Is Ford testing a new Mustang variant using the chassis upgrades given to the upcoming GT500, but using a smaller four- or six-cylinder engine, for something akin to a resurrected SVO Mustang? A new prototype caught testing on the streets of Dearborn, Michigan, is intriguing.

Looks Like a GT500, But Is Something Missing?

The prototype is outfitted with nearly all of the traits seen on a number of Mustang GT500 prototypes, including the bulging hood, more aggressive front fascia, the hood-mounted air-intake and the venting just aft of the front wheelwell. What this latest prototype is missing is the GT500's distinctive quad-exhaust setup. It has the exhaust in largely the same place as on the GT500, but this latest prototype has two of the exhaust outlets capped-off for some unknown reason.

Has Your Voice Changed?

The audio evidence deepens the mystery, as our video clip of this new Mustang prototype reveals what appears to be a different engine and exhaust note accompanying this test car. The engine noise lacks the deep resonance and throaty burble typical of the Mustang's V8 in general, and the GT500, in particular. Are two capped exhaust tips enough to account for different sounds made by this prototype? It's impossible to say for certain, and it is plausible that the exhaust may have been capped down to two outlets for some sort of emissions testing, or some other engineering reason. Still, could the move down to two operational exhaust tips signal an alternative, downsized engine?

Partially Neutered GT500 or New SVO?

It's admittedly speculation, but what if we are looking at a new high-performance Mustang prototype using many of the same chassis upgrades to be found on the coming GT500 model, but configured with a new, highly tuned four-cylinder or V6 engine. New, smaller-displacement, turbocharged engines can now generate significant power, and a lighter-weight engine could likely result in sharper handling. It's a compelling notion to ponder a resurrected, turbocharged Mustang SVO, representing a comparatively precise scalpel considered alongside a Mustang GT500—which is more akin to a gloriously blunt hammer.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Is Ford testing a new Mustang variant using the chassis upgrades given to the upcoming GT500, but using a smaller four- or six-cylinder engine, for something akin to a resurrected SVO Mustang? A new prototype caught testing on the streets of Dearborn, Michigan, is intriguing.

Looks Like a GT500, But Is Something Missing?

The prototype is outfitted with nearly all of the traits seen on a number of Mustang GT500 prototypes, including the bulging hood, more aggressive front fascia, the hood-mounted air-intake and the venting just aft of the front wheelwell. What this latest prototype is missing is the GT500's distinctive quad-exhaust setup. It has the exhaust in largely the same place as on the GT500, but this latest prototype has two of the exhaust outlets capped-off for some unknown reason.

Has Your Voice Changed?

The audio evidence deepens the mystery, as our video clip of this new Mustang prototype reveals what appears to be a different engine and exhaust note accompanying this test car. The engine noise lacks the deep resonance and throaty burble typical of the Mustang's V8 in general, and the GT500, in particular. Are two capped exhaust tips enough to account for different sounds made by this prototype? It's impossible to say for certain, and it is plausible that the exhaust may have been capped down to two outlets for some sort of emissions testing, or some other engineering reason. Still, could the move down to two operational exhaust tips signal an alternative, downsized engine?

Partially Neutered GT500 or New SVO?

It's admittedly speculation, but what if we are looking at a new high-performance Mustang prototype using many of the same chassis upgrades to be found on the coming GT500 model, but configured with a new, highly tuned four-cylinder or V6 engine. New, smaller-displacement, turbocharged engines can now generate significant power, and a lighter-weight engine could likely result in sharper handling. It's a compelling notion to ponder a resurrected, turbocharged Mustang SVO, representing a comparatively precise scalpel considered alongside a Mustang GT500—which is more akin to a gloriously blunt hammer.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Is Ford testing a new Mustang variant using the chassis upgrades given to the upcoming GT500, but using a smaller four- or six-cylinder engine, for something akin to a resurrected SVO Mustang? A new prototype caught testing on the streets of Dearborn, Michigan, is intriguing.

Looks Like a GT500, But Is Something Missing?

