Ford is finally nailing down the details on their two most important product releases for 2015. The all new S550 platform 2015 Mustang, and the all new F-150 will have their CAD data released on June 1. What this means is that SEMA members who are part of the organization’s Tech Transfer program can get critical design data so that they will have parts on the shelf when Mustangs and F-150s start rolling out of dealer showrooms and into the hands of waiting customers later this year.
This data was critical to the early aftermarket buzz of the S197 (2005-2014) Mustang platform. Body kits, supercharger systems, wheel packages, custom interior components and more were all ready for ordering and delivery to rabid Mustang fans either the day the car launched, or within a few days or weeks of it.
With the Ford F-series trucks being the best selling nameplate in the USA for over three decades this is also an important time. F-150 owners, while not always as keen to modify their trucks for ultimate performance as Mustang fans are still a huge and key market for aftermarket upgrades and accessories. Everything from bug-guards to hardcore lift kits are popular with a variety of F-150 owners, and no doubt the truck is a critical component of many aftermarket manufacturers business plans.
We have no doubt there will be three hot vehicles at the 2014 SEMA show this fall in Las Vegas, the 2014 C7 Corvette, which has already been out several months, the 2015 Mustang, and the 2015 F-150. While there’s always a mad scramble to get cars built in time for the SEMA show, aftermarket companies won’t have to “wing it” or work off their best guess, but instead can get reliable data and build prototype or even have production parts ready to go in time for the show, and in time for their builds. Our only question left is, when do we get to spend some time behind the wheel of these two new Fords?