GALLERY SPECIAL - SEMA Show

Top American tuning show hits Las Vegas

Known as the Stormtrooper, this Concept was penned by a group of Star Wars fans working in the Dodge design studios. Under the menacing bodywork is a powerful 4.0-litre V6 mated to a hi-tech four-wheel drive system.

With 500bhp and classic lines this Hot Rod replica from Chevrolet looks everybit the gas-guzzling dragster. However, instead of a traditional V8 it uses a bio-ethanol burning 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant.

American TV star Jay Leno has developed this supercar chasing Corvette. Influenced by the C6R racers, it is kitted out with a 600bhp E85 ethanol powered 8.2-litre V8, aerodynamic bodykit and lightweight cabon-fibre body panels.

The Solstice SD 290 harks back to classic sports racers of the fifties. Featuring a single seat layout, cockpit tonneau and a turbocharged 290bhp 2.0-litre powerplant it promises to be a focused driving machine.

Here's an even more rugged version of the already tough Hummer H2. Called the 'Safari Off-Road' it has been kitted out with camouflage green paint, a canvas roof and weather proof interior trim.

The wild looking SXForce takes its inspiration from the Japanese firm's motorbikes. Behind the gaping front grille is a 250bhp 2.0-litre petrol motor connected to a grippy four-wheel drive chassis.

Sold under the Saturn badge, this Astra is one of the few hot hatches available  Stateside. Although it borrows many styling cues from the British VXR version it has to make do with a 1.8-litre engine that puts out just 160bhp.

This Cadillac CTS concept signals the American manufacturer's intention to take the BMW 5-Series head on. Underneath the aggressive body styling is a 304bhp 3.6-litre engine and sporty interior.

You can't get more all-American than a basball themed pick-up truck. At the rear is a fold out big screen TV and games console. Climb aboard and you'll find trim made with the same wood as the World Series players use in their bats.

If the G8 GT looks familiar then there's a good reason - its basically a Vauxhall VXR8. it may have lost the imposing rear spolier but it still packs the same 6.0-litre V8, although it's detuned to 362bhp and hooked up to an auto 'box.

This jacked-up Jeep is based on the standard Wrangler model. Designed for serious mud-plugging it features a powerful winch, massive off-road tyres and a special 'Surf Blue' paint finish.

According to Dodge BFT stands for 'Bulit For Towing'. The giant American pick-up has been stretched by over 600mm, with the load bay alone measuring over three metres - that's over a third longer than a Smart ForTwo!