Our annual trip to the heart of all that is the automobile, the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Associations show in Las Vegas, this year was a special occasion. Ford flat our took the show with over a dozen Mustang concept cars showcasing the newest of aftermarket products for the all new 2005 model. With the cars only off the production line for about 60 days, the various companies designing and building the new parts only had a short time to bolt their goodies to the new cars and have them ready for the show.

Stalwarts in the aftermarket tuning category such as Saleen and Roush both had their versions of the new Mustang on display. Saleen showed their new supercharged S-281 in the well known Beryllium color. Of note was an all new supercharger system that is truly integrated with the 3V 4.6 motor said to produce around 400hp in Saleen trim. The show car wowed the crowd with its all-glass roof and the most comprehensive, if not controversial body-kit modifications. Roush also had their top of the line model, the Stage 3 on display. Also supercharged, the car had a wildly conceived body augmentation with spoilers, wings and scoops. The interior of the car was the real showplace featuring body color trim, color-keyed leather seating by Recaro, and Roush instrumentation. Both cars had their respective suspension, brakes, and wheel/tire upgrades.

Other manufactures of body kits, suspension parts, interior upgrades had several cars highlighting their items. 3dCarbon showcased one of the most notable body kits (shown above) with their front and rear fascias, rear wing, and side skirts. In our opinion, this rendition was the truest to Mustang heritage.

Superchargers from Paxton, Procharger, Whipple, and Vortech were also on parade. These manufacturers have wasted not time in producing their namesake blowers for the new Mustang as supercharging has become the most popular new power adder in our era. Supercharging has now proven itself to be the most reliable and safe way to get big power out of your car while keeping it smog legal.

SEMA 2004 Gallery