24 Trends We Expect to See at SEMA 2024

by Michael Satterfield - 10/25/2024

With the annual SEMA Show rolling around, it’s time to glimpse into the heart of the year's automotive world’s biggest trends, technologies, and builds. Each November, the event offers a pulse check on what enthusiasts, builders, and the aftermarket industry are obsessing over. The 2024 show will likely blend nostalgia with innovation, reflecting classic car restoration, cutting-edge modifications, and emerging sustainability initiatives. As someone who has been in the industry and covering SEMA for over 20 years, here are 24 trends I expect to see at the SEMA 2024.

Electric Restomods:

Electric conversions remain hot for classic vehicles as companies like EV West and Legacy EV push to make electrification kits more accessible. Expect more '60s muscle cars and '80s classics silently gliding onto the show floor. We know MOPAR is said to be unavailing an EV ride at SEMA beyond their 2025 Charger and that Bismoto has some exciting EV creations; with more and more EVs on the roads, parts are getting cheaper and more plentiful, giving gear heads new platforms to play with. 

Recycled Materials in Upholstery and Finishes:

Upcycled and recycled materials will play a big role in upholstery, dashboards, and trim, providing sustainable options for those wanting to keep their restoration eco-conscious.Plus, they have created some new and exciting options. You never know what you will find at SEMA, but expect to see some unique new interior materials for sure. 

Widebody Everything:

The widebody craze isn’t going anywhere. Whether it’s on American muscle, JDM legends, or even classic European models, expect to see flared fenders and aggressive stances on many showstoppers. Even RWB is seeing an upswing in popularity as car owners seek to move into an even more exclusive and extreme club. 

Performance EV Accessories:

With the rise of performance EVs, expect an increase in aftermarket companies offering everything from suspension upgrades to battery cooling kits specifically for EV performance enthusiasts. Unplugged Performance has been in this space for over a decade but with the rise of Chinese EV manufacturers and the number of Chinese companies exhibiting at SEMA, I expect we will see even more performance options for the EV market on display.

3D Printing for Custom Parts:

3D printing technology has become a game-changer for small-batch custom parts, allowing builders to fabricate bespoke components from interior pieces to exterior trims with remarkable precision. This technology is getting better, cheaper, and faster; we have even seen YouTubers like B for Building 3D printing entire sections of his project cars in his garage at home. 

Digital and Augmented Reality Experiences:

Brands will likely use augmented reality setups to showcase customization options, allowing attendees to visualize everything from wheels to entire body kits in virtual form. But I also expect we will see this creeping into the audio-visual market with new products that allow drivers and passengers to use augmented reality and advanced heads-up displays. 

Exposed Carbon Fiber Galore:

With its weight-saving benefits and bold aesthetics, carbon fiber is finding its way onto everything from tuner cars to classics, from hoods to entire bodies, especially for restomods that want to merge classic looks with track-ready performance. While exposed carbon was a rite of passage or tuner culture in the early 2000s, technological improvements and some exciting new patterns have made exposed carbon fiber a bit of flex again. We expect to see a lot of it at SEMA and it kind of makes me miss our BMW 1 Series with the Seibon hood. 

Restored Rally Cars:

A new wave of respect for rally cars has surfaced, and builders are restoring and showcasing vehicles like the Subaru Impreza, Mitsubishi Evo, and even classic Lancia Delta Integrales with rally-ready performance. Some of this is fueled by the availability of iconic models to import to the US now that they are over 25 years old. Also, as more Americans are exposed to motorsports through media like Drive To Survive and the popularity of the off-road market, it was bound to happen.

Vintage-Inspired Interiors with Modern Touches:

Updating your interior with modern tech is nothing new, but builders are leaning into nostalgia while adding modern comfort and tech, like digital displays camouflaged in analog clusters and classic leather finishes with contemporary seat forms. Others are blending traditional upholstery craftsmanship and some Tesla-style screens like Gas Monkey Garage did last year. I think we will see a lot of traditional details at SEMA this year hiding modern tech, and of course, will have brands like Distinctive Industries offering complete bolt-in seats for classic cars and trucks that take all the hassle out of even trying to deal with an upholstery shop. 

Sustainable Paints and Finishes:

As more brands shift to eco-friendly processes, sustainable and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints are becoming popular. These paints offer reduced environmental impact without sacrificing high-gloss finishes. But even more, builders opt not to repaint and are focused on preserving the patina as much as possible. Expect more unique finishes, raw metal, exposed carbon, and, of course, some rust. 

Retro-Futuristic Lighting:

Another trend builders are incorporating is LED and laser lighting technologies seen in the latest 2025 models in a way that complements classic vehicle design, adding a futuristic edge to headlights, taillights, and interior ambient lighting. Expect to see better aftermarket kits for Mercedes-Benz style interior lighting, and it's been so long since the under-car lighting of Fast & Furious days that a new generation is discovering new lighting options. 

