Ford has confirmed that its lineup for this month’s SEMA Show will feature, among other customizations, a Shelby-influenced Mustang Mach-E GT Concept.
The Mustang-Shelby lineage dates back to the GT350 of 1965, Carroll Shelby’s answer to then-Ford General Manager Lee Iacocca’s concerns that the Blue Oval’s new Mustang, introduced just one year earlier, lacked the right ‘image’. A sales juggernaut from the get-go, the GT350 was followed by the GT500 and Shelby GT500 – both powered by V8s – from 1967 to 1970. In tribute, special ‘Shelby’ edition Mustangs were introduced during the model’s fifth and sixth iterations.
Shelby Mustang Mach-E GT Concept
Now, the Mustang Mach-E (whether purists will want it to or not) looks set to pay similar tribute at SEMA from November 2 to 5. The Shelby Mustang Mach-E concept will showcase new graphene-infused carbon fibre body pieces – designed with both aesthetics and weight reduction in-mind – and re-designed front fascia, front fenders and rear flares for added aerodynamism. Rather than feeding air to the pulsing V8 as in the past, the large vent in the custom bonnet is designed to lower front-end lift at speed. Underneath, the design concept runs atop Shelby-tuned Ford MagneRide dampers and bespoke, one-piece forged Monoblock 20in wheels. Inside, the cabin also includes custom ‘Shelby by Recaro’ seats.
Finally, no Shelby tribute would be complete without dual stripes across the hood and roofline.
No drivetrain modifications are confirmed to have been made, Ford instead stating that the concept acts only as an example of what “could come from the legendary performance brand.”
The Shelby Mustang Mach-E concept is one of more than 40 collaborations between Ford and select aftermarket developers for SEMA.
“We designed Ford vehicles to be easier to customize, with installation points and aftermarket accessories engineered from the start of the design process,” explains Ford global director, vehicle personalization, accessories and licensing, Eric Cin. “We work actively with the aftermarket to share our product designs so customers can personalize and put the finishing touches on their vehicle to make it all their own.”
Alongside ‘the Shelby’, the Mustang Mach-E will also be represented at SEMA by the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Mustang Mach-E GT AWD, a concept designed and built by the aforementioned charitable organization to raise awareness of families battling pediatric cancer. The ‘Space White’ example features a custom carbon front splitter and a sizable rear spoiler from Archetype Racing, plus adjustable Motion Control Suspension and larger Brembo brakes.
