Top Ten UTVs From SEMA 2015

Seth Fargher
by Seth Fargher
Desertworks/GBC RZR XP Turbo


Our favorite UTV builds from the massive expo in Las Vegas


No build would be a true SEMA build if it didn’t involve some late night thrashing in the days leading up to the SEMA show, and that certainly was the case for this XP Turbo in the Greenball Tires booth. This immaculate new (and very white) RZR XP Turbo is the new play car for GBC tires and you can expect to see this machine making the rounds next year at some of the UTV industry’s major events. Kory Ellis, former pro ATV racer and current Sales and Marketing rep for Greenball, is a regular attendee at most of the major UTV events in the southwest and even throws a leg over an ATV now and then. Ellis said the new Turbo car will be right at home in the desert; however, we’re not sure how long that pretty white finish is going to stay clean.

  • Roll Cage with roof – Desertworks
  • Doors – Desertworks
  • Fiberglass trunk and rear bumper – Desertworks
  • Roof rack – Desertworks
  • Door storage bags – Desertworks
  • Switch Plates – Desertworks
  • Wheels – Hiper Technologies by Weld
  • Tires – GBC Mongrel 32x10R14 10Ply
  • Sound bar – MTX audio
  • Subwoofer – MTX audio
  • Steering wheel with quick disconnect – Assault UTV
  • Mirrors rear view/side – Assault UTV
  • Trailing arm armor – Assault UTV
  • Radius/tie rods – Assault UTV
  • Grill – Assault UTV
  • Seat belts – Assault UTV
  • Fire extinguisher mount – Assault UTV
  • Wrap – Proline
  • Light bars – Lazer Star LED
  • Under glow – Whiptech
  • Whips and whip mount – Whiptech
  • Light switches – Whiptech
  • Winch: WARN Industries
3P Offroad Ranger Dually SEMA 2015
3P Edition Polaris Ranger Crew Diesel Dually


Outlandish is a word that comes to mind when you first look at the next machine on our list, but then again, you see a little bit of everything at SEMA. Amazingly, this Polaris Ranger Crew Diesel dually that doubles as a massive boom box was dreamt up barely a month before the SEMA show. When Josh Herzing of 3P Offroad found out that American Force wheels was planning to have a DJ spinning in its booth, he thought, why not just provide a vehicle that could supply the audio? Thanks to the involvement of Wet Sounds audio, this Polaris Ranger was really rocking. So much so, in fact, that to handle the added weight and add a little flare, Herzing and his team decided to turn the Ranger into a dually. The result is one outlandish UTV that turned plenty of heads and caught the attention of anyone within earshot.

  • Lift: 3P Offroad Sinister series 8 inch
  • Axles: Turner Cycles Eagle Level 2 axles
  • Wheels: American Force 22 inch Zink polished dually wheels
  • Aluminum wheel adapters: ZC Machine Works Custom
  • Tires: 33×12.50×22 Super Swamper Bogger Tires
  • Bumper: Tough Country Deluxe Front Bumper
  • Electric Power Steering unit: Super ATV
  • Lighting: Rogue 4 40 inch RGB LED Light bar
  • Battery Power: Four XS Power XS300 Batteries
  • Power Supply/Charger: Xs Power Intelli
  • Audio
  • Amplifiers: Two SD2 & Four SD4 Amps by Wet Sounds
  • Amp Rack: 3P Offroad
  • Speakers: Four Wet Sounds 410 Speaker systems
  • Subs: Two Wet Sounds XXX Comp sub woofers
  • Equalizer: Wet Sounds 420 SQ
  • Microprocessor: Arc Audio PS8
  • Sound Bar: Wet Sounds Stealth 10
  • Rear Fenders: Shrockworks
  • Bed Box: Custom made by Wet Sounds
  • Wrap: Pixelworks
FOX UTV SEMA 2015
FOX Edition Polaris RZR XP Turbo


While FOX has a huge influence in the aftermarket truck industry, we were pleased to see the popular shock manufacturer showcasing its UTV offerings with this super clean Cognito Motorsports built RZR XP Turbo. This machine was actually one of four identical UTVs built to represent different brands at the Sand Sports Super show. All four cars were identical with the exception of the graphics kits for the companies that they represented, which gave them a very clean yet loud visual appeal.

