I went to the Atlanta Auto Show today and like I was saying yesterday they had the Lightning Proto-type on display. I got a chance to talk to an engineer from Ford (his name was Allen something) and he was VERY knowledgeable on the F150 platform...and he certainly wasn't a salesman. He said their plans are for the L to make a return in mid 2008 (probably as a 2009). He said the biggest obstacle to the release is the trucks weight...particularly the frame (which he then went into great detail about). He said that they wont release it and "let it be #2" (meaning slower than the SRT-10 Ram) and to combat that they have to get the weight down, and with major changes coming 2008 (to all F150s) the weight issue will be solved. I asked what "major changes" meant and if there would be any major body changes and he basically said he couldn't elaborate on that too much....just "major changes". He also said when released the L will have the DOHC 5.4L in it rather than the SOHC and a larger SC and inter-cooler than the previous Ls. We also talked about the Harley's and he was the first to say that next year it will be a Super Crew...and I asked about a SC being in its future and he said it certainly was but it would probably be 2009 because they wanted the first year of "the new design" (2008 I am assuming) to be NA. He said that part very matter of factly...almost like he let it slip. I talked with the guy for about 30-45min and he knew what he was talking about..in fact he was talking over my head at times...so I really don't think he was just blowing smoke. But of course take it for what its worth...I am just telling you what he told me.

 

 

 

I like it with exception to the BBQ grille and the ugly taillights.

 

very cool--hope they do it

 

interesting that they'd continue to use the 5.4 (even DOHC) instead of putting a SC on the Hurricane.


As far as weight, I've been reading/hearing rumors, innuendo bites about an F100.

Not sure if its a Ranger replacement, or a true half ton full size (where the current is more like a 3/4)


If is the latter, then the lighter weight is an easy task.

 

If you notice the grille is like an Expedition...the shell only goes around 3 sides and the top is actually the hood.

 

Weren't they showing this same prototype about a year or two ago?

The wheels look very similiar to the current OEM 20's except they don't have a center cap....

 

now its a toss up, save for the new 09 camaro (if the release an SS opening year), or the new lightning either way they gonna be mad beasts
-Patrick

Ive got some new back grounds for a while lol

 

I noticed. I liked the hood, but noticed it's styled expedition like.

 

You know now that you mention it...I asked him if it will it be a SC version of the 5.4 3V motor or will it have the 4V motor like in the GT500, and he said "It will have a DOHC engine." He didn't say anything about it being a 5.4L...maybe he intentionaly didn't say anything about displacment???

 

Oh and you want to be really cool and send some larger res pics to my email?
estesaggie17 at gmail dot com
Thanks

 

Damn, so you never asked about the "hurricane" at all?

 

Well here is a little something else to help you unmake up your mind then (this car is the main reason I drove 3hrs to show anyway...and it did not disappoint me in person at all!):

 

Holy coffee cans batman!