Autoblog

Ford Focus ST makes presence known with five custom cars in Vegas

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Performance, Hatchback, Ford

These are the funky quintet of five custom Ford Focus STs that were teased not long ago, built by Tanner Foust Racing, Bojix, M&J Enterprises, Galpin Auto Sports and Steeda Autosports.

Tanner went for the weekday commuter turned weekend track and canyon star (top); Bojix headed for "European design cues," which apparently means orange paint and big brakes (above, left); M&J called Cosworth, upped the power and braced the suspension, then draped the package in the marvelously named Tangerine Scream (above, right); the Galpins we know so well went daily-rally-car with a roof scoop, methanol injection and a WRC exterior aesthetic (below, left); and Steeda went for quiet yet very serious business with its G-Trac suspension and 19-inch wheels (below, right).

You can check each Focus ST out in the high-res gallery above, and you'll find a few more details on each in the press release below.

Continue reading Ford Focus ST makes presence known with five custom cars in Vegas

Ford Focus ST makes presence known with five custom cars in Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford teases five SEMA-bound Focus ST concept cars

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Performance, Hatchback, Ford

Ford has revealed a few images of five tuned Focus ST concepts that will be shown off at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this month. None of this group of five is overly subtle, which would run counter to the spirit of SEMA itself, and all hope to highlight the performance nature of Ford's newest hot hatch. In no particular order then, here are the quick-and-dirty facts on each car, in advance of the full details out of Vegas:

2013 Ford Focus ST by Tanner Foust Racing (top): X Games warrior Tanner Foust wanted his ST to be able to go from work to the track, while not being too harsh for commuting in Southern California. A body kit, MagnaFlow exhaust and fully adjustable front and rear suspension have been added.
2013 Ford Focus ST by Bojix Design (upper left): The Bojix Design car stands out mostly for its eye-catching orange paint, black hood and low-rider stance. Upgraded brakes and coil-over springs are noted performance adds.
2013 Ford Focus ST by M&J Enterprises (upper right): M&J partnered with Ford, Cosworth LLC for ultimate performance. Ford Racing engine and suspension upgrades result in an aggressively fast car putting out some 330 horsepower.
2013 Ford Focus ST by Galpin Auto Sports (lower left): The sinister Galpin car, rocking some shockingly green wheels, was meant as a rally car-inspired build. The menacing looks of the body kit are backed by methanol injection and larger brakes, creating a car that the tuner claims is rally-ready.
2013 Ford Focus ST by Steeda Autosports (lower right): Steeda has added its own "G-Trac" suspension to its SEMA Focus, as well as Brembo brakes and a custom 19-inch wheel and tire package.

Continue reading Ford teases five SEMA-bound Focus ST concept cars

Ford teases five SEMA-bound Focus ST concept cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford Focus hatches wicked tuner concepts

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Ford

As popular as their vehicles are with aftermarket customizers, Ford wouldn't miss out on something like the SEMA show. And while the Mustang and various Ford trucks play a big role in the Blue Oval booth this year, a significant part of the Motor Company's exposition centers around the latest Focus.

All-in-all, seven Focus models are on display this year. 3dCarbon has busted one out in a white matte finish with tinted windows and red accents, plus roof spoiler, Eibach springs and Pirelli rubber. Roush has brought out a Stage 3 upgraded Focus complete with supercharger, custom induction and exhaust systems and body kit. The ID Agency is bridging the gap between Japanese and European tuner trends with its dark green model, packing Magnaflow exhaust, Brembo brakes, Recaro seats and even a Thule bike rack.

The only sedan among all the hatchback versions has been done up by Capaldi Racing, with a Borla exhaust, Torsen diff, AST suspension and a big orange splitter jutting out the front. Steeda's Focus hatchback packs an aftermarket intake, sway back and springs, with an engine bay filled with billet aluminum-style components and 19-inch monoblock alloys with Nitto rubber.

Bojix Design's Stage 2 show car has been done up (like the 3dCarbon and Roush models) in white, black and red, with a full aero kit, 20-inch wheels on H&R suspension packing AP Racing brakes and a full leather and Alcantara interior. Finally, COBB Tuning (best known for its Subaru work) has gone with a racing approach, complete with turbocharger, intercooler, upgraded breathing apparati, reworked suspension, and super-sized brakes.

