2007 Ford Mustang

*2007 Ford Mustang GT Custom*When it comes to modifying cars, some people put an emphasis on improving the performance of their vehicle, while others lean more towards building a car that looks like nothing else on the road. There is no one right way to do a build like this, but if you have the resources, why not do both? That is exactly what builder Christopher Merkel did with this 2007 Ford Mustang GT, After years of classic Mustang modifications under his belt, Merkel decided it was time to start fresh with a brand new car, so in 2007, he went to his local Ford dealership and ordered a Mustang GT in an eye-popping shade known as Grabber Orange, and the build was on.The modifications to the exterior are almost too numerous to list and the longer you stand looking at this Mustang, the more details you will notice. The first thing that jumps out is the carbon fiber hood with a massive cowl induction scoop, which is accented by dashes of the Grabber Orange paint. This is then matched in the rear by a carbon fiber decklid with a tall carbon fiber wing hanging off the rear. The wheels have been changed out for a set of 5-spoke chrome 20 Zinik wheels with more touches of Grabber Orange, and they are wrapped in a set of BFGoodrich tires. What is less obvious are some of the other more subtle modifications like the custom steel front fenders which are slightly wider than standard and have some tough looking vents integrated into them. Up front, a CSI lower splitter is color matched to the car and in the rear, a black Street Scene diffuser helps channel the air coming out from under the car while driving at speed. Only when you pull up at a show will people see one of the many tricks this car has up its sleeve- a set of modified Lamborghini scissor doors that help you make a real statement anytime you get in and out of the car.The modifications continue inside the cabin which is outfitted with black leather, accented by more bright Grabber Orange on the seat centers, shift boot and door cards. Custom dash and center console trim is finished in a mirror-like aluminum finish and even the steering wheel and column stalks have been modified to match. In the center stack, a Pioneer LCD head unit controls the upgraded stereo system and offers modern music player adaptability. Behind the front seats, this Mustang was treated to a rear-seat delete and in its place sits a custom shelf with a pair of nitrous bottles which have also been color matched to the car. In true show-car fashion, these bottles flank a custom made carbon fiber sign which is backed by more Grabber Orange.Not wanting to be accused of putting together a car that is all show and no go, the work that took place under the hood may be the most impressive part of this entire project. Starting with a 4.6-liter 3-valve V8, the motor was entirely rebuilt by Next-Generation Performance of Longmont, CO with an Eagle rotating assembly, mild head port, COMP Cams camshaft, and a 9.0:1 compression ratio t