When it comes to checking out new automotive products, there's no better place to do so than the SEMA show. Hundreds of companies from around the globe unveil their newest and best wares at the show each year. With a large chunk of one of the halls dedicated to new releases, we had our work cut out for us, and we spent most of a day examining some of the awesome new truck parts on display. Rather than overwhelm you with every part we liked, we've narrowed it down to our favorites, including one Best New Product pick from each editor. Take a look at what we saw below, and keep an eye out for these parts in the coming months.
Who: American Force Wheels
What: Forged-Aluminum Elite SS6 Wheel
Why: A new design for 2013, the Elite SS6 is forged from aluminum for maximum strength and minimum weight, and it's designed for many direct bolt-on fitments. It's also available in 5-, 6-, and 8-lug in several finishes.
Where: (786) 345-6301, www.americanforcewheels.com
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Who: Auto Meter
What: LCD Competition Dash
Why: Auto Meter's revolutionary approach to instrumentation pairs the most advanced LCD display tech available with simple plug-and-play functionality. It looks high tech and backs it up with impressive functionality and extensive options.
Where: (866) 248-6356, www.autometer.com
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Who: BD Diesel Performance
What: Variable-Vane Exhaust Brake for Ford 6.4L PowerStroke
Why: If you've ever towed a heavy trailer through the mountains, you'll know the uncomfortable feeling of the trailer's weight pushing you downhill. BD Diesel has the solution, with this plug-in controller that adjusts your PowerStroke turbo's variable vanes to create 130 retarding horsepower.
Where: (800) 887-5030, www.bd-power.com
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Who: Billet Badges
What: Black and Charcoal Badges for Ford Raptor
Why: Take your Raptor undercover with these CNC-machined, black powdercoated billet aluminum Ford badges. The center script and pinstriping is filled in with charcoal gray paint for a subtle look, and these badges are available in both 7-inch and 9-inch sizes.
Where: (760) 744-0663, www.billetbadges.com
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Who: Billet Specialties
What: Formula Billet D-Shaped Steering Wheel
Why: If you've got a performance-oriented truck, this race-inspired wheel is right up your alley. Its black and machined finish looks aggressive, and it's made in the USA from high-quality 6061-T6 aluminum.
Where: (877) 240-4187, www.billetspecialties.com
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Editors' Pick – Dan Ward
Who: BMF Wheels
What: 20x12 Death Metal Black Forged Wheel
Why: Unveiled for the first time at SEMA, BMF's new forged wheel fits perfectly into their existing line of aggressive designs. However, the machined lettering around the lip tells you that this wheel is lighter and stronger than ever.
Where: (888) 313-2580, www.bmfwheels.com
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Who: BOLT
What: Padlock 2.0 One-Key Lock
Why: Ever had to dig through your glovebox or think hard about where you left an important key? BOLT has solved this conundrum with a padlock that unlocks using your truck's ignition key—if you've got the key to your truck, you've got the only key you need.
Where: (877) 251-8798, www.boltlock.com
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Editors' Pick – Harley Camilleri
Who: Bulldog Lighting/KC Hilites
What: KC Dual LED Light Bar
Why: A unique patent-pending design from KC, this LED lightbar is the ultimate in dual-purpose design. With the switch flipped up, it lights up white for visibility, and flipped down, it's amber to warn others to stay out of your way.
Where: (855) 533-2855, www.kchilites.com
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Who: Bully Dog
What: GT Tuner for Hemi
Why: Trusted tuner Bully Dog has cracked the code on the new 2011-2013 Hemi motors, allowing for improved power, torque, and fuel economy. If that's not enough, the GT for Hemi also includes gauges, DTC code reader, performance testing and many more tweaks for your new Ram.
Where: (866) 285-5936, www.bullydog.com
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Who: Classic Instruments
What: 1953-1955 Ford F-100 electronic gauge cluster
Why: Restoring your classic Ford is made easy with this direct bolt-in electronic gauge cluster replacement. It comes in five different designs, so you can match your truck's interior and paint scheme flawlessly.
