendary COPO Camaro from the 1960s, only 69 will be built for the 2017 model year and the SEMA show car finished in Anodized Hyper Blue with gloss black accents will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson, with the proceeds going to charity.
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2017 Chevrolet COPO Camaro
This new COPO Camaro offers three engine choices: the LSX-based 350-cubic-inch supercharged V8, the LSX-based 427-cubic-inch naturally-aspirated V8, and the LT-based 6.2-liter direct-injection naturally-aspired V8. Standard features include a 3-speed drag racing automatic transmission, lightweight adjustable front coil-over front suspension, a 4-link rear suspension with double adjustable coil-over shocks, lightweight drag racing disc brakes, an integrated line-lock, custom manual steering and a fuel cell with a built in high-pressure fuel pump.
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2017 Ford Mustang GT Convertible by Classic Design Concepts
Classic Design Concepts of Wixom, Michigan, teamed up with Sparco USA and Ford Performance to create this aggressive-looking 2016 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. The Classic Design Concepts Outlaw Appearance Package includes a front spoiler, grille, rocker panels, rear spoiler, carbon fiber appearance light bar and graphics package. Outlaw 20-inch wheels get wrapped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires and a GT350 valance tightens the rear end.
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2017 Ford Mustang GT Convertible by Classic Design Concepts
Powered by Ford’s 5.0-liter V8 engine with a 6-speed manual transmission, this CDC Mustang GT Convertible’s performance mods include a Ford Performance GT350 quad-tip cat-back exhaust, Ford Performance 1-inch lowering springs and a Sparco carbon fiber strut tower brace. Inside are Sparco carbon fiber SPX performance front seats and Sparco illuminated scuff plates.
© Ford Performance
Ford Mustang GT4
Ford Performance debuted the Mustang GT4, a new customer race car designed to compete in GT4 Series globally, including IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge and Pirelli World Challenge in the U.S., and the GT4 European Series. Based on the Ford Shelby GT350R-C that won the 2016 IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge championship, the Mustang GT4 was developed jointly by Ford Performance and Multimatic Motorsports.
© Ford Performance
Ford Mustang GT4
The Mustang GT4 gets power from a normally-aspirated 5.2-liter V8 engine built in partnership with Roush Yates Racing, combined with a lightweight 6-speed Holinger paddle-shift transmission and a ZF twin-plate racing clutch. The revised suspension includes dampers, lower control arms and stabilizer bars from Multimatic, 18-inch Forgeline wheels and 6-piston Brembo brakes. Aerodynamic enhancements include a rear spoiler, a front splitter, hood venting, dive planes and a rear diffuser.
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2016 Ford Focus ST by Cinemotive Media
One of the top hot hatches currently on the market, the Ford Focus ST gets pushed even further to the edge of the envelope by Cinemotive Media. The flared wide body from SS Tuning includes fender flares, a front valence, rocker extensions and a rear diffuser — all painted with Axalta Cromax Pro paint.
© DIMA MEDIA
2016 Ford Focus ST by Cinemotive Media
Power for this SEMA Focus ST gets boosted via a Mountune MR300 Performance upgrade that includes a front-mounted intercooler, a high-flow induction kit, a cat-back exhaust, downpipe and Mtune tuning. Coil-over suspension from BC Racing is also added, as well as Baer 13-inch brake discs with 6-piston calipers. Inside, drivers will find an SS Tuning Dry Carbon steering wheel, a Dry Carbon shift knob and a Scosche audio system.
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2016 Ford Fiesta ST by Tucci Hot Rods
Ford’s Fiesta ST already crams a lot of performance into a small package, yet Tucci Hot Rods takes it to the extreme with a wider track and double the power. The build begins with a custom wide body, PPG Pure White paint, KC HiLiTeS flex light bar and Ultimaker 3D-print vents. Inside, drivers will find Sparco Pro 2000 II seats, a Sparco 6-point harness, a Racepak IQ3S dash, a TMR roll cage and a Kicker Audio L7QB8 audio system.
