"High Gear" Chosen Concept for First-Ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered By Women

Thousands of fans voted for a satin black luxury Mustang concept in the first-ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. The project, which is a collaboration between Ford Motor Co. and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), invited the public to view three concepts online and vote for the one they would like to see built by a group of female volunteers.



The winning concept known as "High Gear" was designed by Jennifer Seely of Ford Motor Co. Inspired by international products in categories such as jewelry, couture clothing and architecture, the concept is meant to stimulate the senses by fusing luxury and power. Highlights include Rosegold chrome accents throughout the exterior and interior, satin black body, plush quilted suede seats and a leather wrapped interior. Modifications will also be made to the engine, undercarriage, drive train and sound system.



"We appreciate our readers and fans helping us determine which concept will be used for this very exciting project," said Doug Evans, Executive VP of Source Interlink Media (SIM). SIM, a partner in the project, hosted the voting on several of its websites and will also host the physical build at its El Segundo, California, headquarters.

"The concept selected by everyone who voted is amazing," continued Evans. "It will be very exciting to see the vehicle transformed in just eight short weeks by the dedicated group of women participating in the project. The drive and talent this collaboration of women from the SBN, Ford and Source Interlink Media brings to this project is nothing short of phenomenal."

As title sponsor of the project, Ford Motor Co. donated a 2013 Ford Mustang GT for the project. Female members of the SBN will perform the hands-on modifications from July to August. The finished vehicle will debut at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, then auctioned off on eBay to raise money for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket leaders and innovators.

Now here's my thoughts. I love, love, LOVE the concept of the whole shebang. It gives the underdogs a chance to shine, and in a male dominated industry, women are the underdogs. Not only did we come up with the idea, but we get a chance to customize it as well. But what I didn't like was that two out of three of the designs were from the same woman who ironically worked for Ford. So you know she was going to win, she had Ford behind her!!! I'm positive that women who are apart of the SEMA Businesswomen's network who don't work for Ford are capable of designing a Ford Mustang. I know one thing, I'm gonna see about joining the SEMA Businesswomen's Network. I know I'm a little rough around the edges (I am a brash New Yorker), but I can bring something to the table. Who doesn't love a woman with a New York accent?

Watch the creation of Galphin Auto Sport's Wide-bodied Ford Mustang Super Snake

Three months ago, we first locked eyes in Las Vegas. He was on stage and he found me in the crowd. I found my way to him and from there we-- sorry. This was starting to sound like a cheesy love story... Like those romance books with the guy on the horse. Mark my words, I will never read those books. But I wasn't lying when I said this was my new lover for 2012.

Three months ago, Galpin Auto Sports brought one of their greatest creations-- a Black Wide-bodied Ford Mustang Super Snake to SEMA. Personally, this was the best car at SEMA. PERSONALLY!!!! It was so great, I offered to unload GAS of this burden. Sadly, they laughed at me.



Galpin Auto Sports knew they had a gem on their hands so why not show it off. They decided to release the pre and the production aspect of it, and like a girl in love, I can't wait. But for now, they released teaser clips of the full length video...





I see they captured the essence of it being a teaser.

Ford's Time-Lapse at SEMA

RePlay XD released a time-lapse of the spacious Ford area at SEMA. It includes the set-up of the area, the four days of SEMA, and then the teardown. Take a look...

Photo of the Day...

And I'm mad that I missed it. At SEMA, different car manufacturers bring some of their customized cars from their line. Kia has been on a roll this year with their commercials for their Soul vehicle. Although I couldn't hang out the Kia booth for an extensive amount of time, but at least someone was able to capture one of the hamsters. Kudos to West Coast Customs' photographer. The photo came out great.

The hamster probably would have hated me. I would have asked him to start rapping and breakdancing. I do like seeing the lifelike characters but it does freak me out when they ask me out on a date. I know it's a little random, but so is my life.

To check out West Coast Customs' photos, click here and it'll take you to their SEMA gallery. But I'm still waiting for their photos from their WCC Experience classes (to see if they caught me as a student.)

Forgiato beat ADV.1 Wheels to the punch...

Awhile ago, ADV.1 Wheels posted on their site about how they were going to be the first one to offer aftermarket wheels for the Bugatti Veyron. Well, it looks like Forgiato Wheels beat them to the punch. At SEMA, Platinum Motorsports brought many, many cars. All of them were very impressive, but the one that stole the show was the white Bugatti Veyron... the one with the first set of aftermarket wheels.

According to Forgiato,

Forgiato brought you the first custom Lamborghini Reventon and now we have followed it up with the worlds first Bugatti with aftermarket wheels. Forgiato continues to push the envelope in the wheel industry. This special project would not have been possible without our collaboration with Luxury 4 Play, Exotics Boutique, and Platinum Motorsports. This Bugatti Veyron is painted matte white with 21″ and 22″ new Forgiato wheels from our 2.0 line that is not yet released.

I'm not an "exotic" type of girl, however, I do like this particular Bugatti. I honestly think Bugatti should take a page out of this book and offer the matte white, since in person, it looks so gorgeous. A lot better than that tired red shade.

