Ford has issued the following press release:
With the 1966 Sebring-winning Ford GTX1 roadster as inspiration, Ford SVT engineering supervisor Kip Ewing unveiled his take on that legendary racer during the opening day of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Ewing conceived the idea for a roadster while working on the Ford GT launch, and after completing initial design sketches and engineering studies on his own time, he won the privilege of utilizing the Ford’s SEMA Technology Initiative to bring the Ford GTX1 roadster to life.
’The Ford GT has been an amazing automotive icon that I’ve had the pleasure to work on,’ said Ewing. ’The X1 project is a great way to answer the question, ’What if?’ and utilize the power of the SEMA’s members in the aftermarket to get it done.
Ford’s SEMA Technology Initiative began in 1999 with the sharing of technical drawings and electrical schematics of the then-new Mustang. The program has expanded over the years to include the majority of Ford and Lincoln Mercury vehicles and now provides three-dimensional CAD data to aftermarket companies looking to develop parts and accessories. As part of Ford’s initiatives to promote its vehicles to SEMA members in the aftermarket, Ford supports a selection of project vehicles to be built every year for the SEMA Show, and the Ford GTX1 was one of them.
The builder chosen for the project is Mark Gerisch of Genaddi Design Group , an experienced designer and metal shaper that has a history of cutting the roofs off expensive and exotic cars. Ewing worked with Ford’s SEMA liaison team and Ford Corporate Design to bring the OEM perspective to the project, but working with Gerisch’s team in the aftermarket was critical for success.
’The Ford GTX1 project is a great example of manufacturers working together with the aftermarket to stretch the boundaries and investigate potential design and product innovation,’ says Hau Thai-Tang, director, Ford SVT and Advanced Product Creation, and one of Ewing’s management supporters on the X1. ’SEMA showcases trends in styling, accessories, and performance, and whether it’s a new Fusion, Mustang, F-150 or Ford GT, there is something new to be learned by going through this process.’
The X1 roadster features an innovative roof system of four individual hard panels. The panels can be configured as a coupe, t-top, or full convertible. Even with all the panels installed, the outer panels can be locked into a vent position. Plus, the panels are painted in the same Valencia Yellow featuring Tungsten Silver stripes; therefore, as a coupe, it doesn’t lose any of its design appeal. And, X1 drivers won’t be caught in the rain because all four panels can be stored inside the vehicle for easy access. — Ford's innovative fuel cell hybrid technology.
The Ford GTX1’s rear clamshell covering the engine has been redesigned to feature two buttresses that flow rearward from the seatbacks. Without the need for a backlight due to its open-top configuration, the view into the engine bay could have gone away, but Ewing knew the importance of showcasing the 550-horsepower 5.4L supercharged V-8.
The answer to the inevitable question of ’Can I buy one?’ is yes. All it will take is a trip to your local Ford dealer to purchase a Ford GT, and then a call to Genaddi Design Group, or visit www.gtx1.com
Besides Genaddi Design Group, the Ford GTX1 features several SEMA-member company products, including:
Wheels
6061 Alloy Corporation
19-inch front/20-inch rear
Seats
Sparco
Carbon fiber Ford GT custom
Brakes
Brembo
Alum. mono-block/two-piece rotors
Tires
Pirelli
P-Zero Rosso
Dampers
Dynamic Dampers
Adjustable coil-overs
Trunk
Multimatic
Carbon Fiber
Exhaust
Ford Racing ’ Borla
Interior trim
WK Industries
Paint
Debeers
Roof latching
RMD
Clam shell cassette
Manitowoc Composites
Sony is using the Ford GTX1 roadster to showcase its latest product from its Xpl’d audio system product line. Music in the GTX1 comes courtesy of the Sony Xpl’d MEX-1GP ’Giga Panel’ AM/FM CD receiver. This new device allows users to simply transfer their favorite MP3 and WMA files from virtually any computer to the receiver’s detachable faceplate via USB cable. Dubbed ’Drag and Drive’, its built-in 1GB of flash memory holds up to 500 songs for hours of uninterrupted playback.
Fusions headline SEMA Show
Excitement over Ford’s bold new Fusion is going to boil over into the aftermarket realm tomorrow when six customized sedans are unveiled at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. SEMA is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world.
“Sport compacts and SUVs have been the trend in customization lately, but I think it’s about time for all that to change,” said Jyarland Jones, Fusion brand manager. “Just as Fusion is a game changer in the mid-size sedan segment, I think these SEMA Fusions will spark interest in a new trend.” — Ford Bronco Concept.
Ernie Bunnell agrees.
Bunnell is the vice president of Sales and Marketing for 3D Carbon in Newport Beach, California, one of the six top aftermarket design and performance firms that customized Fusion for SEMA.
“We were very excited when we first saw the car because it’s got some great lines on it, and it leaves itself open for some nice styling cues from companies like ours,” said Bunnell.
The 3D Carbon team designed a complete Euro Series body kit for Fusion that includes a front air dam that attaches to the front Ford factory fascia, side skirts, a rear lower skirt and two different rear spoilers ’ one on the deck lid and one on the upper roof wing.
“Everyone who’s seen the car ’ even the tow truck driver that moved the vehicle around for us ’ asked, ‘What is that?'” said Bunnell. “People were surprised to learn that Fusion is a Ford because they think it looks a lot like a European car.”
In addition to exterior styling, Fusion offers a great platform for modification in both powertrain and chassis for the performance market. Some of the SEMA Fusions, in addition to sporting a unique look, have engines enhanced with turbochargers or upgraded suspensions.
Jones says that Fusion and its aftermarket potential will appeal to the much-sought-after younger consumer. — StreetKa roadster.
“Fusion will fill a gap in Ford’s line-up for that younger customer looking for a vehicle that expresses their own personality and achievements,” she said adding that Fusion’s $17,795 base price also makes it an attractive option for the younger buyer.
Funkmaster Flex Fusion at SEMA
A new FunkMaster Flex Fusion will be revealed at the 2005 SEMA show in Las Vegas, and this time, the hip-hop DJ and guru of urban car culture says he allowed his imagination to run wild.
“From the first time I saw the Fusion at Ford’s design studios, I liked what I saw. The car looked hot,” said FunkMaster Flex. “When Ford informed me that they wanted me to do a SEMA Fusion, I realized I could take my creative vision to the extreme.”
Flex chose a two-tone red paint scheme with black pinstripe for the exterior of the car. Striving for a clean and classy look for the wheel rims, he selected BOZE’ alloy three-piece black chrome wheels with a staggered stance with 19-inch wheels in the front and 20-inch wheels in the rear with Toyo TM performance tires.
For the interior of the Fusion, Flex chose a two-tone dash, door panels and steering wheel along with appointed Ostrich leather. A Clarion’ navigation system, Icon’ TV monitors in the rear headrests, JL Audio’ amplifiers and speakers, and an innovative side-mirror camera system allow the driver to fully control his driving experience.
