We Gave Maverick a Mustang Turbo Transplant — You're Going to Love It
As the chief designer for Ford Vehicle Personalization, which includes Ford Performance Parts and Accessories, I look forward to attending the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas every fall.
It's an event I wouldn't miss for several reasons.
First, it’s a chance for us to showcase our latest parts, accessories, and bundled "Ford Custom Garage" packages. These are one-stop purchases for our most passionate car, truck, and SUV owners, allowing them to easily personalize their vehicles with parts that are designed, tested, and warrantied by Ford.
This year, we’re proud to debut a new Ford Performance 2.0L performance and appearance upgrade bundle for Ford Maverick XL, XLT, and Lariat customers.
Second, I enjoy networking and volunteering with the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) — a cross-industry group that works together to promote the benefits of vehicle accessorizing to a wider audience, serving as a unified voice for companies involved in customizing vehicles.
It's a valuable opportunity to share my knowledge from the OEM side to help move the industry forward.
And third, I come for the trends. I’m here to see what’s happening in the industry, what we’re doing right, and how we can help create even better personalized vehicle choices for our customers. The modified vehicles I’m highlighting below are for illustrative purposes only. Ford has not evaluated and is not endorsing these modifications.
Here are the top five trends I’ve seen at SEMA this year:
1. "SUPER" Super Dutys
Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks are everywhere this year, which isn't unusual.
But what I'm really seeing are "SUPER" Super Dutys from RVs to commercial workhorses. These aren't just for looks — they are built to work even harder, even if that harder job is more remote recreation.
This trend is leveraging our medium-duty Super Duty trucks, including the F-550.
2. Reverse Retro
While today’s Bronco SUV was directly inspired by the heritage, ruggedness, and capability of the first-generation model, I’m now seeing first-gen Bronco owners incorporating modern styling touches into their classic vehicles.
Think OG Bronco SUVs with contemporary Marsh Gray paint and modern Ford Performance crate engines.
3. Return of the Street Truck
This year, I’m seeing more and more slammed, lowered, and high-performance F-150 Trucks and Maverick pickups.
This is proof that we’re on the right track with new products like the F-150 Lobo, Maverick Lobo, and FP700S — designed for customers who love the look and performance of a Built Ford Tough street truck.
4. Wheels
The disc and "turbofan" wheel trend continues, just like what we’re offering for the Maverick Lobo and Mustang Mach-E Rally.
Polished off-road wheels are also back in a big way for products like the Bronco and the Raptor family.
5. Wraps and Paint Protection Films
The number of ways to both protect your paint and make a style statement continues to multiply.
It makes me wonder where we can also play beyond the matte clear film wraps we offer today for the Mustang and Bronco.
Steve Gilmore is chief designer for Ford Vehicle Personalization.