  • Builder: Cognito Motorsports
  • Cage: Cognito w/roof & light bar mounting option
  • Doors: Cognito Opening door kit
  • Suspension: Cognito Long Travel
  • Radius Rods/Cage: Cognito
  • Tie Rods: Cognito
  • Bumper: Cognito w/integrated Rigid Q2 Driving Light
  • Shocks: FOX OEM Internal Bypass Shocks with Cognito Long Travel Calibration & Dual Rate Spring Option
  • Exhaust: Sparks
  • Intake: Sparks
  • Tuner: Sparks
  • Seats: Pro Armor
  • Harnesses: Pro Armor
  • Lighting: Rigid Industries 40” E2 Light Bar
  • Communication: Rugged Radios
  • Tires: 28” STU Sand Blaster & Razor Blaster
  • Wheels: Method 401 Beadlocks
PIAA Lights XP 1000 SEMA 2015
PIAA Polaris RZR XP 1000


While most of the UTV world is obsessing over the new RZR XP Turbo, there are still a few folks hanging on to their perfectly good XP 1000s. This particular beauty was on display in the PIAA booth in the South Upper hall. PIAA is a trusted name in the aftermarket lighting industry and more recently we’ve seen PIAA taking a greater interest in the UTV market. The immaculate all black XP 1000 caught our attention and was definitely one of the better looking UTVs at the SEMA show.

  • Lights
  • PIAA RF Series 18″ LED Lightbars – Hybrid
  • RF 3″ LED Cube Lights – Spot
  • RF 3″ LED Cube Lights – Flood
  • 360 Aluminum Swivel Light Mounts
  • Wheels: Method 15×7 406 UTV Beadlock
  • Tires: Falken WildPeak A/T Tire LT30X9.5R15
  • Shocks: Stock with ZBroz Racing Stage 3 Valving & Spring kit
  • Sway Bar: Currie Enterprises Anti Rock
  • Doors: Dirt Engineered
  • Nerfbars / Tree Kickers: Dirt Engineered
  • Grill: Assault Industries
  • 5-point Harnesses: Beard
  • Seat: UTV Giant Center Seat w/harness
  • Roof: UTV Giant Winged Aluminum
  • Mirror: Axia Alloys Black 9″ Panoramic
Hawaiian Punch Polaris RZR XP 1000
Hawaiian Punch Polaris RZR XP 1000


We originally spied this awesome Hawaiian Punch themed Polaris XP 1000 in the show ’n shine at Dunefest back in August. At SEMA, the vehicle was on display in the JRi Shocks booth and we can’t deny that it makes for an excellent show piece. The machine was built by Dunetech Offroad, a small family run outfit that specializes in one-off ATV and UTV builds, many of which mirror popular brands like Hawaiian Punch, Cheetos and even Dos Equis Beer.

  • Builder: Dunetech Offroad
  • Doors: Dunetech Offroad
  • Frame Gusset Kit: Dunetech Offroad
  • Powder Coating: Dunetech Offroad
  • Cage: CAGE WRX
  • Shocks: JRi ECX 3 Triple Adjustable Shocks
  • Tires: GPS Offroad 30″ 8 Ply DOT approved
  • Wheels: Method Race Wheels
  • Runflat System: Tireblocks
  • Lighting: Rigid Industries
  • Winch & Accessories: WARN Industries
  • Suspension: Teixeira Tech
  • Bumper: Pro Armor
  • Harness: Pro Armor
  • Steering Wheel: Pro Armor
  • Steering Hub: Pro Armor
  • LED Grill: UTV Inc
  • Billet Gear Shifter: UTV Inc
  • HD Wheel Studs: UTV Inc
  • Communication System: Rugged Radios
  • Graphics: Chaos Graphics
Rugged Radios Baja RZR
Rugged Radios Baja RZR


If any one vehicle from the SEMA show could bridge the gap between the automotive and UTV worlds it has to be the Baja RZR from Rugged Radios. Old school desert junkies loved seeing a fully restored bug on display and only after taking a closer look did they realize it was, in fact, a highly modified Polaris RZR. The idea for the hybrid RZR stemmed from the mind of Rugged Radios owner Greg Cottrell, who confessed he’s a diehard fan of the classic bug. Rugged Radios Baja RZR perfectly melds the old school with the new school and we give Greg props for coming up with a completely original idea. If you’re wondering whether the Baja RZR is another all show no go story, its Boondocker tuned and turbocharged engine puts out around 175 horsepower. That’s nearly three times what an original VW 1600cc four cylinder bug produced!

