He is copying it directly from OEM, he said it himself, it is a counterfeit kit and in any country and with any product, it is illegal. As good as it is, and it is extremely good and amazing, he should have done something different to the OEM. Unfortunately, TJ Hunt is wrong here, he is extremely talented, but wrong.
Unless I’m missing some context here if he’s been doing this for five years, why is Ford just now doing something about it? If it was a big deal, they would’ve done something sooner. People make modifications of existing parts all the time.
I’m a little confused on this one. You can buy a kit to make BMW 328i look like an M3 and that’s not an issue. They’ve had Saleen and Cobra kits sold too. You’ve been able to buy bumpers and fenders and stuff to make cars look like the top of the line versions for decades so, I don’t get it. I will admit, the kit is too similar to be shown at SEMA but they should be able to sell it.
I agree! His body kit is not anything like the GTD, a limited edition version that costs 300K. If you bought a GTD and are upset that some guy is making a slightly similar body kit you need to get over yourself.
It's because the gtd are not out yet to the public.Cause Ford thinks that people can just cancel their allocations and just buy a gt and slap this kit on there and save them almost half or more than what the GTDs are.
@@hyphydan First off you're not shopping for a GTD you'll be given an allocation by Ford and the chassis of a GTD is the same as the GT but diff. body style which can be modified as one .Like buying the previous gen (Ecoboost 4/6cyl and the GT or gt500/gt350) have all the same chassis but different powerplant and add -ons.Not to mention the Dodge Challenger line up the have all the same appearances, I have one and the interiors are all the same .The only thing you can tell is the badging.And before you smart off like that do your research about them that's all marketing gimmick from manufacturers to make money.
The guy who can buy a GTD is not going to buy this kit. The guy who buys the kit is someone who can afford a regular mustang and wants it to have a wide body kit that looks good. Ford will sell more mustangs due to this kit.
I still think this is dumb. Like I get it. But we have been putting kits are cars for a while now. Anyone shopping for a GTD is not concerned about this at all. Let’s be real
The GTD is not just a body kit. It’s a completely different drivetrain and suspension compared to the regular Mustang. TJ’s car is just a GT with a body kit. There is no similarity other than looks alone.
Negative press is still press! Ford is getting people talking about this which equates to views of the GTD. I do see something positive from this if TJ and Ford can come to terms. Maybe Ford can offer Mustang owners a deal to have SH customize Mustangs much like Shelby, Rousch, RTR, or Saleen.... Anyone think that this is why TJ is pushing the limits? At the end of the day, it's NOT a GTD. Just a Mustang that has a body kit to look like a GTD.
Bad publicity for FORD, b/c almost none of their customers can get a GTD. Good publicity would have been the car at SEMA paying homage to the GTD. Not allowing it to be sold, I understand.
TJ should have reached out to Ford first, before trying to make an exact replica. That’s what Ford Era did, and he built the F100 Clyde, and it was at SEMA.
I don't like the look of the kit. GTD looks better. This reminds me of when the Chyrsler 300 came out, it looked like Rolls Royce until a Rolls Royce pulled up beside it.
This comment is gold cus it's true ford only upset cus someone else did something with one of there cars Ford wasn't even sure if they wanted to make.these and now there like dam we need to make this money
I hear a lot of you in these comments, but I'm not seeing this as 1 to 1 as a lot of you are. Wheels = completely different Trunk deck lid = completely different Wing = completely different Window scoops = not even on GTD Side scoops = not even on GTD as the GTD has vents built into the fenders. Rear and front fenders = very similar but minor differences as how they are mounted. Front bumper = looks really close Back bumper = looks really close Hood = looks really close I think the difference is large enough that Ford loses this lawsuit and is likely open to counter lawsuits. If you have products like Pepsi, Coca-Cola, RC Cola, Clover Valley Cola, etc... there can be very similar products with body kits. Why is no one freaking out over a Camaro? Basically, it was a Chevy badged Mustang back in the 60s. Along with every single other pony car made. No one does because there was "just" enough difference to get by. Ford is a sore loser that someone made something similar to their 300k car that mere mortals could never have for a friggan fraction of the price. I love Mustangs and Ford, but this is ridiculous. I'd buy one of these body kits.
@@christopherscott8272it's not just your opinion, legally this is not a copy. It's not even close enough to infringe on anything. As long as there's 15% difference then TJ is fine. If you take both cars as a whole, TJ's is like 5% of a real GTD. Ford is being ridiculous here.
@@89ludeawakening1 The whole front end is a duplicate. Its literally one for one. The spoiler is irrelevant. Again, its a copy from a car that hasn't even been delivered and he knows he ripped it off. Ford has the legl right and the legal precedent to easily win this lawsuit. Apparently none of you guys have ever designed a product or run a business. The protection will ALWAYS go the side of the originator of the design.
@@strongereveryday2302comment delete; but regardless it would be Ford's burden to fight the copycat design. TJH would probably get in trouble actually calling it the GTD kit, but as a copy (quite common) Ford would be hard-pressed having that enforced.
It's one thing to have a body kit inspired by the GTD. It's another thing to have a dang near 1 on 1 clone of the GTD minus the wing. What was TJ and Street Hunter thinking?!
His kit only slightly looks like the GTD. I personally don’t like it because it looks too much like the GTD. I like and appreciate his body kits but this time he has scored a miss in my opinion.
Porsche guy here. I'm sure Ford spent millions in R&D for the GTD because they wanted it to be competitive against the Porsche GT3RS on the street and RSR in the FIA ELMS and WEC series. For TJ to just copy aero components like the front fascia and rear intake (which I think is for the transaxle cooler) and it not be functional would definitely be a slap in the face to Ford and their racing divisions hard work, and unsurprisingly make Mustang owners putting a replica kit on look equally stupid. I think Ford was in the right to protect their IP.
That is stupid. In the WHOLE car scene you can buy kits for every limited or performance there is for every brand and there hasn't been a issue ever. It is the dumbest move ever, and makes your whole reputation as a car brand go out the window by your fans. It is like what Ferrari does. The only reason i can understand is that maybe it is because his kit will be sooner on the market than GTD deliveries. That is the only thing i could understand, but lawfully they don't have a stick to stand on
I’m putting a replica focus RS kit on my Focus SE. although it’s going to be a clone, I know it’s not the same, but who really cares, it’s a body kit, the chassis isn’t modified, so it’s not going to affect the gtd. Like I’ve seen in other comments, those with allocations for the gtd won’t cancel their orders for a mustang gt with the 5.0 just to put a body kit on it. The gtd has far more done to it than a body kit.
Ford is just trying to scare TJ. In reality, there's really nothing they should legally be able to do. People can say it looks really similar all they want, but that doesn't make it a 1 to 1 copy. It's not a copy or replica at all. The kit looks about 70% similar to only the body, and that's where it ends. And when it comes to that, there's enough differences about it to where it doesn't infringe on anything. It literally says it with it being just a kit. The GTD is a fully molded carbon fiber body. None of TJ's parts from his kit can be directly bolted on to a real GTD. Now take the kit away and the GTD is pretty much an entirely different car when it comes to everything else. All of the active cooling, active aero, the suspension, the interior, the engine block, the intake system, the exhaust, the brakes, the wheels and almost everything else you can think of are one-offs made specifically for the GTD. Ford is in the wrong here no matter what anyone thinks. If someone cancels an order or just doesn't want to buy a real GTD, which is essentially an actual functioning race car, and they feel that way because of an aftermarket body kit... all i can do is laugh at them. Smh
Na…they got em by the balls Even if it isn’t illegal (unlikely cause it’s visually obvious) they can have him so tied up in a legal fight the company will go bankrupt. Most likely they just want him out of the way to not take away from the launch of the GTD then they’ll let him do whatever he wants once it’s been out for a year
It's very obviously a rip off. I know he's just protecting himself saying it's not. But it's very obvious they copied it. It funny cause he used a replica body kit on his FD rx7 and took alot of heat for it back in the day. I wonder how he would feel if someone ripped off his street hunter supra body kit/wing.
