American carmaker Fold made history at the latest Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) exhibit after three of its vehicles - the 2016 Mustang, Focus and F-Series truck - have claimed major awards at the annual SEMA show in Sin City.
The Ford Mustang was named as SEMA's Hottest Car, the Focus took Hottest Sport-Compact honors and Hottest Truck of this year's show went to the F-Series. This is the first time any OEM has won all three of the coveted awards in the same year, Ford said in a statement.
"Winning SEMA's hottest vehicle awards for Mustang, Focus and F-Series is a great affirmation of the popularity of Ford vehicles with this trendsetting part of the market," said Dave Pericak, director, Ford Performance, who accepted all of the honors at the annual awards breakfast. "We're proud the aftermarket has embraced these three vehicles with as much enthusiasm as our customers invest to personalize their Mustang, Focus and F-Series."
The SEMA award recognizes the most popular vehicles the organization's members feature in their displays at the weeklong event. 2015 marks the first time any OEM has won three of the coveted awards.
Ford entered some 28 unique SEMA builder cars and nearly 50 vehicles on display between the stand and the wildly popular Ford Out Front demo track, earning the company with the largest OEM presence in this year's SEMA. Custom builds include six Ford Focus and Fiesta ST cars, seven Ford SUV models from Edge Sport and Explorer Sport, eight Ford Mustangs and seven Ford F-150 concepts.
2016 Cobra Jet Mustang Drag Racer
During this year's SEMA, Ford Performance has unveiled the 2016 Cobra Jet Mustang, marking the newest iteration of Cobra Jet as a limited-edition turnkey race car.
Like its predecessors, the new Cobra Jet is a factory-built race car that is legal for National Hot Rod Association Stock and Super Stock drag racing, as well as several classes in the International Hot Rod Association, National Mustang Racers Association and National Muscle Car Association. Also like its predecessors, the new Cobra Jet is limited to 50 units - making the 2016 edition among the most collectible Mustangs ever.
"The modern Cobra Jet has performed for our customers and put Ford in the winner's circle consistently since 2008," said Dave Pericak, director, Ford Performance. "The new car is the first Cobra Jet built off the all-new 2015 Mustang - the only factory 2016 Mustang with a solid-axle rear suspension. We are excited to see it compete."
Since its victorious debut at the 1968 NHRA Winternationals, Ford's Cobra Jet Mustang has represented a legacy of power, performance and triumph. The modern program started with 50 cars for the 2008 model year, continuing with 50-unit limited builds in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014. For 2016, the car is available in Oxford White or Deep Impact Blue, with each color limited to 25 examples.
The Cobra Jet engine is made up of 75 percent production Mustang GT components topped by a front inlet Whipple supercharger; as delivered, it's capable of eight-second quarter-mile times.
"It was important to use production hardware wherever possible to ensure parts are readily available and reasonably priced for racers," said Jesse Kershaw, Ford Performance manager for drag racing parts and competition. "The production parts are also incredibly durable in passing our rigorous dyno and drag strip testing."
