7 hours Ago By Matthew Guy
Article content We’re never ones to turn down add-on parts and pieces which increase a vehicle’s performance – especially when such gear is given blessing by a manufacturer’s warranty – but we will always call out a repackaging of existing equipment that is being alluded to by other outlets as something new. In this case, that’s the Ford Custom Garage program, a new approach by the Glass House to sell Ford Performance Products through its dealer network. This time around, it’s going ahead and bundling rafts of gear as factory-backed parts and accessory packages, not unlike a neatly packed greatest hits album or the convenient extra-value meal in a restaurant.
The complete kits can be ordered with just one part number that represents everything needed to upfit and modify a new or current-generation-purchased vehicle, from wheels to engine tune. The new approach to factory customization has led to more than a few sites breathlessly reporting ZOMG THE REAL LIGHTNING IS BACK, thanks to the inclusion of a Custom Garage kit which bolts 700 supercharged horsepower under the hood of a 2024 F-150. The trouble with that precious declaration is that that kit has existed for a spell, and is simply being remixed for the upcoming 2024 SEMA show, into what Ford itself is calling one of its SEMA Project Vehicles and not some sort of new rig found on showroom floors as suggested in some other corners.
Heck, our own truck expert, Jil McIntosh, drove such a truck herself over a year ago . But we’ll take our horsepower where we can get it — and applaud automakers for providing avenues for vehicle customization which do not grenade the factory warranty. Two packages being promoted by Ford are called Matte Black and Sinister Bronze, both for the Bronco and both including some practical gear (a two-inch levelling kit) and appearance items (unique wheels).
It is worth noting a number of manufacturers failed to attend last year’s SEMA show, so more than one concept being shown at the event, such as some of those from Mopar and probably some of these Ford efforts, may have normally appeared on a SEMA stage one year ago. We’ve reached out to friends at Ford to make sure this Custom Garage program will be available in Canada, but will note the official bumf specifically says “The first Ford Custom Garage packages are now available at local Ford dealers across North America.” Sign up for our newsletter Blind-Spot Monitor and follow our social channels on Instagram , Facebook and X to stay up to date on the latest automotive news, reviews, car culture, and vehicle shopping advice.
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