Maybe next time, ADV.1 Wheels. Please believe me when I say that this car looks even better in person. I'm pretty sad because I would have loved to see, in person, what tricks Platinum Motorsport have up their sleeve for the LA Auto Show.

CEC Wheels' SEMA Recap

CEC Wheels released their SEMA recap, giving more details about specific wheels and how it compliments the car that's wearing them. I actually stopped by their booth and took a few photos, but I didn't have the opportunity to speak with someone. That's how popular their booth was. Maybe next year...

The star of the booth was Fisker Reserve by CEC tuning program for the Fisker Karma, making its North American debut. The Reserve by CEC package, as exhibited on a stunning pearlescent white Karma, combined an aggressive yet stylish aerodynamic package with exclusive, lightweight 22” staggered forged wheels finished in an exquisite matte white/matte machined finish. The Reserve styling options were tasteful and complemented the car's already dramatic styling perfectly. The white Karma gleamed on stage while surrounded by four additional show cars, all draped in contrasting black. The overall effect offered by this contrast was dramatic and left a lasting impression.

CEC was proud to unveil the World Premiere of the ACS6 by AC Schnitzer based on the 2012 BMW 650i Coupe at SEMA 2011. This beautiful work-of-art illustrated the attention to detail that only a tuner like AC Schnitzer can appoint. The subtle craftsmanship was appreciated and very well received by show goers. The ACS6 sat on 21” ACS Type VIII Forged wheels with 21" Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires also donning front and rear ACS spoilers. The car also featured the ACS exhaust system and the chrome front grill treatment.



CEC is renown for making premium light alloy wheels and this is made apparent by the other three cars on display. These cars were outfitted only with CEC wheels, showing the dramatic distinction the right set of wheels can make on a car. CEC showcased a new 2012 Bentley GT Mulliner fitted on one side with our 21” CEC C883 Forged Italian wheels, utilizing the factory tires. On the other side was a more aggressive setup showcasing our 22” CEC C881 wheel in the matte black/machined finish.

The next car was a 2012 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid with our new for 2012 CEC C883 SUV wheel, sized 22"x10", wrapped in 295/30-22 Michelin Diamaris rubber . We chose to show the C883 on both sides of the Cayenne, featuring two different finishes, matte black/machined and our cutting edge, trend setting Magic Black/machined finish. Magic Black looks and feels like black chrome, but is actually a very special paint process, combined with diamond-cut, machined face lines, creating a unique and brilliant finish that is more durable than chrome. It looks amazing and is best appreciated in person.

The final car featured in the CEC booth was a 2012 Mercedes Benz CLS63 AMG with 20" staggered CEC C883 in matte black/machined on one side and 20” staggered c882 in matte gunmetal/machined on the other. Both sides were outfitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires in 255/30-20 and 295/25-20 sizing. The unique finishes complemented this car nicely and all agreed that this CLS looked phenomenal with nothing more than a wheel and tire upgrade.

It always helps when companies bring cars to show how their products look on a vehicle.

Mobil One Shows off a Chevy Camaro Customized by Tony Stewart

(Photo by Nascar)

Many of the car care companies as well as automotive aftermarket parts companies use SEMA to see how their products look on a car, as well as how their product improves a certain car. For awhile, Mobil One motor oil teamed up with Tony Stewart (smart move), in which Stewart customizes a Chevy Camaro and gives it away.

(Photo by Nascar)

Every year, Tony Stewart's Foundation holds a raffle where the grand prize is a customized Chevy Camaro to Tony's specifications (including Engine work). 100% of the proceeds helps the foundation donate funds to help care for critically ill children, drivers injured in motorsports activities and to support other charitable organizations in the protection of various animal species.



I caught up with Nick with Mobil One at SEMA and he ran through the specs of the Camaro. Check it out...



I want one...

Presenting the Hyundai Veloster Courtesy of Automotive Rhythms

(Photo from CarSpyShot.com)

Every year at SEMA as well as CES, Automotive Rhythms has the pleasure of hosting a test drive of a specific vehicle as a part of the week's festivities. Last year, they used the Hyundai Equus- which was Hyundai's answer to a luxury car. This year, they went with the Hyundai Veloster and honestly speaking it surprised me ESPECIALLY for a compact car.

When it comes to compact cars, we tend to prejudge them and our prejudgements are usually correct. Trust me, I know. My mom had a Chevrolet Chevette (it can't get anymore compact then that). I've test driven the Smart Car. No matter who makes them, they all follow the same mold- a tiny car with two doors, hatchback, bare minimum in the car, and the MSRP is around $9995 (aka what my 2003 GMC Envoy is worth now). But I'm one to admit when I'm wrong, and ladies and gentlemen, I was proven wrong with the Hyundai Veloster.

(Photo from CarSpyShot.com)

Regardless of size, I always give a car the opportunity to show me what it's made of. I pulled up, and thought "Ehhh, cute car." But I got a little closer and got to see all of the things that the Veloster has to offer. Things that you would see in other vehicle classes... but not in a compact car.

I'm a bit on the shy side as well as introverted, so I caught up with Jeff of Automotive Rhythms and he gave a great rundown of the Hyundai Veloster... Check this out...



