When we think of vinyl wraps, we usually picture flat-billed baseball caps worn by tattooed dude-bros driving lifted pickups with the latest energy drink plastered on the sides. Or budget Bubbles. Or Fast and Furious poseurs. But we've always seen the potential for enthusiasts looking for an alternative to costly paint jobs or to cover a neglected exterior in an all-new hue. The only problem: Cost. The average full vinyl wrap can set you back between $3,000 and $10,000 depending on the size and application – and if you're looking for a custom theme, the cost of a graphic artist can push that price even higher. Recognizing this financial hurtle, Meguiars is partnering with 3M to offer a customizable, budget solution for the cash-strapped among us, and we're almost ready to pull the trigger.

Announced this week at SEMA, Wraptivo will allow owners to create a vinyl wrap online – with custom graphics and textures – have it shipped to a licensed retailer and installed in four-to-six hours. Wraptivo expects to offer wraps for around 25 vehicles initially, with plans to grow its model base over the next several months after it launches later this year. Wraptivo hasn't released pricing yet, but we're told to expect something in the $1,000 to $1,700 realm with up to a three-year warranty.

To show off its new system at SEMA, Wraptivo had a Scion xB on hand in a two-tone, pixelated black and white/brushed metal design along with a last-gen Ford Mustang that was wrapped, stripped and rewrapped each day based on designs attendees created on computers at the stand. The results spanned the spectrum from impressive to lame (check the gallery), but we're excited by the possibilities and may even put it to the test on one of our own vehicles in the very near future. We might even have you vote on the color scheme. We're thinking matte green, but Lieberman wants pink camo. That guy has no taste. Hit the jump for the official details.



Photos copyright ©2009 Damon Lavrinc / Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

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Since there are approximately one trillion iPhones in the world and about ten-times as many apps, it's not hard to find a program to suit your needs. But in the automotive sphere, there aren't nearly as many quality applications and even fewer that can deliver the information most gearheads crave. Thankfully, DevToaster has answered the call with Rev, and putting out the 2.0 release of its popular diagnostic and performance program.

In addition to offering code-reading and clearing features, along with OBD metrics for everything from coolant temp to throttle position (full features here), Rev includes built-in metrics for lateral and forward acceleration to calculate horsepower and torque, saved vehicles, GPS tracking and data-logging. In a bid to make the program more user friendly on the fly, it's reworked its interface to make it easier to edit the visual representations for the virtual (and customizable) gauges and graphs.

Although it's $39.99 App Store price seems like a deal considering its capabilities, the steep price of the company's wireless OBD-II controller ($149.99, pictured at right) is slightly harder to swallow. However, DevToaster is working on bringing the cost of the unit down in the near future and hopes to bring out both a series of "fun," "green" utilities and has talked with Google about developing a version for Android phones. Look for a full review of the 2.0 software soon.

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Tire pressure monitoring systems. Not the sexiest thing here at SEMA, but bear with us for a few minutes to geek out on one of the coolest things we've seen at the show that doesn't involve a whole vehicle.

Autometer – which recently bought Stack and its line of competition gauges – has developed a new tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that ditches the batteries employed on traditional setups and uses... wait for it... crystals.

First, the problem: Not only are batteries prone to dying, particularly when they're being cycled for information hundreds of times in a minute in motorsport applications, they're also heavy. Although a few ounces on the wheel isn't going to make a massive difference on your Honda Accord Crosstour, it's an issue in Formula One and other top-tier racing series.

Autometer's system uses an FM transmitter which pings the three crystals mounted inside the wheel. The frequency at which they respond is relayed back to their little black box (CAN-Bus) and onto the Stack display. We think it's awesome, and apparently so does F1. They'll be testing the system ahead of next year's season.

While the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang are the de facto coupes of the show, as suspected, tuners have taken a liking to Hyunda'si Genesis Coupe, with numerous modified examples peppered throughout the show floor.

The 3.8-liter V6 is arguably the better driver, and the Road/Race version in the gallery below is a prime example of the kind of thoughtfully modified Genesis models we've seen while traipsing around the floor. A few minor breathing mods (intake and exhaust), coupled with a new set of wheels, upgraded discs, coilovers, a roll bar and a heavily bolstered Sparco bucket makes it a worthy track car that could pull double-duty on the street.

