SEMA Preshow: Ford Teases Customized F-Series Trucks

The onslaught of Ford’s SEMA Show tuning productscontinues, this time with a sneak peek of the firm's F-Series truck proposals that will make their way to the Las Vegas Convention Center on November 2. Show-goers will have the chance to see customized versions of both the F-150 and Super Duty models.

"These trucks sell imagery across the board," said Melvin Betancourt, Ford specialty design manager. "Customers in the truck world want to go off-roading, or at least have the image that they can, or have a truck they can cruise in. We have trucks that fit everything in those categories." Scroll down for details and pictures on Ford's SEMA ShowF-Series trucks.

2011 Ford F-150 by Godfather Customs

Godfather Customs is demonstrating that going green can still mean style with its Ford F-150 with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. Modifications include a 2.5-inch cowl induction hood, bumper cover and roll pan and handle relocator. A tonneau bed cover and liner and halo taillamps round out the customizations.

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2011 Ford F-150 by A.R.E. Accessories

This Ford F-150 by A.R.E. Accessories promotes the mission of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to educate, honor and preserve the history of professional football. Featuring hall of fame styling, the truck is painted with a stadium silhouette and features pigskin leather and materials reminiscent of the gold hall of fame jackets inside. The bed will display notable hall of fame memorabilia, while a wrap on the interior of the bed will simulate the hall of fame enshrinement gallery.

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2011 Ford F-150 by Mickey Thompson

The Mickey Thompson Project TTC F-150 is the perfect off-road vehicle, with the new 35-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claw TTC Radical tires, Fabtech 6-inch suspension, PIAA auxiliary lighting and Warn Industries winch recovery gear. The interior comes with Katzkin leather and aftermarket audio, video and navigation enhancements. For additional utility, the truck features a BedSlide cargo management system and AMP Research power steps.

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2011 Ford F-150 by The Custom Shop

On this Ford F-150 with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine by The Custom Shop, shaved handles, lightweight tonneau cover, lightweight rims and low-rolling-resistance tires help enhance looks and mileage. The green theme carries into the styling, with a custom show paint job with a detailed pinstripe border using a low-VOC-emissions DuPont paint. The interior matches the exterior styling with custom Katzkin tan and black leather.

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2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Rize Industries

This Ford F-350 is a motocross concept that uses top-quality products with the highest standards in craftsmanship. The truck features a Rize Industries 8-inch quad-link suspension that offers additional ground clearance. The bed comes complete with a built-in loading ramp, power washer, air compressor, built-in motorcycle stand and storage space for riding gear.

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2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Cars by Kris and Airhead Kustoms
Cars by Kris and Airhead Kustoms delivers the Pit Boss, the ultimate tow and support vehicle built off a Ford F-350 Super Duty platform. Built to haul a race car to the track and serve as a mobile pit, the truck offers a bed-mounted tire cage and custom swing-case toolboxes. The interior features custom headliner and leather upholstery, along with sound-deadening material and an in-dash computer system.

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2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Skyjacker Suspensions

Skyjacker Suspensions' Ford F-350 Super Duty is made to appeal to the active lifestyle of the Super Duty owner. A Skyjacker-developed 8.5-inch suspension offers a bold lift for work and play, and will let the owner go deeper into the field. Heavy-duty front and rear Fab Fours bumpers are added along with a Warn Industries winch and lights to round out the tough look.

Audi to Participate at the SEMA Show for the First Time, Displays include 710HP R8 Spyder

There's a first time for everything. For Audi, it's SEMA as this year's edition of the show will mark the brand's first ever factory-backed appearance at the annual tuning extravaganza in Las Vegas.

In addition to its lineup of after sales and electronics products, Audi will put on display six-vehicles including the driver-less Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak and a customized R8 Spyder tuned by STaSIS Engineering. The latter is equipped with a 5.2-liter supercharged V10 engine delivering 710-horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, and can complete the 0 to 60mph [96 km/h] sprint in 3.1 seconds.

