Auto Industry News: SEMA 2022 Preview, Retro EVs, Custom Caddys, Paris Protestors, & How To Avoid A Water Damaged Used Car

As always, the sheer amount of activity in the auto industry has us simultaneously bouncing on our toes and scratching our heads. SEMA 2022 is about to kick off in Vegas, delivering all the aftermarket excitement our over-caffeinated hearts can handle. We rounded up what’s new for this year’s show, so you know what to keep an eye out for, whether you’re roaming the show floor in-person or scouring the internet from home.

We also have information on the new handcrafted and ultra-luxury Cadillac Celestiq, flooded vehicles post-Hurricane Ian, and those pesky climate protestors who glued themselves to vintage Ferraris at the Paris Auto Show…

Plus, would you drive a beautiful vintage-inspired ride if it ran on batteries rather than internal combustion? Some small brands, like U.K.-based Moke International and tech-oriented Charge Cars, are thinking you just might.

What’s New at SEMA 2022

The annual SEMA Show is almost upon us, and this year marks an important milestone on the calendar. It is the event’s 55th anniversary, and the first time in two years that COVID hasn’t threatened to upend the entire production.

As always, show organizers have plenty of exciting attractions planned. So, whether you’re attending as an automotive professional, sneaking in as a rabid enthusiast, or merely following along from home, here’s a short preview of what you can expect to see at the 2022 SEMA Show.

Innovative New Products

It goes without saying that, given the current state of the auto industry, the 2022 SEMA show will feature some of the most cutting-edge tech available. From engine performance to off-road lighting to exterior car care, manufacturers will be showing off their latest and greatest innovations.

Additionally, SEMA expanded the new products showcase this year to include two new categories: advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and EV technology.

With so many consumers and enthusiasts skeptical of alternative powertrains and onboard “nanny tech,” it’ll be really interesting to see what aftermarket engineers and designers have been able to think up in this space. (Especially since their backgrounds look quite different from the lawmakers encouraging – and in some cases, mandating – these new technologies.)

Expanded Special Exhibits

Speaking of expansions, SEMA also added some floor space to its “Overlanding” and “Electrified” exhibits.

Whether or not folks are truly headed off-grid into the Great Unknown, they seem eager to embrace the overlanding label. As a result, the market is positively bursting with new gear and equipment catering to every flavor of outdoor recreationist and long-distance traveler. We expect to see more rooftop tents, camp kitchens, and navigation tech than our eyes can handle.

At the expanded Electrified booth, you’ll find EV conversions and other trends on full display to showcase the segment’s evolution and “endless possibility” for the aftermarket, according to SEMA.

More High-Performance Action

SEMA may be a trade event, but that doesn’t mean showgoers can’t still have some go-fast fun. The OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational is back again, this time with a new autocross component in tow.

Competitors from all classes will compete in the autocross, as well as other attractions like a road course time trial, design & engineering competition, speed-stop competition, and a road rally on public roads.

Sick Builds

With big names like Ford, GM, Honda, and Hyundai sitting out the SEMA Show this year, the traditional media circus around exciting new builds has been noticeably quiet. That said, there are still some cool must-see custom builds and OE concepts set to hit the show floor.

Stellantis’ parts division Mopar teased three concept sketches earlier this month. One shows what looks like an electric or hybrid Jeep bearing the name “Surge,” while the other two images show views of a RAM-based vehicle with funky yellow stripes and a bed cap.

Unfortunately, despite months of marketing, Dodge will not be debuting its final Last Call tribute vehicle. Apparently supply chain issues forced the automaker to press pause on the seventh muscle car’s reveal.

Despite Ford’s absence, expect to see lots of Broncos like this one from Ralph Holguin and RMD Garage with a one-off 5′ x 10′ urban utility trailer and this all-female build organized by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network.

Toyo Tires Treadpass will feature an impressive 28 vehicles, including a first ever widebody 1955 Mercedes Benz 300 SL featuring a tubular chassis and LS motor; a 1993 Mazda RX7 with a race spec M120 Mercedes V12 Motor and HGT Sequential transmission; a time-attack inspired 2019 Audi RS3; and an all-new 2022 Ford Maverick.

The multi-award-winning Ringbrothers will unveil four custom builds at the 2022 SEMA Show. They include “Bully,” a 1,200-hp 1972 K5 Blazer; “Strode,” a 1969 Chevy Camaro with Halloween/Michael Myers styling; “Patriarch,” a 1969 Ford Mustang featuring “a number of aerodynamic innovations”; and “Enyo,” a 1948 Chevrolet Loadmaster that will supposedly “redefine the idea of a truck.”

In Case You Missed It…

Back for the first time since 2018, the biennial Paris Auto Show experienced some odd drama last week. We’re not talking about the fact that nearly two dozen European automakers bowed out of the show – including the home country’s own brand Citroen. (Ouch.)

No, we’re referring to the “Extinction Rebellion” climate activists who showed up to stage a 30-hour protest, during which they glued themselves to a bunch of old Ferraris.

Accusing automakers of “greenwashing” their images with half-hearted electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, the protestors denounced individual vehicle ownership and called for improvements in public transport. They also complained about automakers’ lack of accommodating gestures toward the ‘right to protest,’ as evidenced by the tweet below…

Everything Old Is New Again

Turns out, not all electric vehicles sport far-out styling and next-gen technology. Some feature extremely old-school styling with next-gen technology. And two U.K. brands believe automotive enthusiasts will gladly pay to have one in their personal fleet.

Return of the MOKE

You may remember the Mini Moke, a four-seater British buggy popularized during the ‘60s and ’70s. (It even appeared in a few James Bond films.) Turns out the automaker, Moke International, is still going strong – and recently got the green light to sell up to 325 authentic British-made electric MOKEs per year in the USA.

