TRENDSPOTTING: STUD or DUD - Are Old-School Steel "Caps" Set To Make A Comeback?

One of the big reasons why we love the SEMA Show over others is because it is the event to spot the upcoming trends in the automotive world. Typically speaking, I would say that SEMA is ahead of the curve by approximately a year.

Take, for example, matte paint jobs. The first place I got a real idea of the possibilities was after seeing Agent 001's photos from SEMA. Now you can't go anywhere without matte paint jobs and just about every manufacturer has stepped up to the plate and has shown a matte concept or offers a special edition matte finish on its products.

We think there could be another trend just over the horizon, folks. That would be the return of old-school style "caps."

Not only did Volkswagen offer a unique cap-inspired wheel for its 2013 Volkswagen Beetle but at the 2012 SEMA Show we saw these vintage style wheels appear on several vehicles. Take, for example, the two Fiat 500s showed by Chrysler Group. In addition, Chrysler also showed a unique Jeep Wrangler JK with an old-school body kit and a set of old-school caps.

That said, we want to know: Are old-school caps due for a comeback AND is the look STUDLY or just a DUD?


The 2012 SEMA Show Gallery and coverage is sponsored by Lexus

Official 2012 SEMA Show Photo Gallery

PUGPROUD - 11/6/2012 7:49:07 AM

0 Boost

Cool is as cool does ! Bring back the Rally wheels for Camaro's too.

85bmw745i - 11/9/2012 2:27:22 PM

+1 Boost

They already have a throwback to the Camaro RS wheels from the 80's

atc98092 - 11/6/2012 8:13:39 AM

+3 Boost

I'm fine with the caps again, although personally I'll stick with alloy wheels. Looks far better then the way everyone now takes their wheel covers off and just run the steel wheels with the lug nuts showing.

As far as matte, again my personal opinion is it looks like the car is painted with primer. I think it looks terrible, but if someone likes it, more power to them.

85bmw745i - 11/9/2012 2:28:05 PM

+1 Boost

I'm mixed on the issue but must admit VW did good on their caps.