This is real kids!!


SVT Lightning shelved


Automotive News / October 20, 2004


Ford has pulled the plug on the next-generation F-150 Lightning SVT pickup truck, instead putting all SVT's eggs into one basket: The SVT Cobra Mustang, due for 2006.

"It's a business decision," said Alan Hall, SVT spokesman. Ford said the next Lightning has been "postponed," and not killed, but it will be 2008 or later if it is revived. SVT has gone from three vehicles in 2004 -- the Lightning, the Cobra Mustang and the SVT Focus -- to none in 2005.

Ford had already shown a concept version of the next-generation Lightning in 2003. The concept had a supercharged V-8 engine with more than 500 horsepower, in answer to the Dodge Ram SRT-10, which eclipsed the Lightning as the world's fastest production pickup in a test last winter. Ford was eager to regain the crown, but has decided to deed the performance pickup-truck market over to Dodge and its 500-horse SRT-10, and to a lesser extent, Chevrolet, though the heavy all-wheel-drive Silverado SS is not in the same category.

The Lightning debuted in 1993, with a 240-horsepower version of Ford's 5.8-liter V-8. It was only a mild success, and was dropped in 1995. The F-150's redesign led to a new Lightning for 1999, featuring a 360-horsepower supercharged 5.4-liter V-8. A handful of 2004 Lightnings, not much changed from that 1999 model except for a horsepower bump to 380, remain on dealer lots. Base price: $33,560.

Apparently, cost played a major role in the decision, as the expense involved in developing and certifying a proper V8, and massaging the new-for-2004 F-150's chassis, was deemed prohibitive. Also, the next-generation Lightning's fuel mileage would likely continue to detract from Ford's Corporate Average Fuel Economy totals: The current Lightning is rated at 12 mpg city, 16 mpg highway.

 

That sucks. People are going to be PI$$ED!

 

Hmmm.. I still call BS until it hits all the media outlets.

Oh well, guess the next truck will be the SD Harley.

 

dzervit - here ya go. front page news. i would never lie to you.

http://www.autonews.com/

 

As long as they bring back the F150 Harley (I don't like the F250 version they released this year....)

 

looks like this is old news. i should have checked the lightning forum before i posted. oh well.

 

I have never owned a Lightning and probably never will, but this really makes me sick!

I own an 04 lariat s-crew 4x4 and its a great truck but it should of had a 5 or 6 speed auto, better engine response, and better ground clearance and an optional Diesel engine. Instead Ford played it conservatively and let Nissan enter the race when they could have buried them from the start.

The new 500 and Freestyle is boring IMO. The review I read on the 500 said it was underpowered with the initial engine offering. Again Ford played it conservitavely.

Almost nobody considers the Taurus a fine car. One look and you think "rental car".

The "new Mustang" may be a fine car but come on, enough of the retro. Give us something new.

The Ranger is long overdue for an overhaul.

The Crown Vic, well what can you say. Someone should have put it out of its misery a long time ago.

NOW the next gen Lightning is indefinately postponed. This just sucks. I mean it was like the "Hulk" for the F-series line. It made me proud to be a blue oval fan when I seen one driving down the street. Knowing it was stock and almost no truck could touch it.

I say screw the Bush/Kerry debate. Lets vote for someone to lead Ford that has some *****. Someone that takes all the conservative in house lawyers and give them the boot. Someone who can spark a little passion in the finished product. Someone who says lets kick some **** instead of being an also ran.

I've been on this earth for 33 years and have bled Ford blue every one of them. But this is getting old.

Signed-

Venting in the Northwest

 

The main thing it clearly states is "POSTPONED" not Killed.

 

Harley Edition.

I'll pass.

 

sucks, but you could allways DIY

http://www.whipplesuperchargers.com/...sp?ProdID=1203

http://www.streetsceneeq.com/product...mi=2&x=10&y=11

I know its not exactly the same tho......

 

Well I have expected this from the start. It was planned to come out in 06 at the earliest, more likely though to come out in 07-08. I beleive its a good idea. Give the Srt-10 a view years to spin, but when the next Lightning comes out, watch out!

 

But I do hope they bring out a s/c Harley F150...

 

That sux!! I went to the Sunbelt Ag Expo today and Dodge had two SRT10's on display. A blue "pace truck" and a black Quad Cab. They were nice, but all I could think of was how I couldn't wait for the next generation Lightning to come along and show these guys what a real performance truck is. I can't believe Ford isn't gonna answer the SRT10 and that punk a$$ Silverado SS in the near future!!

 

It's goign to be an '06 mid year produced 2005. The owner/GM for the Ford dealership I work for mentioned Friday of last week that he is getting ready to order some. So I too say BS on them being shelved.

 

heh that silverado ss is nothing. I test drove one and the only thing diff about it is it has SS on the interior and a bit throatier exhaust. Its complete crap, not to mention the lowest i could get the guy to go was 44, crazy chevy people. Good that the lightning wont be coming till 07-08, ill be needing to trade my 04 f150 off by then.

Dan