Mustangs, Explorers and Foci, oh my!: Ford at SEMA 2015 (pictures)
From drag-racing pony cars to SUVs outfitted for exploration and hot hatchbacks focused on performance, Ford showcases the many ways enthusiasts make its cars their own.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Ford's booth at the 2015 SEMA Show was packed to the brim with customized versions of its F-Series pickup, Focus and Fiesta compacts and muscley Mustangs. Leading the way is the automaker's American exotic, the 2017 Ford GT.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Racing and street versions of the GT were displayed at the show.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Almost since its inception, the Ford Mustang has inspired customizers and racers to make the car their own.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
This 1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang started its life as a street car but was eventually transformed into a vintage racer by Brian Jackson and SCCA champion Don Roberts.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
The car was signed by Carroll Shelby himself.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
In addition to cars, the booth featured Ford-inspired memorabilia.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
The 2016 Mustang Cobra Jet debuted at the show -- an annual tradition at this point -- boasting an 8-second quarter-mile time.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
This 2016 RTR drift-spec Mustang with Monster livery is piloted by Vaughn Gittin, Jr.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
TS Designs customized this "Widebody Design" 2015 Mustang. Relative to the stock setup, the front track is 2 inches wider and the rear is 3 inches wider.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Show veterans MAD Industries customized this 2015 Mustang GT Convertible with a striking blue interior.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
The exterior features matching blue highlights and MHT Niche Forged Ascari concave monoblock wheels (that's a mouthful) finished in Luster Brilliant MAD Blue.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
The 5.0L V-8 engine is force-fed its intake charge by a Whipple Supercharger that is 50-state legal. Along with support mods, the engine makes 825 horsepower.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
CGS Performance Products built this 2015 Mustang EcoBoost Convertible.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Style is the name of the game here with a full leather reupholster of the interior in bold red.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
The body is treated to an nDesign widebody kit that wraps around Kompression forged wheels.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
One of my favorite cars in the booth is this 2015 Mustang Fastback customized by Ine Nine Group. The EcoBoost power train is upgraded with more aggressive Garrett turbo that boost wheel horsepower to about 475 ponies.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
The suspension and RTR Spec 5 widebody kit are borrowed from the GT350R. Custom color-shifting LED headlamps and metallic blue HRE wheels are unique to the concept.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
DRAGG, Inc. (Drag Racing Against Gangs and Graffiti) has transformed this 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost into a police-themed quarter-mile machine.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
The DRAGG Mustang features working rooftop emergency lights and a police push-bar on the front bumper.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
With its bold orange highlights, the Bojix 2015 fastback showcases the Mustang's potential in the hands of a regular enthusiast.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
The EcoBoost engine features bolt-on upgrades and the interior has been upgraded with a Kicker audio system.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Ford's Focus ST and Fiesta ST compacts were also featured throughout the automaker's booth.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Cobb Tuning is no stranger to sporty hatchbacks -- having established itself with ECU upgrade hardware for the Mazdaspeed3 and Subaru WRX. Its Ford Focus ST built for SEMA showcases tasteful upgrades.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
The ST features Cobb's Accessport V2 ECU upgrade and bolt-on upgrades. Experienced modders could install most of these mods in their driveway.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Rally, drift and gymkhana legend Ken Block was raffling away this 2016 Ford Focus RS at the show.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
The all-wheel drive hot hatch isn't due to reach the US until next year, bringing 350 horsepower with it.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Block's RS has been fitted with Fifteen52 wheels, a coilover suspension and an interior customized with racing number 43.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Let's not forget Ford's other hot hatch, the Fiesta ST. This example was customized by DSPORT Magazine to compete in the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car class. Rules limit output to 300 horsepower, but the engine is capable of over 400.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Rays/Volk Racing TE37V forged racing wheels boast one of my favorite rim designs of all time in bronze, one of my favorite colors. Think Ford and DSPORT will let me borrow these for my MX-5?
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Cinemotive Media chose ADV.1 ADV5 Track Spec 17s to fill the wells of its Fiesta ST.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Modifications to the Cinemotive Fiesta ST are a bit milder with a focus on enthusiast enjoyment rather than all-out racing.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
FSWERKS has taken an equally enthusiast oriented approach to its mildly modded Focus ST.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Upgrades consist of basic style and performance bolt-ons. The sum of the many small additions is a unique ride.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
I'm a fan of gigantic Japanese robots, so Rally Innovations' 2015 Focus ST was easily one of my favorite cars at SEMA 2015.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
The hatchback is inspired by the colors and graphics of the Mobile Suit Gundam Astray Red Frame. I've got this exact model on my desk!
Ford @ SEMA 2015
The attention to detail extends to markings and graphics that match the decals on the model kit. Even the brake rotors have little Gundam faceplates etched into them.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
For its SUVs and CUVs, Ford's customizers take a decidedly more laid-back approach. These aren't race cars.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
MAD Industries makes a second appearance in Ford's booth with this 2016 Ford Explorer Sport riding on 24-inch wheels.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Cars by Kris' "Wanderlust" Ford Explorer Sport has been outfitted to explore the open road. It's a stylish road-tripping machine.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Where the "Wanderlust" vehicle is suited for exploring the open road, All Star Performance's 2106 Ford Explorer Sport is better suited for off-road-tripping.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
A Traxda lift kit gives the Explorer increased ground clearance and Toyo A/T II tires grip in dirty conditions. The ADV.1 ADV10R wheels made me double-take with their floating spoke design.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Ford's Edge CUV won't be left out of the limelight. This Vaccar customized example rides low on a prototype air suspension.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
The body looks like it leaves the metal exposed, but that's actually BASF R-M Diamont paint with a "Brushed Metal" finish. Wow.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Webasto Thermo, builder of this 2015 Ford Edge Sport, claims the CUV will carve corners on its H&R suspension. I've got my doubts.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
A forged 22-inch set of wheels shod with Toyo Proxes and a set of Rotora forged aluminum brakes at least look the "corner carving" part.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Tjin Edition is no stranger to building show cars for the SEMA Show. The customizer's trademark style and experienced hand are apparent on this Ford Edge.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Axalta Clipper Blue paint and an Alea Leather CT custom interior accents remind me of another Tjin edition vehicle on display at SEMA 2015.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
Here's something you've probably never seen before: a Ford F-150 Lariat Supercrew finished in Gulf Livery.
Ford @ SEMA 2015
This big truck is was customized by Galpin Auto Sports to be a Baja-inspired racer.