You can check 'em all out in our high-res gallery of live images from the show floor, the factory-released renderings in the gallery below and the details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ford Focus hatches wicked tuner concepts

Ford Focus hatches wicked tuner concepts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford unhinges rest of its Explorer-filled, SEMA-bound toybox

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Ford, Design/Style

Galpin Auto Sports Explorer - Click above for high-res image gallery of Ford customs to debut at SEMA

SEMA 2010 is just around the corner and Ford has supplied a number of vehicles to various aftermarket tuning companies ahead of the festivities. The 2011 Ford Explorer is just one of the vehicles receiving the tuner treatment, but it's getting a lot of attention. Ford has supplied three of them to different companies, to create three different styles: Urban, Luxury and Adventure.

The Urban style was handled by Funkmaster Flex and the Team Baurtwell shop. The crew from GAS, or Galpin Auto Sports, turned its Explorer into a high-end machine for Luxury. CGS Motorsports handled Adventure and added lifestyle touches to the 'ute while still providing an upscale, custom feel.

Other vehicles wearing a Blue Oval at SEMA include;

2011 Lincoln MKX by ID Agency
2011 Ford Taurus SHO by Rick Bottom Designs
2011 Ford Taurus SHO by H&R Springs
2011 Ford Edge by K-Daddy Kustomz
2011 Ford Fusion Sport by Steeda Autosports

You can view each vehicle in the gallery below, and a full press release is available after the jump.

Gallery: Ford's lineup for SEMA 2010

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford unhinges rest of its Explorer-filled, SEMA-bound toybox

Ford unhinges rest of its Explorer-filled, SEMA-bound toybox originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA Preview: Fiesta to dominate Ford booth

Chris Paukert — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Budget, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta at SEMA - Click above for image gallery

We've only just gotten over our jet lag from the Paris Motor Show, but there's no stopping the yearly auto expo schedule and the aftermarket insanity that is the annual SEMA show is just around the corner.

This year's show will see the Ford Motor Company continuing to make a lot of noise with its effervescent little subcompact juggernaut, the Fiesta, along with a string of debuts planned from various tuners. But that isn't stopping the Blue Oval from bringing a little heat of its own to the Las Vegas show floor, including a concept car that features a 350-horsepower 2.3-liter four-pot (a bored-out version of the production 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine) and a slew of off-the-shelf Ford Racing Performance parts.

Also on the floor will be a series of other Fiesta showcars including models put together by 3dCarbon, H&R Springs, FSWerks and Steeda Autosports, among others.

We'll be on-hand to capture all the zaniness that is SEMA from November 2 through November 5, so stay tuned. While you're waiting, however, be sure to check out our gallery below and Ford's official release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Fiesta to dominate Ford booth

SEMA Preview: Fiesta to dominate Ford booth originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta by Ford Custom Accessories - Click above for high-res image gallery

While introducing the folks at the LA Auto Show to the American-market 2011 Ford Fiesta, Ford decided to go a step further. They didn't just show the production sedan and hatchback, they also showed off the possibilities the platform presents as well. They had four customized Fiestas on display, done up by companies like H&R, 3dCarbon, FSWerks, and Steeda, as well as Ford's in-house Racing and Custom Accessories team. And just for good measure, they also brought along that wicked Kenny Brack X-Games Rally Fiesta as well.

There's a full press release after the jump, but here is a brief summary of the four featured vehicles:

Black Fiesta:

This car was put together by Ford Racing and Steeda Autosports. It features Steeda's cold air intake, a Borla/Ford Racing Performance cat-back exhaust system, Steeda/Ford Racing suspension upgrades, Ford Racing multi-spoke Euro wheels and Brembo anchors.

Blue Fiesta:

The blue car was built by H&R Special Springs. Naturally, it received some suspension tuning with an H&R Street Performance monotube coil-over kit and a set of spiffy 18-inch OZ SuperTurismo GT wheels. It's also the beneficiary of some Euro reverse-engineering via "Sticky Jewell custom graphics, custom Euro hood vents, stealthy blacked-out headlamps and a Ford Custom Accessories upper rear hatch spoiler."

