ECO HOT RODS INVADE SEMA

The SEMA show is not traditionally thought of as a welcoming place for anyone with a tinge of green in their racing stripes. But it's 2009, and 'efficiency' is the new buzzword popping up in all sorts of strange places, including these 2 vintage hot rods GM and Ford have brought along. The thought of it may jar at first, but read on...

GM has brought a restored 1955 Chevrolet 150, but instead of the original 'Turbo-Fire' small-block V8 sitting under the bonnet, this hot rod is showcasing one of GM's new 'E-Rod' crate motors. The 6.2-litre V8 LS3 engine is good for 430bhp and 424lb ft of torque - more than enough for the majority of 'rodders' - but still manages to pass modern emissions regulations.

The LS3 E-Rod is one of a new range of 'efficient' crate motors from GM's Performance Parts division, and the engine alone (sans transmission and exhaust cat-back) can be bought for $9,375 (£5,672).

Ford is working along the same lines, but has gone right back to 1934. The Model B is one of the great 'rodders' favourites, and this example built by Detroit Street Rods is unlikely to disappoint. It's actually a brand new body built by the charmingly-named 'Steve's Auto Restoration' (only in America etc), and under the bonnet is the first rear-wheel drive application of one of Ford's new 'EcoBoost' engines. It's a 3.5-litre twin turbocharged V6, which like the E-Rod meets modern emissions regulations whilst still managing proper hot rod power figures. How does 400bhp and 400lb ft sound? Pretty deafening, we expect...