What Is It?
Ford SVT F-150 Lightning
What's Special About It?
Like they did in the 1960s and early 1970s with muscle cars, carmakers are once again engaging in a horsepower war. And now it's not just performance cars that are trying to outgun each other; even pickup trucks are going at it.
Last year, Dodge showed the Ram SRT-10 concept that packed the Viper's V10 with 500 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. This year, Ford responds with this SVT Lightning concept, based on a standard-cab version of the 2004 F-150.
We'll get right to the heart of the matter. Under that twin-scooped hood sits a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 that's rated "conservatively" at 500 horses and 500 lb-ft of twist. The intercooler can use the vehicle's air conditioning system (on demand) to cool the intake charge even more, resulting in 50 more horsepower for a 30- to 45-second burst. Although it's not the same exact engine, the force-fed 5.4 in the Lightning does share many components with the GT40's V8. A six-speed manual gearbox makes the ride even more thrilling.
A unique, independent rear end, along with 22-inch alloys wrapped with fat Goodyear rubber does its best to transfer all that fury into forward motion. Charged with the task of hauling the Lightning down are Brembo brakes employing six-piston calipers in front and four-piston grabbers in the rear. No indication was given as far as production feasibility, but if Dodge brings out the Ram SRT-10, we don't think it would be long before Lightning struck again.
Why Should You Care?
If you're like us (die-hard car enthusiasts), anything that puts out 500 horsepower has a way of getting your attention. And if it's something that could easily make production (like this Lightning), that makes it all the more intriguing. — John DiPietro
Ford SVT F-150 Lightning
What's Special About It?
Like they did in the 1960s and early 1970s with muscle cars, carmakers are once again engaging in a horsepower war. And now it's not just performance cars that are trying to outgun each other; even pickup trucks are going at it.
Last year, Dodge showed the Ram SRT-10 concept that packed the Viper's V10 with 500 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. This year, Ford responds with this SVT Lightning concept, based on a standard-cab version of the 2004 F-150.
We'll get right to the heart of the matter. Under that twin-scooped hood sits a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 that's rated "conservatively" at 500 horses and 500 lb-ft of twist. The intercooler can use the vehicle's air conditioning system (on demand) to cool the intake charge even more, resulting in 50 more horsepower for a 30- to 45-second burst. Although it's not the same exact engine, the force-fed 5.4 in the Lightning does share many components with the GT40's V8. A six-speed manual gearbox makes the ride even more thrilling.
A unique, independent rear end, along with 22-inch alloys wrapped with fat Goodyear rubber does its best to transfer all that fury into forward motion. Charged with the task of hauling the Lightning down are Brembo brakes employing six-piston calipers in front and four-piston grabbers in the rear. No indication was given as far as production feasibility, but if Dodge brings out the Ram SRT-10, we don't think it would be long before Lightning struck again.
Why Should You Care?
If you're like us (die-hard car enthusiasts), anything that puts out 500 horsepower has a way of getting your attention. And if it's something that could easily make production (like this Lightning), that makes it all the more intriguing. — John DiPietro
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