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2016 Ford Fiesta ST by Tucci Hot Rods
Performance upgrades for this Fiesta ST include a Full-Race turbo kit, COBB tuning, a custom exhaust with a Borla muffler, a SPEC Stage 4 clutch, a Mountune limited-slip differential, a Mishimoto aluminum expansion tank and a Mishimoto baffled oil catch can. Forgeline CF1 18-inch aluminum wheels are shod with Falken RT615K 255/40R18 tires.
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Acura NSX GT3
The racing version of Acura’s highly anticipated NSX supercar, the NXS GT3 will compete in two 2017 North American racing series, beginning with the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January. Michael Shank Racing will campaign two Acura NSX GT3s in the GTD class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, while Real Time Racing will compete in the SCCA Pirelli World Challenge series. The production-based Acura NSX GT3 utilizes the same ultra-rigid and lightweight multi-material body with aluminum-intensive space frame as the street car, with custom bodywork and aerodynamic improvements including a rear wing, underbody diffuser and larger hood vents.
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Acura NSX GT3
The NSX GT3 is powered by a 3.5-liter 75-degree twin-turbocharged DOHC V6 engine combined with a 6-speed sequential-shift racing gearbox delivering power to the rear wheels. For the SEMA show, the NSX GT3 was displayed on a custom trailer created by Acura Design and the Jimmy Shine Workshop, incorporating elements of the NSX GT3 and the 2017 Acura MDX tow vehicle, including the Pearl White powder coat.
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2017 Honda Civic Coupe Racing Concept
Designers and engineers at Team Honda Research West — developers of the 10th-generation Civic street car — also created this racing version to compete in domestic and international endurance races. The first official race will be the USAF 25 Hours of Thunderhill on December 3–4, 2016. Exterior updates include a SEIBON carbon hood, roof and trunk; APR GT250 SN spoiler; and Baja Design OnX6 LED off-road lights.
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2017 Honda Civic Coupe Racing Concept
Power modifications for this Civic Coupe Racing Concept include HONDATA-tuned engine management, Injen air intake, Injen exhaust and Jackson Racing oil cooler. Honda Performance Development suspension components are added along with H&R racing springs, Bilstein racing dampers, Alcon racing calipers, PAGID racing pads, Enkei TY-5 Tuning wheels and BFG R1 racing tires. Inside is a BRIDE FIA racing seat, an HMS Motorsports Schroth FIA 6-point harness, and safety cage by Solo Motorsports.
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2017 Honda Civic Type R Prototype
Honda Civic aficionados in the U.S. have reason to rejoice, because the Civic Type R — once only available in other markets — is coming to the U.S. for 2017. Although detailed specs have not yet been released, the Civic Type R Prototype at SEMA provides insight into what the production Type R will look like. The wide muscular body features a black brushed-aluminum look finish; carbon fiber front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser; a large rear wing; and red accents.
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2017 Honda Civic Type R Prototype
Based on the 5-door Civic hatchback, the Civic Type R Prototype rides on 20-inch piano black alloy wheels with read accents. At the back are three center-mounted exhaust outlets with the smaller diameter center outlet also accented in red. Rumors point to more than 300 horsepower for the production version. Expect the red accents to make it to production.
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2017 Honda Civic Hatch HFP Concept
Honda Civic enthusiasts await the return of the Civic hatchback for 2017 with European-inspired styling, sporty driving dynamics and direct-injection turbocharged engine. Finished in Sonic Gray Pearl paint, this Honda Civic Hatch concept features Honda Factory Performance accessories including HFP Deck Lid Spoiler, HFP Brake Rotors, HFP carpet floor mats and HFP emblems. The red underbody spoilers match the decklid spoiler and black 19-inch HFP wheels with black lugs complete the look.
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Kia Niro Triathlon
At SEMA this year Kia premiered four self-driving concepts that present a vision of “The Autonomous Life” in the U.S. The Niro Triathlon concept built by LGE-CTS Motorsports supplements the rigorous training regimen of a triathlete. The rear section of the Niro’s roof has been removed to create a small trucklike bed with room for a custom bike rack, tool box and tablet computer mount.
