I work with a guy here who is also into racing and sports cars. We were chatting about my Lightning today. He sent me this via email. Take it for what you will. Names have been deleted for obvious reasons:

Jeff,
This is from one of my friends who works closely with Ford engineering and
development. After our little chat this morning I thought you might like to
see a little true insider info.

xxxx (name deleted)

xxx (name deleted),
Well, SVT just released a new Focus in Europe that's got a hairdryer on it.
SVT's also supposedly working on an aftermarket turbo kit for US-spec Foci.
It's highly-likely that we'll get a turbo and AWD Focus when the next-gen
car comes over here in '04 or '05.

Lightnings scare me. Not only are they the fastest vehicle
available for under $35K, but it's also much too easy to get them going even
faster. Looks like the next one will get the 500 HP DOHC engine from the
Ford GT40, and the T56 6sp manual. That might just have to be the first
Ford I own.

xxx (name deleted)

Oh man, if this is true I might have to trade in the '02 L next year already... damn friends are going to rip on me even more, as I change vehicles so often. But the thought of having 500hp stock from factory WITH a warrenty is awesome!

 

RIGHTEOUS!

 

Am I the only one who is having a hard time believing that Ford will put 500hp in a truck with a 6-speed and give you a 3 year warranty?

 

Don't go messin with the fantasy.

 

Inside stuff is great fun ...

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...hreadid=103001

I especially liked the part about the GT running 500 miles at
205 MPH ... That should fix all our engine problems, huh?

Cliff

 

Am I the only one who is thinking "Welcome to last week?"

 

I'm sorry I did not read every post on the board in the last week, to ensure that I did not post repeat information and waste your valuable time. I thought this would be interesting and another indication from another source of what the next gen L is going to be like.

Please forgive me...

 

You want new information? How about this?

Jeff,
xxxx (name deleted) knows everything, it's sick. They are a vendor to all the auto-makers so
as soon as any project gets to the "cost-estimation phase" all the spec's,
drawings, and everything end-up on his desk. And he's in power train, so all
the power/torque numbers are critical to their estimating so he gets all
that stuff as well. Supposedly the 2004 or 2005 cobra is comming with the
current lightning motor and a 6 speed clutchless manual and paddle shifting.
They may have decided to wait until the year GM re-introduces the
camareo/firebird. I think that is 2006 or 2007 (maybe 2005) and it's comming
back at 400+ hp bone stock. And since the corvette has to be GM's king, it
will be release that year with 500+ hp factory stock. The ZO6 was actually
the test release for that model. Going to hop that up and sell it as the
stock vette.

xxxx (name deleted)

Are you interested now, Spankdog?

 

That is more like it. Thanks

 

Everything I have seen to date says that the turbo-Focii are Euro cars only, and will not be brought into the US at all. An aftermarket kit would be cool, as an SVT Focus turboed would be a blast at the autocross.

 

All this cool stuff coming,, I gotta get a third job!!