Readly RF Feb 20

WE WERE THERE
a ‘rest-of-world’ Ranger Raptor-style Fox off-road
suspension levelling kit providing 2-inch front
lift over special Raptor wheels. “The automotive
aftermarket space continues to grow at a
tremendous pace from powerful street machines to
the latest trends in overlanding and off-road,” said
Eric Cin, global director, Ford Vehicle Personalization
and Accessories. With more than 50 vehicles on
their show stand, Ford featured the largest original
equipment manufacturer display at SEMA. Then
the all-action interactive experience from Ford Out
Front, offered attendees high-speed rides in Ford
Performance vehicles on a closed course.
There were two very special concept vehicles
on the main Ford stand in the Central Hall, one
from Webasto and another from Shelby. Built in
collaboration between Ford and Webasto, the
‘’Lithium’ all-electric Mustang project vehicle
generates more than 1000 ft.-lbs. of instant torque
and more than 900 horsepower for new levels
of performance and technology with its 800-volt
Webasto battery system and EVDrive technology.
Uniquely, the Mustang Lithium accelerates the next
generation of performance by including a 6-speed
manual transmission to go with its track handling,
stunning quarter-mile acceleration, instant electric
torque, and zero emissions. “Ford has made
no secret of the fact that we are electrifying our
most popular nameplates,” said Hau Thai-Tang,
Ford’s Chief Product Development and Purchasing
Officer. “This one-off Mustang prototype is a great
opportunity for us, together with Webasto, to
showcase to our customers what a new electrified
powertrain can do for performance in a car they
already know and love.” It was only days later that
Ford revealed their new Mach-E Mustang inspired
(and badged) SUV at the LA Auto Show for late 2020
availability.
Show-goers with a more conventional outlook on
their power source were probably relieved to see
the 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 Dragon Snake which
is a modern take on a proven Shelby philosophy.
During the 1960s, Shelby American offered a
drag racing version of the Shelby Cobra called
the “Dragon Snake.” Given the new Ford Shelby
GT500’s dual clutch transmission and strong 5.2L
engine, Shelby American reimagined Ford’s new
Mustang supercar for that same mission. Designed
for pure acceleration Shelby set out to create the
ultimate ‘weapon of track destruction’ in the quarter
mile by adding more power to the car (800 HP+),
revising the suspension for maximum grip during
straight line acceleration, retuning the dual clutch
transmission and modifying the bodywork. The most
controversial aspect of the car was a its flat windcheating
long tail extension.
Elsewhere through the halls and stands,
Mustangs dominated the muscle car exhibits with
spectacular new restomodified creations from the
likes of Ring Brothers, with their UNKL 1969 Mach
1 and Timeless Kustoms’ ‘Devious’ 1965 Mustang
Fastback with 750 hp Edelbrock supercharged
See our behind the scenes footage on Instagram: @retrofordmagazine
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