Good point. Even though i guarantee you all 1000 of those GTDs are already spoken for. But ford was probably hoping to mark the price up above sticker.
I dont understand why they did not change the design some, ,They could have made the vents horizontal, could have put more air pass through the rear spoiler, etc..
I mean..... How hard is it to come up with your own design instead of copying one down to the fenders. Just change a couple of things (i.e. the fenders, front bumper cut outs and definitely the trunk) and then Ford has no leg to stand on.
I get what TJ is trying to do however Ford has a point as well. I for one can't afford a 300k race car so having a GTD replica is a pretty good substitute but it would have been better if he had approached Ford about what his goal was but here we are in the world of coulda, shoulda, woulda. It's not a good look for either side. Big corporation steps on little guy. Little guy makes carbon copy of big companies car body and claims it as their own. Not exactly good for either side. Would like to see maybe a few changes so both sides can be happy because lets face it. A bunch of chinese knockoffs will be on TEMU in the next 6 mos.
Yout think coping 50% of the body and putting it on a car that costs 1/6 the original is making a carbon copy??? Ferrari MR2 or Fiero body kits are fine, M3 320i body kits are fine. This is where you draw the line? 🤣🤣
It's obvious TJ was trying to ride the coat tails of Fords GTD, he just got way too close. I agree with you it would suck to spend 300K to have some kid come up and say "I just saw another one 2 minutes ago". Only real Mustang enthusiasts would have known the difference, and that does take a lot away from the real D.
I was for TJ initially because who’s not for the little man but when you showed how similar they are, I quickly changed my mind. Making a similar product is one thing but a direct copycat is ridiculous. Especially on a product that isn’t even available yet
It's not a direct copy. It doesn't matter how many people say it look really similar, that doesn't make it a 1 to 1 copy. The kit looks very similar and that's where it ends. And there's enough different about it to where it doesn't infringe on anything. It literally says it with it being a kit. The GTD is a fully molded carbon fiber body. None of these parts can be just simply bolted on to a real GTD. Now take the kit away and the GTD is almost an entirely different car when it comes to everything else about it like all of the active cooling, the suspension, the interior, the engine block, the brakes, the wheels and pretty much everything else you can think of.
@@89ludeawakening1 That ONLY is relevant IF the vehicle its being copied from is already available and or no longer being produced. That's basic copyright and trademark law. He is infringing and the only difference in the kit is the spoiler basically. Its called "acting in bad faith". The legal precedents are completely on Ford's side and TJ should have known better. He will lose. This makes him look like a hack and a phony.
@@strongereveryday2302 you can fully capitalize words all you want, you're still going to be wrong, buddy. The spoiler is the only thing different? Okay, how about the entire body of the GTD being made of carbon fiber? There's a difference. How about the actual active cooling in the fender vents and front bumper on the GTD? There's a difference. How about the body of the GTD being fully molded to the point it doesn't even have a trunk lid? There's a difference. How about the GTD has fully molded in rear intake/aero ports that are active, and not just a scoop for looks on TJ's kit? There's a difference. How about the suspension, interior, engine block, the rest of the active aero, the wheels, the special brakes and so on? There's a ridiculous amount of differences. Shall we continue? And I'm not even going to comment where you replied on a different comment, because it's not even worth it.
@@89ludeawakening1you just don’t get it. If you get 1,000 random people off the street and put both cars 30 feet away. Maybe a few will be able to tell the difference and notice that they are not the same car. That’s the problem. No body is saying that TJ’s car is the same because of the carbon fiber, interior, suspension, etc. It’s what it looks like that matters
I think tj hunt should team up with ford and make this kit (with a couple of changes or add ons) come to life as a partnership between ford and street hunter and that would be amazing
@@marquisethomas5611well as ford you could say plagiarism and go the polemic way leaving you with a bit of bit of bad rep or go the other way, that is, ford talking with tj, do some modifications to the design and launch it as a collab special edition and make even more profits from it
This is the same reason companies like Shelby or Callaway didn't make aftermarket parts available, only packages or whole prebuilt cars. Would be a kick in the nuts to the customers that paid out right for their complete packages and the value of those packages/vehicles.
I dont see the big deal. Its just a body kit. It doesn't have the engineering or internals of the real GTD. Its just a look. Some people want that look but are not paying Ferrari money for a mustang? Really? No way. Let the little guy sell his body kit to the average mustang owner or fan. Unless Ford wants to sell a body kit.
You would not have a mustang if wasn't for Ford yall love Ford mustang so he a cop cat and he is wrong he should have asked Ford was it okay to do this and bring them in they both could have made money 💰 now he has to pay Ford they going to put him out of business
It was not supposed to be a kit or they would have made it their self that why they don't want him to make one it will hurt their sales for the GTD he is wrong so now he's got to pay
Ford doesn't fool around when it comes to stuff like this. I remember several years go when they shut Rappygraphics down for selling unlicensed product. They tied his business up for a long time before Ford finally licensed them and he had to pay plenty.
@@ilovetotones1 if you copy the whole gtd car then you deserve to be sued. If you copy 50% of the body and put it on a car that costs 1/6 the original then why on earth would you care???
@@JetSkiSuper7 All replica body kits are theft then?? Factory 5s are all theft? Any M car bodykit on any 320 series is theft? How about Ferrari on MR2 or Fieros??
@@melendezryan9843 Imagine scanning a limited edition $300k car that hasn’t been released yet and where a car manufacturer spent millions on R&D then offering reproduction parts and claiming them as your own. That is theft, plain as day. It’s shocking that you don’t see that.
if you copy the whole gtd car then you deserve to be sued. If you copy 50% of the body and put it on a car that costs 1/6 the original then why on earth would you care???
They definitely have the right to pursue them. If they were smart, they would partner up with Ford, like Roush and TC Customs, and then this way, they would get the green light and not the red cease and desist.
Plagiarism at its purist form. The vehicle in question isn’t even on the market yet and you’re attempting to put a body kit almost one to one visually. Get over yourself, brother.
Yet there are copycat kits ALL over the world from classics to imports. Who cares if the vehicle isn't on the market-the GTD is waaay more than the kit. Either way, Ford isn't at fault trying to protect its profits, but copykits are hardly a new or unique thing to largely 'unobtainable' cars
The problem is he usually rips off an already made body kit, this time he made a kit thats similar to a special edition car with plans on selling it , he did it to himself
In the beginning when he referred to OEM. He was talking about the rough draft of putting a skin on top of OEM with bondo or whatever before actual making molds and such.
I purchased an kislux bag in 2022, and I can confirm that it is very high quality. The owners were very nice, too! I may purchase another bag from them the next time!
Ford is right on this how would you feel when you made something and had a patent on and then you see someone coping your product almost 1 to 1 of a look a like imagine people canceling orders for your actual real product where now the people are buying cheap knock offs of not being the real thing then you would be losing a lot of money. Ford did the right thing here if I had the money i would not buy a cheap knock off of something I would rather have the real thing.
