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Super modified saloons at SEMA 2013: in pictures

SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association, and every year it holds a big event in Las Vegas to showcase the very best in weird and wonderful modified car creations. But unlike certain other modified car shows we could mention, the emphasis is very much on premium quality and good taste. Let us guide you through some of the very best super saloons on show at the 2013 SEMA Car Show.

Porsche Macan means 1,000 extra jobs at Porsche

The Porsche take on the Audi Q5 – the new Porsche Macan – looks set to be Porsche’s biggest selling model ever and means 1,000 new jobs at Porsche. The ‘baby’ Cayenne – the Porsche Macan – is Porsche’s take on the Audi Q5 and a model that looks set to take Porsche’s sales to levels undreamed of a decade ago (pre-Cayenne). But although the Macan is based on the Q5 – just as the Cayenne shares its underpinnings with the Q7 and Touareg – Porsche say it will still be a red-blooded Porsche – the ‘Sports’ car in its sector – when it goes on sale later in 2013, so we don’t expect to see a lethargic eco diesel under the bonnet, although a fettled 2.0 litre TDI is highly likely.

International Engine of the Year Awards to focus on fuel efficiency

Like the Oscars of the Otto cycle, the Grammys of gasoline, the International Engine of the Year Awards are a big deal in the industry. For 2013, the awards will continue to focus on green technology, pitting gasoline, compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrid and all-electric powerplants against each other for the title of "international engine of the year." Ford's 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine took top honors last year. Besides the top award, other categories include best green engine, best new engine and best performance engine, each voted on by journalists from around the world.