Big Turbos, Electric Turbos, and Hybrid Superchargers:

Electric turbos and hybrid supercharger/turbo setups are being explored more frequently to boost efficiency and cut turbo lag. But we are also seeing a trend for just over-the-top builds with insane boosts, so expect more builds at SEMA to flaunt these novel technologies. YouTuber Emelia Hartford even built a 1200HP twin-turbo Camaro.

Off-Road Electric Buggies:

Electric dune buggies and side-by-sides, like the Vanderhall Brawley, are catching on as fun, environmentally conscious ways to tackle trails and sand dunes, and SEMA will no doubt have several creative builds to showcase these models. While the overall EV market new car sales seems to be cooling, the recreational market still is in its infancy and I will be excited to see what brands are doing at the show to try to promote this segment. 

Revised Suspension Systems for Comfort:

More vehicles are getting road trip-ready than track-ready, and owners are seeking better suspension technology that blends adjustable ride height with modern comfort. Air suspension and active dampers will likely be a big showcase item, but also suspension systems that allow better performance without giving up daily driver status. 

Vans and Minivans Get the Treatment:

The "van life" movement isn’t slowing down. We just saw that Mark Zuckerberg had a custom Porsche "minivan" made for his wife by the guys over at West Coast Customs. I expect to see vintage Econolines and Toyota Hiaces, given the SEMA treatment with overland kits, custom interiors, and sleek exterior finishes. Vans aren't creepy, they're just misunderstood. 

Retro Meets Racing Tech:

If you are going to build a toy for the track why not go all the way and take a classic body and add an FIA-style roll cages, Brembo racing brakes, and carbon fiber body panels. Add a race-spec interior, and just know it won't ever be used for more than a few miles, and you can have a true outlaw. With brand new body shells and bored boomers looking to build the ultimate expression of their first new car, I will be on the lookout for some pretty insane track-inspired builds this year.

Vinyl Wraps Over Paint Jobs:

Wrap technology has evolved to include everything from faux patina finishes to ultra-metallic sheens, and builders are choosing wraps as an alternative to paint for both customization and preservation. Plus as fashion changes within the car world, a wrap is much easier to change, I hope to see that pricing has come down on wraps this year, but so far it seems to be holding pretty steady, expect to spend between $2,000-$5,000 for a pretty basic wrap.

Broncos, Scouts, and Wagoneers:

The SUV resurgence is showing up in full force, with everything from early Broncos to classic Wagoneers restored with new frames, fuel injection, and enhanced off-road capabilities. In fact, we built one in 2022, and these rides have only gotten more popular as a new generation discovers the joy of simple utilitarian off-roaders. 

Solar Charging Accessories:

EV and overland builds alike are incorporating solar charging stations, fold-out panels, and battery management systems, catering to a more self-sufficient lifestyle. These can be used for keeping the AC running on an EV or charging your off-grid lifestyle in your van conversion. 

Drivetrain Swaps Beyond the LS:

While LS engines still have a place, enthusiasts are branching out with Coyote, Hellcat, and even Ferrari V8 swaps. More builders are choosing unexpected powerplants to showcase their skills and to create something unexpected. With 3D printing making it easier than ever to mock up and develop parts for engine swaps expect to see a lot of wild stuff at this year's SEMA show.

Modular Aftermarket Accessories:

Swappable parts and accessories are gaining traction as more enthusiasts look for versatility. This year, look for builds that make it easy to modify, replace, or add features depending on the adventure. Build as you go kits, or products that can be adapted to changing needs by adding or removing parts. 

Understated Luxury in Off-Road Builds:

Luxury SUV interior vibes meet rugged exteriors in builds that feature leather upholstery, heated seats, and high-end sound systems wrapped in durable exteriors ready to take on any terrain. We have seen builders taking the iconic Jeep Wagoneer, Ford Bronco, and Land Rover Defender and transform them into $200,000+ luxury status symbols. With several brands already planning to show and most of them with a waiting list years deep I expect a lot more bespoke off-road builds this year. 

Revival of the Radwood Era:

Cars from the ‘80s and ‘90s are becoming the darlings of the restoration scene, and many Radwood-inspired builds will feature period-correct liveries, stereo systems, and era-specific accessories. This segment is growing thanks to two factors, firstly, they are generally a lot less expensive than their 40s-70s counterparts, and secondly, they are the cars that guys in the 30s and 40s grew up dreaming about or got their license in. I wrote a story about this a few months ago called The Dawn Of A New Era In Classic Car Restoration And Customization, sharing what cars I would keep an eye on for the collector car market of the future. 

Built for Adventure: Overland Vehicles:

With rooftop tents, off-road suspensions, and full-kitchen setups, overland builds continue to dominate, blending adventure and luxury in one rugged package. But it isn't just big SUVs and trucks; adventure vehicles come in all shapes and sizes these days, from 4X4 K-Vans to this awesome off-road Carolla from last year's show. I expect we will see a lot more "Overland All Things" builds at SEMA this year. 

From retro touches to cutting-edge innovation, the 2024 SEMA Show promises a feast of creativity for enthusiasts and pros alike. Whether you’re there to see the latest resto-mod or to spot new tech in action, SEMA continues to be the ultimate playground for automotive visionaries.