SEMA Preview: Ford promises no shortage of hopped-up Mustangs
2009 SEMA Mustangs - Click above for a high-res image gallery
There have always been plenty of Ford Mustangs at SEMA, ranging from the terrible and horrifying to the stunningly beautiful. This year looks to be no different, and we can expect plenty of pony cars to be on hand in Las Vegas, good or bad. Just a week before we make the annual trek out out to Sin City, Ford has provided a preview of some of the 'Stangs we can expect to see on the floor.
The list includes some familiar names, like 3dCarbon, Galpin Auto Sports, H&R Springs, and Steeda, all of which have put their unique touch on the new styling of the 2010 Mustang. A few of them look like they have a lot of potential including a carbon fiber bodied 550-horsepower Mustang built by drifter extraordinaire Vaughn Gittin Jr., while others like fashion designer-inspired black and gold Mustang might not receive rave reviews. Check 'em all out in the gallery below.
Gallery: 2009 SEMA Mustangs
PRESS RELEASE:
LAS VEGAS – The Ford Mustang, America's favorite muscle car, is also the most customized car in the $31.8 billion aftermarket industry, and there will be no shortage of polished-up ponies at this year's SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show, which is being held Nov. 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
"The Mustang is an iconic car," said Melvin Betancourt, Ford SEMA design manager. "People always want to reinvent it, and everybody has an idea about what the next Mustang should be."
According to Allison Revier, Ford Mustang marketing manager, much of Mustang's popularity in the aftermarket is steeped in tradition.
"Many fathers pass down their classic Mustangs to their sons to restore," she said. "They form emotional ties to the car and create special memories."
But what really drives Mustang's success is a universally shared desire among owners to make their steed unique, says Revier. "The Mustang is a 'Look at me' car," she said. "You don't want to have the same Mustang that the guy down the street has. You want to stand apart."
In an effort to feed customization-hungry pony car enthusiasts, Ford recently launched the 2010 Mustang Customizer at www.the2010Mustang.com, a Web site offering an online experience that allows people to create their own virtual Mustangs, choosing colors and decals to complement the all-new design.
"Since we know the first thing customers do when they buy a Mustang is customize it, we wanted to show them everything they could do," explained Revier. "Some of it is concept – changing colors and stripes – but the site also gives us a chance to showcase our Genuine Ford Accessories as well as other aftermarket parts."
The response has been overwhelming. In just two months, more than 1 million custom Mustangs have been built on the site. "The Mustang Customizer allows users to get closer to this new product, as well as connect to the brand in a creative way because they can truly make it their own," said Adam Barrow, Ford digital marketing analyst. "Self-expression is what this brand is about."
Self-expression is evident with the Mustang project vehicles on display at this year's SEMA show, according to Revier. "They all look dramatically different, and that's what I think is so great about it," she said. "Everyone starts out with the same vehicle, but each aftermarket builder turns it into something completely distinctive."
Ernie Bunnell, vice president of sales and marketing for 3dCarbon of Newport Beach, Calif., says his Mustang is unique because it is a modern-day version of 3dCarbon's award-winning 2005 Mustang Boy Racer.
"We are introducing the 2010 Boy Racer – an evolution of styling from the old to the new," said Bunnell. "With its bold, aerodynamic design, this vehicle is sure to turn heads."
In addition to a 3dCarbon Boy Racer body kit, the red Mustang with white racing stripes features a front "E" grille, rear window trim, window louvers with gel decal inserts, headlight splitters and decklid spoiler – all created by 3dCarbon.
The official motto of Steeda Autosports, "Speed matters," is most certainly reflected in the Steeda Mustang that will be on display at SEMA.
"The Steeda Q350 is embodied with the very soul of Mustang performance," said Dario Orlando, president of Steeda Autosports. "It combines the dynamics and agility of a high-performance sports racer with the everyday practicality and comfort of America's original pony car – all in one integrated package."
The Steeda Mustang has an array of modifications, including a functional body kit with unique aerodynamic features, an upgraded street/track suspension system, numerous powertrain enhancements and a top-notch sport interior.
Ford Vehicle Personalization also will have a Mustang on display at SEMA. The vehicle, which features Ford Custom Accessories, sports a unique Carbon Black Metallic custom-colored exterior accented with satin gold 20-inch wheels and gold-tinted headlights and fog lamps. The interior continues the gold theme, with gold leather seat and door trim inserts, seat piping, steering wheel cover and shifter boot.
"Metallic gold is currently very much in fashion throughout the design world," said Mark Conforzi, chief designer, Ford Vehicle Personalization. "There is a wide variety of modern gold finishes that can be seen in fashion apparel designs from Stella McCartney, Dior, Prada and Alexander McQueen. I would like to encourage gold finishes on our future products, in subtle and technical applications presented in a modern way."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Brian 7:05PM (10/26/2009)
Ford is living in borrowed time. They'll soon get a "proper" bailout (in addition to the ones they've already gotten from the DOE and the C4C programs) soon.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-death-watch-49-gypsies-tramps-and-thieves/
Reply
some1 7:39PM (10/26/2009)
The sad thing is you seem to be getting off on this idea, true or false.
Brian 7:40PM (10/26/2009)
What a strawman. I'm just speaking the TRUTH.
Ford is going down the drain. They built crappy cars for too long and Lincoln especially is a joke. Just a joke.
some1 7:53PM (10/26/2009)
The truth? That is bias ridden possibility...
I don't think any of them are in great shape myself, but theres a difference between that, and just blabbing on autoblog every day hoping a major employer kicks the can, or has to get aid from us. Maybe putting large amounts of families out of a job.
