• Hollywood Hot Rods builds a custom 2014 Ford Mustang convertible with supercar style and performance for SEMA
• All bodywork modifications are executed in hand-formed aluminum including the custom lift-off roof

Like a middleweight who decides to challenge a heavyweight in the ring, Hollywood Hot Rods decided to take on the supercars with its 2014 Ford Mustang GT convertible at SEMA 2013. While the classic style and proportions of Mustang say performance even in stock form, the team at Hollywood Hot Rods wanted to create something truly unique with this project car.

“We really wanted to take the customization of this Mustang to the next level,” said Troy Ladd, owner of Hollywood Hot Rods. “Instead of simply adding accessories and a custom paint job, we wanted to really change the car.

“So we decided to redesign some key elements of the car, like the roof and rear section; to create a completely new and bold design that propels Mustang into supercar status while retaining classic Mustang DNA.”

More than 150 hours of went into reshaping the entire rear section of the Mustang project car in metal. Another 250 hours of hand-forming went into crafting the aluminum lift-off roof. All body modifications including the front splitter, side scoops, skirts and diffuser are custom fabricated in aluminum.

This Hollywood Hot Rods Mustang has the mechanical credentials to back up its looks, with a Ford Racing Whipple supercharger and Banks Power water-methanol injection system bringing the 5.0-liter V8 to an estimated 750 horsepower. Underneath, a Cortex Racing X-treme grip track suspension system keeps the tires planted so all that power can be put to use.

“We used extreme body modifications, serious race car handling, huge horsepower and a full custom interior to create an American supercar,” added Ladd.

Exterior:

• Handmade lift-off aluminum hard top
• Completely redesigned tail section
• One-off handmade aluminum body accessories, front grille, air splitter, rear wing

Engine:

• 5.0-liter V8 with Ford Racing Whipple supercharger
• Banks Power water-methanol injection system

Suspension:

• Cortex Racing, X-treme grip track suspension including rear Watts linkage and torque arm
• JRI coilover dampers at all four corners
• StopTech six-piston brakes

FORD PREPARES TO UNLEASH ‘VANDEMONIUM’ AT 2013 SEMA SHOW IN LAS VEGAS, LAUNCHES ONLINE VEHICLE DREAMCASE

• Ford launches Dreamcase, an online vehicle display previewing 28 of the 57 vehicles the company will showcase at the 2013 SEMA show next month in Las Vegas
• Ford is bringing “Vandemonium” to SEMA, with 10 customized Transit Connect Wagons and Transit Connect cargo vans
• Special guest Gene Simmons of KISS and his wife, actress Shannon Tweed, will unveil a customized 1956 F100 hot rod on the Ford stand for a Nov. 5 event at 1 p.m.

Ford Motor Company will roar into Las Vegas next month, showcasing 57 customized vehicles and delivering several exciting announcements as it goes further for the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s premier annual event.

Ford will highlight its rich history of longtime relationships with aftermarket tuners at the 2013 SEMA show, taking over more than 27,000 square feet inside Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 5-8. Ford will also occupy more than 110,000 square feet of the convention center’s Silver Lot, where company-sponsored racing schools from Miller Motorsports Park will take center stage in “Ford Out Front.”

The Ford exhibit will feature modified versions of Ford’s most popular models, including Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Mustang, F-150 and Super Duty. Ford and its aftermarket modifiers will also highlight what’s possible when the European styling of Transit Connect Wagon and Transit Connect cargo van is mixed with the creativity of the industry’s top builders and customizers – “Vandemonium” will be the result.

Leading up to the show, Ford will release renderings of the best SEMA project vehicles in Dreamcase, a digital display. The first vehicles to be featured in Dreamcase are 2014 Mustangs and Fiestas, outfitted with the best aftermarket upgrades and wearing custom colors. Enthusiasts are encouraged to view the vehicles in Dreamcase at ford.to/1cwVX6y.

Ford will also host a press event at its stand at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, inside Las Vegas Convention Center. In addition to the announcements Ford has planned, special guest Gene Simmons of KISS and his wife, actress Shannon Tweed, will reveal a 1956 F100 truck to be featured in a charity auction, with proceeds going toward funds for a new children’s hospital near Tweed’s hometown in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Ford at SEMA highlights
Race fans will have plenty to talk about and see as Ford Racing makes an exciting major announcement about its 2014 racing program.

Ford’s indoor exhibit will be home to “Vandemonium” – 10 Transit Connect Wagons and cargo vans treated as blank canvas by aftermarket tuners to illustrate the vehicle’s use beyond family or commercial transportation. The modifications go beyond eye-catching custom paint or new fascia. The builders incorporated a functionality that captures the spirit of Transit Connect, including creating a mobile boutique, working bike shop and a portable two-person gaming lounge. Look for the first custom Transit Connects to be previewed in Dreamcase this Tuesday, Oct. 22.

Ford will offer race fans at SEMA the opportunity to be among the first to play Xbox One’s “Forza Motorsport 5,” which goes on Nov. 22 of this year. Enthusiasts can take the new Ford Fiesta ST for a virtual spin at the exclusive Xbox One demo stations on the show floor, including the custom designed 2014 Fiesta ST MRT Xbox show car.

At the “Ford Out Front” display outside of the convention center, attendees will see how Ford takes customers further on the road, off the road and on the track. Media will have the chance to ride in Rallycross Fiestas driven by Ken Block and Tanner Foust. Fans will also get in on the action, with ride sessions offered for the Fiesta ST and F-150 SVT Raptor used at Ford-sponsored racing schools.