"We're thrilled to be a part of the SEMA experience, and look forward to turning heads with our vehicles, demonstrations, and a sophisticated lineup of After Sales and electronics products that enhance connectivity and entertainment," said David Tait, Audi's lead After Sales executive and spokesman on the SEMA project.

"Our show cars will represent the pinnacle of what owners can do with an Audi, and unleash a variety of opportunities for our vendors, as well," he added.

Though no more specific details we given about the cars, Tait said: "Let's just say we'll have a few distinctive, concept items on the stand that definitely won't disappoint the unique SEMA audience".

The 2010 SEMA Show will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada from November 2-5.

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2010 SEMA Show: Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR

Toyota has unveiled its Tacoma X-Runner RTR (Ready to Race) project pickup, which will debut at the 2010 SEMA Show. This new model is powered by a modified version of Tundra’s mighty 5.7-liter V-8. Thanks to a new supercharger and an intake kit, the engine now delivers an impressive 504 HP and 550 lb-ft of torque.

On the styling department, there's a sporty red / silver paint scheme and special graphics. Inside, the cabin has been stripped of non-essential equipment and outfitted with a TRD steering wheel and a roll bar.

Power is fed to a stock Tundra rear axle (narrowed to fit the Tacoma chassis) with an Eaton-designed, TRD prototype mechanical limited-slip differential. The truck rides on fat 30x11.5x15 Goodyear Eagle Dragway Special tires in the rear and 28x4.5x15 Goodyear Eagle Front Runners up front. This rubber is mounted on 15-inch steel wheels widened to 10 inches across in the back. Ride height has been dropped 4.5 inches.

The interior follows the same customization as the exterior, with fine touches like “504 HP” graphics and TRD logos. The interesting aspect of the interior is that the audio head unit, speakers, air conditioner, power windows, front fog lamps, windshield water bottle, and rear seats are no longer present, to give the pickup the much needed loss in weight.




Press Release

Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR (Ready to Race)


The Tacoma X-Runner RTR (Ready to Race) project pickup truck, which will make its public debut at the 2010 SEMA Show, is an exercise in demonstrating Toyota's engineering prowess by creating an in-house, high performance vehicle through the utilization of Toyota parts. As a result, the Tacoma RTR is a "parts bin" build with all but a few components currently available on Toyota products (traction bars and drive-line shaft are the only two non-Toyota parts).

The Tacoma X-Runner RTR achieves its performance credentials by dropping in a completely stock, current-generation Tundra 5.7-liter V8 engine into the unmodified engine bay along with a six-speed automatic transmission. A Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Supercharger Kit was added, bringing the SAE certified power stats to 504 horsepower and 550 lb.-ft. of torque. The truck runs on premium gas rather than race fuel.

A stock Tundra rear axle, with a 4.3 ratio and 10.5-inch ring gear, was narrowed a total of 5.7 inches to Tacoma rear-track width). A TRD prototype mechanical limited slip differential, designed by Eaton, was added to maximize traction. The truck rides on current generation Tacoma 15-inch styled steel wheels that were modified to 10-inches wide in the rear and wrapped by 30x11.5x15-inch Goodyear Eagle Dragway Specials. The front wheels are 4.5-inches wide and mounted to 28x4.5x15-inch Goodyear Eagle Front Runners.

The Tacoma X-Runner RTR was lowered approximately 4.5 inches from stock X-Runner height, and a custom exhaust system was fabricated to include two TRD perforated-chamber mufflers with a 3.5-inch pipe. The only body modification to the X-Runner RTR was the relocation of the exhaust outlet from behind the passenger-side rear wheel to underneath the cab to help maximize rear-suspension compression, which is common in hard launches. The brakes were left untouched from the stock Tacoma X-Runner braking system, and vehicle traction aids are still functional, including ABS, Vehicle Stability Control and traction control.