The prototype is outfitted with nearly all of the traits seen on a number of Mustang GT500 prototypes, including the bulging hood, more aggressive front fascia, the hood-mounted air-intake and the venting just aft of the front wheelwell. What this latest prototype is missing is the GT500's distinctive quad-exhaust setup. It has the exhaust in largely the same place as on the GT500, but this latest prototype has two of the exhaust outlets capped-off for some unknown reason.

Has Your Voice Changed?

The audio evidence deepens the mystery, as our video clip of this new Mustang prototype reveals what appears to be a different engine and exhaust note accompanying this test car. The engine noise lacks the deep resonance and throaty burble typical of the Mustang's V8 in general, and the GT500, in particular. Are two capped exhaust tips enough to account for different sounds made by this prototype? It's impossible to say for certain, and it is plausible that the exhaust may have been capped down to two outlets for some sort of emissions testing, or some other engineering reason. Still, could the move down to two operational exhaust tips signal an alternative, downsized engine?

Partially Neutered GT500 or New SVO?

It's admittedly speculation, but what if we are looking at a new high-performance Mustang prototype using many of the same chassis upgrades to be found on the coming GT500 model, but configured with a new, highly tuned four-cylinder or V6 engine. New, smaller-displacement, turbocharged engines can now generate significant power, and a lighter-weight engine could likely result in sharper handling. It's a compelling notion to ponder a resurrected, turbocharged Mustang SVO, representing a comparatively precise scalpel considered alongside a Mustang GT500—which is more akin to a gloriously blunt hammer.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

By Luanne Brown

	The fifth-annual Council Cup will once again pit council versus council in the name of a very good cause—helping children in need.

SEMA Cares has announced the fifth-annual Council Cup, which will once again pit council versus council in the name of a very good cause—helping children in need. Which council will rise up and prove their dominance and ability to rally their members to sponsor the most Pinewood Drag Race cars? There is no doubt the heat is going to turn up as councils reach out to their members and inspire their competitive spirits. This year, the Council Cup also includes an all-new "Grudge Match," where each council designs a car that best represents their team for the ultimate Pinewood "battle royale."

Last year’s Council Cup winner, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), is preparing their ruby-red car to defend their Pinewood Drag Races Council Cup. “We look forward to this fun event each summer at the SEMA Installation Gala, and our car is ready to race against the other councils and networks in the pursuit to retain our title,” shares Rose Kawasaki, SBN chair. “We have won two out of the four Council Cup challenge races. No matter what it takes, our goal is to keep the SBN name on the trophy. The flames on the car are real, so don’t blink during the final round because it will smoke the competition. Watch out fellow SEMA councils and networks, Team SBN is ready to rumble!”

If you're the hands-on type of council member, SEMA invites you to attend one of several build days where you can help the children sand, paint and assemble the cars for the races. Each child will build two cars: one to keep and one reserved for sponsorship by a caring SEMA-member company or individual. Members interested in participating in one of the build days are invited to contact derby@sema.org, or visit the Pinewood Drag Races and SEMA Cares Facebook pages. Two build days remain:

• May 31, in Beaumont, California, at Childhelp. To volunteer, e-mail Susan Alfonso.
• June 10, in Randleman, North Carolina, at Victory Junction. To volunteer, e-mail Eric Saltrick.

Purchase your own Pinewood Drag Race car and help a child in need.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Gala, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races will take place Friday, July 18, 2014, at 12:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

Proceeds from the races benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Race car is easy and rewarding. Register now, and help a child in need today.

By Luanne Brown

	The fifth-annual Council Cup will once again pit council versus council in the name of a very good cause—helping children in need.

SEMA Cares has announced the fifth-annual Council Cup, which will once again pit council versus council in the name of a very good cause—helping children in need. Which council will rise up and prove their dominance and ability to rally their members to sponsor the most Pinewood Drag Race cars? There is no doubt the heat is going to turn up as councils reach out to their members and inspire their competitive spirits. This year, the Council Cup also includes an all-new "Grudge Match," where each council designs a car that best represents their team for the ultimate Pinewood "battle royale."