Engh.... while although there are similarities... it's still not a ford GTD. Hell we all know this car in no form shape or fashion could ever perform or handle like the GTD regardless of the similarities of this body kit.... but if this body kit with the similarities that it has.... has Ford this worried... You got to ask yourself how special this car is truly, if you're that worried about a body kit?... Because whether it's done now or later the styling of this car will eventually get copied and we all know this.... so, the cease-and-desist order in my opinion wasn't even necessary. They're making what less than a 150 of these things at over 300k a pop... and that still leaves a mass majority of ppl who would love to even have a car look like this, (the guy just single handedly created a demand for the Dark Horse that's not even selling) so with that being said whether it's one manufacturer who makes the whole-body kit or bunch of manufacturers making a bunch of different pieces of this body kit.... just like when they copied the cobra R.... they can't stop the inevitable.... it's going to get copied... I think it would have been a smarter move on ford to put TJ Hunt in a contract allowing them to make a certain number of these kits while collecting a fee for using their likeness of the GTD... which would have been a win, win for everybody.
I was in Gucci today and the SA told me they canât often tell the difference between the authentic and kislux 's bags. Surprised to hear that from an SA.
The trunk lid is the oem trunk, so no, it's not the same as the gtd, but yes, the fenders look identical. To be fair, the rear quarters are quite different too
Ford doesn’t want people buying a base model Mustang, slapping on a body kit that looks like a GTD, and driving around like a douchebag, ruining the GTD’s reputation.
So do they sue all the fake saleen kit makers??? People still buy the real deal because gear heads know the difference. This is a bad legal precedent. This is a little to close to the stuff car companies do to stop aftermarket parts.
Being as the GTD is such an expensive vehicle, why wouldn't Ford and TJ enter into a licensing agreement for the body kit? I believe a lot of Mustang owners want the look of the GTD without having to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to MAYBE get one. Just a thought.
@@ricshuttleworth1609 because it's an exspensive vehicle, they want to justify the price by not having cheap look a like versions available. They don't anyone in line for the GTD to second guess their purchase.
@@ricshuttleworth1609 because it's an exspensive vehicle, they want to justify the price by not having cheap look a like versions available. They don't anyone in line for the GTD to second guess their purchase.
@Michael-pi8ps lol especially after they warned him multiple times. Then he shows up at sema with the car and then acts like he's the victim. Lol. Oh well he's getting the clicks. That's the main thing i guess.
Ford has every right to put a stop to counterfeit clones or else any joe schmoe will be selling kits. Kind of like those fake raptor DOOD grills 😂 TJ could have modified "his" kit to differentiate it from being a straight up GTD clone.
If he isnt selling it as a Mustang GTD and buyer knows what it is then let it be. If he making kits to sell then should have called Ford. Car enthusiast like myself with limited funds i love and appreciate good aftermarket company. I spend stupid money on high end ,well made parts from reputable companies with history.
^ This! It isn't being represented as an actual GTD or even a full replica of one. And there's enough different about his kit to where that wouldn't be impossible anyway.
Let's be honest. The luxury market isn't that expensive if you produce it at cost and take off the logo. The luxury logo is about 80% of the actual price. But the fact is that you're buying the image, showing off your taste, and making them think you have more money than you actually do, which is a very good thing. so kislux .
from the official press release: "Designed and engineered as a collaboration between Ford and Multimatic**, which developed the Mustang GT3, Mustang GT4, and Le Mans-winning Ford GT, the Mustang GTD represents the culmination of decades of engineering advancement borne from continuous learning through racing."
Here is my take on this. If TJ had made this kit solely for his own car and kept it to himself then I suspect Ford wouldn't have had a problem with it. If TJ had waited after the official run of GTDs has been completed and delivered and then made his kit, then I suspect Ford wouldn't have had a problem with it. But I think the issue for Ford is that Street Hunter is a commercial business selling car parts. TJ's kit precedes the actual GTD. The kit is a close enough (In Ford's eyes) approximation of the GTD. Finally, TJ chose to show off his kit+car at SEMA and that is what I suspect was the straw that broke Ford's back.
Whatch Larry Chen clip about the super snake and listen to the Shelby VP talk about exactly this topic ! .. forward to 15:00… in a way he gives reason to TJ Hunt. I think for TJ and is body kit it was just the timing.
This guy knew exactly what he was doing from the very start and he definitely knew what the outcome would be. He wanted more publicity for his company and now that Ford has come after him legally, now he wants many people to feel sorry for him not to mention he hopes Ford receives backlash / bad publicity on this matter. Come up with your own distinct design and there won’t be any problems.
The GTD isn't even for sale to the Public yet. So why would you let them do a body kit ? And why would Ford let them scan the car in the 1st place ? Would rather have the REAL thing.
My issue with ford is that other companys have been using that style fender for years even after market fender companys have made similar styles and you dont see them sueing ford Another issue is ford oem front bumper is very similar to the nissan gtr and i dont think nissan sued them for having a similar design
@Michael-pi8ps you can, all you have to do is tweak it a little just like music, there are many same sounding songs that have the been changed just enough to be legal but if it's identical then sure it's illegal
Ford should license the kit with requirement that VIN gets flagged as modified and kit is Dealer only so The GTD can't lose value but the less affluent can get the style
Lets be honest.... Releasing a bodykit of a extremely limited allocation car from ford. Will in no way, shape or form hurt the sales. I just think timing is everything. If he would have waited until after the car came out. I do not think this situation would even be happening. I love his bodykit and this has been a thing since cars started being modded. The old phrase "time heals all" truly applies here. And im sure thats the kind of deal that will be made.
They will do this if a line is crossed. Chrysler was going after companies that built plastic models in the 90s. Its their design, they want their royalties. And if the best you can do is copy something, I'm not shedding any tears for you. That's what the Russians and Chinese do to us- copy everything!
There are know humps on the deck lid . The oem deck lid is still on there . And you say you're a for expert. Personally, I think it's a great kit. Yes, the front end is too similar to the gtd .but which one of us normal guys has 300.000 grand to spend on a ford
Before even finishing the video, (I have seen it on TJ's channel) while the kit looks good, its no where near fantastic. I wouldn't use it myself. The side scoop looks like an afterthought and the rear wing is hideous. Regardless, its a Mustang GT with a body kit and in time, rest assured this will be done by some Chinese company selling them on eBay just like all the GT500 stuff. The GTD is so much more than a body kit and while TJ's car likely performs pretty well, it will be no match for the GTD, Ford should save their money and fight for something more important, like making quality products instead.
So this time I thought the issue was him designing a GTD-like kit for his own personal build, I had no idea he intends on selling it🤦♂️. He's completely in the wrong.
If you want to pay extra for what is real that is on you. There are many more who can't and won't if they could, golf clubs are similar with direct to consumer options that sell for a 1/3 to 1/2 the price. There are still those who will pay for the real thing, but not most.
I understand Ford’s complaint, hard to imagine anyone would think they could get away with such a close copy, especially while publishing it online. However there are plenty of examples of automotive copies that haven’t harmed the value of the originals. Cobras, Porsche 550 Spyders and ford GT40s to name a few. You can trick the uniformed if you want, but experts will always know the difference and be ready to pay the premium for the real thing if interested.
What makes him think he can do something like this and Ford wouldn’t say anything? If he did that with Ferrari, they’d put him out of business for good
When I saw Tjs video prior to the reveal of the car , I was sour with Ford. However when I saw the car, I couldn’t believe it was a straight copy less the wing and wheels. Historically Street Hunter made one off kits that made the cars look nothing like anything let alone a rare manufactured version of something not even released by them. It’s a straight screw up in TJs part, and frankly a lack of imagination and business smarts in this one. You didn’t make something unique , you copied the GTD. He’s got to eat this one, he didn’t create something new and different. I’m a fan of TJ, he dropped the ball heavily on this one. Great video , you’re right in the money, the kit should be destroyed or face consequences, Ford is in the right in this one and I’m not a fan of Ford.