On the other side of the equation is the GReddy modified 2.0T model hanging out at Hyundai's booth. Despite its contrived "X-Gen Street" moniker, the coupe is a nice blend of show and go, with a GReddy-sourced turbo kit that boosts output to 350 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, dropping its 0-60 mph time to under six seconds. While the graphics package and time attack wing might be a bit much for the street, we're digging the integrated LEDs in the headlamps and the GReddy brakes and 18-inch Volk wheels speak well of its intentions. Check 'em both out in our high-res gallery below.

If you get the impression things are all high gloss and dubs in Vegas, you wouldn't be far off. But walk around the SEMA compound long enough and you come across something cool that that speaks to the gearhead, track rat in each of us.

Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of details about this red NA Mazda MX-5, but we do know it's been worked over by Mike Burlas Designs from Rialto, California, and it has a turbocharged 13B rotary underhood. Further, it has been kitted out with an adjustable suspension, upgraded brakes and what appears to be a fiberglass (or Kevlar) blistered fender kit.

But the crowning jewel is the carbon fiber fastback roof which the company is selling in fiberglass form for $1,800. It's not quite as cool as the MX-5 coupe concept from way-back-when, but it's nice to see the Miata getting some S2000-style fixed roof love in Sin City.

"I'm not an engineer. I'm an electrician," Luc Chartrand admits through his thick Quebecois accent. I believe him. Chartrand, a former karting and stock-car driver, is the lone designer, engineer and founder of HTT, a Montreal-based supercar upstart, unveiling the first prototype of his 11-year masterwork at SEMA: The Plethore LC-750.

Comprised of a carbon fiber architecture and body with an integrated (and supposedly soon-to-be) FIA-certified roll-cage, the Plethora could be the first production vehicle simultaneously approved for both the road and the track, and since high-level competition is close to Chartrand's heart, it's a necessity -- he wants to see the Plethore competing in the American LeMans series.

To hang with the big boys at the upper echelons of motorsport, the Plethore has to be more than a lightweight body (2,535 pounds) and a massive stance (89 inches in the rear). So Chartrand has mounted the Corvette ZR1's LS9 longitudinally amidships and tweaked output to 750 hp. As with all start-ups, HTT plans to offer an even hotter version to the public, putting out a claimed 1,300 hp with the help of a set of turbos.

Currently channeling all that grunt to the ground is a six-speed manual, but there are plans to offer a six-speed sequential gearbox along with a limited-slip differential. Double wishbones are fitted at all four corners to keep the 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) wheels in constant contact with the ground, with AP Racing brakes sized 15-inches in front (six-piston caliper) and 13-inches (four-piston caliper) in the rear.

Although the astronomical output and production-intensive architecture are the cornerstones of the project, the interior -- with its central mounted driving position, room for two occupants (sounds familiar) and roof-mounted switchgear -- are some of the more impressive details. That, and the hydraulically actuated doors, which swing upwards and close at the touch of a button.

Chartrand claims that production will begin sometime late this year, with a price tag of around $600,000 for the standard, 750-hp version and close to $1m for the 1,300-hp variant. Bold claims, but Chartrand isn't stopping there. "I want to design a helicopter next. It's my other love."

In addition to announcing its plans to reinvigorate its participation in grassroots racing, Honda revealed two Mugen-accessorized models -- a 2010 Accord Sedan and Fit -- each outfitted with a range of parts available at dealers, but not a standalone model, ala Mugen Civic. While the 18-inch chrome wheels, front grille, spoilers, floor mats and machined aluminum oil filler cap are attractive additions to Honda's growing HFP line, needless to say, they leave us a bit cold when it comes the automaker's commitment to the aftermarket and, more to the point, performance.

Uninspiring SEMA efforts aside, the real news came last night during a meeting with Honda execs, where we were able to glean a few more details about Honda's future performance plans, how the CR-Z -- and more to the point, hybrids -- fit in and something to look out for next year.

