By SEMA Editors
 SpeedKore Performance Group worked with multi-platinum country music superstar Brantley Gilbert for its new Ford F-150 project, which debuted in the Ford booth at the 2018 SEMA Show. |
SpeedKore Performance Group worked with multi-platinum country music superstar Brantley Gilbert for its new Ford F-150 project, which debuted at the 2018 SEMA Show. The relationship formed when SpeedKore president Jim Kacmarcik, who is also a partner in Given Music Publishing with Cindy Owen, was introduced to Scott Borchetta, president/CEO of Big Machine Label Group.
Known for its pro-touring conversions of early-model musclecars and lightweight carbon-fiber body conversions for modern performance cars, such as the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger series, SpeedKore participated in its first-ever truck build, which was first revealed to Gilbert at a special pop-up concert October 14, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
Modifying the F-150 started with the SpeedKore design team, who created a more aggressive appearance. Their renderings were transformed into CAD data, which led to machined patterns and molds for the pre-preg carbon-fiber body pieces. These included the SpeedKore carbon-fiber fenders, front spoiler and splitter. The same aerospace-grade material was used for the mirror covers, brake ducts, cab panels and tailgate applique. Even the door and tailgate handles were reproduced in carbon fiber, as were the tips for the Ford Performance exhaust system.
Once all the parts were pulled from the SpeedKore autoclave and fitted to the ’18 Ford F-150, the truck went into the SpeedKore paint booth for its two-tone PPG charcoal finish and clearcoat over the exposed carbon fiber.
Other exterior upgrades include signature SpeedKore illuminated badging. This technique was previously seen in the carbon fiber on the company’s Hellcat conversions and has now been applied to the badging on the F-150 as well.
Custom touches include Gilbert’s name spelled out in billet lettering on the tailgate as well as his logo on the doors and leather seats. The cargo bed features a custom aluminum guitar and amp rack.
The custom F-150 also features a Ford Performance/Roush supercharger and cold-air intake on the 5.0L V8 engine, plus a Ford Performance exhaust system. The truck is fully equipped with an upgraded brake package, suspension and wheels. This includes stopping ability provided by Brembo BM-8 eight-piston calipers with 16.2-in. drilled rotors up front, and four-piston GT rear calipers with 15-in. drilled rotors. High-speed stability has been enhanced by a MaxTrac lowering kit using drop spindles and a rear spring flip kit as well as Crown Suspension front springs. It allowed the truck to be lowered 5 in. front and 7 in. rear to fully exploit the 305/40 R22 Pirelli Scorpion tires fitted to 22x10-in. HRE TR105 forged, monoblock wheels at all four corners. The wheels were finished in metallic bronze to contrast the paintwork and harmonize with the custom interior.
The new upholstery features Bomber distressed European coffee brown leather with French stitching and carbon-fiber highlights. It was created by Gabe’s Custom Interiors.
The SpeedKore Ford F-150 can be found in the main Ford booth #22000 in Central Hall.