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The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.

25/10/2010 | By: Huw Evans

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Given that it’s October and the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) expo is just days away, vehicle builders and parts manufacturers are gearing up to display their latest wares.

Ford‘s current F-150 pickup is hot and perhaps not surprisingly, at least seven customized versions of this and the bigger Super Duty will be taking center stage.

Among the highlights will be a 2011 F-150 by A.R.E accessories, a popular maker of toneau covers, caps and other truck aftermarket add-ons. The theme of the A.R.E. truck will be promoting the Pro Football Hall of Fame that serves to educate, honor and preserve the history of professional football. The truck will sport special ‘stadium sillhouette’ paint, with the box containing football memorabilia and the interior finished in pigskin leather.

Another cool truck is the Mickey Thompson TTC Baja F-150, which sports a Fabtech suspension with a 6-inch lift, 35-inch M/T TTC tires, Warn Industries recovery gear plenty of PIAA driving lights and a striking black/yellow/red finish.

In complete contrast, are a pair of slammed customized street F-150s powered by the new 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. One, built by Godfather customs, features a 2.5 inch cowl hood, custom two-tone paint, halo taillights and custom front and rear bumper assemblies. The other, created by the Custom Shop will sport more of an ‘eco’ theme, with lightweight wheels, tires with reduced rolling resistance, lighweight tonneau cover and custom, low emissions DuPont paint.

Other than the Mickey Thompson truck, we’re most eager to see the Pit Boss F-130 build by Cars by Kris and Airhead Kustoms (shown above). Designed to be a race car hauler and serve as a pit truck, it features a tire cage and numerous swing-case toolboxes

We’ll be sure to bring you plenty of photos of all seven trucks with live coverage of the 2010 SEMA Show starting November 2nd. Until then, check out Ford’s SEMA Fiestas and the rest of the Ford lineup here. Plus, check out our SEMA Preview here.

GALLERY: Ford F-Series SEMA Vehicles

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Official release after the jump:

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08/10/2010 | By: Colum Wood

While we still expect Ford to have a significant presence at the 2010 SEMA Show with the new 2011 Mustang, the Blue Oval has announced the Fiesta will take center stage at its significantly-sized booth.

In total, eight modified Fiestas will be on display and Ford has given us a sneak peak at just what to expect.

Most exciting is a Ford Racing Performance Parts version of the cat that will make 350-hp thanks to a 2.3-liter version of Ford’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine.

“The goal of our 350-horsepower Fiesta is really twofold – first to reinforce Fiesta’s fun-to-drive nature with an extreme version that captures the attention of the influential enthusiast, and second, to introduce the Ford Racing/EcoBoost connection in a way that’s unexpected and outrageous,” said Mickey Matus, Ford Racing Performance group marketing manager. “In both cases, we’re targeting the discriminating performance enthusiast with our message. After all, they are the people others rely on for automotive expertise and recommendations.”

Some of the added parts are already available through Ford Racing, like a short throw shifter, exhaust and 17-inch wheels. Perhaps Ford is using the SEMA Show to test the waters and see if more high-powered options would be of interest to Fiesta owners.

The Ford Racing Fiesta will be on display in a vibrant blue and will be auctioned off to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF).

Another in-house project will be the Ford Vehicle Personalization Fiesta with a body kit, special wheels and a unique grille as well as a new interior package that will be offered to customers shortly.

As for the other six, they are currently under construction by the Universal Technical Institute, 3dCarbon, L&G Enterprises, H&R Springs, Steeda Autosports (should be a cool one) and FSWerks.

Check out our complete SEMA Preview here, which will be updated with live coverage of the 2010 SEMA Show starting November 2nd.

Official release after the jump:

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01/10/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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The new Ford Mustang GT has only been on the market for a few months and Roush hasn’t wasted any time in introducing what it calls the 5XR Mustang tuning package for $15,390.

Much of that cost goes to the R2300 Roushcharger, taking horsepower to 525-hp (from the factory 412-hp) and torque to 465 ft-lbs. To amplify the stock V8 tone is a Roush exhaust system sporting square tips. Suspension upgrades are also included in the package, which includes new lowering springs and shocks. Wheels are also from Roush in a 20-inch sizing wrapped with Cooper’s RS3 tires.

For exterior modifications, a complete Roush body kit outfits the car, giving it a much more aggressive look to match its added performance. The kit includes a new front bumper, front splitter, side splitters, rear valence and three-piece spoiler. Graphics, badging and a new grille also add to the aesthetics.

