Slammed, Lifted and Sprung: Cars from SEMA 2017
The SEMA Auto show is the place for custom car builders to show off what they've been working on. Here's a look at some of the more unusual builds and the suspension that underpins them.
Rad Rides 1929 Ford Model A Tudor
This restored Ford Model A has a bespoke suspension set up, giving it that low-rider look. The suspension was machined in-house at Rad Rides. Radius arms operate hidden torsion bars that are concealed within the chassis frame. The result is a super clean appearance and adjustable ride height.
Torsion bars are extremely compact and take up minimal space. Using them also allows the suspension to be hidden away out of sight on open wheel builds like this one. Turning an adjuster nut on the end of the torsion bar raises or lowers the ride height. You can slam it to the ground to display it on your SEMA stand and then lift the frame up and hit the uneven LA roads. Torsion bars are unique in that as they age, they do not cause uneven wear on tyres or throw out wheel alignment.
Deity Motorsports Liberty P1
This heavily customized Mclaren P1, by Deity Motorsports, almost didn't make it to the show. A last-minute decision sent the team into a flurry of activity to get it done in time. The most visually striking thing about this car is the ride height, it might be the lowest slung car in existence. I'm pretty sure it's resting on the body in the photo above. The oversized bling rims just about fit into the cars extended wheel arches.
To achieve such a polarising appearance, the builders fitted a 3H Air Lift Performance suspension system. Known as an "air management system", the ride height is adjustable, using a mobile app. It even features a handy 'show mode' for demoing your builds at auto shows.
Pitault Chevy Corvair
This striking green Corvair was originally built in 2012 and traveled all the way from France to be at the show. It claimed the House of Kolor award. To achieve such a dropped stance, it has two Show Time Hydraulic suspension pumps fitted. The hydraulic rams can be activated to hop and bounce the car at will.
Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6
Hennessey took a standard Ford F150 Raptor, stretched it and added an extra axle. They also boosted power by 150hp and created an off-road monster, appropriately labeling it, the VelociRaptor.
To keep the tires of this truck firmly in contact on the most arduous of terrain, Hennessey chose Fox Racing Baja spec dampers which lift the truck several inches and offer gigantic amounts of suspension travel as well as ground clearance.
WelderUp Project Overcharged Dodge Charger
Here's what you get when you take a '68 Charger and drop in a twin-turbocharged, dual supercharged 5.9 Cummins diesel. Yes, it has a blower and a turbo, hence the name 'Overcharged'. To lift the beast up, the car tuners fitted long-travel off-road dampers with remote reservoirs.
Can't wait for the 2018 Show!
These cars are some of the more unusual creations on show at SEMA. We hope you enjoyed this round-up of the suspension systems involved. We cannot wait to see what the 2018 show has to offer!