Among the world's car shows, the annual Specialist Equipment Manufacturer Show stands out by virtue of its own special brand of automotive lunacy. Held at Las Vegas Convention Center, SEMA serves as a launchpad for modified cars pushing the limits of performance and design, from both big players and relatively small tuning houses. Following on from our top trucks and SUVs photo gallery, here's a look at the best low-slung sports cars and racers from this year's show.

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution

Lightweighting is at the core of the Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution

Last year, Mazda wowed the SEMA crowds with the pared back Speedster. It took the lightweight focus of the fourth-generation MX-5 to new levels with no windscreen, custom wheels and adjustable coilover suspension. The Speedster Evolution takes that focus to new levels.

The windscreen has again been given the chop, but the addition of a GreenLite G20 Lithium battery and lighter brakes contribute to a total weight saving of 100 lb (45 kg) compared to the 2015 Speedster. All up, the Evolution is 350 lb (159 kg) lighter than the standard MX-5. It also looks incredible, like the lovechild of a Porsche 550 and first-generation Miata.

Chevrolet COPO Camaro

The Camaro COPO is available with three engines, and just 69 will be built for 2017

The Chevrolet Camaro has been a long-time hero for devotees of the traffic-light drag race, but it's also a favorite of professionals. Launched at SEMA this year, the COPO Camaro is ready for amateurs racing in the NHRA Stock Drag Eliminator class.

Gone are the standard rear tires and brakes, and in their place is a set of unassisted drag brakes, different wheels and sticky Hoosier tires with a taller sidewall. Three V8 engines are available, all three of which are hooked up to a three-speed automatic gearbox. Just 69 examples will be built for 2017, and potential buyers need to apply to an independent panel for the right to buy one.

Hyundai Veloster Gurnade

The Hyundai Veloster Gurnade cranks up the drama

Hyundai isn't necessarily known for its sports cars, and it doesn't have the same tuner history as some of the Japanese brands out there, but that hasn't stopped it from diving headlong into SEMA this year.

The Veloster Gurnade is fitted with overblown fender-flares, three-piece wheels and a custom rear-spoiler. There's more power from the turbo four-cylinder engine, thanks to a new intercooler, downpipe and cold-air intake, breathing through a performance cat-back exhaust.

This is just a taste of the action at SEMA. Head through to the gallery to see more of the exciting sports-car concepts from the show and when you're done there, head off-road to check out the best trucks and SUVs of SEMA 2016.