Last year’s Council Cup winner, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), is preparing their ruby-red car to defend their Pinewood Drag Races Council Cup. “We look forward to this fun event each summer at the SEMA Installation Gala, and our car is ready to race against the other councils and networks in the pursuit to retain our title,” shares Rose Kawasaki, SBN chair. “We have won two out of the four Council Cup challenge races. No matter what it takes, our goal is to keep the SBN name on the trophy. The flames on the car are real, so don’t blink during the final round because it will smoke the competition. Watch out fellow SEMA councils and networks, Team SBN is ready to rumble!”

If you're the hands-on type of council member, SEMA invites you to attend one of several build days where you can help the children sand, paint and assemble the cars for the races. Each child will build two cars: one to keep and one reserved for sponsorship by a caring SEMA-member company or individual. Members interested in participating in one of the build days are invited to contact derby@sema.org, or visit the Pinewood Drag Races and SEMA Cares Facebook pages. Two build days remain:

• May 31, in Beaumont, California, at Childhelp. To volunteer, e-mail Susan Alfonso.
• June 10, in Randleman, North Carolina, at Victory Junction. To volunteer, e-mail Eric Saltrick.

Purchase your own Pinewood Drag Race car and help a child in need.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Gala, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races will take place Friday, July 18, 2014, at 12:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

Proceeds from the races benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Race car is easy and rewarding. Register now, and help a child in need today.

By Luanne Brown

	The fifth-annual Council Cup will once again pit council versus council in the name of a very good cause—helping children in need.

SEMA Cares has announced the fifth-annual Council Cup, which will once again pit council versus council in the name of a very good cause—helping children in need. Which council will rise up and prove their dominance and ability to rally their members to sponsor the most Pinewood Drag Race cars? There is no doubt the heat is going to turn up as councils reach out to their members and inspire their competitive spirits. This year, the Council Cup also includes an all-new "Grudge Match," where each council designs a car that best represents their team for the ultimate Pinewood "battle royale."

Last year’s Council Cup winner, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), is preparing their ruby-red car to defend their Pinewood Drag Races Council Cup. “We look forward to this fun event each summer at the SEMA Installation Gala, and our car is ready to race against the other councils and networks in the pursuit to retain our title,” shares Rose Kawasaki, SBN chair. “We have won two out of the four Council Cup challenge races. No matter what it takes, our goal is to keep the SBN name on the trophy. The flames on the car are real, so don’t blink during the final round because it will smoke the competition. Watch out fellow SEMA councils and networks, Team SBN is ready to rumble!”

If you're the hands-on type of council member, SEMA invites you to attend one of several build days where you can help the children sand, paint and assemble the cars for the races. Each child will build two cars: one to keep and one reserved for sponsorship by a caring SEMA-member company or individual. Members interested in participating in one of the build days are invited to contact derby@sema.org, or visit the Pinewood Drag Races and SEMA Cares Facebook pages. Two build days remain:

• May 31, in Beaumont, California, at Childhelp. To volunteer, e-mail Susan Alfonso.
• June 10, in Randleman, North Carolina, at Victory Junction. To volunteer, e-mail Eric Saltrick.

Purchase your own Pinewood Drag Race car and help a child in need.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Gala, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races will take place Friday, July 18, 2014, at 12:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

Proceeds from the races benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Race car is easy and rewarding. Register now, and help a child in need today.

By Luanne Brown

	The fifth-annual Council Cup will once again pit council versus council in the name of a very good cause—helping children in need.

SEMA Cares has announced the fifth-annual Council Cup, which will once again pit council versus council in the name of a very good cause—helping children in need. Which council will rise up and prove their dominance and ability to rally their members to sponsor the most Pinewood Drag Race cars? There is no doubt the heat is going to turn up as councils reach out to their members and inspire their competitive spirits. This year, the Council Cup also includes an all-new "Grudge Match," where each council designs a car that best represents their team for the ultimate Pinewood "battle royale."

