Flipping through the brochure for Ford’s Transit Connect last night, I noticed something interesting. Most of the pictures of this "vanlet" show a TDCi badge on the front grille. That signifies Ford’s turbodiesel engine, a given for sales in Europe where the Connect was designed. Our Transit Connects get a normal 2.0-liter gasoline engine. Sure, the brochure contains some legalese: “Photography and specifications preliminary and subject to change at introduction.” Still, someone should have gotten out the hair dryer and floss and pulled off that grille badge. (In the SEMA spirit, the photo posted here is of a UK sport edition.)

The other thing I noticed: the load floor length specifications are eight inches too short for my whitewater kayaks. If the Transit Connect is going to become the next must-have kayak or surfboard rig, your toys may have to ride on top. Bummer, dude.

—Tom Mutchler

Read about more cars, gear, news, and views from SEMA.