Fall is one of the most exciting reasons for car enthusiasts for a bevy of reasons including the arrival of new models and the always over-the-top SEMA show in Las Vegas. Ford has always had a huge presence at SEMA, and this year might just be the biggest yet, especially when it comes to its best-selling F-150 pickup. There are some familiar names, like Galpin Auto Sports, Roush, and LEER, along with newcomers and non-traditionalists when it comes to pickup truck performance. There’s a lot to cover this year, and there’s bound to be something for everyone, so try to keep up.
MRT went bonkers with their custom F-150, pairing the 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 with a six-speed Tremec Magnum transmission, a larger intercooler, and a custom tune from SCT. It’s your go-fast bad boy. It’s also been upgraded with a roll cage, 5-point racing harnesses for the custom seats, and a Turbosmart blowoff valve to announce your arrival.
In the complete opposite direction is the LEER Outdoorsman Edition F-150, which boasts a 6-inch lift, gloss blue paintjob, and of course a body-color LEER cap, among other modifications. It appeals to the “live larger” motto of life, with 6 blue LED lights to illuminate the way forward, making it the farthest thing from subtle you’ll find in Ford’s SEMA lineup.
For Roush Performance, there was only one way to do the F-150 right, and that was by supercharging the 5.0 liter V8 to the tune of 650 horsepower. They also installed Power Stop drilled and slotted roters, their unique Active Exhaust system, a substantial lowering kit bring the front down 3 inches and the rear as much as 5, along with a love-it-or-leave-it vinyl wrap.
CGS Performance forewent performance upgrades save a cold-air intake and exhaust to focus on exterior “improvements” including another lowering kit, low-profile tires, red rims, hood scoop, and a body color tonneau cover. It’s a decidedly polarizing display if you ask us, and is definitely more show than go.
Describing the AirDesign USA F-150 as “aggressive as a honey badger”, this EcoBoost-powered F-150 features a lift kit, intercooler, big wheels, and lots of bolt-on body parts. Fender flares, hood scoops, a big bold custom front bumper all make this F-150 look ready to maul Prius owners.
Wheel-maker Forgiato has entered the F-150 customization scene with some massive 24-inch wheels suspended beneath a 6-inch lift kit. Under the hood is a Whipple supercharger for the 5.0 liter V8, upping the performance ante. Make no mistake though, the real stars are the wheels, as everything else is an afterthought.
Last, and most certainly not least is the Galpin Auto Sports rendition of the F-150, adorning their pickup in the iconic GT40 Gulf livery and upgrading their “Freak-o-Boost” V6 with a cold-air intake, intercooler, and exhaust system. Along with a lifted “Sway-a-Way” shock system, the GAS F-150 might just be the meanest of the bunch, depending on your definition of “mean” that is. Regardless, there’s not a bad looker or performer in the bunch.
That rounds out Ford’s F-150 roster for SEMA 2015, helping the Blue Oval claim the title of largest OEM setup on the show floor. And we haven’t even seen their Mustang lineup yet.