Last year’s Council Cup winner, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), is preparing their ruby-red car to defend their Pinewood Drag Races Council Cup. “We look forward to this fun event each summer at the SEMA Installation Gala, and our car is ready to race against the other councils and networks in the pursuit to retain our title,” shares Rose Kawasaki, SBN chair. “We have won two out of the four Council Cup challenge races. No matter what it takes, our goal is to keep the SBN name on the trophy. The flames on the car are real, so don’t blink during the final round because it will smoke the competition. Watch out fellow SEMA councils and networks, Team SBN is ready to rumble!”

If you're the hands-on type of council member, SEMA invites you to attend one of several build days where you can help the children sand, paint and assemble the cars for the races. Each child will build two cars: one to keep and one reserved for sponsorship by a caring SEMA-member company or individual. Members interested in participating in one of the build days are invited to contact derby@sema.org, or visit the Pinewood Drag Races and SEMA Cares Facebook pages. Two build days remain:

• May 31, in Beaumont, California, at Childhelp. To volunteer, e-mail Susan Alfonso.
• June 10, in Randleman, North Carolina, at Victory Junction. To volunteer, e-mail Eric Saltrick.

Purchase your own Pinewood Drag Race car and help a child in need.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Gala, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races will take place Friday, July 18, 2014, at 12:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

Proceeds from the races benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Race car is easy and rewarding. Register now, and help a child in need today.

	Tim Martin	Rick Trudo
Steve Wolcott	Greg Adler	Larry Pacey

The voting period for the 2014 SEMA Board of Directors is now taking place online until June 10, 2014, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. SEMA has partnered with Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to administer the Board of Directors 2014 election. Your election-specific broadcast e-mail should have arrived safely in your inbox, May 14, 2014, from the following e-mail address: noreply@directvote.net.

Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

Winners will be announced in June and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Gala in July.

The following slate of candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Manufacturers Category (one open seat available)

• Tim Martin – COO, K&N Engineering Inc.
• Rick Trudo – President/CEO, SCT Performance LLC
• Steve Wolcott – President/CEO, ProMedia LLC

Distributor Retailer Category (one open seat available)

• Greg Adler – CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
• Larry Pacey – President/CEO, National Performance Warehouse

For more information about the 2014–2017 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.

	Tim Martin	Rick Trudo
Steve Wolcott	Greg Adler	Larry Pacey

The voting period for the 2014 SEMA Board of Directors is now taking place online until June 10, 2014, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. SEMA has partnered with Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to administer the Board of Directors 2014 election. Your election-specific broadcast e-mail should have arrived safely in your inbox, May 14, 2014, from the following e-mail address: noreply@directvote.net.

Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

Winners will be announced in June and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Gala in July.

The following slate of candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Manufacturers Category (one open seat available)

• Tim Martin – COO, K&N Engineering Inc.
• Rick Trudo – President/CEO, SCT Performance LLC
• Steve Wolcott – President/CEO, ProMedia LLC

Distributor Retailer Category (one open seat available)

• Greg Adler – CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
• Larry Pacey – President/CEO, National Performance Warehouse

For more information about the 2014–2017 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.

	Tim Martin	Rick Trudo
Steve Wolcott	Greg Adler	Larry Pacey

The voting period for the 2014 SEMA Board of Directors is now taking place online until June 10, 2014, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. SEMA has partnered with Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to administer the Board of Directors 2014 election. Your election-specific broadcast e-mail should have arrived safely in your inbox, May 14, 2014, from the following e-mail address: noreply@directvote.net.

Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

Winners will be announced in June and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Gala in July.

The following slate of candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Manufacturers Category (one open seat available)

• Tim Martin – COO, K&N Engineering Inc.
• Rick Trudo – President/CEO, SCT Performance LLC
• Steve Wolcott – President/CEO, ProMedia LLC

Distributor Retailer Category (one open seat available)

• Greg Adler – CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
• Larry Pacey – President/CEO, National Performance Warehouse

For more information about the 2014–2017 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.