The exterior body panels of the Tacoma X-Runner remain untouched. A silver and red paint scheme applied by Five-Axis was inspired by classic low cost but ready-to-race sports cars, including the late 1960s Dan Gurney Cougar XR7-G. The number "95" on the doors signifies the first model year the Tacoma nameplate was sold in the U.S. The Tundra i-Force engine badge was painted on the front fenders to signify the upgraded power plant and is in the same location it would be found on the current Tundra. In classic hot rod style, the hood is adorned with "504 HP" graphics signifying the SAE verified horsepower. Also on the hood, and unique to this build, is a TRD Supercharger graphic featuring a tornado, signifying the forced induction. The side rocker panels feature the X-Runner logo.

Inside, all non-essential equipment was removed to make the vehicle as light as possible, including the audio head unit, speakers, air conditioner, power windows, front fog lamps, windshield water bottle, and rear seats. The stock front seats remain but are covered with classic Toyota fabric trim found on 1980s era vehicles. Added interior features include a custom TRD steering wheel, Tundra stock accelerator and brake pedals, and a stock Tundra gated shifter with sport shift mode. A TRD designed removable roll bar was also installed.

# # #

Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR Features

• Stock Tundra i-Force 5.7-liter V8 engine with TRD Supercharger Kit - produces 504 HP and 550 lb.-ft of torque
• Tundra six-speed automatic transmission
• TRD mechanical limited slip differential
• Stock Tundra rear axle with a 4.3 ratio and 10.5-inch ring gear narrowed by 5.7 inches to Tacoma rear-track width
• Custom fabricated exhaust system including two TRD perforated chamber mufflers with 3.5-inch pipe
• Vehicle lowered 4.5-inches
• 10-inch wide rear wheels on 30x11.5x15-inch Goodyear Eagle Dragway Specials
• 4.5-inch wide front wheels with 28x4.5x15-inch Goodyear Eagle Front Runners
• Stock Tacoma X-Runner braking system
• Stock body panels
• Stock seats with classic Toyota fabric trim
• • TRD-designed removable roll bar
• Custom TRD steering wheel
• Tundra stock accelerator and brake pedals
• Stock Tundra gated shifter with sport shift mode
• Five Axis Classic Silver and Red paint scheme with Toyota branded livery
• TRD Supercharger Tornado body graphic

2010 SEMA Show: Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR

Toyota has unveiled its Tacoma X-Runner RTR (Ready to Race) project pickup, which will debut at the 2010 SEMA Show. This new model is powered by a modified version of Tundra’s mighty 5.7-liter V-8. Thanks to a new supercharger and an intake kit, the engine now delivers an impressive 504 HP and 550 lb-ft of torque.

On the styling department, there's a sporty red / silver paint scheme and special graphics. Inside, the cabin has been stripped of non-essential equipment and outfitted with a TRD steering wheel and a roll bar.

Power is fed to a stock Tundra rear axle (narrowed to fit the Tacoma chassis) with an Eaton-designed, TRD prototype mechanical limited-slip differential. The truck rides on fat 30x11.5x15 Goodyear Eagle Dragway Special tires in the rear and 28x4.5x15 Goodyear Eagle Front Runners up front. This rubber is mounted on 15-inch steel wheels widened to 10 inches across in the back. Ride height has been dropped 4.5 inches.

The interior follows the same customization as the exterior, with fine touches like “504 HP” graphics and TRD logos. The interesting aspect of the interior is that the audio head unit, speakers, air conditioner, power windows, front fog lamps, windshield water bottle, and rear seats are no longer present, to give the pickup the much needed loss in weight.




Press Release

Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR (Ready to Race)


The Tacoma X-Runner RTR (Ready to Race) project pickup truck, which will make its public debut at the 2010 SEMA Show, is an exercise in demonstrating Toyota's engineering prowess by creating an in-house, high performance vehicle through the utilization of Toyota parts. As a result, the Tacoma RTR is a "parts bin" build with all but a few components currently available on Toyota products (traction bars and drive-line shaft are the only two non-Toyota parts).

