SEMA 2009

They say attendance was down, but you couldn't tell by the enthusiasm in the aisles. Engineers, shop owners, buyers and builders combed the rows of parts, girls, and cars at the 2009 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, held November 3 - November 6. Excitement carried over to the farthest corner, upstairs in the South Hall to the "Making Green Cool Zone" where eco-innovations, green automotive technology and many of the participants from the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize were on display. The "Revolution through Competition" consists of 43 teams showcasing "design-viable, clean and super-efficient cars that people will want to buy" in hopes of winning $10 million in cash and prizes.

Fuel efficient hot rod!

Doug Pelmear, a Toledo, Ohio-area mechanic, is driving his 80-110 miles per gallon 1987 Ford Mustang to the SEMA show in Las Vegas this year. Perfecting an engine conceived by his grandfather, Doug and his team will document fuel mileage and performance along the 4,000 mile round trip. Pelmear claims that the Mustang produces 400hp and 500lb-ft of torque and accelerates from 0-60mph in 3 seconds with a top speed of 180mph.

Afterward, the Mustang will be entered into the Automotive X-competition in 2009, a race where inventors from around the world compete for the best mileage and the most marketable technology.