Unveiled in late 2013, the sixth-generation Mustang is about to receive a makeover for the 2018 model year. But, before the facelifted pony car arrives in 2017, a bunch of beefed-up Mustangs will be unveiled at the 2016 SEMA Show. One of them is the Pearl Candy Orange concept, which is supposed to give the familiar muscle car a more exotic look and added personality.

Based on the EcoBoost convertible model, the concept car was put together using aftermarket parts from companies such as AFE, Wilwood, Forgeline, Stitchcraft and Katzkin. The final product is a significant departure from the standard model and sports the type of appearance you'd expect from a bespoke sports car. To make things even better, it comes in a drop-top configuration and has a body kit that makes it resemble the almighty Shelby GT350.

If you've been wondering how a convertible version of the range-topping Mustang will look like, the Pearl Candy Orange concept is here to answer that question, while adding a number of extra features and a flashy paint job. Find out more about it below and make sure you visit the Ford booth at SEMA Show for a closer look.

Continue reading to learn more about the Ford Mustang Pearl Candy Orange Concept.

2017 Ford Mustang Pearl Candy Orange Concept

Specifications
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  • Model: 2017 Ford Mustang Pearl Candy Orange Concept
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

Styling-wise, the Candy Orange concept looks like a convertible version of the Shelby GT350 with a number of unique elements that are not available from the factory. The front bumper and splitter are definitely more aggressive than the standard elements that come with the EcoBoost model, while the standard wheelz have been replaced with forged alloys in a double multi-spoke design and wrapped in low-profile tires. The Mustang also sports a vented hood, a trunklid spoiler, and a light bar supplied by Classic Design Concepts.

Less visible but massively important performance-wise, the drop-top is equipped with an HCM Sigala carbon-fiber body kit, which not only adds aggressiveness to the design, but also makes the car significantly lighter than the standard model. The concept car is rounded off by a BASF-made Pearl Candy Orange paint, darker orange graphics on the engine hood, and a Ford Licensed Accessories lighted pony grille up front.

Interestingly enough, the muscle car also features a "5.0" emblem on its front fender. As most of you Mustang maniacs may already know, this insignia comes with the V-8-powered GT Mustangs. With this specific concept being based on the 2.3-liter EcoBoost, the badge's presence is rather awkward, especially since Ford doesn't mention an engine swap.

Anyway, the Pearl Candy Orange concept is as cool as it gets styling-wise and provides the kind of look Ford should ponder for a future convertible version of the Shelby GT350.

Interior

Note: standard Ford Mustang interior pictured here.

There are no photos of the car's interior as of this writing, but Ford mentions a bespoke cabin supplied by Stitchcraft Interiors and Katzkin leather seat upholstery. Like most SEMA Show concepts, the Pearl Candy Orange also features a state-of-the-art sound system bringing together Alpine audio gear and a Mono power amp. The builder also equipped the convertible with XS Power batteries cells.

Drivetrain

Despite the "5.0" badge on the fenders, Ford doesn't say a thing about ditching the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine in favor of a 5.0-liter V-8. On the other hand, the automaker mentions the presence of an AFE intercooler and exhaust, as well as an NX Nitrous Express boost with a two-bottle setup. While it may not benefit from the output that comes with a V-8, this 'Stang has more than the standard 310 horsepower and 320 pound-feet delivered by the standard 2.3-liter turbo-four. Given the modifications, it's safe to assume that the concept is more powerful than the standard V-8, which cranks out 435 horses and 400 pound-feet.

Note: standard Ford Mustang interior pictured here.

Updates don't stop here, though. The convertible also has custom front and rear sway bars and a Wilwood braking system with six-piston calipers at the front, four-piston calipers to the rear, and drilled and slotted rotors at all four corners. The 20-inch Forgeline wheels are wrapped in Falken Azenis tires for optimum grip under heavy throttle.

Note: standard Ford Mustang interior pictured here.0}

Although I've yet to see all concepts that will be unveiled at this year's SEMA Show and this Mustang has yet to be revealed in full, I can already say it's one of my favorite builds so far. The body kit is as menacing as they get and reminds me of the beefed-up Shelby GT350, while the light bar gives it a vintage touch. The color is flashy enough for a custom build and the chassis upgrades are solid enough to support the extra power. I've never been a fan of nitros-oxide, but I'm willing to make an exception for this awesome-looking concept.