  • Builder: Rugged Radios/NV Fab
  • Body: Modified VW Fiberglass Beetle Front Clip
  • Dash: Modified Factory VW fiberglass Dash
  • Engine: Boondocker Tuned
  • Turbo: Boondocker
  • Exhaust: Gibson
  • Axles: RCV Performance
  • Lights: KC HiLiTES
  • Wheels: Custom by American Racing Wheels
  • Tires: BFG A/T 31×10.5×15
  • Seats: PRP with Custom Mexican Blanket Upholstery
  • Wiring: Positive Ride Travis and Kyler Jecker
  • Communication: Rugged Radios RRP6100 Race Intercom System with 50 Watt Radio
  • Stereo: Rockford Fosgate Speakers with Rugged Radios WM1 Bluetooth
  • Harnesses: PRP 4 Point
  • Fresh Air System: Rugged Radios Dual MAC1 Carbon Fiber Air Pumper System
  • Shocks: KING 14” 2.5” Internal Bypass with Remote, Finned Reservoirs
  • Suspension: HCR Long Travel
  • Paint: Crocketts Premier Auto Body
  • Wrap: Linson Signs
RJ Anderson’s XP1K3 Turbo RZR
RJ Anderson’s XP1K3 Turbo RZR


To celebrate the launch of its third viral video project XP1K3, Polaris had two of RJ Anderson’s XP Turbo machines on display at the SEMA show. One was housed in the Walker Evans Racing booth and the other in the outdoor BFG Pavilion where the XP1K3 video was projected on a massive screen all week long. Considering some of the general public still thinks of UTVs as little more than hopped up golf carts, we think showing the video is a great way to combat the stereotype. As for the vehicle itself, this is a highly modified, purpose-built machine, built to handle the abuse that RJ has built a name and reputation on. Built by Mark Holz of Holz Racing Products, the car houses a 200-horsepower 1132cc Muzzys Big Bore engine complete with a K&T Performance Turbo. If after seeing this vehicle up close you still think it resembles a golf cart, you may want to visit a doctor…stat!

  • Builder: Holz Racing Products
  • Cage: Holz Racing Products Chromoly Tig-Welded Race Cage & Bumpers
  • Suspension: Holz Racing Products Chromoly A-Arms & Trailing Arms
  • Radius Rods: Holz Racing Products
  • Sway Bars: Holz Racing Products (Front & Rear)
  • Shocks: Walker Evans Racing 2.5” Velocity Series
  • Wheels: 15” Walker Evans Racing Bead Locks
  • Tires: 30 X 9.50 X R15 BFGoodrich KR2 UTV Tires
  • 5-Point Harness: Mastercraft Safety 3”
  • Brakes: Factory Polaris Braking System w/ Holz Racing Products Custom XP1K3 Hand Brake System
  • Engine: 200 Horsepower Muzzys Performance 1132cc Big Bore w/ K&T Performance RZR 1000 Turbo System (Tuned by K&T Performance & Redline Racing)
  • Intake: K&T Performance High Performance Intake
  • Exhaust: Muzzys Performance
  • Dash, Passenger Door Panel, Interior Trim & Grill: Next Level Motorsports
  • Dash Electronics: RacePak RZR Display & Data Acquisition and Power Commander DynoJet Pod 300 Display
  • Clutch: STM Powersports Rage 8 Primary & Secondary Snowmobile Clutch w/ Fuel Customs Oversized Clutch Cover
  • Graphics: ProLine Wraps Vehicle Wrap Designed by Mad Media
Rugged Radios Edition Polaris RZR XP Turbo
Rugged Radios Edition Polaris RZR XP Turbo


If we had to pick just one machine to top our list of the coolest UTVs at the show, this would probably be it. The Rugged Radios edition XP Turbo built by Cognito Motorsports was one of the same four identical UTVs built for the Sand Sports Super Show and Cognito Motorsports chose to feature this particular one in its booth. We love the bright blue color scheme coupled with the simple graphic and only the brand that it represents on the side. Apparently we weren’t the only ones drooling over this machine as we were told someone came by the booth earlier in the week and asked if he could take it home with him. Unfortunately SEMA organizers have a strict “no removing vehicles during the show policy” so the gentleman ended up driving home with an empty trailer.

