Dodge Challenger SRT8 392
Next up was the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. All Challengers get a chassis, interior, and powertrain freshening for 2011, and we've had a chance to sample a couple of examples at our test track and came away favorably impressed. (See our 2011 Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, and Jeep preview.)

But we'll have to wait until SEMA to try the SRT8 392, which punches out an impressive 470 horsepowe, and a matching 470 lb.-ft. of torque. The 392 designation comes from the engine's size in cubic inches, a measurement familiar to those of us raised in the muscle car era, many of whom are the Challenger's target demographic.

The SRT8 392 also gets some suspension tweaks to firm it up, and a quicker steering ratio. Dodge will build 1,492 Inaugural Edition models, with blue paint and white stripes, or white paint and blue stripes.

Fiat 500
It may seem like the hype surrounding the launch of the Fiat 500 has lasted longer than the life spans of most cars, but hang in there, Fiat fans. It continues with the SEMA show car, which the press release is adamant to point out is based on the European version, and not the 500 we will see here. Whatever it's based on, it gets flared wheel wells to accommodate 18-inch rims and fat tires, along with a bunch of other spoilers, sill extensions, and such. It also has a red seat for the driver, but passengers don't get one to match.

Like all modified cars shown at SEMA, the 500 demonstrates the potential for customization.

We'll get a closer look at these, and hundreds more project vehicles in Las Vegas, the first week of November, and report the highlights here.

—Jim Travers