I love Mustangs, but will probably never own one for the exact reason you pointed out. Why would I buy a GT 500 when Ford itself turns around and sells a 4 cyl. Mustang, or a electric mini SUV Mustang, and now possibly a sedan Mustang…. Ford devalues Mustangs by selling cheap and expensive versions
TJ main mistake is he didn't make the body kit "His own" like all his kits. Also would you like your Mustang GT on a Cobra/Shelby body kit ? That's way too lame and hold no value.
I don't care what anyone else's opinion is regarding if the kit is a copy. It is. Period. Instead of trying to vilify Ford here, ask the question why Ford is going after Speedhunters for their bolt on kit while seeming to all but officially support the 777 Triple Seven kit that is almost a 1:1 replica of the GT3 car. Is it because 777 has an unofficial licensing agreement with Ford and that makes it almost mandatory to shut down TJs? To me that seems HIGHLY likely. I also think a big reason Ford hasn't put requests out for TJ to pull all the videos is because they are working on a licensing deal to allow TJ to produce it.
I think if Ford had their car out for a while and then TJ made and sold a similar body kit they wouldn't have been as upset. Since they charge so much for their version who wouldn't want to go the TJ route, even if you had someone else install they kit nad then do the paintwork it'd probably be way cheaper. I can understand why they are trying to put a stop to this, but I do like that TJ isn't giving up.
You are correct. If there are imitations out there, they diminish the value of the real ones. If I had one on order, I'd be furious with T.J.'s project. If not cancel my order.
@@8lakk5unshine Right on. A guy here locally did an era correct cyclone clone that I spotted out right away and he was surprised. He said every one else thought it was a serial numbered true cyclone
This body kit is not going to affect the value of an original VIN # GDT. No different than putting a varis kit on something. That’s like saying someone who puts a fake lambo kit on a Miata is causing a true lambo’s value to go down.
My question to the gtd allocation holders is, don't yall fell that yall about to get ripped off? I mean if TJ could create an exact replica with all the material and development for less than wt the gtd actually costs the kit would prolly be ceaper in mass scale. Kinda similar to what happened with the lambo hypercars. Bro just pulled that off even before its available.
This bs has changed my mind on ever owning another Ford product, you clearly have a company that took inspiration from factory design and put his own spin on it, it looks similar but not close. I was looking at buying the Mustang to do one of these kits on but instead I'll go buy something else.
I understand this 100% ....Ford has the right to OK it to a certain degree....Otherwise anyone can just have their car kitted up to look like a GTD... Luckily Im building a world's first with my build...Hakotora Super Silhouette...hehe
I am not a fan of any sides of this situation. Don’t care for tj hunt ever since he riced out his brz and said he didn’t know how to do a donut, and ford charging that much for a car and not putting more effort into making an affordable supercharged v8 or just regular v8 is annoying. I would like to see a good handling lightweight v8 mustang for under $50k.
I’m sorry, but if you order a real GTD, you’re getting waaaay more than just the body styling. It’s a whole different engine and completely different suspension setup. So someone who orders a very specific GTD isn’t worried about a “body kit” on a gt
I'm actually curious who came up with the design first? It would be interesting to see the timelines, and possibility that ford stole the design from TJ, and not the other way around. Regardless, Ford has the legal clout and money, and could sink TJ. He's better off, taking it back offline, and modifying the design to look more unique then the GTD. I wouldn't want my design to look like an OEM design.
His only problem is that he opened his mouth to the internet and he should of waited for the GTD release. The rich guys will always get the factory version. The not so wealthy will get body kits
Why not make it different or at least make it after gtd is released. It’s a nice body kit that you can get for cheap price. But still to copy it even tho nobody has a gtd is crazy
First off everyone calling this an exact replica or a counterfeit is mistaken. Those words insinuate they are creating the same car which they aren’t even close to doing. Yes it looks very similar but underneath they are completely different cars. Their chassis are not related in any way… thousands of companies have made kits for cars that make them look like something they are not and that’s perfectly fine and legal. Once you buy a car you own it and can do whatever you want to including making it look like another car. Now if you tried to sell it saying it is something that it’s not that would be a problem but that’s not what they are doing. Lots of people out there love the way the GTD looks, myself included. Some of those people would love to have a similar look on their own mustang that can’t afford the crazy high price of a real GTD. This has happened time and time again through automotive history and it’s never been a problem. It’s a problem now cuz he has developed this kit before the real car is available. What you said about TJ’s kit underpinning the GTD and making the GTD worth less is complete BS. His kit is not going to affect the value of a real GTD… they are in completely different ballparks. Any person with the means to buy a real GTD is not going to say hmm… TJ hunt makes a kit that turns a regular mustang into a GTD I’ll buy that instead… cmon man…. The cars are nothing alike… would be like comparing a VW beetle to a new 911gt3 RS….
![The ULTIMATE Air Filter Test [Engineer Tested]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RdbFAG5xbyY/mqdefault.jpg)
Who’s in the wrong here? Ford or TJ Hunt?
He is copying it directly from OEM, he said it himself, it is a counterfeit kit and in any country and with any product, it is illegal. As good as it is, and it is extremely good and amazing, he should have done something different to the OEM. Unfortunately, TJ Hunt is wrong here, he is extremely talented, but wrong.
Unless I’m missing some context here if he’s been doing this for five years, why is Ford just now doing something about it? If it was a big deal, they would’ve done something sooner. People make modifications of existing parts all the time.
@TCcustoms
Also, don’t aftermarket parts have to go based off OEM spec in order to be compatible? How is this different?
Ford
I’m a little confused on this one. You can buy a kit to make BMW 328i look like an M3 and that’s not an issue. They’ve had Saleen and Cobra kits sold too. You’ve been able to buy bumpers and fenders and stuff to make cars look like the top of the line versions for decades so, I don’t get it. I will admit, the kit is too similar to be shown at SEMA but they should be able to sell it.
I agree! His body kit is not anything like the GTD, a limited edition version that costs 300K.
If you bought a GTD and are upset that some guy is making a slightly similar body kit you need to get over yourself.
It's because the gtd are not out yet to the public.Cause Ford thinks that people can just cancel their allocations and just buy a gt and slap this kit on there and save them almost half or more than what the GTDs are.
@@hyphydan First off you're not shopping for a GTD you'll be given an allocation by Ford and the chassis of a GTD is the same as the GT but diff. body style which can be modified as one .Like buying the previous gen (Ecoboost 4/6cyl and the GT or gt500/gt350) have all the same chassis but different powerplant and add -ons.Not to mention the Dodge Challenger line up the have all the same appearances, I have one and the interiors are all the same .The only thing you can tell is the badging.And before you smart off like that do your research about them that's all marketing gimmick from manufacturers to make money.
The guy who can buy a GTD is not going to buy this kit. The guy who buys the kit is someone who can afford a regular mustang and wants it to have a wide body kit that looks good. Ford will sell more mustangs due to this kit.
@@EzeMet001 I highly doubt someone in the market to buy a GTD would cancel it for for a 5.0 and a body kit. 🤣
I still think this is dumb. Like I get it. But we have been putting kits are cars for a while now. Anyone shopping for a GTD is not concerned about this at all. Let’s be real
True
The GTD is not just a body kit. It’s a completely different drivetrain and suspension compared to the regular Mustang. TJ’s car is just a GT with a body kit. There is no similarity other than looks alone.
I'm actually kinda surprised Ford hasn't made him take the video of the car down
Negative press is still press! Ford is getting people talking about this which equates to views of the GTD. I do see something positive from this if TJ and Ford can come to terms. Maybe Ford can offer Mustang owners a deal to have SH customize Mustangs much like Shelby, Rousch, RTR, or Saleen.... Anyone think that this is why TJ is pushing the limits? At the end of the day, it's NOT a GTD. Just a Mustang that has a body kit to look like a GTD.