  • Builder: Cognito Motorsports
  • Cage: Cognito w/roof & light bar mounting option
  • Doors: Cognito Opening door kit
  • Suspension: Cognito Long Travel
  • Radius Rods/Cage: Cognito
  • Tie Rods: Cognito
  • Bumper: Cognito w/integrated Rigid Q2 Driving Light
  • Shocks: FOX OEM Internal Bypass Shocks with Cognito Long Travel Calibration & Dual Rate Spring Option
  • Exhaust: Sparks
  • Intake: Sparks
  • Tuner: Sparks
  • Seats: Pro Armori>
  • Harnesses: Pro Armor
  • Lighting: Rigid Industries 40” E2 Light Bar
  • Communication: Rugged Radios
  • Tires: ITP Ultra Cross
  • Wheels: Method 401 Beadlocks
3P Offroad Can-Am Maverick Max XDS Turbo
3P Offroad Can-Am Maverick Max XDS Turbo


The award for biggest UTV influence at the SEMA show definitely had to go to 3P Off-road, as the up fitter from Tomball, Texas had a number of tricked out builds scattered throughout the show. In partnership with American Force Wheels, 3P Off-road had at least five different UTVs on display in two different booths. Amidst a sea of mud ready Polaris RZRs, we spied this Can-Am Maverick Max XDS Turbo with an incredible custom cage and some massive tires. Being located in Texas, most of 3P’s customers are mud enthusiasts, so the rock crawler was outside of the box for them. Owner Josh Herzing told us the goal was a sort of southern rock crawler look with long travel suspension. It’s definitely not what you would expect to see coming down the trail at Moab, but we imagine it looks right at home in the wooded rock crawling areas down south.

  • Builder: 3P Off-road
  • Suspension: CT Raceworx long travel kit
  • Cage: 3P Rock bouncer cage with light bar and sound bar mounts
  • Front Bumper: 3P Custom front winch bumper with winch mount
  • Rear Bumper: 3P Custom rear winch bumper with winch mount
  • Clutching: STM 3P Primary with STM Gen 2 Secondary
  • Exhaust: HMF Custom turbo straight pipe
  • Seats: PRP Custom Blue Suede
  • Winch: KFI Stealth 4500 Winch with Hawse Fairlead and mount
  • Wheels: American Force Beadlock brushed aluminum with blue rings
  • Tires: Super Swamper IROK 35×14.50×17
  • Paint: Eastex Hydrographics with pin striping from SDM Design
  • Battery: XS Power XS 3000 battery
  • Lighting
  • Heretic 40 inch Wraith LED light bar custom colored
  • Heretic 20 inch Wraith LED light bar custom colored
  • Audio
  • Wet Sounds Stealth 6 white sound bar
  • Wet Sounds Rev 8 with swivel clamps x4
  • Wet Sounds SD-6 Amplifier
  • Wet Sounds Under dash Sub box with 10 inch sub
  • Wet Sounds 1 amp wiring kit
  • Ride Controller 16t circuit
BTS Customs 2015 Polaris RZR with Matching Tow Vehicle & Trailer
BTS Customs 2015 Polaris RZR with Matching Tow Vehicle & Trailer


Something you hear a lot from builders at the SEMA show is “we just wanted to do something different.” That seems to be an ongoing theme, but in all reality, just how “different” is another modded out UTV with a ton of accessories and a custom wrap? Well, Rusty Montgomery and his team at BTS Customs decided they wanted to do something different and they found a customer with a big enough imagination to turn them loose and create it. This Polaris RZR with matching trailer and tow vehicle turned plenty of heads and caught the attention of both the automotive and UTV crowd. Not bad for a company that says it’s only dabbling in custom built UTVs.

  • Builder: BTS Customs
  • Cage: Custom Bent & Chopped
  • Lift: BTS Customs 10” Suspension Lift
  • Axles: Turner Evo Axles
  • Gearing: Turner Gear Reduction & HD Reverse Chain
  • Wheels: 24×11 American Force Evo Wheels
  • Tires: BKT TR-171 40”
  • Exhaust: HMF Full Dual Exhaust
  • Lighting: 30” Rigid Industries SR Series Light Bar & 10” Rigid Industries SR Series Light Bar
  • Audio
  • Controller: Wet Sounds Bluetooth EQ
  • Speakers: Four Wet Sounds REV 10 Speakers W/ Color Rings
  • Subs: Two 12″ Wet Sounds Subs W/ Custom Hidden Boxes
  • Doors: Pro Armor Full Aluminum Doors
  • Wrap: Pixelwerks Media
  • Headlights: Custom by Plain An Simple
  • Accessories: VV Concepts Spiked Lug nuts
Seth Fargher
Seth Fargher

Growing up in Oregon, most of Seth's involvement in the powersports world was limited to what he saw in magazines and videos. Following a brief stint in the corporate world, Seth took a flying leap (literally) and moved to California to pursue a career in freestyle motocross. Though short lived, the opportunity immersed him in the industry and is now a well-established off-road writer.

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