I'm not kidding, I need to work on the shyness thing, but being introverted isn't going away. He gave a specific list of what the car has to offer, but I couldn't get past the controls on the steering wheel, navigational system, and the fact that there will be a turbo engine coming soon.

But at the end of the day, my heart belongs to SUVs (large and crossovers), Ford Mustangs with the 5.0 GT trim level or higher, and the Bentley Continental GT. If I were to mess with a Hyundai, it would be the Genesis.

Merceli Wheels Shows off their designs at SEMA 2011

The guys at Merceli Wheels welcomed me with open arms to their booth at SEMA, even though I barely get information from them. At their booth, they gave me the opportunity to show off their most popular wheels from their impressive line. Check them out...

Here we have the M6 wheel staggered available in 20 and 22 inches.

Next, it's the A26 wheel in a black finish staggered available from 20-26 inches

Continuing on, we still have the A26 wheel, but this time, it's in a chrome finish, staggered available from 20-26 inches.




Wheels always look different once you place them on the car. Merceli Wheels brought a Dodge Challenger to show how their M20 wheels size 22 inches fit, and it looks gorgeous. And for more information, check out Merceli Wheels.com

Bernie's Car Show Coverage: SEMA 2011 (Day 2)

Luckily SEMA's so large that you need more than a day to see everything, and sometimes with the time you alloted to see things, it's still not enough time. I continued my second day (SEMA's third) by doing what I do best-- take photos. Check out Bernie's SEMA Coverage...

(The cutest Scion xB ever... if you look closely, they crystalized certain parts of the car.)

(Like the tail light)

(Still love this magazine. Sometimes you get tired of the same automotive magazines that showcase mediocre photography. Just saying my own personal opinion...)

(Lowriders making an appearance. But there weren't as many as there were last year. Almost disappointing.)

(Fully customized Kicker-Sponsored car, complete with clear trunk door to showcase the mini-waterfall. It's not the first time I've seen a waterfall inside of a vehicle, but it's not common. Love the detail in the black paint.)

(YES!!! The car I've been waiting to talk about. The latest model Dodge Charger, painted matte black but with glossy black dual racing stripes. And did I mention that it was completely blacked out.)

(This particular Fiat was popular. The matte olive green forced people (including me) to stop in their tracks)

(Now this car was very popular. It had to be one of the most popular cars outside. I hated the cheap linoleum flooring that the car was parked on. Should have just left it parked on the concrete.)

(The owner of this Nissan is a Japanese guy, so don't let the crystals fool you. So cute...)

(And they weren't kidding. Don't believe me?)

(Chevy took a Z71, the one with the most horsepower, and used it as a canvas for a history lesson)

(And West Coast Customs bought my boyfriend- the Tron themed Audi R8. And he looks even better in person, I was willing to take this off of their hands. Note: My lover is that Ford Super Snake by Galpin Auto Sports)

(For about 5 minutes, I wanted her job.)

So, the customization shop with the most impact on the entire show, wasn't Platinum Motorsports or Galpin Auto Sports, but it was actually West Coast Customs. WCC took out an entire section of the South Hall and not only showed off their projects, but had a DJ playing more house music than what I cared to hear (note: not everyone from Long Island fist pumps. Don't let Jersey Shore fool you.) as well as WCC held classes.)

(They bought Will.I.Am's interesting car that I've talked about before)

(And they bought the customization car that's been in the news lately- Justin Bieber's Batmobile)

(WCC had four classes going on- Interior, Electronics, Wheels and Tires, and the safest class to take when you have nails: Wrapping a car using vinyl. Surprise, surprise, I was the only girl in the class. But above happens to be one of my instructors, who sadly had on a Boston Red Sox hat.)

(The guys jumped at their chance to wrap a vehicle the West Coast Customs way, but I had to get my hands on some vinyl, and I did. I actually wrapped the right side (aka the side that's closer to you guys) of the lower front hood. P.S. West Coast Customs was filming their show at SEMA, so don't be surprised if you see me)

(To continue with my point about models, I'm well aware that most people aren't like Status Wheels and don't have a budget to hire Playboy Playmates (like Miss February of 2009: Jessica Burciaga). Get your mind out of the gutter, I only knew who she was because she was on Girls Next Door)

(Mad Mike made my day. And he is just as charismatic in person as he is on TV)

(Chevy's Hot Wheel edition Camaros were very poopular. I love the paint job, hate the color...)

(Blink 182 has their own edition of a Honda Civic. A part of me thinks that groups/solo acts that have longevity should have their own special edition of a car.)

(Gorgeous... Burgundy Chromed Ford Mustang and it's not even the Super Snake.)

(The Bugatti Veyron brought to you by Platinum Motorsports. The black and white combo looks great, I'm not a big fan of the red.)

(This is the shopping cart I need when I go to Walmart, Target, Ikea, etc...)

To see the rest of the photos, check out Bernie's SEMA (Day 2) gallery at BeTrueATL.com And Vegas... See you next year!!!

P.S. And you know I had to get the video of Justin Bieber's car...


I blame a cross between bad nerves and having my hands full when recording the video. But who else has the video?