White Fiesta:

The white Fiesta (above) features Ford Custom Accessories, so it ought to be the easiest model the Average Joe to copy. Nearly every styling element can be purchased from the Ford Custom Accessories, Ford Licensed Accessories or Ford Racing Performance Parts catalogs. And get used to those graphics, because Ford has taken this opportunity to add a whole new line of them for the Fiesta. You can see the whole collection at fordfiestagraphics.com.

Red Fiesta:

Last, but certainly not least, is the red Fiesta by 3dCarbon and FSWerks. It's the only one of the four that has some serious rejiggering underhood. It features an FSWerks Stage 2 intercooled turbo kit and 2.25-inch exhaust system. It also sports a 3dCarbon body kit with an "aggressive front air dam, aerodynamic side skirts and rear lower accent trim."

We'd probably mix and match among these mods, perhaps the H&R suspension, the Brembos from the Steeda car, the OZ wheels and that FSWerks turbo setup. Or maybe we'd just take Brack's car. Check out the gallery by clicking below and more details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta Customs

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Ford]

Continue reading LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities

LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2009: Pick your Mustang, any Mustang

Drew Phillips — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:19:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Ford Mustangs at SEMA - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last week we showed you a preview of some of the Mustangs that were going to be at SEMA, and now we can bring you live photos of them from the show floor. Despite the common platform, each of the Mustangs has a unique look and even a unique color. We especially liked the versions from Street Scene Equipment and H&R Springs, although we weren't feeling the gold and black theme on the Mustang built by Ford Vehicle Personalization.

If none of those suit your tastes, you can also pick 3dCarbon's take on the 2010 Mustang, Steeda's new Q-Series Mustang, or the drag-themed pony car from Paul's High Performance. Just browse through the high-res gallery below and pick your favorite.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: The Ford Mustangs

SEMA 2009: Pick your Mustang, any Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Steeda previews 2010 Q Series Mustang ahead of SEMA unveiling

Drew Phillips — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2010 Steeda Q Series Mustang - Click above for an image gallery

Steeda has long been synonymous with high-performance Mustangs, customizing and racing the pony cars for the past twenty years. In July the Florida-based tuner showed off its first version of the 2010 Mustang, the Sport Edition, which featured fairly simple upgrades, including new wheels and tires, minor suspension upgrades, graphics, and the like. We assumed more was to come, especially in terms of horsepower, and it looks like we won't have to wait long to see what Steeda has for us next.

The company announced this week that it'll unveil the 2010 Q Series Mustang at SEMA next month, although specific details are far and few between. Company founder Dario Orlando promises the company's new take on Ford's pony car will be devoid of compromises or shortcuts, and we're sure the result will be nothing less than impressive if Steeda's previous Mustangs are anything to go by. We expect the 4.6L V8 will likely benefit from a twin-screw supercharger, adding triple-digit horsepower increases, and the suspension should receive extensive upgrades developed from Steeda's racing program. Stay tuned for more details as Steeda releases them, and be sure to look for our coverage of the official unveiling in just a few short weeks at SEMA.

Gallery: 2010 Steeda Q Series Mustang

[Source: Steeda]

Continue reading Steeda previews 2010 Q Series Mustang ahead of SEMA unveiling

Steeda previews 2010 Q Series Mustang ahead of SEMA unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Steeda gets all tweaky with Ford's Edge

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Crossover, Ford

If you need more edge - and speed - for your Ford Edge, Steeda could have the package for you. Called the Steeda Edge Sport, it is claimed to be "the perfect answer to those that want to have it all." And by "all," the tuner apparently means an eight-piece body kit, brushed-look interior trim and cross-stitching on custom leather, smoked head- and taillight trim, and 22-inch polished aluminum wheels.

