Ford’s display at the SEMA Show is impossible to miss, running the width of the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center with a collection of heavily modified new models.  This year, the Ford Fiesta, Focus, Explorer and F-Series had a heavy presence but when you think “Ford at SEMA”, the first thing that should come to mind is the mighty Mustang.

Ford’s new engine lineup for the 2011 Mustang offers more power than any previous model year of the famous pony car and companies like Mobsteel and Team Baurtwell offered a few of the modified Mustangs for SEMA visitors.  In addition to these Mustangs altered by various aftermarket companies, Ford had a special display dedicated to the return of the Boss 302 to the Mustang lineup, showing off both the standard and Laguna Seca package for the 2012 Boss at one end of their large display.

The far end of the Ford SEMA display offered a look at some subtly customized 2011 Explorer’s and some not-so subtly customized Ford F-Series pickups but next to the Mustang, the new 2011 Ford Fiesta received top billing in the Ford area.  The Fiesta is expected to make the same impact on the American auto market as it has in Europe (it is one of the top-selling cars overseas) thanks to its highly efficient drivetrain and flurry of high tech goodies but at SEMA, the Fiesta showed its sporty, high performance side.  The b-segment hatchback lends itself to customizing with a naturally sporty shape but when equipped with a variety of different bodykits, suspension setups and wheels options the Fiesta shows that it can fit just as well into the “hot hatch” class as it fits into the basic high efficiency commuter vehicle class.

For the first time, Ford Motor Company also offered an outdoor display, aptly named the “Ford Out Front” display.  This section was dissected into two massive tarmacs, partitioned off by jersey barriers with one being used to show off the high flying capabilities of the Ford SVT Raptor and the purpose built race Raptors and next door, a small gymkhana course was set up for well known racers Ken Block and Vaughn Gittin Jr.  In addition to regular exhibition runs by the cars and trucks, Ford offered a handful of media and the public a chance to ride along – making for an unforgettable SEMA experience for those patient enough to spend hours waiting in line for their chance to get seat time with the legendary drift and rally racers.