8 hours ago
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A clever new canopy, on debut at SEMA, could change everything you think about utes.
Want the flexibility of a ute with the functionality of a canopy?
American vehicle accessories firm Black River is set to showcase its new Matrix GT canopy at the 2025 SEMA show in Las Vegas this week.
The Matrix GT canopy is fitted with struts mounted to the sports-bar frame, which sees the whole top lift up so that owners can access the ute tub as conveniently as if it were fitted with a standard hard-top.
Constructed from aluminium to keep weight down, the Matrix GT canopy allows ute owners to carry more cargo in the tub, with the security of a covered top. The tops weigh between 45 and 60 kilograms, depending on the specific vehicle application, and open to a height of two meters, making it easy to access the ute tub when open.
Black River has offered this style of canopy (called a ‘Topper’ in the USA) for some time, but previous versions have extended above the roofline of the ute, where the new Matrix GT keeps the height consistent.
The brand offers a canopy for Chevrolet, Jeep, Nissan, RAM, Toyota and Ford vehicles, even the Ranger. It is priced from $US4195 ($A6371), plus fitting, with a powered strut lift available for $US995 ($1500) extra.
Black River do not currently have a documented distribution agreement with any supplier in Australia, but Drive has reached out to the brand to see if purchase and shipping can be arranged directly with the manufacturer in the United States.
Now in its 58th year, the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) trade show is designed for aftermarket and accessory manufacturers to showcase new products and developments. It is one of the largest trade shows held in Las Vegas each year, and hosted over 160,000 attendees in 2024.
With over 20 years of experience in digital publishing, James Ward has worked within the automotive landscape since 2007 and brings experience from the publishing, manufacturer and lifestyle side of the industry together to spearhead Drive's multi-media content direction.