Under those double-dubs lurk Brembo's six-piston Big Brake kit, and under the rear bumper you'll find a Magnaflow cat-back exhaust and a Steeda custom trailer hitch cover. Steeda has yet to release any power figures, but there figures to be a bump of some sort considering that under the hood resides a cold-air intake and cool-tube, a new throttle-body spacer, and an ECU tune. You can read the rest of the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Steeda Edge Sport

[Source: Steeda]

Continue reading Steeda gets all tweaky with Ford's Edge

Steeda gets all tweaky with Ford's Edge originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Steeda announces 2010 Sport Edition Mustang [*UPDATED]

Drew Phillips — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Ford tuning specialists Steeda Autosports have been teasing the 2010 version of their Q-Series Mustang for quite some time, and apparently for some of their customers, it can't come soon enough. To help deal with requests, the Florida-based company has introduced a Sport Edition model that utilizes an array of parts already in the Steeda catalog.

This particular steed is tweaked to handle, with upgraded billet lower control arms, sport springs, and 20-inch chrome wheels wrapped with Nitto NT05 high-performance tires. Other modifications include a sport shifter, underdrive performance pulleys, a performance air cleaner, and distinctive Steeda graphics. At ~~$8995~~ $6,995, the pricing seems pretty steep, especially without any significant power upgrades, but we have to admit it's one good looking pony car.

[Source: Muscular Mustangs]

*UPDATE: Steeda representatives have contacted Autoblog with correct information regarding the new Sport Edition, including a different, wallet-friendlier package price of $6,995 (the source article cited incorrect information). The full, official press release has been added after the jump.

Continue reading Steeda announces 2010 Sport Edition Mustang [*UPDATED]

Steeda announces 2010 Sport Edition Mustang [*UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2007: Steeda Ford Focus Club Racer

Drew Phillips — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Ford

click image above for high-res gallery of the Steeda Focus Club Racer

Steeda has had great success building Mustangs for the track, and it's applied its magic touch to the new Ford Focus to create a club racer version of the car. The suspension has been reworked with a fully adjustable Eibach coilover setup, and a Baer brake system ensures increased stopping cability. The 2.0-liter inline-4 has been pumped up with Steeda's cold air intake, cat-back exhaust system, and a performance tune. Visually, the Club Racer also gets a 3d Carbon Euro Series body kit, a custom black grille, a new front end, and Club Racer graphics. Does it make the new Focus better looking than its mishapen production counterpart? Actually, it does.

Gallery: 2008 Steeda Ford Focus Club Racer

SEMA 2007: Steeda Ford Focus Club Racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

More Mustang Madness: Steeda uncorks its own GT500

Alex Nunez — Tue, 01 May 2007 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Ford

Click image for high-res photo gallery of the Steeda GT500

Yes, kids: it's another Mustang. Today's addition to the ever-lengthening list of ponycar variants offered by Ford, Shelby, Saleen, and others comes from big-time Ford aftermarket presence, Steeda. The Pompano Beach-based company has unveiled the Steeda GT500, which, as you've correctly surmised by now, uses Ford's 500-horsepower Shelby GT500 as its starting point.

As you've also probably guessed, the Steeda-modified 'Stang is pushing over 600 horsepower to those rear wheels. No solid number is provided in the press release, but given that the Steeda GT500 incorporates the company's cold air intake, ECU tune, and pulley upgrade, we figure on the output being somewhere between 625 and 644 horsepower. At least.

Engine work's just part of the deal, as the GT500 also benefits from a full suite of new suspension components, upgraded brakes, a new shifter, and a new exhaust. The full list of mods can be seen after the jump or via the "Read" link below. The price? $13,995 for the whole shebang (you supply the car, natch).

Thanks to Drew for the tip!

[Source: Steeda]

Gallery: Steeda GT500

Continue reading More Mustang Madness: Steeda uncorks its own GT500

More Mustang Madness: Steeda uncorks its own GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog tours ROUSH Performance Products

Eric Bryant — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Technology

We were sad to see our time with the ROUSH 427R come to an end, but all the crying, whining, and pouting that we engaged in after turning over the keys paid off when ROUSH Performance Products offered to give us a tour of its massive facility.

Actually, to be precise, the sprawling complex that Fisher Body once called home is only one of the 18 ROUSH buildings in the Detroit area. Clearly, we're talking about a lot more than a couple of guys turning wrenches in a pole barn, so click through and take a trip with us to see what the folks at ROUSH are involved in on a day-to-day basis.

Continue reading Autoblog tours ROUSH Performance Products

Autoblog tours ROUSH Performance Products originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Nov 2006 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments