Turbocharged hybrids at SEMA

Some not-so-green hybrids make SEMA appearance

Several hybrid vehicles have found their way onto the floor of the SEMA show this year. Unfortunately, many of them lost their color along the way.

Toyota collaborated with BorgWarner Turbo & Emissions Systems to create the world’s first hybrid turbocharged SUV. According to Toyota, the turbocharged Highlander hybrid "highlights the feasibility of forced induction in a hybrid vehicle. Boost is provided by an AirWerksTM hybrid turbocharger developed specifically for this application, and features a forged billet compressor wheel, a ni-resist turbine housing, and a water-cooled bearing housing to increase longevity. Early testing of the Highlander Hybrid Turbo has shown that vehicle power has increased by close to 20 percent, or 305 hybrid system net horsepower."

West Coast Customs showcased a Toyota Prius that had received "a luxury and performance makeover."

"The green car is starting to make a big effect on the car world, which takes a big effect in our aftermarket world," said Ryan Friedlinghaus, chief of WCC. "People look at the Prius, the younger generation looks at it and says, 'I wouldn't drive that'. Now we made our Prius and the kids start looking at it.