The 2009 SEMA Show has come and gone, and what a show it was. This year’s show, which took place from November 3-6, once again featured a prominent Ford Motor Company display, taking up a large portion of the Center Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Best of all, the display was packed with Ford Mustangs, including the recently introduced NASCAR Mustang, the 2010 Cobra Jet, even a one-of-a-kind Mustang GT Convertible built by the boys at Galpin Auto Sports in Van Nuys, Calif.
Pimping Out a Ride Live
Of course, the most impressive demonstration at the Ford booth was a classic Ford Mustang built by the Galpin Auto Sports team over the course of the week. That’s right. The car was pieced together in front of a live audience. Talk about “Pimping out a Ride” in a brand new way. I had a chance to speak with Beau Boeckmann, Chief Designer for Galpin Auto Sports. He said the guys were having fun piecing the car together. He was also impressed with all the sharp looking cars Ford had on display.As for the Mustang, it was definitely a popular model at this year’s show. In fact, it seemed as though I came across a Mustang everywhere I went. According to SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), the Ford Mustang is the most customized car in the $31.8 billion aftermarket industry.
2010 Cobra Jet Mustang Debuts
One of the most highlighted debuts at the 2009 SEMA Show was that of the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang. Brian Wolfe, director of Ford’s North America Motorsports said, “Again, our theme come race day, is that you’re ready to race. If people are changing some of the stuff we did, then maybe we can make it a little more user friendly. With the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang, we took the racer's feedback to make this version of the even more appealing to them.” He added, “The first version of the Cobra Jet was a great car, it did everything we wanted it to do. We’re really proud of the car, but then again we’re always trying to make the next one better. What we’ve found was most of the competitors were putting a certified 8.50 roll cage in the car, so the first thing they did when they got their new turnkey race car was take it apart and have the roll cage updated.”The 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang will feature all the goodies found on the 2008 model, as well as enhancements that include options for a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell.
Shelby Unleashes the Turbo Powered Mustang
Another highlight of this year’s show was the introduction of a Shelby Turbo Package for 2005-2009 Mustangs. According to Shelby Automobiles, the “Shelby Turbo” package , which Shelby Automobiles claims will produce 550 hp, is said to also enhance the handling, braking, and looks of the car. “In 1985, Carroll used a turbo to turn Chrysler’s K Car into a rocket,” said Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Autos. “Though we’ve offered supercharged packages for vehicles for several years, many enthusiasts longed for a turbo option because of the different driving characteristics offered with this type of force induction. The Shelby Turbo was created to fulfill that need.” The company says the turbo was developed with the help of California based Turbonetics.
Saleen Officially Releases New S281 Mustang
Although photos of the new Saleen S281 leaked a week early, Saleen continued forward with their official reveal of the new Saleen S281 Mustang at this year’s show. An audience gathered around prior to the reveal, speculating as to what was beneath the white sheet covering the car. When the sheet was removed, the crowd was all cheers. The new S281 outputs an impressive 485 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque courtesy of its 4.6-liter V8 engine equipped with a Saleen Series VI.5 twin-screw supercharger and dual-stage intercooler.“For more than 25 years the Saleen name has stood for excellence in design, engineering, and driving dynamics,” said Mike Shields, CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles. “The new S281 is an excellent example of what those words mean when we craft concepts into real cars. Our team has done a terrific job; I’m proud of them and proud to be offering this car to our customers.”
Mustang Show Cars
This year’s show had plenty of show cars on display. In fact, they had an entire area, titled Cruisin' Legends, dedicated to Mustang show cars. It’s there I came across a propane-powered ROUSH Performance Mustang dragster as well as an Army camouflaged Fox-Body Mustang. Other notable show cars included 3dCarbon’s 2010 Boy Racer, the Steeda Q350, Galpin’s Mustang GT Convertible, a 2010 Ford Mustang by H&R Special Springs, and a 2010 Ford Mustang by Paul’s High Performance. The show also featured a 2010 Ford Mustang by Street Scene Equipment, Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s 2010 Ford Mustang RTR-C, and both a convertible and coupe version of the 2010 Hurst Edition Mustang.A popular Mustang on display outside of the convention center was the special Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang. No doubt, it’s a looker. I also came across a SMS Superparts Mustang at the SMS booth. One head turning display, the Mustang Dream Giveaway, featured two Shelby GT500 Mustangs; a 1967 and a 2010. The cars are being given away as part of a sweepstakes to benefit the Healing Heroes Network; an organization dedicated to assembling a network of health providers willing to donate services to treat injured American soldiers.
