For one week in November, Las Vegas, Nevada, is transformed into car-gadget heaven, where building a tattoo parlor in a minivan is just a typical day at the show. Vehicle customization is on the rise, making the 2005 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) trade show even more popular this year. Americans spent over $31 billion in 2004 on products sold by businesses in SEMA. This year, SEMA show organizers have added 20 percent more products versus last year's show, and are expecting about 120,000 visiting trade professionals to attend this year's show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Volvo took an S80 and made it into the T6 hot rod on display at SEMA.

People have been attending SEMA since 1967 to find out what's new in the world of aftermarket merchandise. Both auto manufacturers and aftermarket companies roll out their new "tuner" products, demonstrating the many facets of customization and personalization throughout the industry. 

Although a big chunk of the tradeshow is dedicated as a place where aftermarket auto-parts manufacturers advertise their wares to vendors and customizing companies, the customized cars, all 2000 of them on display this year, usually take center stage. Auto manufacturers had a strong presence at this year's show, aiming to reel in younger buyers and show that their vehicles make good tuner cars. Here are the highlights:

Honda Lauded as both "Manufacturer of the Show" and "Car of the Show," Honda unveiled the sport concept Civic Si at SEMA and also showcased 19 2006 Civic Sis, customized by aftermarket companies like AEM/DC Sports, Mackin, Greddy, Tein, Hasport, and others. Also shown with the Si are Honda's new Factory Performance (HFP) suspension and body kits, available for the '06 Civic sedan, coupe, and Si. The kits include performance-oriented suspension components, larger wheels, aerodynamic body kits, and HFP muffler. Honda also showcased the Street Sport Concept Ridgeline and the All-Terrain Ridgeline Concept.	Honda's Civic Si.
Volkswagen VW showed up for the first at time SEMA, bringing several performance-tuned vehicles to the table: Touareg R-GT, Passat R-GT, and Jetta R-GT. The Touareg R-GT was given 22-inch wheels, a lowered suspension, added horsepower, aluminum interior trim, and driver and passenger iPods. The 535-hp Passat R-GT sported a new front fascia, 19-inch titanium wheels, an integrated rear spoiler, and was rumored to have a top speed of 190 mph. Roll cage Recaro seats, exterior graphics, ground effects, and all-wheel drive transformed Volkswagen's Jetta into the Jetta R-GT.	Volkswagen Passat R-GT
Ford Ford made a big splash at SEMA this year with the GTX-1 Roadster concept. With a little help from the aftermarket company Genaddi Design, Ford gave this car the ability to take on three different forms: GT coupe with all four roof panels in place, a T-top GT when two panels are removed, and a convertible is what's left when all four are removed. Other unique features include 20-inch wheels and carbon-fiber Sparco seats. Other SEMA entries from Ford included the "Funk Master Flex" Fusion, with 3-D carbon two-tone red paint and graphics, alloy black chrome three-piece wheels, new Street Scene grille, and video cameras with monitors in place of side and rearview mirrors.	Ford's GXT-1
Hyundai Revealed at SEMA this year was the 2007 Hyundai Accent 2-door hatchback. Emphasizing its custom-ability, Hyundai also showcased a variety of aftermarket parts that will be shown with the car and sold in dealerships. The new Accent will come equipped with a 1.6-liter 4-cyl engine that makes 110 horsepower. Standard safety features include six airbags and ABS. The 2-door hatchback is scheduled to hit dealerships in spring of next year. Custom parts will be available at dealerships shortly thereafter.	2007 Hyundai Accent
Mitsubishi Mitsubishi announced that Raillart aftermarket performance accessories will be available in dealerships next spring. They also showcased the Gallant Raillart Concept car and announced plans for its production. Mitsubishi also exhibited two more concepts sporting the Raillart emblem: Eclipse and Raider. The all-wheel-drive Eclipse got a new 6-speed manual transmission, lighter carbon-fiber body panels, four-point harness seats, 20-inch wheels, and more horsepower. A new carbon-fiber body also made its way onto the Raillart Raider. So did a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 and 22-inch wheels.	Mitsubishi Eclipse Raillart
Subaru Subaru revealed their 2006 Impreza WRX TR at this year's SEMA show. The compact car comes equipped with a turbo-powered 2.5-liter 6-cylinder engine and new sport seats. The group also showed off the limited-edition 2006 Legacy 2.5GT spec.B at SEMA. Only 500 units are set to be available in the U.S. for its nationwide debut. Spec.B's features include a Bilstein sport suspension, 18-inch wheels, and a unique number plate.	2006 Subary Legacy spec.B
Toyota Toyota brought the new Yaris compact car, redesigned Rav4 compact SUV, and debuted the production version of their all-new FJ Cruiser midsize SUV at SEMA this year. Toyota, like many manufacturers, brought several of their youth-marketed cars and trucks to the show with the goal of inspiring even more ideas for customization.	2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser