MPH.com Recap: Most Insane Supercar Builds from SEMA 2023

February 17, 2024 3:36 PM

As the curtain falls on another exhilarating SEMA car show, the event leaves behind a legacy of not only facilitating business connections within the industry but also providing a grand stage for the most inventive and daring aftermarket vehicle builds. These automobiles, replete with advanced modifications and stylish designs, often become the subjects of discerning discussions among aficionados and critics across social media platforms.

 

With a record-breaking turnout of approximately 160,000 participants and over 2,200 vendors hailing from 140 countries, SEMA 2023 was a global phenomenon that showcased the automotive world's collective passion and dedication. What's truly remarkable is the show's increasing accessibility, drawing in a 20 percent surge of newcomers who were captivated by its magnetic appeal, extending far beyond the inner circles of the industry.

 

Our focus now turns to the supercar builds that commanded attention with their exceptional aftermarket enhancements, reflecting the peak of automotive customization. As we look back, it's these supercar builds, with their top-notch aftermarket enhancements, that stole the show. Let’s dive into our top picks from SEMA and celebrate the ingenuity that sets these machines apart.

 

McLaren 720S by Alex Choi

 

 

    (Photo: via FastCar UK)

 

The Alex Choi McLaren 720S, affectionately known as the '720LM’, is a tribute to the legendary McLaren Le Mans racers of the nineties. This remarkable creation, masterminded by renowned YouTuber Alex Choi, showcases the perfect blend of modern engineering and Le Mans-inspired aesthetics.

 

What sets this McLaren apart from the crowd is the meticulous attention to detail that went into its design and execution. Alex Choi's vision took shape through collaboration with various aftermarket specialists, resulting in a car that's nothing short of breathtaking.

 

Starting with the aesthetics, it's worth applauding Alex Choi for conceiving the entire design from scratch. His initial concepts were transformed into striking renderings by the talented Karan Adivi before coming to life through the skilled hands of Battle Aero during fabrication.

 

One might not typically associate gray with excitement, but Inozetek's satin aluminum dynamic PPF coating on the 720S is a game-changer. In person, the finish is even more captivating than any photograph can capture. The choice of rims adds to the car's motorsport allure, with Rotiform ROCs at the rear and Rotiform AeroDiscs upfront, all wrapped in high-performance Bridgestone tires.

 

However, this project isn't simply for appearances – Pure Turbos worked their magic on the engine, delivering a substantial power boost. Additionally, the 720LM boasts an innovative active aero system from Intelliaero, ensuring that performance is not just skin-deep. And let's not forget the titanium exhaust meticulously crafted by Sheepeyrace, which snakes its way up through a central opening behind the distinctive ducktail spoiler. Everywhere you look on this car, you'll discover yet another thoughtfully executed detail.

 

 

    (Photo: via FastCar UK)

 

Center Drive and EV-Swapped Ferrari Testarossa by Gas Monkey Garage

 

 

(Photo: via CarBuzz)

 

 

Gas Monkey Garage has once again made waves at SEMA 2023, unveiling a Ferrari build that has sent shockwaves through the automotive world. In a move that's sure to ignite debates and divide enthusiasts, the iconic Testarossa has undergone a transformation like no other – an all-electric motor.

 

This audacious project has seen Gas Monkey Garage replace the legendary flat-12 engine with a battery pack and electric motors, a bold move that's bound to ruffle the feathers of traditional gearheads. The garage has playfully named their creation the "Testa" (a clever nod to Tesla), and it's described as a "striking reinterpretation" of the Testarossa. To give it a unique twist, they've taken a page from the past, chopping off the windscreen and roof, turning it into a speedster reminiscent of the classic Ferrari SP1 or SP2.

 

In a daring departure from the Testarossa's classic Rosso Corsa red, Gas Monkey Garage opted for an avant-garde monochrome white finish. Complementing this striking exterior are Vossen wheels wrapped in Continental tires, showcasing a modern aesthetic. The lighting elements have also received a contemporary makeover, featuring LED light strips at the front and rear.

 

The iconic pop-up headlights, with a cool white glow, add to the car's futuristic appeal. Even the Testarossa's signature side strakes have been illuminated with bright white lighting. Amidst this luminous transformation, the only splashes of color come from the iconic Prancing Horse logos adorning the fenders and hood.

