Ford's SEMA concepts include cool new takes on Maverick, Mach-E

Is mini-trucking destined for a comeback? Can a custom Mustang EV cool off the haters?

Matthew Guy

Nov 01, 2021 • 1 day ago • 2 minute read • Join the conversation

It would seem the Blue Oval is eager to remind us it’s working on concept cars not bearing the name “Bronco,” despite the Wrangler-fighter being a natural fit to hop-up and accessorize for this year’s SEMA soiree in Las Vegas.

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Leading the charge is its pickup truck range, with concepts emanating from the lines of Maverick, Ranger, and F-150. Also joining the fray are a bevy of modified Mustangs, including the stepchild all-electric Mach-E, which checks in with a Shelby variant concept.

Some of the rigs shown here can be cobbled together using parts from the ever-growing Ford Accessories catalog, while others are one-off commissions from speed shops, plus a neat collab between Oxnard Union High School and the cops.

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Actually, let’s start with that vehicle. It’s part of a well-intentioned afterschool program called Drag Racing Against Gangs & Graffiti, grouping police and industry professionals with at-risk youth in an attempt to encourage career paths in the automotive industry. The results of these efforts are on display in this Maverick, kitted out with a Ford Accessories bed topper filled with toolbox swing cases and crossbars.

Looking ready for the beach ( Baywatch reboot, anyone?), the truck also has watersports carriers and off-road lights. Chalk us up as fans of any program that seeks to keep kids out of harm’s way and point them on a path to success.

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Two other Mavericks are in the hopper, including the Air Design unit, which has a 1.5-inch lift and beefy 31-inch all-terrain tires. It’s a good look, but I’m not sure about that bed cap. At least it looks better than when someone appends one to a first-gen Ridgeline.

Meanwhile, Tucci Hot Rods added fender flares, 3D-printed body parts, coilovers, and custom wheels for what many are heralding as a modern take on ’90s mini-trucking (if you can call a truck as heavy as the Maverick “mini”).

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On the Ranger side of the booth, show-goers will find a brace of Rangers, one from Skyjacker and one from Attitude Performance. Both are ‘roided out XLTs, with the former earning a six-inch lift to make room for burly tires. An always-trendy rooftop tent crops up on the truck fettled by Attitude Performance.

Other trucks on display include massive modified Super Duty pickups and F-150s (both Raptor and non-performance), some of which make good use of the Pro Power Onboard generator option to power any number of overlanding items.

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Speaking of power, the Mach-E gets its moment by way of fettling from Shelby, which added body tweaks to go along with revised Ford MagneRide dampers. There’s no mention of horsepower increases, but it’s unlikely Shelby would slap its name on something without a greater-than-stock number of ponies.

Finally, the bewinged white Mach-E GT was designed and built by the Austin Hatcher Foundation to help families battling pediatric cancer through occupational and diversion therapy programs. They plan to run it up to 200 mph (321 km/h) at Bonneville, capping a too-cool project for a very noble cause.