SEMA Preview: Mustangs of SEMA 2009
You can expect to see two cars out in force at this year's SEMA show: the Mustang and the Camaro. Ford is the official sponsor of the show this year, while 2009 is the first year the Camaro has been on market. So far much of the attention has been on the Mustang's bowtie-wearing rival, but Ford has just released previews of eight custom Mustangs they are bringing to the show.
Here is a quick rundown of Ford's entries at this year's SEMA.
2010 Mustang by 3DCarbon
This body kit was first developed for the 2005-2009 Mustangs and proved so popular that it is making a comeback for 2010. This full body kit is both aerodynamic and aggressive, without altering the lines of the 2010 Mustang too radically.
2010 Convertible by Galpin Auto Sports
Galpin Auto Sports, or GAS, may be best known for their presence on Pimp My Ride. They are also the largest volume Ford dealership in the States. Their wild concoctions often focus on the one-of-a-kind, and this wide body convertible is no exception. With a 550 horsepower supercharged engine provided by Ford Racing, it has the go to back up the show.
2010 Mustang by H&R Special Springs
This Mustang comes from the future, or at least that is what H&R claims. In looks more like it belongs on a racetrack, with that aggressive rear spoiler, racing stripes, and those big ultra-light-looking wheels. Plus, is that an intercooler I spy just above the chin spoiler? Perhaps.
2010 Mustang by Paul's High Performance
While the previous three Mustangs have been more dedicated to show than go, the Paul's High Performance edition promises nothing short of drag strip thrills. The functional cowl induction hood hides a high horsepower secret and there are meaty tires out back, but otherwise it looks stock. Will it run a supercharger or turbocharger?
2010 Mustang by Steeda
We have already previewed the Steeda Q350, which promises bold looks and track performance. Steeda has won more track races than any other aftermarket manufacturer, and 2010 promises to big another big year in their long history. Expect carbon fiber and lots of suspension goodies from the Steeda Q350.
2010 Mustang by Street Scene Equipment
I'm not sure what to expect from a company named Street Scene Equipment. Will this be just another tarted up looker without the performance to back it up? Or will they surprise everyone by packing a whopper of an engine under that powerdome hood?
2010 Mustang by Vaugh Gittin Jr.
The Mustang is no one-trick pony. While Vaughn Gittin Jr. had a less than stellar end to his season this year, he is still one of the best in the drifting business, and this Mustang has his fingerprints all over it. Called the Mustang RTR, this limited edition pony promises 550 horsepower, lots of suspension upgrades, and of course plenty of carbon fiber to shed excess weight.
2010 Mustang by Ford Vehicle Personalization
This final Mustang is all about looks. Inspired by designers such as Prada and Stella McCartney, it is both catchy and custom. The Carbon Black Metallic color is unique to this Mustang, but there is enough gold to make even Goldfinger lust. The 20-inch wheels, fog lamps, and even headlights have been tinted a golden hue, and even the leather seats inside get the golden touch.
We'll be keeping an eye out for all these 'Stangs and more come next week, so stay tuned.
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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This entry was written by by Chris DeMorro (Stang TV Forums) and posted here on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 8:56 am and is filed under Vintage Mustangs. This article was not written by us, rather gathered using RSS feeds listed here. We take no credit for this article. Both comments and pings are currently closed.