Where: (800) 575-0461, www.classicinstruments.com
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Who: Clayton Machine Works
What: LS Engine Coil Covers
Why: Hide your LS motor's ugly black plastic coils with these simple aluminum coil covers. Available in black or gray, these covers will dramatically clean up your engine bay.
Where: (256) 772-1878, www.claytonmachine.com
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Who: Comp Performance
What: Inglese LS 8-Stack Intake Manifold
Why: There's something visceral about a shiny velocity stack protruding from a truck hood, and Comp knows this better than anyone. That's why they've made it possible to bolt individual EFI throttle bodies to modern LS engines with this classic styled manifold.
Where: (866) 450-8089, www.compcams.com
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Who: Flex-a-Lite
What: Radiator/Fan Combination for 1999-2012 GM Trucks
Why: Upgrade your tired or inefficient cooling system with Flex-a-Lite's direct-fit aluminum radiator and electric fans. When your engine stays cool under pressure, your truck will keep running strong for years to come.
Where: (253) 922-2700, www.flex-a-lite.com
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Who: FLO~PRO
What: Direct-Fit Muffler for Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi
Why: FLO~PRO's direct-fit muffler has been redesigned for the new 5.7L Hemi. This factory-replacement muffler offers higher flow and improved performance while remaining 100 percent street legal.
Where: (800) 762-4286, www.flopro.com
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Editors' Pick – Maxwell Matthewson
Who: Full Race/Borg Warner
What: EFR-7163 Turbocharger
Why: EFR stands for Engineered for Racing, and that spells out Borg Warner's intentions for this new turbo designed for the new Ford EcoBoost V-6. With a lightweight aluminum bearing housing and mixed-flow turbine design, it's compact, spools quickly, and flows enough air to achieve up to 550 hp.
Where: (866) 385-5722, www.full-race.com
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Who: Full Throttle Suspension
What: 10-inch Lift Kit for 2011-13 GM 2500/3500 4WD
Why: Full Throttle's 10-inch lift kit will help your truck stand tall without cutting or welding. The durable black-coated kit is 100 percent bolt-on and requires no mods to the factory differential.
Where: (559) 271-8685, www.fullthrottlesuspension.com
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Who: G2
What: Brute Aluminum Diff Cover
Why: Not only does G2's new diff cover look tough, but its machined face acts as a heat-sink to reduce gear oil temperatures. This means more protection for your gears and bearings, as well as a mean new look for your truck.
Where: (877) 852-7720, www.procompusa.com
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Who: GoPro
What: HERO3 Camera
Why: From GoPro, the industry leaders in go-anywhere do-anything compact video cameras, comes the next leap forward: the HERO3. With three sub-models to choose from, each camera in the new lineup is 30 percent smaller, 25 percent lighter, and two times more powerful than the previous generation.
Where: (888) 600-4659, www.gopro.com
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Who: Go Rhino
What: Dominator D4 Sidesteps
Why: Not only does this step look aggressive and rugged, it's designed for function with dual non-slip footpads. It's also available in chrome finish and multiple lengths.
Where: (714) 257-7389, www.gorhino.com
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Who: Ground Force
What: Leveling Kit for 1999-2013 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 4WD
Why: Ground Force's spacers incorporate a metal inner core for strength and a urethane outer layer to eliminate squeaking. This 2-inch kit's urethane will not settle thanks to its solid structure.
Where: (724) 430-2068, www.groundforce.com
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Who: Hellwig
What: Big Wig Rear Sway Bar for 2011-and-newer Ford Super Duty
Why: Hellwig's Big Wig rear bar is designed for aggressive towing and hauling, while also improving the handling and stability of your Super Duty on or off-road. The 15/16-inch bar is formed out of heat-treated 4140 steel, and then powdercoated for long-term durability.
Where: (559)734-7451, www.hellwigproducts.com
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Who: Holley
What: Mini-Ram EFI Intake Manifold Kit for LS1/LS2/LS6
Why: If you've got an LS-powered truck, Holley's got a slick upgrade for you with this intake manifold. The dual-plane design yields great midrange torque without sacrificing top-end power, and its low profile even aides in gaining hood clearance.
Where: (270) 782-2900, www.holley.com
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Who: K&N
What: Intake System for 2011-2012 Ford F-150 EcoBoost
Why: Ratchet up your EcoBoost by replacing your restrictive factory intake with K&N's replacement system. Turbo motors love to breathe, and K&N's intake will help it do just that, increasing power and responsiveness.
Where: (800) 858-3333, www.knfilters.com
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Who: Kinetik
What: KP1800 Professional Series Power Cell
Why: Kinetik's top-of-the-line Professional Series power cells are designed for extreme conditions and rough handling. At the same time, it provides high performance for starting, off-road, marine, and mobile audio applications.
Where: (888) 522-8346, www.kinetikaudio.com
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Who: McGaughys
What: 7-inch Lift Kit for 2007-2013 GM ½-ton Trucks
Why: McGaughys kit is powdercoated black with polished stainless inserts for a tough look. Also, the kit works with their new replacement front struts, which adjust ride height from 7 to 9 inches.
Where: (559) 226-8196, www.mcgaughys.com
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Who: Mickey Thompson
What: Baja ATZ P3
Why: The Baja ATZ P3 has a unique “hybrid” design between an all-terrain and mud terrain to give you the grip you need for your weekend adventures and a smooth ride to get you down the road in comfort. It's also got an extra-wide footprint and beefy tread blocks for great all-around traction.
Where: (330) 928-9092, www.mickeythompsontires.com
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Who: MITO
What: Gentex Rear Camera Display Mirror & OEM Camera Options
Why: MITO has combined a camera display rearview mirror with OEM-look rear cameras for the ultimate in clean style. The rearview mirror also features auto-dimming, a compass, temperature display, and even HomeLink support.
Where: (800) 433-6486, www.mitocorp.com
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Who: Paramount Automotive
What: Revolution LED Grille for 2011-13 Ford Super Duty
Why: This grille takes the tried-and-true chrome and black grille to a whole new level with the addition of LED bolt accents. Toughen up your Super Duty while also adding a refined touch at the flip of a switch.
Where: (866) 988-8348, www.paramountrestyling.com
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Who: Pioneer
What: TS-A1605C component speakers
Why: Leave it to the engineers at Pioneer to design something called a multilayer Mica Matrix speaker cone. We're not sure exactly what that is, but they tell us it delivers louder, clearer sound with improved mid-bass response, and that certainly sounds good to us.
Where: (310) 952-2000, www.pioneerelectronics.com
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Who: Pop & Lock
What: PL9000 Power-Pop Tonneau Cover Lock
Why: Having a tonneau cover on your truck has always been a trade-off between securing your bed and keeping it easily accessible. With this kit, you can unlock and open your tonneau cover remotely—the best of both worlds.
Where: (920) 425-0151, www.popandlock.net
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Editors' Pick – Patrick McCarthy
Who: ProCharger
What: i-1 Centrifugal Supercharger
Why: ProCharger has brought superchargers into the technological age with their revolutionary computer-controlled i-1 blower. It features a programmable gear ratio, intelligent control system, dry hybrid drive, and an optional touchscreen display.
Where: (913) 338-2886, www.procharger.com
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Who: Pro Comp
What: La Paz Wheel
Why: Pro Comp's new 5029 Series La Paz wheel looks mean with its matte-black finish and beadlock-style lip. As part of their Motorsports line of alloy wheels, the La Paz would look great on most any lifted truck.
Where: (800) 776-0767, www.procompusa.com
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Who: Putco
What: G3 LED Dayliner
Why: Add a classy accent to your truck with these fitted LED trim strips. CNC-machined out of aluminum to fit your truck's lights, they provide a subtle custom touch without looking overly flashy.
