Every year, the world's biggest and wildest automobile aftermarket manufacturers get together for SEMA, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. As well as acting like a giant trade fair for the car-customization crowd, it also lets manufacturers unleash their creative side, with modified versions of production cars on display that never need to leave the show stand. This year, Ford is going all out. Along with a set of tweaked Mustangs, the Fusion Sport and F-150 have both been comprehensively overhauled to look meaner, go faster and handle more off the beaten track.
Here's a selection of what will be on display at the event, which will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in ealry November.
2017 Mustang GT Concept
The 2017 Mustang GT Concept draws its inspiration from military aircraft, with a gray paintjob and 'pilot' name under the driver's window. Under the hood, a VMP Performance supercharger takes the 5.0-liter V8 from 306 kW (435 hp) to 635 kW (851 hp), and a side-exit exhaust puts the driver closer to the action.
Along with the power upgrade, three-way adjustable suspension and Forgestar wheels wrapped in sticky Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires have been fitted to bring the handling up to scratch with the rest of the package.
Mustang Pearl Candy Orange
The Pearl Candy Orange Mustang doesn't come close to the GT Concept for power, but what it's lacking under the hood it makes up for with its retina-searing exterior finish. On the outside, an aggressive bodykit and 20-inch wheels combine with that distinctive orange finish to give this EcoBoost (yes, it's an EcoBoost, so we're not sure why there are 5.0 badges on the flanks) convertible plenty of presence.
Inside, the black leather seats are finished with (you guessed it) orange contrast stitching, and there's an Alpine electronics system hooked up to upgraded speakers.
Fastback by Speedkore
Speedkore has focused less on making its Mustang look fancy, instead opting to dedicate time and effort to what's under the skin. A Whipple Stage2 supercharger boosts the V8 to 825 hp (615 kW), and the car sits on Eibach coilovers for sharper handling.
There are carbon ceramic brakes lurking behind the car's HRE-P1 wheels, which are wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
MRT Sport Touring Fastback
MRT has turned its hand to improving the EcoBoost Mustang with an intercooler, blow-off valve and wastegate for the turbocharger. That might not sound like much, but those small tweaks aren't the only improvements. Along with the little turbo tweaks, the EcoBoost engine has been fitted with a supercharger for a power boost - although there's no info on just how much power it adds.
The power increase has been coupled with a BC Racing coilover suspension, and the HB Engineering wheels are wrapped in Toyo Proxes T1 Sport tires.
Mustang by CJ Pony Parts
It might look like an all-out racer, but the CJ Pony Parts Mustang has had significantly less attention paid to it than some of the other cars here. The EcoBoost engine has gained around 75 kW (100 hp) through Ford Performance add-ons, like a cold-air intake and ECU reflash.
Ford Performance parts - including new suspension bushings, a strut tower brace and new control arms - have also been used to tighten up the car's handling.
Fusion Sport Ballistic
Ballistic isn't usually a word associated with the Ford Fusion, but Webasto Thermo & Comfort has worked its magic on the car's 3.7-liter EcoBoost engine to make the name more appropriate. A unique ECU tune and new boost controller work to free up some extra power, and an MRT exhaust should put out a pleasing growl on the move.
Under the skin, the standard suspension and brakes have been replaced with lightweight components, and the forged wheels are wrapped in Toyo Proxes tires.
Fusion Sport by Legacy Innovations
Legacy's take on the Fusion Sport is much more subtle than the Ballistic. Powertrain changes are limited to a cold-air intake and MagnaFlow exhaust, and there are only minor tweaks to the suspension, too.
This is more about cranking up the car's visuals, something achieved with the addition of a subtle bodykit and bronze 20-inch wheels.
ERATHR3 F-150
Forget about the off-road usability of most trucks, this car sacrifices it in the name of style. Along with the boxy bodykit, the F-150 has been fitted with an air-suspension system to help it hunker down over its new Lexani wheels. Under the hood, the standard V8 engine has been boosted with a Whipple supercharger and catback exhaust.
XLT 4x4 Supercrew
Based on the Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 Supercrew, this concept has been given a thorough working over by Bojix design. Under the hood, the standard EcoBoost V6 engine has been boosted with a new, racing intake system and exhaust, but the real changes have been wrought under the skin.
A lift kit and Fox shocks sit the truck seven inches higher than standard, and there are Brembo brakes lurking behind the 22-inch black wheels. Up front, a prominent skid plate protects the engine and front differential, and three banks of LED lights should illuminate even the darkest trails.
XLT Supercab Gold Standard
The Gold Standard is all about showing off what can be done when the goal is the showiest, fanciest F-150 on the block. As if the gold paintjob wasn't enough, the bed is home to a custom mounted television screen and special bed cover system to protect it.
The package sits on 24-inch wheels and air suspension, although it's not designed to take on tough trails like the Supercrew.
Lariat Supercrew
Last, but certainly not least, is this BMX-inspired Lariat Supercrew. Power comes from a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine, and a cat-back exhaust frees up more noise, although power is still put to the road through the standard six-speed automatic gearbox.
The bed has been kitted out with bike-holders and bags for gear, and GoPro action cameras are fitted to record all the action.
Source: Ford
