Honda aims for the tuner market at SEMA 2005

is reporting that Honda will unveil tuner versions of the 2006 Civic Si and Ridgeline pickup at this year's SEMA. After playing a huge role in the early days of the tuner movement with its Civic models, the automaker fell out of favor with tuners, as its cars became bigger, heavier and less performance-oriented.

SEMA 2005 apparently signals Honda's aim to recapture the high ground in the tuner market, using the 2006 Civic Si to spearhead the campaign. Honda is not only SEMA's "vehicle manufacturer of the show," but the 06 Civic is the marquee "vehicle of the show."

The modified Civic and Ridgeline are under construction and under wraps, but expect a high profile unveiling in Las Vegas.