@Sergeantgrunt that is true. No such thing as bad publicity
Bad publicity for FORD, b/c almost none of their customers can get a GTD. Good publicity would have been the car at SEMA paying homage to the GTD. Not allowing it to be sold, I understand.
If he called "gtd replica" they would more pull to do things like that
TJ should have reached out to Ford first, before trying to make an exact replica.
That’s what Ford Era did, and he built the F100 Clyde, and it was at SEMA.
Hard to feel bad for a guy that completely copied the body of a future vehicle from Ford. He had to know this was not going to fly.
He's always copying someone's homework he just got lazy with this one. This is not fords first time going after youtubers making replicas
I don't like the look of the kit. GTD looks better. This reminds me of when the Chyrsler 300 came out, it looked like Rolls Royce until a Rolls Royce pulled up beside it.
Yep
This comment is gold cus it's true ford only upset cus someone else did something with one of there cars Ford wasn't even sure if they wanted to make.these and now there like dam we need to make this money
I hear a lot of you in these comments, but I'm not seeing this as 1 to 1 as a lot of you are.
Wheels = completely different
Trunk deck lid = completely different
Wing = completely different
Window scoops = not even on GTD
Side scoops = not even on GTD as the GTD has vents built into the fenders.
Rear and front fenders = very similar but minor differences as how they are mounted.
Front bumper = looks really close
Back bumper = looks really close
Hood = looks really close
I think the difference is large enough that Ford loses this lawsuit and is likely open to counter lawsuits.
If you have products like Pepsi, Coca-Cola, RC Cola, Clover Valley Cola, etc... there can be very similar products with body kits.
Why is no one freaking out over a Camaro? Basically, it was a Chevy badged Mustang back in the 60s. Along with every single other pony car made. No one does because there was "just" enough difference to get by. Ford is a sore loser that someone made something similar to their 300k car that mere mortals could never have for a friggan fraction of the price. I love Mustangs and Ford, but this is ridiculous. I'd buy one of these body kits.
It looks way too similar man.
@annon-ski7985 it does look similar. That's the beauty of it. It's just different enough to get by, in my opinion.
@@christopherscott8272it's not just your opinion, legally this is not a copy. It's not even close enough to infringe on anything. As long as there's 15% difference then TJ is fine. If you take both cars as a whole, TJ's is like 5% of a real GTD. Ford is being ridiculous here.
@@89ludeawakening1 The whole front end is a duplicate. Its literally one for one. The spoiler is irrelevant. Again, its a copy from a car that hasn't even been delivered and he knows he ripped it off. Ford has the legl right and the legal precedent to easily win this lawsuit. Apparently none of you guys have ever designed a product or run a business. The protection will ALWAYS go the side of the originator of the design.
@@strongereveryday2302comment delete; but regardless it would be Ford's burden to fight the copycat design. TJH would probably get in trouble actually calling it the GTD kit, but as a copy (quite common) Ford would be hard-pressed having that enforced.
It's one thing to have a body kit inspired by the GTD. It's another thing to have a dang near 1 on 1 clone of the GTD minus the wing. What was TJ and Street Hunter thinking?!
how can it be 1 on 1 if he didnt have the car to copy it. Its impossible for those 2 cars to be identical, they just look close
His kit only slightly looks like the GTD. I personally don’t like it because it looks too much like the GTD.
I like and appreciate his body kits but this time he has scored a miss in my opinion.
I also do not like the GTD as it's too race car for me . If it was more road car it would be nicer.
@@chrisevaggelou8473 the GT350 was the best mustang and they went for GT3 RS customers and they will fail.
There's plenty of difference
Porsche guy here. I'm sure Ford spent millions in R&D for the GTD because they wanted it to be competitive against the Porsche GT3RS on the street and RSR in the FIA ELMS and WEC series. For TJ to just copy aero components like the front fascia and rear intake (which I think is for the transaxle cooler) and it not be functional would definitely be a slap in the face to Ford and their racing divisions hard work, and unsurprisingly make Mustang owners putting a replica kit on look equally stupid. I think Ford was in the right to protect their IP.
That is stupid. In the WHOLE car scene you can buy kits for every limited or performance there is for every brand and there hasn't been a issue ever. It is the dumbest move ever, and makes your whole reputation as a car brand go out the window by your fans. It is like what Ferrari does. The only reason i can understand is that maybe it is because his kit will be sooner on the market than GTD deliveries. That is the only thing i could understand, but lawfully they don't have a stick to stand on
I’m putting a replica focus RS kit on my Focus SE. although it’s going to be a clone, I know it’s not the same, but who really cares, it’s a body kit, the chassis isn’t modified, so it’s not going to affect the gtd. Like I’ve seen in other comments, those with allocations for the gtd won’t cancel their orders for a mustang gt with the 5.0 just to put a body kit on it. The gtd has far more done to it than a body kit.
Ford is just trying to scare TJ. In reality, there's really nothing they should legally be able to do. People can say it looks really similar all they want, but that doesn't make it a 1 to 1 copy. It's not a copy or replica at all. The kit looks about 70% similar to only the body, and that's where it ends. And when it comes to that, there's enough differences about it to where it doesn't infringe on anything. It literally says it with it being just a kit. The GTD is a fully molded carbon fiber body. None of TJ's parts from his kit can be directly bolted on to a real GTD. Now take the kit away and the GTD is pretty much an entirely different car when it comes to everything else. All of the active cooling, active aero, the suspension, the interior, the engine block, the intake system, the exhaust, the brakes, the wheels and almost everything else you can think of are one-offs made specifically for the GTD. Ford is in the wrong here no matter what anyone thinks. If someone cancels an order or just doesn't want to buy a real GTD, which is essentially an actual functioning race car, and they feel that way because of an aftermarket body kit... all i can do is laugh at them. Smh
Na…they got em by the balls
Even if it isn’t illegal (unlikely cause it’s visually obvious) they can have him so tied up in a legal fight the company will go bankrupt. Most likely they just want him out of the way to not take away from the launch of the GTD then they’ll let him do whatever he wants once it’s been out for a year
You’re talking just like a person who hasn’t even reached 30 yrs old.
It's very obviously a rip off. I know he's just protecting himself saying it's not. But it's very obvious they copied it.
It funny cause he used a replica body kit on his FD rx7 and took alot of heat for it back in the day.
I wonder how he would feel if someone ripped off his street hunter supra body kit/wing.
You are right, all they did was Rip off the looks of GTD.
There are replicas of other cars out there, but they come out years after the original has been built.
That's what people don't understand
Good point. Even though i guarantee you all 1000 of those GTDs are already spoken for. But ford was probably hoping to mark the price up above sticker.
I dont understand why they did not change the design some, ,They could have made the vents horizontal, could have put more air pass through the rear spoiler, etc..
Because he's greedy, & lazy, he got away with it plagiarizing those other kits. He rushed to make it to sema for the free advertising
I mean..... How hard is it to come up with your own design instead of copying one down to the fenders. Just change a couple of things (i.e. the fenders, front bumper cut outs and definitely the trunk) and then Ford has no leg to stand on.
I get what TJ is trying to do however Ford has a point as well. I for one can't afford a 300k race car so having a GTD replica is a pretty good substitute but it would have been better if he had approached Ford about what his goal was but here we are in the world of coulda, shoulda, woulda. It's not a good look for either side. Big corporation steps on little guy. Little guy makes carbon copy of big companies car body and claims it as their own. Not exactly good for either side. Would like to see maybe a few changes so both sides can be happy because lets face it. A bunch of chinese knockoffs will be on TEMU in the next 6 mos.
