LAS VEGAS — There were many exciting customized vehicles that were introduced at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. However, I’m going to highlight the all-new 2019 Ford GT Carbon Series and a 1968 Ford Mustang “Bullitt” that was featured in a Steve McQueen movie. I’ll also feature the Toyota Tundra pizza-making truck.
On Tuesday morning, Ford took the wraps off its 2019 Ford GT Carbon Series supercar. It comes with more carbon fiber parts than ever before for a 40-point reduction in over all weight. The new supercar also features two racing stripes on the hood that continues on the roof and to the rear. Other highlights include carbon fiber wheels, a titanium exhaust, titanium lugnuts and a polycarbonate rear hatch with additional venting.
“The Ford GT Carbon Series stands out on the road with its striking carbon fiber-rich design and on the track with its athleticism,” says Hermann Salenbauch, global director, Ford Performance. “It is yet another example of how we can bring to life our Le Mans-winning supercar in new and exciting ways so our customers can share in that magical legacy.”
The GT Carbon Series will have limited production–only one unit will be manufactured per week. Ford will open the owner application process starting on November 8. Interested buyers should visit www.FordGT.com to apply to purchase one.
In addition, the American automaker showed off several customized versions of the Ford Ranger midsize pickup. Yes, it’s coming back! One of the models on display is called the Ranger Pre-Runner and it features an FX4 off road package and BF Goodrich all-terrain tires. It also features desert racer front bumper with an integrated skid plates and rock slider side steps.
Meanwhile, Shell and Pennzoil uncovered a 1968 Ford Mustang “Bullitt” that movie lovers might remember. It was the actual car that steve McQueen drove in the famous chase scene in the “Bullitt” movie. The car was actually built at a Ford plant in California and was purchased by Warner Bros. studios for the movie.
Fast forward to today…The car’s current owner, Sean Kiernan from Hendersonville, Tenn., was on site at the SEMA Show. He said this car has a special place in his heart.
“I saw this car for the first time in my life when I was seven,” Kiernan explained. “It was on a trailer and we brought it down from my grandfather’s place. This is exactly how it looked then as it looks now. For me, not touching the paint and I can appreciate leaving it original. What this car basically means to me is the timeline of my life. Every scratch on it has meant to me from the beginning. That’s why I always leave her in this condition.”
For our viewers in Detroit, this is the same car that was the standout of the 2018 North American International Auto Show this past January. However, it was the first time for many west coast car enthusiasts and journalists to see the car in person at The SEMA Show.
Another cool vehicle that I enjoyed was a special edition pizza-making Toyota Tundra. I’ve seen cars that will keep your pizza warm, but I’ve never seen one that actually makes pizza on the go. Unless, it is a food truck, of course. This one is an actual pickup truck.
The truck’s official name is the Toyota Tundra PIE Pro. In the bed of the truck is the mobile pizza factory on wheels dubbed “The Kitchen.” It features a robotic arm to remove the pizza from the refrigerator and place it on the oven conveyor. According to Toyota, it takes about six to seven minutes to make each pizza.
“We’ve had a hand in putting together all sorts of custom Toyota vehicles over the years, from high-performance racecars to one-of-a-kind show vehicles,” said MTCI’s Marty Schwerter, “but the concept and technology used in this Tundra presented a unique challenge.”
Oh, I forgot to mention, it’s a hydrogen fuel cell powered truck. That means it is totally gas-free and emission-free. Toyota has already sold 8,000 units of its Mirai fuel cell vehicle. This is just another extension of that futuristic technology in action!
I had a great time attending my first SEMA Show in Las Vegas. There is so much to see and do that it’s impossible to see everything. I can’t wait until next year…
