We are going out with a bang or as close to a bang as we can muster. The vibe at the show has been a heavy dose of 'grin and bear it.' This is the biggest challenge the sport compact industry has ever faced. There were two previous dips in the economy in the '90s and early 2000s but the industry was in hyper drive at the time and was bulletproof against the effects. Further these were blips on the radar compared to the economic distress we are currently enduring. Enduring is the key word because endure implies survival, coming out on the other side and getting to the task of rebuilding. Let's hope 2010 is a year of resurgence. I am putting my money on the FT-86, the as yet to be named rear-drive collaboration of Toyota and Subaru. Price it under $20,000 and it should rock. For now let' send off the 2009 show with some performance goods for the Subaru WRX and Nissan 370Z, two platforms that have sustained us through the lean times.

Subaru WRX/STI

Rotational Turbo
2008-up Subaru WRX and WRX STI pilots can put the dagger in their competition's heart with AMS 750R, 850R and 950R turbo kits. These rotated-mount kits feature a two-inch rotated V-band cast stainless up-pipe for improved flow, a 5/8-inch flange and TIG construction improve durability. The kit bolts to stock and aftermarket headers that can also accommodate a stock up-pipe. amsperformance.com.

Whiteline Fever

Whiteline's sway bar and chassis rigidity package includes all you need to stiffen your Subie's chassis. Stout sway bars, chassis triangulation bar and urethane bushings all conspire to add more precision to your WRX's turn-in and mid-turn rotation on the street or track. whiteline.com.

GRB Bottom End

JUN Auto's custom EX Series rebuild kit for the EJ25 doesn't add cubes to the vibrant Boxer four but it does prepare for bigger boost and more abuse. The kit includes a trick, forged crankshaft, JUN's Super Forged rods and big boost forged pistons. junauto.co.jp.

Subie Slam

Add a hunkered stance to your GRB series WRX and reap the benefits of a lower center of gravity and fully adjustable dampening all wrapped in a tasty coilover. H&R's Street Performance coilover is great for street cars that will serve occasional weekend warrior track duty. hrsprings.com.

Nissan 370Z

Buff Bumper
A touch of style and class to your Nissan 370Z with this carbon fiber rear diffuser. Constructed of 3K cross weave carbon fiber, the diffuser features an optional LED center bumper brake light to add an extra accent. evo-r.net.

Intake Options

The Takeda Z/G intake for the Nissan Z and Infiniti G series delivers improved throttle response compared to the stock piece and encouraging power gains, the company claims nine ponies. Takeda is the import division ofAFE, maker of filtration units for European cars. takedausa.com.

Nissan-spec Nitrous

Nitrous Express' dual-nozzle nitrous system combines performance, quality and easy installation in this new nitrous system engineered specifically for Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. It includes an Auto-learn TPS switch which allows the nitrous to activate only at wide open throttle and a direct-plug-in Fuel Line Adapter is provided to simplify installation. nitrousexpress.com.

Fear No Apex

Stop Tech's Big Brake Kit for the 370Z includes floating directional Aerorotors, billet mounting brackets, stainless steel brake lines, high-performance brake pads and forged calipers. Calipers are available in black, red, silver, blue and yellow to add a touch of style while increasing stopping power. stoptech.com.

Carbon Based Z

Seibon has attacked the 370Z with the same gusto as the 350Z. The company has developed a hood, trunk, fenders, doors and ancillary trim pieces to put your Z on a diet and add a flair for the exotic. seibon.com.

gForce Management

Whiteline introduces its sway bar offering for the 370Z. The front bar is a 33mm and features two points of adjustment while the rear bar is 24mm in diameter and sports three adjustment settings delivering the desired amount of roll stiffness for street or track conditions. whiteline.com.au.

The Complete Package

This wild ride spied in the Falken Tires booth embodies everything good about the Z platform. It has HKS under the hood, carbon fiber body trim and a sweet set of Falken's to hook it all up. falkentire.com

Visit UrbanRacer.Com's SEMA Site for more coverage and photos.