Where: (800) 247-3974, www.putco.com
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Who: Rancho Suspension
What: 2-inch Sport System Lift Kits
Why: Many entry-level lift kits only include springs and spacers, but Rancho's Sport System includes RS9000XL shocks for a smoother ride. The kit also includes front coils, rear spacers, front bumpstop spacers, and even rear brake line drop brackets for a complete lift solution.
Where: (734) 384-7804, www.gorancho.com
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Who: RBP
What: Single Shot High-Performance Diesel Fuel Additive
Why: These individual Single Shot bottles provide an easy delivery method for RBP's popular diesel additive. Boasting a 5 percent octane gain and up to 10 percent mileage gain, it's an easy way to give your diesel a performance boost.
Where: (877) 519-9090, www.rollingbigpower.com
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Who: Retrax Truck Bed Covers
What: PowertraxPRO Tonneau Cover
Why: Retrax is leading the way in electric tonneau covers with features like ball-bearing sliders, remote push-button opening and closing, and multi-position electromagnetic locking. It even includes an LED light to illuminate your bed.
Where: (800) 206-4070,www. retrax.com
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Who: Rigid Industries
What: LED Grilles
Why: Rigid Industries' idea to combine a custom grille and an LED lightbar into one unit is nothing less than brilliant (pun intended). These futuristic-looking mesh grilles are cut from tough 304 stainless steel, and include all hardware for a simple install.
Where: (480) 655-0100, www.rigidindustries.com
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Who: Rocket Racing Wheels
What: Rocket Booster 6
Why: Rocket Racing has unveiled its first-ever classic five-spoke designs in 6-lug truck applications. Now your lowered or performance truck can roll with a classic, hot-rod style.
Where: (888) 307-7525, www.rocketracingwheels.com
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Who: Rosen Entertainment Systems
What: AV7900 iDOC Media Center
Why: The high-tech AV7900 headrest entertainment system provides a clever top-loading media dock, so you can plug in your iPod, iPhone, flash drive, micro SD card, or other USB device. It even simultaneously charges your device while displaying its media on the high-def LCD screen.
Where: (951) 898-9808, www.rosenentertainment.com
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Who: Royal Purple
What: HPS 10w30 Motor Oil
Why: Royal Purple's HPS Series oil is specifically formulated to maximize performance and meet the demands of high-performance and modified engines. Its higher levels of zinc/phosphorus antiwear additive and Royal Purple's proprietary Synerlec additive technology provide better protection for both gasoline and diesel engines.
Where: (281) 354-8600, www.royalpurple.com
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Who: SLP Performance
What: Supercharger Packages for GM 5.3L and 6.2L motors
Why: SLP's all-new Roots-type supercharger packages are now available for 2009-2013 GM trucks and SUVs. The TVS 1900 and 2300 blowers cram air into your engine for huge power and torque gains.
Where: (732) 349-2109, www.slponline.com
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Who: Snow Performance
What: Comp-One Boost Cooler for diesel
Why: The Comp-One is the first paired water-methanol injection system and performance tuner package. Snow Performance's famous water-meth system drastically lowers EGTs, allowing for an aggressive new tune that unleashes up to an extra 70 horses.
Where: (719) 633-3811, www.snowperformance.net
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Who: Spyder Auto
What: Projection Headlights for 2011-2012 Ford Super Duty
Why: These new chrome-finished projector lights feature LED halos for bright, reliable accent lighting. Light up the night and add a custom flair to your Super Duty with Spyder's new projector design.
Where: (626) 934-8884, www.spyderauto.com
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Who: Superchips
What: Flashpaq Linq
Why: Your smart phone just got a little smarter thanks to the Flashpaq Linq, a new tuning device that connects to your Android phone for precise ECM tweaking. Add power, adjust shift points, increase the rev limiter, calibrate your speedometer, and more.
Where: (888) 227-2447,www. superchips.com
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Who: Truxedo
What: Deuce Tonneau Cover
Why: The Deuce is the first and only soft roll-up, hinged tonneau cover combination. It folds up from the front and rolls up from the rear for full bed usage and accessibility.