Yout think coping 50% of the body and putting it on a car that costs 1/6 the original is making a carbon copy??? Ferrari MR2 or Fiero body kits are fine, M3 320i body kits are fine. This is where you draw the line? 🤣🤣
It's obvious TJ was trying to ride the coat tails of Fords GTD, he just got way too close. I agree with you it would suck to spend 300K to have some kid come up and say "I just saw another one 2 minutes ago". Only real Mustang enthusiasts would have known the difference, and that does take a lot away from the real D.
I was for TJ initially because who’s not for the little man but when you showed how similar they are, I quickly changed my mind. Making a similar product is one thing but a direct copycat is ridiculous. Especially on a product that isn’t even available yet
It's not a direct copy. It doesn't matter how many people say it look really similar, that doesn't make it a 1 to 1 copy. The kit looks very similar and that's where it ends. And there's enough different about it to where it doesn't infringe on anything. It literally says it with it being a kit. The GTD is a fully molded carbon fiber body. None of these parts can be just simply bolted on to a real GTD. Now take the kit away and the GTD is almost an entirely different car when it comes to everything else about it like all of the active cooling, the suspension, the interior, the engine block, the brakes, the wheels and pretty much everything else you can think of.
@@89ludeawakening1 That ONLY is relevant IF the vehicle its being copied from is already available and or no longer being produced. That's basic copyright and trademark law. He is infringing and the only difference in the kit is the spoiler basically. Its called "acting in bad faith". The legal precedents are completely on Ford's side and TJ should have known better. He will lose. This makes him look like a hack and a phony.
@@strongereveryday2302
you can fully capitalize words all you want, you're still going to be wrong, buddy. The spoiler is the only thing different? Okay, how about the entire body of the GTD being made of carbon fiber? There's a difference. How about the actual active cooling in the fender vents and front bumper on the GTD? There's a difference. How about the body of the GTD being fully molded to the point it doesn't even have a trunk lid? There's a difference. How about the GTD has fully molded in rear intake/aero ports that are active, and not just a scoop for looks on TJ's kit? There's a difference. How about the suspension, interior, engine block, the rest of the active aero, the wheels, the special brakes and so on? There's a ridiculous amount of differences. Shall we continue? And I'm not even going to comment where you replied on a different comment, because it's not even worth it.
@@89ludeawakening1you just don’t get it. If you get 1,000 random people off the street and put both cars 30 feet away. Maybe a few will be able to tell the difference and notice that they are not the same car. That’s the problem. No body is saying that TJ’s car is the same because of the carbon fiber, interior, suspension, etc. It’s what it looks like that matters
I think tj hunt should team up with ford and make this kit (with a couple of changes or add ons) come to life as a partnership between ford and street hunter and that would be amazing
Yes they should reward him for plagiarism
@@marquisethomas5611well as ford you could say plagiarism and go the polemic way leaving you with a bit of bit of bad rep or go the other way, that is, ford talking with tj, do some modifications to the design and launch it as a collab special edition and make even more profits from it
@diegosolar678 i dont think Ford needs tj's help to sell cars 😂
This is the same reason companies like Shelby or Callaway didn't make aftermarket parts available, only packages or whole prebuilt cars. Would be a kick in the nuts to the customers that paid out right for their complete packages and the value of those packages/vehicles.
I dont see the big deal. Its just a body kit. It doesn't have the engineering or internals of the real GTD. Its just a look. Some people want that look but are not paying Ferrari money for a mustang? Really? No way. Let the little guy sell his body kit to the average mustang owner or fan. Unless Ford wants to sell a body kit.
You would not have a mustang if wasn't for Ford yall love Ford mustang so he a cop cat and he is wrong he should have asked Ford was it okay to do this and bring them in they both could have made money 💰 now he has to pay Ford they going to put him out of business
It was not supposed to be a kit or they would have made it their self that why they don't want him to make one it will hurt their sales for the GTD he is wrong so now he's got to pay
Ford doesn't fool around when it comes to stuff like this. I remember several years go when they shut Rappygraphics down for selling unlicensed product. They tied his business up for a long time before Ford finally licensed them and he had to pay plenty.
Ford's pissed because it's so close looking to their high end $300K + limited edition car...
It’s called theft.
next time you invent something let me copy your designs by 90% and start selling before you release yours and tell me how it feels
@@ilovetotones1 if you copy the whole gtd car then you deserve to be sued. If you copy 50% of the body and put it on a car that costs 1/6 the original then why on earth would you care???
@@JetSkiSuper7 All replica body kits are theft then?? Factory 5s are all theft? Any M car bodykit on any 320 series is theft? How about Ferrari on MR2 or Fieros??
@@melendezryan9843 Imagine scanning a limited edition $300k car that hasn’t been released yet and where a car manufacturer spent millions on R&D then offering reproduction parts and claiming them as your own. That is theft, plain as day. It’s shocking that you don’t see that.
He basically cloned a pair of Nikes and put different shoe laces in them. Legal? Hell no!
if you copy the whole gtd car then you deserve to be sued. If you copy 50% of the body and put it on a car that costs 1/6 the original then why on earth would you care???
I find this strange as 2020-2022 GT500 knock-off stuff is everywhere. You see the GT500 replica front ends all the time.
They definitely have the right to pursue them. If they were smart, they would partner up with Ford, like Roush and TC Customs, and then this way, they would get the green light and not the red cease and desist.
I have a feeling that's why Mitchell made this video. Even though he kept saying no ill will, I think he was trying to defend Ford.
Plagiarism at its purist form. The vehicle in question isn’t even on the market yet and you’re attempting to put a body kit almost one to one visually. Get over yourself, brother.
Yet there are copycat kits ALL over the world from classics to imports.
Who cares if the vehicle isn't on the market-the GTD is waaay more than the kit. Either way, Ford isn't at fault trying to protect its profits, but copykits are hardly a new or unique thing to largely 'unobtainable' cars
Ugly
The problem is he usually rips off an already made body kit, this time he made a kit thats similar to a special edition car with plans on selling it , he did it to himself
I found out, with any kit, 10-15% of a body kit has to be different not a direct copy,but abit different
In the beginning when he referred to OEM. He was talking about the rough draft of putting a skin on top of OEM with bondo or whatever before actual making molds and such.
I purchased an kislux bag in 2022, and I can confirm that it is very high quality. The owners were very nice, too! I may purchase another bag from them the next time!
Ford is right on this how would you feel when you made something and had a patent on and then you see someone coping your product almost 1 to 1 of a look a like imagine people canceling orders for your actual real product where now the people are buying cheap knock offs of not being the real thing then you would be losing a lot of money. Ford did the right thing here if I had the money i would not buy a cheap knock off of something I would rather have the real thing.
Classic case of copyright infringement. Asking to get sued for the video also.
Engh.... while although there are similarities... it's still not a ford GTD. Hell we all know this car in no form shape or fashion could ever perform or handle like the GTD regardless of the similarities of this body kit.... but if this body kit with the similarities that it has.... has Ford this worried... You got to ask yourself how special this car is truly, if you're that worried about a body kit?... Because whether it's done now or later the styling of this car will eventually get copied and we all know this.... so, the cease-and-desist order in my opinion wasn't even necessary.
They're making what less than a 150 of these things at over 300k a pop... and that still leaves a mass majority of ppl who would love to even have a car look like this, (the guy just single handedly created a demand for the Dark Horse that's not even selling) so with that being said whether it's one manufacturer who makes the whole-body kit or bunch of manufacturers making a bunch of different pieces of this body kit.... just like when they copied the cobra R.... they can't stop the inevitable.... it's going to get copied...