The Tacoma X-Runner RTR achieves its performance credentials by dropping in a completely stock, current-generation Tundra 5.7-liter V8 engine into the unmodified engine bay along with a six-speed automatic transmission. A Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Supercharger Kit was added, bringing the SAE certified power stats to 504 horsepower and 550 lb.-ft. of torque. The truck runs on premium gas rather than race fuel.

A stock Tundra rear axle, with a 4.3 ratio and 10.5-inch ring gear, was narrowed a total of 5.7 inches to Tacoma rear-track width). A TRD prototype mechanical limited slip differential, designed by Eaton, was added to maximize traction. The truck rides on current generation Tacoma 15-inch styled steel wheels that were modified to 10-inches wide in the rear and wrapped by 30x11.5x15-inch Goodyear Eagle Dragway Specials. The front wheels are 4.5-inches wide and mounted to 28x4.5x15-inch Goodyear Eagle Front Runners.

The Tacoma X-Runner RTR was lowered approximately 4.5 inches from stock X-Runner height, and a custom exhaust system was fabricated to include two TRD perforated-chamber mufflers with a 3.5-inch pipe. The only body modification to the X-Runner RTR was the relocation of the exhaust outlet from behind the passenger-side rear wheel to underneath the cab to help maximize rear-suspension compression, which is common in hard launches. The brakes were left untouched from the stock Tacoma X-Runner braking system, and vehicle traction aids are still functional, including ABS, Vehicle Stability Control and traction control.

The exterior body panels of the Tacoma X-Runner remain untouched. A silver and red paint scheme applied by Five-Axis was inspired by classic low cost but ready-to-race sports cars, including the late 1960s Dan Gurney Cougar XR7-G. The number "95" on the doors signifies the first model year the Tacoma nameplate was sold in the U.S. The Tundra i-Force engine badge was painted on the front fenders to signify the upgraded power plant and is in the same location it would be found on the current Tundra. In classic hot rod style, the hood is adorned with "504 HP" graphics signifying the SAE verified horsepower. Also on the hood, and unique to this build, is a TRD Supercharger graphic featuring a tornado, signifying the forced induction. The side rocker panels feature the X-Runner logo.

Inside, all non-essential equipment was removed to make the vehicle as light as possible, including the audio head unit, speakers, air conditioner, power windows, front fog lamps, windshield water bottle, and rear seats. The stock front seats remain but are covered with classic Toyota fabric trim found on 1980s era vehicles. Added interior features include a custom TRD steering wheel, Tundra stock accelerator and brake pedals, and a stock Tundra gated shifter with sport shift mode. A TRD designed removable roll bar was also installed.

# # #

Toyota Tacoma X-Runner RTR Features

• Stock Tundra i-Force 5.7-liter V8 engine with TRD Supercharger Kit - produces 504 HP and 550 lb.-ft of torque
• Tundra six-speed automatic transmission
• TRD mechanical limited slip differential
• Stock Tundra rear axle with a 4.3 ratio and 10.5-inch ring gear narrowed by 5.7 inches to Tacoma rear-track width
• Custom fabricated exhaust system including two TRD perforated chamber mufflers with 3.5-inch pipe
• Vehicle lowered 4.5-inches
• 10-inch wide rear wheels on 30x11.5x15-inch Goodyear Eagle Dragway Specials
• 4.5-inch wide front wheels with 28x4.5x15-inch Goodyear Eagle Front Runners
• Stock Tacoma X-Runner braking system
• Stock body panels
• Stock seats with classic Toyota fabric trim
• • TRD-designed removable roll bar
• Custom TRD steering wheel
• Tundra stock accelerator and brake pedals
• Stock Tundra gated shifter with sport shift mode
• Five Axis Classic Silver and Red paint scheme with Toyota branded livery
• TRD Supercharger Tornado body graphic