Autoweek on line magazine has a short article re John Coletti's interview re the the gen 3. Lighter, Quicker, Tighter. Always a good formula for a performance vehicle (or girlfriend for that matter).

 

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=04315985

 

I saw a blurb in one of the truck mags that Ford was considering the Ford GT 5.4L motor for the Lightning. Supposed to put up about 550 horsepower. Any insider information about this?

 

Once upon a time there was a thread from some of the vendors and others in the know on this board about the new GEN-III. Even to the point they had to sign non-disclosure agreements with Ford insuring that they wouldn't leak the skinny...

If I recall, most of their comments were on the "You will be happy when you see it" side so I am not worried about what is being said in the trade rags and the other boards...

To me it makes sense that Ford would use the same engine or a varriation of it in the new Lightning... however what makes sense to us lowly folk does not make sense to the big guys...

The new F-150 is heavier than our L's plus it doesn't have simple two-door offering yet without having the space behind the seat... so to make it lighter the first step is a Lightning only two-door version...

Ford... just hurry up and build it. We will buy it once it's out!

 

I was part of the SVTOA event in April where we toured the SVT skunkworks and participated in the Lightning focus group. All I can say is that, personally, I was very disappointed in the styling aspect of the Gen 3. It had very little similarity to the concept L and frankly, was ugly and looked "cheap." It was clearly not as well thought out as the Gen 2's styling.

By the same token though, they are working with a new body style which I don't care for too so those that like the new 04 F-150's looks may have a different opinion.

They would not allow looks into the engine bay so I can't comment on the power plant but it would have to be absolutely awesome for me to get over the styling aspect. Unless serious changes are made (per our groups suggestions), my 01 will be a long term driver.

 

Why this was moved to the "Lightning Concept" forum is beyond me. This has evolved to something that a good number of people have seen and were able to articulate as the "as close to production" as anyone will see before release.

It could have at least been flagged as "moved" in the the Lightning forum.

 

You are right... there are plenty of use that want to know what the latest is and many of us who aren't aware this is happening... It should be moved back...

 

Because the Lightning is still a concept - Hasnt reached production yet and this is where those articles go. If you were participating in a focus group in the true sense of the word they are still in the process of making changes - Which confirms that the project is still being designed and is under going changes - Hence the term concept...

Doug

 

This forum has been the place to look for news and info on the Next Gen Lightning Concept for the past year or 2 ... Untill the Final design is released and the truck is ready to enter production this forum will likley remain the place for Gen III info...

Steve the webmaster set this up in part so that the folks from Ford who read the forum would have one place to look for feedback and conversations about the gen III ... It works out well that the rest of the membership also has ONE place to look for Gen II threads and theyt dint get buried in the Gen II section...

Doug