I think it would have been a smarter move on ford to put TJ Hunt in a contract allowing them to make a certain number of these kits while collecting a fee for using their likeness of the GTD... which would have been a win, win for everybody.
they'll be making a couple thousand gtds, not 150.
I was in Gucci today and the SA told me they canât often tell the difference between the authentic and kislux 's bags. Surprised to hear that from an SA.
kislux have a stunning collection!! Truly inspirational-found your channel recently, lots of love
The trunk lid is the oem trunk, so no, it's not the same as the gtd, but yes, the fenders look identical. To be fair, the rear quarters are quite different too
Ford doesn’t want people buying a base model Mustang, slapping on a body kit that looks like a GTD, and driving around like a douchebag, ruining the GTD’s reputation.
I think ford wants to go with the GTD theme in there future cars and this guy just ruined fords plans...
So do they sue all the fake saleen kit makers??? People still buy the real deal because gear heads know the difference. This is a bad legal precedent. This is a little to close to the stuff car companies do to stop aftermarket parts.
Nobody made a Saleen kit before it even made it to the market & then took it to car shows with intentions on selling the kit
Being as the GTD is such an expensive vehicle, why wouldn't Ford and TJ enter into a licensing agreement for the body kit? I believe a lot of Mustang owners want the look of the GTD without having to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to MAYBE get one. Just a thought.
I have feeling if they become licensed, that will be the end of it. Ford will get a cut and life will go on.
@@ricshuttleworth1609 because it's an exspensive vehicle, they want to justify the price by not having cheap look a like versions available. They don't anyone in line for the GTD to second guess their purchase.
@@ricshuttleworth1609 because it's an exspensive vehicle, they want to justify the price by not having cheap look a like versions available. They don't anyone in line for the GTD to second guess their purchase.
@Michael-pi8ps lol especially after they warned him multiple times. Then he shows up at sema with the car and then acts like he's the victim. Lol.
Oh well he's getting the clicks. That's the main thing i guess.
Ford has every right to put a stop to counterfeit clones or else any joe schmoe will be selling kits.
Kind of like those fake raptor DOOD grills 😂
TJ could have modified "his" kit to differentiate it from being a straight up GTD clone.
The GTD is by far different than a body kit look a like. I don"t understand the problem.
If he isnt selling it as a Mustang GTD and buyer knows what it is then let it be. If he making kits to sell then should have called Ford. Car enthusiast like myself with limited funds i love and appreciate good aftermarket company. I spend stupid money on high end ,well made parts from reputable companies with history.
^ This! It isn't being represented as an actual GTD or even a full replica of one. And there's enough different about his kit to where that wouldn't be impossible anyway.
Let's be honest. The luxury market isn't that expensive if you produce it at cost and take off the logo. The luxury logo is about 80% of the actual price. But the fact is that you're buying the image, showing off your taste, and making them think you have more money than you actually do, which is a very good thing. so kislux .
from the official press release:
"Designed and engineered as a collaboration between Ford and Multimatic**, which developed the Mustang GT3, Mustang GT4, and Le Mans-winning Ford GT, the Mustang GTD represents the culmination of decades of engineering advancement borne from continuous learning through racing."
Let these big companies cry about it!!
They let dealership up charge customers!
Why can’t I make my own body kit! ?
You can but don't sell it
no way they did that in 72 hrs
, purchase cut mold paint finish ... no way
Here is my take on this.
If TJ had made this kit solely for his own car and kept it to himself then I suspect Ford wouldn't have had a problem with it.
If TJ had waited after the official run of GTDs has been completed and delivered and then made his kit, then I suspect Ford wouldn't have had a problem with it.
But I think the issue for Ford is that Street Hunter is a commercial business selling car parts. TJ's kit precedes the actual GTD. The kit is a close enough (In Ford's eyes) approximation of the GTD. Finally, TJ chose to show off his kit+car at SEMA and that is what I suspect was the straw that broke Ford's back.
Whatch Larry Chen clip about the super snake and listen to the Shelby VP talk about exactly this topic ! .. forward to 15:00… in a way he gives reason to TJ Hunt. I think for TJ and is body kit it was just the timing.
This guy knew exactly what he was doing from the very start and he definitely knew what the outcome would be.
He wanted more publicity for his company and now that Ford has come after him legally, now he wants many people to feel sorry for him not to mention he hopes Ford receives backlash / bad publicity on this matter.
Come up with your own distinct design and there won’t be any problems.
The attention he’s getting makes up for all of it. He will have orders for days.
Orders he won't be able to fill. The minute he did, Ford would have the Feds after him.
The GTD isn't even for sale to the Public yet. So why would you let them do a body kit ? And why would Ford let them scan the car in the 1st place ? Would rather have the REAL thing.
My issue with ford is that other companys have been using that style fender for years even after market fender companys have made similar styles and you dont see them sueing ford
Another issue is ford oem front bumper is very similar to the nissan gtr and i dont think nissan sued them for having a similar design
It isn't counterfeit it's making body kits to make cars look like other cars, all he has to do is make it just a tad different kinda like phones today
Facts!
@Michael-pi8ps you can, all you have to do is tweak it a little just like music, there are many same sounding songs that have the been changed just enough to be legal but if it's identical then sure it's illegal
Ford should license the kit with requirement that VIN gets flagged as modified and kit is Dealer only so The GTD can't lose value but the less affluent can get the style
He made a career ripping off other people's work, finally someone is holding him accountable . Ford took it easy on him.
Lets be honest.... Releasing a bodykit of a extremely limited allocation car from ford. Will in no way, shape or form hurt the sales. I just think timing is everything. If he would have waited until after the car came out. I do not think this situation would even be happening. I love his bodykit and this has been a thing since cars started being modded. The old phrase "time heals all" truly applies here. And im sure thats the kind of deal that will be made.
How is this kit any different than a GT350 or GT500 clone?
They will do this if a line is crossed. Chrysler was going after companies that built plastic models in the 90s. Its their design, they want their royalties. And if the best you can do is copy something, I'm not shedding any tears for you. That's what the Russians and Chinese do to us- copy everything!
There are know humps on the deck lid . The oem deck lid is still on there . And you say you're a for expert. Personally, I think it's a great kit. Yes, the front end is too similar to the gtd .but which one of us normal guys has 300.000 grand to spend on a ford
Ford is in the wrong it’s not a GTD, the people that are dumb enough to pay 3-400k for a GTD shouldn’t be worried about a mustang with a body kit.
Before even finishing the video, (I have seen it on TJ's channel) while the kit looks good, its no where near fantastic. I wouldn't use it myself. The side scoop looks like an afterthought and the rear wing is hideous. Regardless, its a Mustang GT with a body kit and in time, rest assured this will be done by some Chinese company selling them on eBay just like all the GT500 stuff. The GTD is so much more than a body kit and while TJ's car likely performs pretty well, it will be no match for the GTD, Ford should save their money and fight for something more important, like making quality products instead.
Theres a comapny already selling a 1 of 1 copy of the gtd kit in carbon fiber and they literally used the real gtd as marketing material🤣
So this time I thought the issue was him designing a GTD-like kit for his own personal build, I had no idea he intends on selling it🤦♂️. He's completely in the wrong.
If you want to pay extra for what is real that is on you. There are many more who can't and won't if they could, golf clubs are similar with direct to consumer options that sell for a 1/3 to 1/2 the price. There are still those who will pay for the real thing, but not most.
Have to hand it to TJ . He got the kit pretty bang on . Very few people have even seen this car in person .