Marketed as a beach accessory, the “improved and more powerful” Electric MOKE Californian features a purely open-air design – no roof or doors to block your view – and an exceptionally utilitarian interior. It is highway-legal, and its 44-hp rear-mounted electric motor provides a top speed of 50 mph and 80 miles of range.

This will be the first genuine version of the original Mini Moke to go on sale since 1982. No word yet on pricing… or how exactly it will get around U.S. DOT safety regulations.

1967 Mustang EV

Another British brand – this one with roots in tech – is also turning to America for EV inspiration, though more directly.

First announced in 2018, London-based company Charge Cars recently unveiled its new 1967 Mustang Fastback. The reimagined vehicle uses an officially-licensed and Ford-approved body shell, and swaps the original ICE engine for a 536-hp electric motor with a 3.9-second 0-60 time.

The contemporary EV with old-school styling features loads of premium touches, including a bespoke interior, personalized digital interfaces, and cutting-edge safety and performance technology.

The ’67 by Charge Cars enjoys its U.S. debut on Oct. 27 at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Production is limited to 499 units, and pricing starts at a blistering $400,000.

Celestiq Marks Changes for Brand and Dealers

Cadillac recently revealed its new flagship – an all-electric “super sedan” being praised as a sleekly designed stunner set to compete with the likes of Rolls Royce.

The handcrafted, ultra-luxury ride launches next year with 600 horsepower, 640 lb-ft of torque, a 3.8-second 0-60 time, and 300-mile range on a single charge. An included 200 kW DC fast charging system adds 78 miles of range in 10 minutes.

To deliver smooth sailing, this spaceship-esque ride features adaptive air suspension and magnetic ride control. An active rear steering system offers up to 3.5 degrees of out-of-phase rear steering. This means the rear wheels can turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels for greater maneuverability at low speeds.

Since every single Celestiq will be different based on consumer whims, Cadillac says the model’s output will be limited to just two models per day and no more than six vehicles will be in the assembly process at one time.

“Rare, exquisite and custom-commissioned, few will see—and even fewer will experience CELESTIQ in person,” the automaker practically croons on its website, as it stresses that the limited model “is available by inquiry only.”

So, what does this kind of sexy exclusivity go for in today’s market? At least $300,000, says Cadillac proudly.

The automaker is eager to launch more high-luxury, high-dollar rides after the Celestiq’s run. “I don’t know what the next one is,” said GM President Mark Reuss, “but we have to learn how to do a couple of these really iconic things for the brand right now.”

Dealers’ Role

While custom builds aren’t new to the brand, it’s admittedly been a while since they’ve been on the menu. And since not all Cadillacs will be sold this way, and some Cadillac dealers also sell much lower-budget GM cars, one wonders how exactly the modern dealer will fit into this new bespoke ordering process.

The company notes that interested customers will connect one-on-one with a special “concierge” through their dealership in order to configure their dream Celestiq. However, it also describes a Detroit-based studio and meetings with factory designers – which all sounds a lot like a relationship between a driver and their automaker, rather than one with their dealer.

Additionally, Cadillac itself has said that dealers will need to invest in special tools and equipment in order to sell and service the Celestiq. “Every dealer will have the opportunity to sell [it],” said Cadillac VP Rory Harvey, “but I don’t anticipate every dealer will.”

Did you know?

GM is doubling down on battery-powered pickups, as the automaker prepares to launch its second electric truck – the GMC Sierra EV. Set for a 2024 release, the pickup will launch with a Denali-based Edition 1 package starting at $107,000.

The 2024 GMC Sierra EV is expected to make up to 754 hp, launch 0-60 in as little as 4.5 seconds, and deliver up to 400 miles per charge. Maximum payload should be about 1,300 pounds with a towing capacity of 9,500 pounds.

According to reports, GM is also “seriously considering” a mid-size GMC Hummer EV pickup.

CARFAX Estimates Hurricane Ian Damaged 358,000 Vehicles

Ever bought a used vehicle, only to find out (the hard way) that it’s essentially rotting from the inside out thanks to hidden flood damage? Well, according to CARFAX, the latest destruction wreaked by Hurricane Ian just increased the chances of exactly this scenario.

According to the vehicle history data company, as many as 358,000 vehicles may have been damaged in the latest extreme weather event. That number is on top of the 400,000 water-damaged cars that CARFAX data shows were already on the road in 2022 – before Hurricane Ian made landfall.

While Texas and Florida lead the nation when it comes to the number of flood-damaged cars on the road, CARFAX spokesperson Emilie Voss said the company is seeing these vehicles show up all around the country, “putting unsuspecting buyers at risk.”

Thankfully, the company offers free resources for car buyers to help detect a waterlogged history before making a purchase, including this free Flood Check tool.

Shopping for a used car? Watch out for these 7 signs it might have been in a flood.

• A musty odor in the interior, which sellers sometimes try to cover with a strong air-freshener
• Upholstery or carpeting that may be loose, new, stained or that doesn’t match the rest of the interior
• Damp carpets
• Rust around doors, under the dashboard, on the pedals or inside the hood and trunk latches
• Mud or silt in the glove compartment or under the seats
• Brittle wires under the dashboard
• Fog or moisture beads in the interior lights, exterior lights or instrument panel

The Engine Block is your one-stop source for any and all auto industry news. Keep an eye on our weekly round-up of enthusiast coverage, product reviews, vehicle spotlights, auto show/expo features, and more. Be sure to check back Wednesday for a one-on-one with wheel security experts McGard, and on Friday for the next installment of Competition Corner.