Just 150 5XR kits will be made with Roush only selling packages to buyers who purchase a new Ford Mustang GT though an authorized Roush dealer.

GALLERY: Roush Ford Mustang 5XR

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Official press release available after the break.

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14/09/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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We’ve been hearing through the rumor mill that Tjin Edition would be pulling off a trifecta of vehicles this year and so far we have seen the Fortune Motorsports / Tjin Edition Honda CR-Z and the Universal Technical Institute / Tjin Edition Ford Fiesta. Rounding off their SEMA projects is a brand new 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT with an impressive list of modifications to really showcase what the potential of the new Mustang. Teaming up with Real Auto Works in Long Beach, California, the Tjin Edition team has their work cut out for them the upcoming months.

Once again Tjin has only released a teaser of what the finished project will look like, but Neil Tjin was nice enough to disclose some info on it. Under the hood, the Mustang will get a Vortech supercharger. But the power adders don’t stop there with a MagnaFlow exhaust and a set of American Racing headers. And for when the going gets tough, Nitrous Express will only be a tap away.

DuPont’s Cromax paint line will cover the exterior of the car, which will sport a completely custom kit designed by Gurnade and Tjin Edition and produced by Extreme Dimensions.

Air Lift will develop a full digital air suspension kit, allowing Tjin to give the Mustang GT a proper stance no matter where it is or what it’s doing. Under each fender will be a 20-inch Forgestar CF5 wheels, sporting a mean concave design and wrapped with Falken tires.

Last but not least, the interior will be completely revamped with Status Racing seats, Auto Meter gauges and a STACK cluster. And don’t worry, Tjin Edition has the in car electronics handled too thanks to Scosche, Metra, Pioneer and Image Dynamics.

This year’s SEMA seems to be shaping up to be an exciting one, so stay tuned as AutoGuide.com will have tons of coverage from this year’s show which takes place in early November.

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19/07/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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Looking to own a true, one-of-a-kind Ford Mustang collectible? Well, this one is gonna cost ya. RM Auctions is offering the 2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept, originally introduced at the 2004 New York International Auto Show as a tribute to 40 years of Mustang performance. A custom built Mustang with performance and race-inspiration in mind, RM Auctions is estimating that the GT-R concept will sell for $250,000 to $350,000.

For a vehicle that’s neither DOT nor EPA certified, that’s a pretty penny to pay for a track-only car, or something to sit in your show garage. But what the lucky owner will get is a Valencia Orange painted 2004 Mustang sporting a high compression, fully built 440-hp powerplant. Mated to a TTC T-56 six-speed transmission.

Inside the entire chassis has been overhauled with a full roll cage, Sparco racing seats and stripped to its bare necessities. Suspension upgrades include coilovers with remote reservoirs, ready to hit the track. 20-inch wheels are found on each corner, wrapped with Pirelli slicks with Brembo brakes peeking behind the classic five-spoke design.

Lastly on the outside is an abundance of carbon fiber components giving the car a more aggressive look while improving aerodynamics.

So you have a hole burning in your pocket?

GALLERY: 2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept

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[Source: MustangsDaily]

08/07/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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Ford is making a major push in marketing their Fiesta to the trendy, hip youth market of tomorrow…or today’s automotive enthusiasts. From teaming up with Ken Block to custom commercials on American Idol, to the impressive Fiesta Movement social marketing phenomenon, Ford seems to have a lot of bases covered. Their emphasis has been on customization and personalizing the trendy Fiesta, offering versatility and custom graphics. But now Ford has taken another leap by announcing their Fiesta body kits and accessories.

Starting with the aesthetics, Ford will be releasing a four-piece body kit for the Fiesta which includes a front air dam, side skirts and rear valence. Custom graphics ranging from tattoo-style, bubbles, flames and even ninja blades. For the interior, illuminated door sills, LED cup holder lights, armrest and a shift knob that’s illuminated with a gear number can all be added.

Obviously these aren’t for everybody, but you can’t knock Ford for trying to appeal to somebody. The more boring accessories are pretty run-of-the-mill including floor mats and splash guards. One thing’s for sure though, the Fiesta should be quite successful and we’ll be seeing quite a lot of them in the near future.

View the official press release after the break.

