Gateway Bronco Launches 3D Configurator at SEMA

Millions of eyes were focused on this year’s 2022 SEMA show. Everyone was eager to see how the annual automotive specialty equipment industry event would fare with international travel opening up and a few high-profile automakers declining to attend. Would attendance be strong? Which companies would shine? Who would be missed? What would be the most compelling stories of the show?

According to Gateway Bronco CEO Seth Burgett, “There were clear cut winners, some industry shifts and those who did not attend missed out. Attendance seemed to be strong and the show was once again an industry event instead of focusing on consumers. That allowed us to spend time with suppliers and partners like Glasurit, XPEL and Eaton which asked us to be a prime attraction in their booth. As a technology company, those meetings are important to maintain a pipeline of developments for softening the edges of a 50-year-old SUV.”

That collaborative spirit was on full display during SEMA through the spectacular 1968 Ford Bronco in the Eaton booth that was reimagined by Gateway Bronco. Filled with the latest proven technologies and materials, it was a compelling vehicle. The “Super SUV” included Eaton’s Detroit Truetrac differentials for ultimate traction and a ROUSH Performance supercharger with Eaton TVS Technology.

The SEMA show SUV is a one-of-a-kind Gateway Bronco vehicle that underwent a complete frame-off restoration. Clad in matte dark blue metallic with painted matte ranger stripes, the Bronco SUV has almost every option available. It features a Generation 3 Coyote 5.0L V8 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, modern Kincer Engineering chassis, Wilwood 4-Wheel disc brakes, Italian distressed leather interior, and genuine barn wood bed. It is the grand prize too for a charity sweepstakes that will benefit The Special Operators Transition Foundation (SOTF) charity.

SOTF is a non-profit organization committed to helping the Special Operations Forces from the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines transition from their military service into their next successful career. Tommy Stoner, CEO of SOTF, discussed the efforts the organization is making to transition our elite military veterans into civilian careers, and how the sweepstakes will benefit their work.

“One of the most exciting moments at SEMA was leveraging the SOTF charity SUV to introduce our new online 3D configurator, the world’s first for reimagining the classic Ford Bronco and trucks,” noted Burgett. “We unveiled it next to the resto-mod 1968 Ford Bronco built for SOTF’s sweepstake because it was the model used to create the online tool. This allowed everyone to see the transition from digital idea to an actual vehicle.”

Gateway Bronco uses video game technology and 3-dimensional scanning to offer the opportunity to 3-dimensionally render a vehicle online. The new Gateway Bronco configurator allows clients to design the Bronco of their dreams, select model features and colors, and render how the vehicle would look real-time.

Burgett was also in great demand by the media and for appearances at industry events like the annual SEMA Party at Shelby American. He took time at the party to meet with students from the Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Program to discuss his SEMA and industry impressions.

“Nurturing the next generation of car builders is important to all of us at Gateway Bronco,” noted Burgett. “We have a successful internship and scholarship program with the Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Program entering its 3rd year. It was enjoyable to get to know the next graduating class of students from the school and learn their aspirations as car builders, fabricators, technicians and custom painters.”

Celebrities also flocked to connect with Burgett and see the Gateway display. Chip Foose, Christy Lee, Alan Taylor, Chris Jacobs, and comedian/car guy Adam Carolla stopped by to check out the 3D configurator and show their support for the charity Bronco.

“The automotive industry and enthusiasts value our ability to blend the art and science necessary to build vehicles at this level,” said Burgett. “From our 3D scanning software to the integration of advanced computer controls like active stability control, ABS brakes and now the online 3D rendering tool, we are taking classic Ford Broncos and trucks into an entirely new generation of safety, comfort and ease of ownership.”