OH NO THEY DIDN'T!!! Ranger "Thunderbolt" just arrived on lot
 

Maybe you guys already heard about this, maybe I did too and just dismissed it, but a new Ranger "Thunderbolt" from SLP engineering just arrived on our lot.

it is silly looking. has a big hood scoop and a "lightning-esque" front bumper/valence.

some cheap looking pep boys 15 inch aluminum wheels, dual exhaust exiting through cut outs in the rear roll pan, and of course the race ready "thunderbolt" badges with big lightning bolts under them!

I wish I had my camera, you really need to see this thing. SAD:(

it is 2WD and well over $21,000 for the truck PLUS ANOTHER $4000+ for the "Thunderbolt" add ons!

horsepower via 4.0L V-6 woo wee :D

the "t-bolt" badges on the seats appear to be Iron Ons! no joke.

I'll try to get some pics.

later,
chris

P.S. the one we have here doesn't have a wing, but a "Le Bra" bed cover. sweet!

Here is a web page on the Thunderbolt.

Ranger Thunderbolt

F150online gallery

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...1096-26019.gif

Have a great day eh ! ......... Dave

LOL, our local dealer does the same thing but with a reg F-150 XLT. They take the harley badge and put Thunder on it, put all the lights, ground effects, exhaust, and bumper that the L has, but puts on different tires/wheels. They sell for like 25-25K. They are also selling reg F150s but putting 18 and 22" rims on them. I think they have knoticed that many people put on differnt rims and such, so if they get the parts cheaper, they have a nice mark up on the vehicle and make more money.

Just read the link, it's SAD IMO.
WOT

PONTIAC, MI: Long known for their Camaro SS and Firebird Firehawk adaptations of GM's F cars, SLP Engineering is breaking new ground with their development of the Ford Ranger Thunderbolt. Starting with the Ford Ranger Supercab XLT, SLP adds a variety of performance and styling options with appeal to the performance minded Ford enthusiast.

First, a bit about getting a Thunderbolt. These vehicles will be sold as orignial equipment straight from your Ford dealer and all Thunderbolts are completely covered by Ford's manufacturer's warranty. Choose from one of three colors (black, bright red, and Oxford white), then just ask for Option Codes 31L and D9P. Your Ranger, on it's way to your dealer from the assembly plant, makes a quick (three to five day) stop in Kentucky. Here, SLP will transform your truck with their mix of upgrades ? read on for the details. When it arrives at your dealer for you to pick up, it's as if all the options had been installed by Ford itself.

The Thunderbolt base package for 2003 includes several visual upgrades:

* Non-Functional Hood Scoop ( photo )
* Monochromatic Side-Body Cladding and Rear Roll Pan
* Three Exterior Badges ( photo )
* Single Outlet Exhaust Tip
* Thunderbolt Logo Wheel Center Caps
* Monochromatic Grille, Front Bumper, and Fascia Extension
* Thunderbolt Headrest Appliques

SLP invited us to test drive the SLP Thunderbolt at a track laid out at the Pontiac Silverdome this June. We had three Thunderbolts ? the 2003 SLP Content on 2002 Ford Rangers ? and one stock 2002 Ford Ranger. SLP also showed off their Chevy Blazer based Adventure SUV, and adaptaions of the Monte Carlo, the Grand Pix, and the Buick LeSabre. All were a pleasure to drive, but naturally, we took the most interest in the Thunderbolts.

Our test vehicles included SLP's performance package so we were greeted with a hearty exhaust note once we started up the truck. A little horsepower goes a long way, and the extra eight percent horsepower produced a noticeable difference in quickness off the line and out of the corners.

The biggest improvement we noticed, however, came from the 16-inch wheels and upgraded tires coupled with the handling package ? a stabilzer bar in the back and a strengthened one in the front. Two of the Thunderbolts were equipped almost identically except for these options and the difference was dramatic. The Thunderbolt with the upgraded wheels, tires, and stabilizer bars ripped around the cones with grace and speed that the 15-inch wheels on the other Thunderbolt (and on our stock Ranger) couldn't match. Consumers interested in the performance aspects of the Thunderbolt definitely should put the 16-inch wheels and handling package on their must-have list.

Overall, driving the Thunderbolt was quite enjoyable. In back to back driving comparisons against the stock Ranger, the Thunderbolt made a bold statement as to the grace and power SLP Engineering has added to Ford's compact truck. Consumers interested in a pickup but looking for something that also sets themselves apart from the pack should definitely check out the Thunderbolt.
Pricing (Estimated MSRP):
Package Options
Base Package + Level I $2,726
Base Package + Level II $3,475
Base Package + Level III $3,846

Additional Options
16" Tremor Wheels and Bridgestone P235/65 R16 Dueler H/T BSW Tires $799
15" Five-spoke, Aluminum Wheels $499
Hoop Spoiler (available with Level III only) $329
Handling Package (available with Level II and Level III only) $229
Exterior Graphics $179
Body Color Rear Bumper $149
Thunderbolt Floor Mats & Key Chains (combo) $99

Potential buyers should note that some of SLP's options are not compatible with other Ranger options. Contact your Ford dealer for details.

http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/stor...erbolt2003.htm

http://www.pickuptruck.com/IMAGES/st...bolt_black.jpg

Man, what a waste of a legendary name. That thing is a joke. Did you see the on track shot? I think my lawn tractor could take turns better than that.

Oh, and the "Thunder" fake truck was used a while back as well. When the Gen 1s came out, there was a dealer building "Thunder" F-150s with some goofy sticker package back then too.

Does that mean we should expect a Thunderbolt Forum soon?

CA

Are they joking about the rear wing?

This kind of absolute non-sense is what gets me fired up about all the US car makers!

The stupid marketing weenies need to get a clue!

I'll go on record right here and now. It's not going to sell well, nor is it going to last.

Even if papa Ford makes a few bucks off it, do they really want those things rolling down the roads of the USA? With the "Ford" name on it?
If my name was "Ford" and I was in power, I'd throw out the idiot who came to me with that stupidity.

Short term Green is a blinding color I guess. :rolleyes:

WOT

That is by far a waste of money.

-Mike

Its not all that bad, it does have some nice features, but still something weird about it. the badges look cheap, the grille looks weird period, and that wing and graphics, holy crap! RICE!, and whats with the red on the rims? and needs to be lower, but the color matched bumpers, fogs, ground effects, and hood scoop (be better if functional) look aight on it. Still not worth it probably. just my .02$

SAWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!











Not really, that truck sucks my left.................................

Wow.

I must say, though - if it had better looking rims, a more low-profile spoiler, and a supercharger, I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

Isnt it scary..that the same company that brings you the Lightning, the cobra and the Mach 1--Is the same company that brings you "the thunderbolt"?

Oh well--every good family always has one cousin that they are ashamed of..so welcome to the family T-bolt....;)

Hell - not to mention, it's got customized floormats... Wish my Lightning had THOSE off of the lot.... :(

Man....that thing looks like it was used as a prop in F&F :(

--wes