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Mustang panel gets dash of color, Instruments can be backlit in 125 different shades

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By Anita Lienert / Special to The Detroit News

The all-new 2005 Ford Mustang promises to be a leader in the ongoing customization market with a jazzy new gauge package treatment unveiled this week at an auto accessories show in Las Vegas.

The '05 Mustang will offer what is being described as the industry's first "color-configurable" instrument cluster.

This unique option allows the driver to backlight the speedometer and other gauges in one of 125 background colors.

The sides of the Mustang's gauges are lit by three light-emitting diodes, known as LEDs, in green, red and blue. Buyers can then mix the primary colors, creating more personalized backgrounds.

Ford Motor Co. says it decided to make this feature an option after research found that 50 percent of "millennial generation" buyers -- those born after 1981 -- say they plan to personalize their vehicles the moment they buy them.

While prices have not been announced, the option is expected to cost under $200, according to Ford. Other automakers are experimenting in this area as well.

Toyota Motor Co.p.'s Scion brand has an optional feature that allows drivers to change the background of the audio system readout in one of ten colors, ranging from fuchsia to chartreuse.

The 2004 Mazda3 subcompact has a striking audio readout, highlighted with an acrylic strip that pumps out a sequential display of red LEDS.

Ford introduced the Mustang gauge package at the Specialty Equipment Market Association's annual trade show. SEMA is a trade group that represents auto accessory manufacturers. Other hints about the future of automotive cabin design are also on display in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Lincoln-Mercury revealed a custom-made Aviator sport utility vehicle created by Kenny Brown Performance in Indianapolis. This Aviator's interior is inspired by urban and military clothier Avirex and features a "bomber jacket" interior trimmed in brown leather and soft shearling wool. The vehicle will be on display in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

A Lincoln LS by Rick Dore Kustoms in Glendale, Ariz, emphasized that you can't possibly have too many TV screens in your vehicle.

The LS had six DVD screens integrated into the dashboard, the front passenger sun visor and the backs of the front headrests. Two five-inch screens were placed in the trunk. There was also a 10-inch flip-down roof-mounted monitor fixed behind the LS's moon roof.
 
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