• Pit+Paddock and CSF host an invite-only party previewing two premiere builds ahead of the 2024 SEMA Show.
• The first vehicle unveiled was Imran Arshad of Evolve Automotive’s BMW 1M, swapped with the P65 V8 GT3 race engine run in Japan’s Super GT series.
• Next up, Ryan Basseri of Rywire Motorsports Electronics took the covers off his highly anticipated 600hp AWD Honda Civic powered by dual Tesla motors.
• In addition to the vehicle debuts, a curated car show featured 25 notable builds equipped with CSF cooling products.
• The event treated more than 400 guests to a VIP experience with open bar service, gourmet tacos, and exclusive access inside Finish Line Auto Club.

It’s the week before SEMA, and 160,000 people are gearing up for the world’s largest automotive aftermarket convention. With over 1,500 vehicles set to exhibit, builders scramble to put the final touches on their project cars and trucks. SEMA’s New Product Showcase anticipates 3,000 new parts to be introduced, so manufacturers are preparing their marketing materials for their busiest week of the year. What does all this mean for you and me? Get ready for information and content overload as everyone and their mother will be buzzing about what’s going on at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

PREGAME TO THE BIG SHOW

Because of the sensory overload at the SEMA Show, product announcements and vehicle debuts can easily get lost in the mix, which is why two years ago, Pit+Paddock hosted its first sneak preview event. We collaborated with Acura to unveil three new Integra builds, including Dai Yoshihara’s. The Cars+Coffee-like event took place at the Petersen Automotive Museum and successfully brought together media, industry, and enthusiasts to create widespread awareness for the Integra builds. For 2024, we would be hosting a similar event; however, this time an unforgettable SEMA pre-party with CSF.

GORGEOUS GARAGE VENUE

We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful venue for the Pit+Paddock x CSF SEMA Preview Party. Set at Finish Line Auto Club, the state-of-the-art car collector storage facility is 103,000 square feet and features 24-foot-high ceilings, holding 41 individual garages. It’s conveniently located behind John Wayne Airport and is 100% private, meaning not many people can access it and check it out.

Thanks to our partnership with CSF, our guests will have a unique opportunity to check out the exclusive space for a night out in Orange County.

PARTY OF THE YEAR

From 8:00 to 11:00 PM, the music was bumpin’, and drinks were pourin’ as the SEMA Preview Party saw more than 400 people walk through the door. Pit+Paddock helped curate the lineup of 25 notable show cars, which were all equipped with CSF cooling components. Some familiar builds included Paul Lefevre’s BMW 2002 and Art of Attack’s Porsche 911 GT3.

In addition, guests were able to explore Finish Line Auto Club’s extravagant two-story clubhouse while also enjoying some proper Southern California’s finest tacos. As the clock struck 9:00 PM, though, it was time to gather around for the main attraction.

EVOLVE AUTOMOTIVE BMW 1M USA DEBUT

Imran Arshad is the man behind Evolve Automotive, a world-class tuning shop in the UK, as well as a co-founder of Eventuri, maker of the best carbon fiber intakes on the market. He’s also an ambassador for BMW and this Java Green 1-Series is his latest pride and joy. It started out as a diesel-powered 120d model, but underwent the a full 1M treatment with its more aggressive OEM aero.

Under the hood is the real showstopper with the coupe, as it didn’t just go the 1M clone route with a twin-turbo straight-six, but it received a rare 525hp, 4.4-liter V8 P65 engine that won a championship in 2011 by the Goodsmiles Racing x Studie Z4 GT3. “The engine was gifted to me by Bob Suzuki from Studie AG in Japan when I asked to buy it to put in our 1M project. This car is a present to myself to celebrate Eventuri 10th anniversary which is today,” explained Imran.

After finishing the swap in the UK, the 1M was shipped to FCP Euro where the chassis received a refresh with Bilstein EDC dampers, MSS springs and a F82 M4 Brembo brake retrofit. The IND Distribution took the baton as they added Alpha N carbon fiber aero and forged Evolve wheels just in time to transport it to Southern California for our preview party.

RYWIRE REVEALS TESLA-POWERED EK CIVIC

Ryan Basseri is the owner of Rywire Motorsports Electronics and a current SEMA Battle of the Builders judge. He’s also one of the most respected Honda builders of all-time, having recreated Golden Era classics like the EA-T Civic, CRX and Integra Type R. In 2021, Ryan pushed the envelope further, developing the first Tesla-powered Honda S2000 that made 500hp using twin Chevy battery packs. After three years, Ryan is returning to SEMA with a pair of EV Civics, and we were lucky enough to debut the EK iteration at our event.

The EK is powered by dual Tesla motors and makes 600hp with a range of up to 400 miles. Interestingly, Ryan developed this EV conversion so it could be easily replicated across compatible chassis like the EG and DC. Everything is done in CAD by himself, and he has the blueprint for the custom Hasport mounts and Driveshaft Shop axles to make the electric system work. From the outside, it looks like your typical beloved restoration build featuring premium parts from Spoon Sports, Exceed Japan, KW Suspension, and Toyo Tires.

A MESSAGE TO THE HATERS

I’m grateful to be a friend of Ryan’s, and it’s unfortunate to witness the outrage about what he’s accomplishing with his two Honda EV builds for the 2024 SEMA Show. Quite frankly, we’re still living in a society in North America that does not accept electric conversions as being “cool” or “performance”. To the purists, it doesn’t follow the DNA of what the Honda gods intended. While in places like Japan and Europe, Rywire’s EK would easily be more widely appreciated; however, America is the land of “bigger is better.” I get it, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I’ll just say that kids could learn a thing or two about the caliber of work and attention to detail that Ryan puts into his project cars. Plus, the fact he’s embracing new technology and going down the path less traveled that doesn’t follow yesterday’s sports compact trends is what makes his latest builds worthy of respect and recognition.

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