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Kia Niro Triathlon
During training rides, the self-driving Niro Triathlon will set the pace and light the path with an ONEU safety laser bike lane light mounted to the rear that illuminates a laser LED road behind the vehicle where the cycling triathlete monitors speed, time and distance on the computer. On the passenger side, the B-pillar has been removed and the rear door is rear hinged, so when both passenger-side doors are open they provide easy access to a Human Touch zero gravity ergonomic reclining chair on which the athlete can rest while the vehicle provides transportation to the next destination.
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Kia Soul First Class
A look at the future for business travelers, the Kia Soul First Class created by LUX Motorwerks is designed to optimize both work and rest. With no steering wheel or traditional dashboard, Soul First Class features rear-facing front seats that create a collaborative space within the Soul.
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Kia Soul First Class
The Soul First Class concept has a motorized center console containing two tablets that appear for occupants at the touch of a button, as well as a 40-inch Samsung LED TV connected to a Mac computer system. Interior finishes include white and gray leather with diamond stitching, and gray wood flooring. The Soul First Class is swathed in PPG Lux Blue paint and has 19-inch Rotiform Monoblock CCV wheels.
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Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Kuro
A new concept based on the 2017 MX-5 RF retractable fastback that will be going on sale in the U.S. early next year, MX-5 RF Kuro features technology from the MX-5 Global Cup race car but focused for the street. Painted Satin Black Metallic, a semi-matte metallic, MX-5 RF Kuro rides on the MX-5 Global Cup adjustable suspension.
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Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Kuro
The RF Kuro’s adjustable suspension features Multimatic dampers and Hyper Coil springs, with Brembo dual-piston front brake calipers. The OpenFlash Performance center exhaust adds approximately 6-7 horsepower and is one pound lighter than stock. RAYS 17-inch Global MX-5 Cup Wheels are wrapped with BFGoodrich Rival G force 215/45R17 tires.
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Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution
Lighter and more efficient than the MX-5 Speedster that debuted last year, the MX-5 Speedster Evolution further advances the idea of re-creating the lightweight, no-frills driving experience of an open-top 1950s sports car. A digital dash, lighter brakes and a lithium-ion battery reduce weight by an additional 100 pounds to just 1,980 pounds — 15 percent less than the original MX-5 starting weight.
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Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution
Finished in White Ether paint, the MX-5 Speedster Evolution features a carbon fiber Mazda Design aero kit, custom trim seats, MX-5 Global Cup adjustable suspension, a Racing Beat custom center-exit exhaust, RAYS 57 Transcend Gram Lights 17-inch wheels and BFGoodrich Rival G force R1 225/45R17 tires.
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Hyundai Gurnade Veloster Concept
Hyundai teamed up with design house Gurnade to create the race-ready Gurnade Veloster Concept. Finished in PPG Magic Magenta paint, a few of the Gurnade Veloster features include Lightner Motorsports custom fender flares and grille; EPR carbon fiber front spoiler and side sills; Seibon carbon-fiber hood and hatch; and an ARK Performance carbon-fiber spoiler. Performance upgrades include a 845 Motorsports intercooler, downpipe and cold-air intake; Synapse blow-off valve and ARK Performance cat-back exhaust.
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Hyundai Gurnade Veloster Concept
The Gurnade Veloster rides on NEO Motorsports coil-over springs with a 6-piston big-brake kit; Pierce Motorsports strut bar, rear torsion bar and tie brace; and Rotiform 19-inch OZT 3-piece forge wheels and Toyo competition-spec tires. Inside, the Gurnade Veloster has Cobra Nogaro racing seats, Takata racing harnesses, a Pierce Motorsports roll cage and a SoCal Garage Works carbon fiber steering wheel.
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Hyundai ARK Road Racer Elantra Concept
Hyundai partnered with ARK Motorsports to create the ARK Road Racer Elantra Concept, which features an ARK Solus wide body kit, ARK lightweight forged wheels, an APR Performance front splitter and a Fiere Customs full vinyl wrap. The concept rides on an ARK DT-P coil-over suspension with Nitto NT05 summer tires.
