The 2009 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show, to be held November 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is sure to feature plenty of Mustang eye candy. In keeping with tradition, Ford Motor Company will have a large booth at this year’s show, with all different types of Ford vehicles on display. That includes the Ford Mustang, which SEMA reports is the most customized car in the $31.8 billion aftermarket industry. “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.”
It's All About Customizing Your Ride
Allison Revier, Ford Mustang marketing manager, realizes how important the aftermarket community is to Ford Mustang enthusiasts. She also realizes the importance of family and tradition in Mustang matters. “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.” Revier added, “They all look dramatically different, and that’s what I think is so great about it. Everyone starts out with the same vehicle, but each aftermarket builder turns it into something completely distinctive.”
So what about the Mustangs set to appear at this year’s show?
2010 Ford Mustang by 3dCarbon
One Mustang set to appear is 3dCarbon’s 2010 Boy Racer. Ernie Bunnell, vice president of sales and marketing for 3dCarbon of Newport Beach, Calif., says this Mustang is a modern-day version of the company’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.” The red Mustang features a 3dCarbon Boy Racer body kit, white racing stripes, a front “E” grille, rear window trim, window louvers with gel decal inserts, headlight splitters, and decklid spoiler, which were all created by 3dCarbon.
The Steeda Q350 Mustang
Another Mustang set to appear is the Steeda Q350. “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.” This Mustang features a functional body kit with unique aerodynamic features, an upgraded street/track suspension system, numerous powertrain enhancements, and a modified sport interior.
Galpin Auto Sports 2010 GT Convertible
And then there’s my friends at Galpin Auto Sports. Talk about the grand masters of one-of-a-kind creations. Galpin’s Mustang GT Convertible features a Ford Racing 550-horsepower supercharger and one-of-a-kind custom wide body. In a press release, Ford said, “This is the car to have – whether you’re out on the road with the top down or in the city for a night on the town.” Maybe we’ll see an Iacocca Mustang at the show as well.
Ford Vehicle Personalization Mustang
Ford Vehicle Personalization also will have a Mustang on display at SEMA. The Mustang features a Carbon Black Metallic custom-colored exterior accented with satin gold 20-inch wheels and gold-tinted headlights and fog lamps. “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.”
H&R Special Springs Mustang
Yet another Mustang to be featured at the show is the 2010 Ford Mustang by H&R Special Springs. This ride features personalized colorized wheels and subtle LED lighting accents on the exterior. It also features white accents inside.
Paul's High Performance Mustang
Then there’s the 2010 Ford Mustang by Paul’s High Performance. According to reports, this 2010 Mustang GT was built for the quarter-mile drag strip, with low elapsed times in mind. From the functional hood to the rear wing, its aggressive wheels, tires, exhaust, and custom-designed Paul’s High Performance products, this ride was built specifically for maximum performance.
Street Scene Equipment Mustang
Another Mustang, the 2010 Ford Mustang by Street Scene Equipment, features race-like styling for the street, and power, handling, and style incorporated into one package.
Vaugh Gittin Jr. RTR-C Mustang
Attendees will also get to see Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s 2010 Ford Mustang RTR-C at the show. World championship drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. has introduced a new generation of Mustang to the world. The extremely limited-production Mustang RTR-C touts 550 tire-shredding American horsepower with new-generation design influences. The car also features state-of-the-art technology with first-rate carbon fiber body construction to make the Mustang RTR-C one incredible-looking, raw performance machine.
Other Mustangs rumored to be making SEMA Show debuts include the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang, the 2010 Saleen S281 Mustang, and the 2010 Hurst Edition Mustang. Folks might also get a chance to see the new 2010 NASCAR Mustang at this year’s show as well.