 

Inside the Testa, Gas Monkey Garage has performed a complete overhaul, introducing a unique three-seater layout with a central driving position reminiscent of the McLaren F1 or GMA T.50. While retaining the original three-spoke steering wheel and controls, they've strategically placed them in front of a digital instrument screen, blending the old with the new seamlessly.

 

As for its power output, the specifics remain a mystery. Yet, even if it surpasses the Testarossa's original 4.9-liter twelve-cylinder engine in terms of sheer muscle, it's safe to assume that traditional aficionados might remain unimpressed. 

 

Unsurprisingly, Gas Monkey Garage's intrepid creation has stirred up controversy and mixed reactions on social media. Some have labeled it a "hard fail," while others have been more blunt, deeming it "tasteless" and "a missed opportunity."

 

The challenge of electrifying classic vehicles is no easy feat, particularly when dealing with cherished and rare classics like the Testarossa, of which fewer than 10,000 examples were ever produced, including the updated 512 TR and F512 M models.

 

 

 

 

(Photo: via CarBuzz)

 

 1973 Jaguar E-Type by ECD Automotive Design

 

 

 

(Photo: via Motor Trend)

 

The path of electrification in the automotive world is not just about embracing the future; it's about blending classic elegance with cutting-edge innovation. At SEMA 2023, this seamless synergy is brilliantly exemplified by a remarkable project—a 1973 Jaguar E-Type transformed into an electric powerhouse by ECD Automotive Design.

 

Swapping in an electric powertrain has become more accessible as we venture further into the realm of electrification within the aftermarket. The process is no longer a daunting endeavor; instead, it's akin to fitting pieces of a well-crafted puzzle together. The 1973 Jaguar E-Type, a classic beauty, has undergone this electrifying transformation, demonstrating the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation.

 

One undeniable advantage of this conversion is the reliability that comes with the Ampere EV electronics. When compared to the original electronics found in the E-Type, and dare we say, many British-made classic cars, the difference is like night and day. The Ampere EV system promises a future of worry-free driving, free from the quirks and hiccups that often plague vintage electronics.

 

However, what truly sets the Ampere EV system apart is its ingenious analog control kit. This remarkable addition enables the preservation of the stock gauges and switches, allowing the E-Type to retain its classic aesthetic and charm. 

 

In this electrified E-Type, you get the best of both worlds—the timeless allure of a classic Jaguar and the reliability and performance of the future. It's a testament to the evolving landscape of automotive engineering, creating vehicles that pay homage to their heritage while embracing the advancements of tomorrow.

 

 

 

(Photo: via Motor Trend)

 

 

Carbon Aston Martin Vantage S by Daniel Song

 

(Photo: via Shane O’Leary)

 

In the realm of automotive makeovers, Daniel Song's Aston Martin Vantage S emerges as a thrilling spectacle. The car's transformation is nothing short of radical — a metamorphosis that has transformed this elegant British classic into a track-devouring beast. At first glance, the Vantage S presents a striking figure; its wide-body stance is accentuated by a full carbon fiber ensemble. From the sculpted bumpers to the expansive arches, from the sleek bonnet down to the intricate tail light insert, the carbon fiber work is meticulous and thorough.

 

The Vantage S doesn't just wear carbon fiber for show — every panel has been chosen for its blend of lightweight properties and rigidity, ensuring that form and function coalesce in harmony. The racing spirit of the car is further invoked by the iconic green-tinted headlights, a nod to the marque's storied racing heritage. Complementing this are the bronzed Volk TE37 alloys, which add a touch of modern racing flair to the vehicle's aggressive aesthetic.

 

Under the hood, the Vantage S has received a heart transplant courtesy of Velocity Automotive Performance, a Canadian tuning house known for their extraordinary work on high-performance vehicles. They've re-imagined what the Vantage S could be with a suite of enhancements — modified air filters and headers breathe new life into the engine, while a re-tuned ECU ensures that every ounce of power is harnessed. The result is a significant leap from the already impressive 430 brake horsepower of the original model, transforming the car into an all-out road racer.

 

 

(Photo: via Larry Chen)

 

 

Now it's your turn to weigh in. With so many jaw-dropping supercar builds and automotive creations on display this year, we're eager to hear your thoughts. Which SEMA supercar build has captured your heart and imagination? Is it the daring Testarossa conversion, the classic E-Type with an electric twist, or perhaps another remarkable vehicle that caught your eye at the event? 

 

Share your favorite SEMA supercar build with us on Twitter by tagging @mphcom.

 

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