Ford's new customization program aims to make it easier for customers to customize their vehicles. By gathering Ford Genuine Accessories, Ford Racing Parts, and Ford Custom Garage under one banner, the company hopes to streamline the experience for all. Over half of Ford's customers are customizing their vehicles in some manner, which includes things like floor mats and cargo-organizing systems. However, the real fun involves hardware like the 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger that can boost the output of the current Mustang GT's stock 480-hp 5.0-liter V-8 to a whopping 800 horsepower.
That number rises to 810 horsepower with active exhaust, making it perfect for picking up some groceries on a lazy Sunday morning. But questions remain: Do the accessories come pre-installed from the factory? Can I add them to the vehicle I already own? Can I install them myself or have my preferred mechanic do it? Is it street legal? And what about the warranty; does it become worthless once I start turning wrenches?
View Price on AmazonThe integration of Genuine Ford Accessories, Ford Racing Parts, and Ford Custom Garage creates a single focal point to streamline the experience for all. "There's no right way to be an enthusiast, only your way," says Ford in a tagline eerily similar to one made famous by a popular national hamburger chain in the 1970s. Want a factory-built 810-hp Mustang SP800 delivered to the showroom ready to rock? Bring your checkbook and Ford Customization has your back. Looking to buy a supercharger to install on your Mustang or F-150 in the comfort of your own garage? Ford Customization has got a blower with your name on it.
And either way, your three-year, 36,000-mile powertrain warranty remains in place. Which products do not maintain the factory warranty wasn't divulged, but rest assured that adding the Torque Boost software calibration to your Bronco or Ranger Raptor won't void your warranty if installed by the dealer, nor will mounting the supercharger to the V-8 in your Mustang or F-150. The real value here is that all of these bits are designed, engineered, and tested with the vehicle, not after the fact.
To give us a taste of just how well-integrated these upgrades can be, Ford let us have a little seat time in a variety of models that had been touched by the Ford Customization program. First up was the Maverick 300T on a tragically short autocross course. The mods include an upgraded turbocharger that helps the 2.3-liter four make 300 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, additional cooling and a larger intercooler, a specific software tune, and 20-inch Mustang Mach-E GT wheels with 245-series Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
Source: caranddriver.com