I understand Ford’s complaint, hard to imagine anyone would think they could get away with such a close copy, especially while publishing it online. However there are plenty of examples of automotive copies that haven’t harmed the value of the originals. Cobras, Porsche 550 Spyders and ford GT40s to name a few. You can trick the uniformed if you want, but experts will always know the difference and be ready to pay the premium for the real thing if interested.
I'm surprised Ford would take these steps. I expect this behavior from Ferrari, not Ford.
What makes him think he can do something like this and Ford wouldn’t say anything? If he did that with Ferrari, they’d put him out of business for good
Sweet build and not everyone has $300k + to own a car like the GTD and if the closest we can get to the dream is a body kit then what’s the problem?
When I saw Tjs video prior to the reveal of the car , I was sour with Ford. However when I saw the car, I couldn’t believe it was a straight copy less the wing and wheels. Historically Street Hunter made one off kits that made the cars look nothing like anything let alone a rare manufactured version of something not even released by them. It’s a straight screw up in TJs part, and frankly a lack of imagination and business smarts in this one. You didn’t make something unique , you copied the GTD. He’s got to eat this one, he didn’t create something new and different. I’m a fan of TJ, he dropped the ball heavily on this one.
Great video , you’re right in the money, the kit should be destroyed or face consequences, Ford is in the right in this one and I’m not a fan of Ford.
TJ didn’t just play with matches on this one, he dipped them in gasoline, his kit is not a one off so what did he expect
I love Mustangs, but will probably never own one for the exact reason you pointed out. Why would I buy a GT 500 when Ford itself turns around and sells a 4 cyl. Mustang, or a electric mini SUV Mustang, and now possibly a sedan Mustang…. Ford devalues Mustangs by selling cheap and expensive versions
Great point. Ford's crying about a niche body kit while they flood the market with EcoBoost Mustangs.
@@MisterMonsieur yes, and name every car “Mustang” including EV’s
TJ main mistake is he didn't make the body kit "His own" like all his kits.
Also would you like your Mustang GT on a Cobra/Shelby body kit ? That's way too lame and hold no value.
Wonder if it the concept was advertised as light weight performance parts, rather then a styling ripoff?
What tj made is cute but anyone that knows GTD knows body kit is nothing compared to a fully functional GTD.
I don't care what anyone else's opinion is regarding if the kit is a copy. It is. Period.
Instead of trying to vilify Ford here, ask the question why Ford is going after Speedhunters for their bolt on kit while seeming to all but officially support the 777 Triple Seven kit that is almost a 1:1 replica of the GT3 car. Is it because 777 has an unofficial licensing agreement with Ford and that makes it almost mandatory to shut down TJs? To me that seems HIGHLY likely.
I also think a big reason Ford hasn't put requests out for TJ to pull all the videos is because they are working on a licensing deal to allow TJ to produce it.
Ford doesn't seem to have a problem selling engines for plastic T Buckets,32,33 Fords, or Cobras.
I think if Ford had their car out for a while and then TJ made and sold a similar body kit they wouldn't have been as upset. Since they charge so much for their version who wouldn't want to go the TJ route, even if you had someone else install they kit nad then do the paintwork it'd probably be way cheaper. I can understand why they are trying to put a stop to this, but I do like that TJ isn't giving up.
You are correct. If there are imitations out there, they diminish the value of the real ones. If I had one on order, I'd be furious with T.J.'s project. If not cancel my order.
That’s childish
@@8lakk5unshine
Well there you go
I am releaasing a bodykit for a Ford Taurus that will make it closely resemble a 2017 Ford GT. There are some small differences, however.
@@8lakk5unshine
Right on. A guy here locally did an era correct cyclone clone that I spotted out right away and he was surprised. He said every one else thought it was a serial numbered true cyclone
This body kit is not going to affect the value of an original VIN # GDT. No different than putting a varis kit on something. That’s like saying someone who puts a fake lambo kit on a Miata is causing a true lambo’s value to go down.
My question to the gtd allocation holders is, don't yall fell that yall about to get ripped off? I mean if TJ could create an exact replica with all the material and development for less than wt the gtd actually costs the kit would prolly be ceaper in mass scale. Kinda similar to what happened with the lambo hypercars. Bro just pulled that off even before its available.
Hey we ranger Raptor owners need need some love. We need raptor lights for our grill. Do you have any cuz can't find anywhere?
This bs has changed my mind on ever owning another Ford product, you clearly have a company that took inspiration from factory design and put his own spin on it, it looks similar but not close. I was looking at buying the Mustang to do one of these kits on but instead I'll go buy something else.
I understand this 100% ....Ford has the right to OK it to a certain degree....Otherwise anyone can just have their car kitted up to look like a GTD... Luckily Im building a world's first with my build...Hakotora Super Silhouette...hehe
I am not a fan of any sides of this situation. Don’t care for tj hunt ever since he riced out his brz and said he didn’t know how to do a donut, and ford charging that much for a car and not putting more effort into making an affordable supercharged v8 or just regular v8 is annoying. I would like to see a good handling lightweight v8 mustang for under $50k.
Didn't look like it took guts... looks like an angle grinder 😂
Look up "Trade dress" doesnt have to be a direct copy, just looks like.
your allowed to modify your car any way you like. until u start selling parts is when u get into troubles if anything is wrong. f u ford
I’m sorry, but if you order a real GTD, you’re getting waaaay more than just the body styling. It’s a whole different engine and completely different suspension setup. So someone who orders a very specific GTD isn’t worried about a “body kit” on a gt
I'm actually curious who came up with the design first? It would be interesting to see the timelines, and possibility that ford stole the design from TJ, and not the other way around. Regardless, Ford has the legal clout and money, and could sink TJ. He's better off, taking it back offline, and modifying the design to look more unique then the GTD. I wouldn't want my design to look like an OEM design.
He said in one of his videos he doesn't think it looks anything like the GTD. LOL right!!!
He should be ashamed. It has no creativity. Just a rip-off kit that you would expect from a shameless Chinese company.
His only problem is that he opened his mouth to the internet and he should of waited for the GTD release. The rich guys will always get the factory version. The not so wealthy will get body kits
"Pushing the boundaries" in what? Copying? 😂😂
Why not make it different or at least make it after gtd is released. It’s a nice body kit that you can get for cheap price. But still to copy it even tho nobody has a gtd is crazy
Roush and Magnuson’s car was at SEMA. That car copied the GTD down to the wheels. I think Roush saw TJs car and called big daddy Ford crying
Putting both cars side by side shows ford's argument . Followed TJ for years . How could he not see the major resemblance.
First off everyone calling this an exact replica or a counterfeit is mistaken. Those words insinuate they are creating the same car which they aren’t even close to doing. Yes it looks very similar but underneath they are completely different cars. Their chassis are not related in any way… thousands of companies have made kits for cars that make them look like something they are not and that’s perfectly fine and legal. Once you buy a car you own it and can do whatever you want to including making it look like another car. Now if you tried to sell it saying it is something that it’s not that would be a problem but that’s not what they are doing. Lots of people out there love the way the GTD looks, myself included. Some of those people would love to have a similar look on their own mustang that can’t afford the crazy high price of a real GTD. This has happened time and time again through automotive history and it’s never been a problem. It’s a problem now cuz he has developed this kit before the real car is available. What you said about TJ’s kit underpinning the GTD and making the GTD worth less is complete BS. His kit is not going to affect the value of a real GTD… they are in completely different ballparks. Any person with the means to buy a real GTD is not going to say hmm… TJ hunt makes a kit that turns a regular mustang into a GTD I’ll buy that instead… cmon man…. The cars are nothing alike… would be like comparing a VW beetle to a new 911gt3 RS….