Honda PR man Chuck Schifsky, told us that the Big H plans to use hybrids as a performance booster in the future, saying, "The CR-Z isn't the last step. It's the beginning." Although the real start of Honda's performance-marketed hybrids began with the last generation Accord Hybrid, Schifsky admits that its introduction was "ahead of its time," one of many reasons the electric-assisted sedan never quite caught on with consumers.

More interestingly, several Honda heads told us to expect something big in the world of motorsports next year -- likely in Japan. What that means is open to interpretation, but with Honda pulling its NSX out of SuperGT for 2010 (due to the front-engine, rear-drive chassis requirements), something interesting could be on the way. NSX revival? Lexus LFA fighter? Consider our interest extremely piqued...



Photos copyright ©2009 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

We like subtle and we like power. But at SEMA the two are usually mutually exclusive. Usually. After laying eyes and hands all over the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro HPE700 LS9 and talking at length with John Hennessey, we think we've found our favorite Chevy of the show.

We've been covering its development from the beginning, so just a quick recap: After moving a few vacuum lines, fabricating a custom header and spending three months working out the wiring, Hennessey and his crew shoehorned the Corvette ZR1's supercharged LS9 into the engine bay, fitted a new intercooler and pulleys and tuned the Camaro to 725 hp (at 6,400 RPM) and 741 lb-ft of torque (at 3,200 RPM).

According to the man behind the machine, the HEP700 is putting out 651 hp and around 650 lb-ft of torque to the wheels on a Dynojet, good for a 0-60 MPH time of 3.5 seconds and a quarter mile sprint of 11.3 seconds at 126 MPH. And the mods didn't end with the engine. A set of KW V3s are fitted at all four corners and coupled with the 20-inch wheels with 275/35 (front) and 305/35 (rear) rubber, contributes to a claimed skid pad of 1.01g. Six-pot Brembos clamp onto 15.1-inch discs in front, while 14.1-inch rear rotors are squeezed by four-piston calipers, helping the HPE700 stop from 60 in 104 feet.

If you're aching to get your hands on one of the 24 ZR1-powered Camaros, you'd better drop a dime post haste -- there are only five remaining, each carrying a price tag of $119,500.



Photos copyright ©2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

While Block's STI TRAX is an entertaining diversion for a clothing mogul/extreme sports personality/rampant gearhead, the Subaru Legacy GTk is far-and-away our favorite concept at the Subie booth.

Based on the 2010 Legacy 2.5GT Wagon, the GTk has been designed to strike a balance between family shlepper and SCCA Solo autocross competitor, beginning with a tuned and tweaked turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer putting out 300 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-speed manual transmission with a short shifter sends power to Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system, while track-tuned Bilstein struts and STI "pink" springs suspend six-piston (front) and four piston (rear) Brembo calipers squeezing cross-drilled discs at all four corners. If all that and a set of custom HRE 19-inch wheels isn't enough, Subaru's partner in the project -- Specialized Vehicles, Inc. -- sourced a Formula Junior A class-spec kart that can fit into the cargo area -- no trailer required. We think we've found our next project, but the 1969 360 SPT Delivery Van needs to find a home in our garage. Full details about Subaru's three other concepts here and make the jump for the release on the GTk.

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Way back in April, we got tipped off to a video of a lifted and tracked Subaru WRX STI conquering the snowy climes of... somewhere. Before we caught a glimpse of the graphics and competition number, we knew who was behind it: Ken Block. Now, over six months later, the driving deity and snowboard virtuoso has unleashed his latest creation onto the masses in Las Vegas.

Created by the rally experts at Vermont SportsCar, the TRAX STI has been fitted with a set of EXE-TC Group N competition dampers, the aforementioned tank tracks and a modified 2.5-liter boxer four putting out around 400 hp through a KAPS five-speed dog 'box. Despite it's towering presence, it's a relatively mild tune, but it's thoroughly awesome in person, particularly with the four-person sleigh in tow. The only question now is: When will we see a video of Block being pulled behind the TRAX through the backcountry? We'll gladly volunteer to man the helm.