I personally think that Ford has done a pritty good job. And what everyone seems to forget, is that almost everyone has been bailed out by the DOE or the states that need the factories there. What about all the other automakers that needed help?
The main reason for their fall was nothing more then the banks trading on the market, causing a locking up of credit. Along with that, gas shot up.
Ford built what we wanted, SUV's, and we changed our minds over night. They had to adapt quickly, and even then people were still buying F-150's over most cars sold. The credit lock up from the banks killed the automakers. Not just Ford.
Even ToMoCo got help...
RandyMarsh980 7:55PM (10/26/2009)
Have you seen the new lineup????? Quality vehicles with great styling and stunning engines. Ford's market share is growing and they are getting closer and closer to making a profit. Stop trolling and gtfo.
Brian 8:00PM (10/26/2009)
"Have you seen the new lineup?????"
Hmmm, let's see:
Focus: fugly, no hatchback, cheap ass interior, so much a rental it Hertz
Fusion: Has a dumbass "bling"-y razor blade grille, incredibly overpriced for what it is
Taurus: An obese, lard-ass "full size" sedan with mid-size interior room, over-priced, has a name everyone associates with crap airport rentals
Crown Vic: Now that's just too easy
Escape: Old
Edge: What is the point of this SUV?
Explorer: '90s gas guzzler
Expedition: Bloated gas guzzling pig
Yeah, that sure is a strong line up!
Brian 8:01PM (10/26/2009)
And notice how all of Ford's cars are based on transplant platforms (Mazda and Volvo), all except the Mustang and dinosaur Panther. Not a good sign....Ford doesn't know how to engineer it's own platforms anymore.
Randy 8:04PM (10/26/2009)
Pure babble. Back up your statements with facts. Until then, log off. (By the way, propaganda (your link) is not factual.)
Brian 8:05PM (10/26/2009)
"By the way, propaganda (your link) is not factual.)"
How so?
Randy 8:18PM (10/26/2009)
Well, first of all it doesn't contain ANY facts. It's a subjective rambling - just like your own perception.
You obviously haven't been paying attention to their upcoming offerings, eg., Focus, Fiesta, engines, S-duty, etc, etc.
Based on your "example", you probably don't understand...
BTW, slamming the Mustang. See above. It's a cash cow.
I can't believe you sucked me into this conversation... It's pathetic.
El Sunbird 8:24PM (10/26/2009)
Keep on trollin'
Brian 8:34PM (10/26/2009)
Randy, RF provided facts and figures like cash burn rates and you did not address his points. Wishful thinking will not save Ford. Clearly he, I, and Matt all have a vastly superior understanding of the automotive industry. For example, he predicted that GM would go bankrupt when many here (and GM themselves) said it was "impossible". This was back in 2005! He was right, you were wrong.
Brian 8:35PM (10/26/2009)
@Sunbird--
Keep on havin' a screen name that refers to a third rate car from a crap brand that has now been deep sixed.
some1 8:46PM (10/26/2009)
brian,
Your opinions of each of Fords models are just that, opinions, totally subjective. If you look at the sales figures, the fusion alone proves you wrong.
It's funny how subjective your statements can be, and yet you pretend like everything you say is fact. Thats called bias... And I'm sure if I stated that all of Fords line up is gorgeous, you would simply dismiss it.
I still stand by my initial point that for some reason you get off on all this. It's like you want ford to fail, so you can prove all your little friends on this blog wrong. Such a big wish, for such a pointless cause don't you think?
I'm not saying Ford will do great, or fail... but i am saying your pathetic.
Brian 8:48PM (10/26/2009)
The Accord, Camry, and Altima ALL outsell the pathetic Fusion.
click_playaz 8:50PM (10/26/2009)
Ford has a good lineup, but Most people would prefer Infiniti or BMW over ford. all I mean is they will get M3 and G37 over Shelby and Mustang GT.
In fact people in the blog always say bring Fiesta, and Focus RS here. Do you guys think how many will buy THOSE CARS?
some1 9:00PM (10/26/2009)
"The Accord, Camry, and Altima ALL outsell the pathetic Fusion."
Yep, your right... fusion sales equal zero, fords not making any money off them... I don't see a billion of them on the road every day.
God what was i thinking...
RandyMarsh980 9:07PM (10/26/2009)
Brian have you seen the slump in Honda and Toyota sales? And yeah right you have "superior knowledge of the Auto industry" I am a Ford tech and I get all the latest and greatest training via online web courses. You would be 100% BLOWN away by some of this stuff. The complexity of how the Sync system works, or the pure awesomeness of Ecoboost. Also the killer stuff that is coming within the next year or two. I mean a Euro spec Focus, or Fiesta, or how about the rebirth of the 5.0L Mustang. Oh yeah and one of the best large Diesels ever made. GM, Toyota, or Honda have no diesel can can come close to it............... and it's built in house from scratch. The Taurus is a FULL sizes car with an amazing interior and is just stunning to look at. The SVT Raptor is just kick ass, sure not practical, but they are selling a good number of them. The F-150 is better then ever. I work on these cars everyday, I know them inside and out. I have seen the stuff from 5 years ago and when you compare it to now it's day and night. I use to really hate Ford but they are in the right direction.
Also when more or less every other major Auto site and or Mag (even readers digest, which is normally imports) says Ford is going well and making good cars that says something.
Brian 9:09PM (10/26/2009)
Randy, they basically ate the brains of Volvo and Mazda, but now that the parasite has consumed the host, what will Ford do now?
BlackEmblem 9:28PM (10/26/2009)
Yeaah... and who is the one here who thought that the Lexus marque doesn't exist in Japan?
Even if your radical sentiments were true, Brian, I don't think I would be able to them if I tried. Or anyone, for that matter.