2003 Ford SVT Lightning

Ford's bold vision for a third-generation SVT F-150 Lightning sport truck emerged from a powerful new-product cloudburst at Detroit's 2003 North American International Auto Show, highlighted by the unveiling of the all-new 2004 Ford F-150 pickup.

The SVT Lightning Concept proved a surprise reveal during the official launch of the redesigned F-Series - star of Ford Motor Company's biggest-ever wave of new-product introductions at the dawn of its Centennial year. Thousands of auto writers from around the globe assembled at the NAIAS to witness a 'Whole New Era of Built Ford Tough,' in which the revamped full-size F-150 made its world debut with all-new architecture designed for more power, added refinement, and unprecedented driving dynamics. But few expected that the Ford Special Vehicle Team would be ready to show off its next-generation Lightning Concept based on the next F-150.

'We are excited about the new F-150, because it will provide an outstanding platform for the next-generation Lightning,' said Tom Scarpello, Ford SVT sales and marketing manager. 'The SVT F-150 Lightning Concept hints at what we could do with Lightning and sends a signal that we don't intend to give up our sport truck dominance.'

The Lightning Concept features an aggressive new look wrapped around a 500-horsepower supercharged 5.4-liter V8, six-speed manual transmission, and independent rear suspension. Advances built into the upcoming F-150, together with new SVT powertrain technology and SVT's own brand of handling-oriented suspension and braking engineering, offer a level of performance aimed squarely at assuring Lightning's market supremacy well into the future.

Since it was introduced in 1993, the Ford SVT F-150 Lightning has been the undisputed sport truck king, making a name for itself as the 'World's Fastest Production Pickup.' A decade later, as Ford SVT celebrates its 10th anniversary of building factory produced high-performance cars and trucks for the driving enthusiast, competitors are finally bringing Lightning imitators to market. Yet SVT Director John Coletti welcomes the challenge.

'It will be nice to finally have a little cross-town rivalry,' Coletti §äid. 'But we have no intention of being overshadowed on our home turf. The SVT Lightning Concept showcases technology we're developing to meet the competition head-on.'

Source - Ford