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Hyundai ARK Road Racer Elantra Concept
Performance upgrades for the ARK RREC include a custom ARK turbo kit with an Xcargot XT26 turbocharger, an ARK downpipe, a GRiP exhaust system and Turbosmart blow-off valve and wastegate. Inside, the Road Racer Elantra features a custom diamond-stitched interior and custom sport steering wheel by ARK.
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Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Prototype
Hyundai recently set a new FIA-approved production-based hybrid vehicle land speed record in a race-prepared Hyundai Ioniq hybrid prototype. One key modification was the addition of Nitrous Express driver-controlled single-stage direct-port nitrous injection — yes, a hybrid with nitrous. The Ioniq Hybrid Prototype set the record of 157.825 mph, with a peak exit speed of 160.7 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
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Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Prototype
In addition to the nitrous system, other modifications for the Ioniq Hybrid Prototype include low-restriction intake and exhaust systems; engine, transmission, and hybrid ECU recalibration with governors removed; and removal of air conditioning and other accessories. Hyundai’s newest fuel-efficient model, Ioniq with be offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric versions, with the hybrid and electric variants going on sale in the U.S. in late 2016. In case you’re wondering, nitrous will NOT be an option in the production Ioniq.
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Graveyard Carz 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda
A new ground-up restoration by Mark Worman of Velocity’s Graveyard Carz, the green 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda features a modern 6.4-liter HEMI engine mated with a Tremec T56 Magnum transmission. Worman used a new Mopar Crate HEMI engine kit to install the late-model HEMI. The Crate HEMI engine kits allows enthusiasts to add a modern 5.7-liter or 6.4-liter HEMI engine to a 1975 or earlier vehicle.
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Graveyard Carz 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda
Mopar’s new Crate HEMI kits include a power distribution center, a powertrain control module, engine and chassis wiring harnesses, an accelerator pedal, O2 sensors, a ground jumper, and a charge air temperature sensor. Aside from the modern powertrain, Worman kept the look of the ‘Cuda stock, except for adding 392 to the HEMI graphic on the side.
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Dodge Challenger Shakedown
Blending design cues from the past and the present, the Dodge Challenger Shakedown combines old-school with modern technology via a 6.4-liter HEMI under the hood, mated with a Viper Tremec T6060 6-speed transmission.
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Dodge Challenger Shakedown
Finished in Bitchin’ Black, the 1971 Dodge Challenger body is shaved — deleting the door handles, drip rails and fuel door while adding headlight and taillights from the 2017 Dodge Challenger. The removable body is hung on a hand-built, one-off frame and rolls on SRT Hellcat Slingshot-designed 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels.
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Toyota Motorsport GmbH GT86 CS-Cup
Making its U.S. debut, the Toyota Motorsport GmbH GT86 CS-Cup races in a German spec series with the cars based on the production Toyota 86 coupe. The SEMA show car livery pays tribute to Toyota racing heritage with the retro red and white design.
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Toyota Motorsport GmbH GT86 CS-Cup
This GT86 Cs-Cup car is powered by a 212-horsepower 2.0-liter engine with 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive and Torsen limited-slip differential. Performance upgrades include TMG engine software with flat-foot shift and auto-blip downshift; a TMG exhaust; Alcon 4-piston front brake calipers; adjustable suspension; and 17-inch O.Z. Motorsport wheels with Pirelli DH tires.
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Toyota XTREME Corolla
When it comes to high-performance modifications, the Toyota Corolla is probably not the first model that comes to mind, but to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Corolla Toyota teamed up with Jeremy Lookofsky of Cartel Customs to create the XTREME Corolla. In homage to the first-gen Corolla, Cartel Customs transformed the current Corolla from a 4-door sedan into a 2-door coupe, finished in a red-over-gray paint scheme.
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Toyota XTREME Corolla
Performance upgrades include an ASP Custom Turbo kit to extract 250 horsepower from the 1.8-liter engine. The XTREME Corolla rides on D2 Sport coil-over suspension with One to Go White Wilwood 6-piston brake calipers on the front and 4-pistons at the rear. Custom Directional Modulare Forged B9 Evo 19-inch wheels and TOYO Proxes R88 Sport tires complete the package.