GALLERY: Ford Fiesta Body Kits and Accessories

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Read AutoGuide’s Ford Fiesta First Drive by Clicking Here

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11/06/2010 | By: Colum Wood

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Ford has just announced a new package for the 2011 Mustang and unlike retro styled kits like the California Special, this one really gets our blood pumping. Designed by pro-drifter Vaugh GittinJr., the RTR package will be available for all 2011 models and includes a complete aero kit including a front splitter, side skirts, a rear diffuser and rear spoiler. Also a part of the package are M Falken FK-452 on 19-inch wheels as well as special RTR interior details and racing stripes.

GALLERY: Vaughn Gittin Jr. RTR Package for the 2011 Mustang

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Get all the info after the jump:

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13/11/2009 | By: Colum Wood

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Revealed ahead of the 2009 SEMA Show and then officially debuting at the aftermarket expo, it seems as though with all the hundreds of modified Camaros to cover, Saleen’s latest project flew under the radar. To remedy that, we thought we’d look back and give an update now that the new Saleen (Saleen Performance Vehicles) has released complete details on its 2010 S281 model.

The car features a Saleen Series VI.5 twin-screw supercharger and dual-stage intercooler mated to the factory 4.6-liter V8 engine to produce 485 hp and 460 ft-lbs of torque. All S281 models also feature a limited-slip differential. Additional modifications include a lowered suspension with new springs and shocks/struts, a sway bar, 7-spoke 20-inch wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires, a custom interior and aerodynamics kit.

“Our goal was to create the most visually enticing American sports car ever,” said David Byron, design director at Saleen Performance Vehicles. “Ford provided the perfect launching pad with the 2010 Mustang, which allowed our team to create a car that’s world class and authentically Saleen. We painstakingly toiled over every bend and break in the body and every stitch and fold in the interior.”

“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’mproud of them and proud to be offering this car to our customers.”

GALLERY: 2010 Saleen S281

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See more details on the 2010 Saleen S281 after the jump:

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05/11/2009 | By: Colum Wood

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Over the past year or so Steve Saleen’s new project, SMS Supercars has released high performance versions of the Camaro, Mustang and Challenger. This week at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show, SMS announces the introduction of SMS Superparts, a division of the company that will sell the parts individually through a distribution network.

“We are excited to launch our newest addition to the SMS Supercars family right here at SEMA, where it all happens,” said Steve Salleen. “To have a strictly SMS Superparts display was a conscious choice on my part. I wanted to underline the importance of the aftermarket business, the passion of the enthusiasts and the true Steve Saleen fans.”

Saleen also included a second announcement, the introduction of the SMS 296 supercharger for the 2005-10 Mustang. This new blower is expected to produce output of 475-hp, with higher output packages reaching all the way to 650-hp.

For photos of the new SMS 296 Supercharger installed on a 2010 Mustang, as well as a Sour Grape Green 2010 SMS 570X Challenger, check out the gallery below.

GALLERY: SMS Superparts Cars at SEMA

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Official release after the jump:

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05/11/2009 | By: Colum Wood

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There was no doubt that the focus of Ford’s SEMA Show booth was the all-new 2010 Mustang, with a total of nine modified Stangs, plus the all-new Cobra Jet model. Ford originally scheduled eight cars, but it looks like Galpin Auto Sports snuck in a second entry. The cars were built by tuner shops, race shops and even in-house, with most of the cars featuring parts available to the public – rather than one-off custom items made just for the SEMA Show. After all, the Mustang continues to be the most popular car to modify in the world.

First up is the 3dCarbon Mustang, which recreates the “Boy Racer” Mustang that the shop first built back in 2005, based on the previous generation car. Bright red with white stripes, this car takes take the Stang’s classic lines and add some wild sport compact-themed aerodynamics. Still, in person it was somewhat underwhelming. What is more impressive, however, are the rest of the car’s modifications with a complete Steeda suspension setup, a Brembo brake upgrade and NC Forged three-piece 22-inch wheels.

The only convertible of the bunch is from Galpin Auto Sports and as much as we mocked the Ford Vehicle Personalization Mustang when we first heard of this lineup of cars for SEMA, the Galpin car is our new whipping boy. It’s not all bad, with a pretty aggressive widebody conversion although as much as we like the wheels (a set of massive Forgiato rollers), they just don’t seem right on a Stang. The real travesty, however, is out back where an overly ornate rear diffuser just makes us nauseous. Under the hood there are 550 ponies thanks to a Ford Racing super pack, and as silly as those wheels might look, the rear 345 tires will be needed with all that power.

For more on Ford’s 2009 SEMA Show Mustangs and galleries of each car, follow the jump:

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