SEMA Show 2023 - Big Builds Head to the Desert

*Coverage by Matt Phillips and Jennifer Scheck 

As someone who’s been attending the SEMA show since 2015, each year I find myself more excited than the last. SEMA 2023 was no different—this year's event was a whirlwind of stunning vehicles, groundbreaking innovations, and a whole lot of automotive passion. It’s always a thrill to see the latest and greatest from the automotive world, and this year did not disappoint.

Inside the Show

Walking into the Las Vegas Convention Center, the sheer scale of SEMA hits you right away. This year, the variety was off the charts. The entire faciltity was dominated by a jaw-dropping array of custom cars, trucks, SUVs and everything in between. From over-the-top lifted rigs to sleek, aggressive lowered builds, it was a playground for all automotive enthusiasts.

This year was all about performance and innovation. There were some incredible builds that showcased the future of racing and performance tuning. There was also a significant presence of electric vehicles this year, reflecting the shift in the industry. I was particularly impressed by an electric Ford Mustang Mach-E that had been turned into a fully blown track car. It’s exciting to see how electric power is being pushed to the forefront of performance.

I spent a good amount of time checking out the meticulously restored muscle cars and hot rods this year as well. There was a stunning ’67 Camaro that had been fully restored and modified with a modern twist. It’s always inspiring to see how builders are blending classic aesthetics with modern performance technology.

Beyond the Show

Outside of the event, we managed to fit in some great experiences around Vegas. As tradition has it, we hit up the Wynn Buffett for some exceptional food, along with one of our favorites called Tacos and Beer (right down the street from the convention center. Both are must-visits for us during SEMA week, and they never fails to impress. The crispy duck and Thai iced tea were just what we needed after a long day of exploring the show.

We also found some time to unwind on Freemont Street and check out all of the Halloween costumes this year, which was wild.

And of course, we couldn’t skip out on experiencing the nightlife of Las Vegas. We took in a couple of shows and spent some time exploring the Strip. The neon lights and bustling crowds are always a fun contrast to the automotive focus of the day.

Reflecting on the Experience

SEMA 2023 was another incredible chapter in our ongoing adventure with the show. Every year, it feels like we discover something new and exciting, and this year was no exception. From the innovative builds to the high-energy atmosphere of Las Vegas, it’s an experience that never gets old.

Looking back, it’s amazing to see how the show has evolved since we first started attending. The growth of the electric vehicle segment and the continuing evolution of performance parts and tuning are just a couple of examples of how dynamic the automotive world is. I’m already looking forward to seeing what SEMA 2024 has in store.

Here’s to another year of automotive excellence and unforgettable experiences. See you next year, SEMA!