Where: (877) 878-9336, www.truxedo.com
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Who: US Speedo
What: 2007-2012 GM Truck Black Ops gauge kit
Why: US Speedo's new black ops gauge kit is perfect for those of us that love stealth. When not backlit, the gauges stay blacked out, but they light up brightly for easy visibility when needed.
Where: (810) 244-0909, www.usspeedo.com
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Who: Volant
What: Fast Fit Intake for 2011-2013 Silverado/Sierra 1500
Why: Volant's Fast Fit intake line is now available on the 2012-2013 Silverado and Sierra, featuring a simple install for improved horsepower and fuel economy. Make the most of your money with this inexpensive upgrade.
Where: (909) 481-3888, www.volant.com
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Who: Warn Industries
What: Vantage 4000 Winch
Why: The Vantage features best-in-class 4,000-pound pulling capacity, and is specifically designed for heavy-duty fullsize truck usage. With an affordable price tag, its myriad of features makes it a great bang for the buck.
Where: (503) 722-1200, www.warn.com
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Who: Chicago Pneumatic
What: CP7759Q Carbon Fiber ½-inch Impact Wrench
Why: If you know anything about carbon fiber you'll know it's light and strong, and those two qualities have carried over to Chicago Pneumatic's new carbon-fiber impact wrench. Side-to-Side reverse technology makes wielding this super-light powerhouse even easier.
Where: (803) 624-4735, www.cp.com
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Who: EZ-Red
What: Brake Line Wrench Kits
Why: Available in eight sizes and conveniently packaged in a carrying case, EZ-Red's metric and SAE brake line wrenches make swapping lines easier than ever. Each wrench has a ratcheting head and 180 degrees of flex for reaching into tight spots.
Where: (800) 645-4757, www.ezred.com
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Who: GearWrench
What: 120XP Ratcheting Wrenches
Why: The 120XP is named after its 120-position design, which cleverly uses a dual-engagement 60-tooth design for smoothness and accuracy. Due to this unique design, it also remains strong and durable, avoiding the largest downside of other fine-tooth ratchets.
Where: (800) 688-8949, www.gearwrench.com
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Who: Grip Tite
What: GT Pro Series 6-piece Wrench Set
Why: The advanced wrench design used by Grip Tite gets a grip on any nut or bolt, even those that have been rounded or stripped by lesser wrenches. The more torque you apply, the harder Grip Tite's cams grip, making removing bolts a breeze.
Where: (800) 549-4505, www.bt-andf.com
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Who: Ingersoll Rand
What: W5130 ⅜-inch 20V Impactool
Why: With a sizeable 190 lb-ft of torque, this impact tool packs a punch that rivals pneumatic tools, but with the versatility that only a cordless tool can provide. Plus, its compact size and light weight mean it's easy to maneuver and won't tire out your arms after a long day of wrenching.
Where: www.ingersollrandproducts.com
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Who: Miller Electric
What: Multimatic 200 TIG/MIG/Stick Welder
Why: Miller has released their most versatile machine yet, with an all-in-one, fully portable, multiprocess power source. Plus, it weighs only 29 pounds and runs off 120V or 230V power, so you can take it with you wherever you need it.
Where: (800) 426-4553, www.millerwelds.com
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Who: Port-A-Cool
What: Hurricane Portable Evaporative Cooling Unit
Why: If you're anything like us, you're familiar with how miserable it can be to work under your truck on a hot day. Port-A-Cool's Hurricane unit uses evaporative water-cooling and high airflow to lower temperatures up to 30 degrees. Say goodbye to being drenched in sweat.
Where: (800) 695-2942, www.port-a-cool.com
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Who: Rousseau
What: Tool Box with Stainless Steel Drawer Fronts
Why: With a painted housing and bright stainless drawers, Rousseau's new toolbox certainly looks sharp. However, there's more than meets the eye, as the drawers slide out effortlessly and have enough space for an arsenal of tools.
Where: (800) 463-4271, www.rousseaumetal.com
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