Ford’s bold vision for a third-generation SVT F-150 Lightning sport truck was shown at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. The SVT Lightning concept was a surprise during Ford’s unveiling of the all-new 2004 F-150. But as we know, this truck never made it to production.
At the time the concept was shown, SVT was confident the truck was headed to market.“We are excited about the new F-150, because it will provide an outstanding platform for the next-generation Lightning,” says Tom Scarpello, marketing and sales manager for Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT). “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 dominance of the sport truck market.”
The SVT F-150 Lightning concept features a six-speed manual transmission, independent rear suspension and a 500-horsepower supercharged V-8. John Coletti, still with SVT at the time, fit the SVT Lightning concept with an all-aluminum, 5.4-liter DOHC supercharged and intercooled V-8 engine.
And while they were at it, they invented and patented a speed secret for those times when even that much power just isn’t enough. Ford’s patented SuperCooler technology cleverly provides a special burst of power for the SVT Lightning concept. Traditional intercoolers dissipate heat from the supercharged air by circulating coolant through a front-mounted, air-cooled radiator.
With the SuperCooler system, the vehicle’s air conditioning system is used to chill a small storage tank of coolant to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. On demand, the SuperCooler system switches the intercooler flow from its normal circulation and dumps the chilled coolant into the engine’s intercooler. In turn, the intercooler dissipates up to 20 percent more heat from the charge air – resulting in a denser air charge. A green light on the instrument panel indicates the system’s readiness.
SuperCooler is activated automatically when the driver depresses the accelerator to a wide-open-throttle position. “This technology plays directly into the hands of the enthusiast,” Coletti says. “The SuperCooler provides the edge for the driver, and it is done simply by taking advantage of the hardware that already exists in the vehicle.” As a result of this cool technology, the SVT Lighting concept can give its driver as much as 50 transient horsepower for short bursts of 30-45 seconds and regenerate within 2 minutes under normal driving conditions.
Exhaust gases escape through free-flowing headers and dual side pipes, producing a classic American V-8 rumble. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The same Tremec T-56 transmission is used in the 2003 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra. In keeping with the performance nature of the SVT Lightning, the short-throw, console-mounted shifter is more like that of a sports car than a traditional pickup’s long-shaft, floor mounted shift lever.
The SVT F-150 Lightning concept features an independent rear suspension and SVT’s famous attention to every detail of the suspension, steering and braking systems for driving dynamic capabilities that match the sport truck’s awesome power. The concept truck’s handling potential is immediately apparent, evidenced by massive 22-inch cast aluminum wheels that convey power even standing still.
The wheels are wrapped in hand-cut Goodyear P295/40R22 tires in front and P325/45R22 tires at the rear. Visible through the six-spoke wheels are equally impressive Brembo brakes – six-piston calipers in front, four-piston at the rear – mated to platter-size, 380-millimeter, cross-drilled ventilated discs. SVT engineers chose to fit an independent rear suspension (IRS) system to the Lightning concept in lieu of F-150’s standard Hotchkiss type solid rear axle with leaf springs and outboard shock absorbers.
The IRS unit was adapted from the Ford Expedition. “The new architecture of the F-150 made it easier for us to adapt the independent rear suspension system,” says Jeff Feit, then SVT Lightning chassis and powertrain engineer. “This allowed us to reduce unsprung weight even further and fine-tune the handling in true SVT style.” The front suspension is derived from the new F-150, with the upper control arms modified to accommodate the oversized wheel and tires. The new rack-and-pinion steering system of the F-150 contributes to the SVT Lightning concept truck’s steering precision.
The SVT Lightning concept is was based on the Regular Cab F-150 Flareside model, finished in Liquid Silver Metallic and dripping with performance character. In keeping with SVT Lightning tradition, the concept only has two doors. The rear access doors on the new Regular Cab F-150 are replaced on the concept with longer front doors and fixed B-pillars. Other SVT design cues include electro-luminescent gauges, side exhausts, clear taillights and round foglights.
The stunning interior of the SVT Lightning concept perhaps best illustrates the benefits of adapting F-150’s modular design architecture. It builds on the craftsmanship and meticulous detailing of the all-new 2004 F-150, according to Jim Smithbauer, then F-150 design manager. “The luxurious Lariat interior was a perfect starting point for the SVT Lightning concept,” Smithbauer says. “The color and trim emphasize the SVT Lightning concept’s aggressive character, while the seat bolsters and console-mounted shifter make the perfect cockpit for the performance enthusiast. The dash and center console are accented with Liquid Silver Metallic to match the exterior. The seats are covered in Mustard Yellow leather, complemented by Ebony carpet and door trim. Even subtle changes emphasize performance, like the red engine start button and the electro-luminescent gauges — an SVT trademark.”
The roofline was slightly chopped for a streamlined, aggressive look. The panels below the waterline (a horizontal character line that connects the front and rear bumpers) are sharply sculpted to give the sport truck a more purposeful profile. Integrated into these lower panels on both sides are dual exhausts. The 61⁄2-foot Flareside bed has smoothed side steps, a hard tonneau cover and an aerodynamic spoiler at the top of the tailgate.
Aerodynamics also influenced the rear of the SVT Lightning concept, where twin venturi tunnels wrap under the rear bumper. The tunnels are designed to increase stability at high speeds by reducing turbulence and generating rear downforce. Above the rear bumper, the SVT Lightning concept has unique taillights featuring a three-element design and a complex reflector showcased under a clear lens.
Unlike the production F-150, the grille of the SVT Lightning concept is separate from the hood, creating a continuous arch from headlight to headlight. The design detail didn’t stop on the exterior of the SVT F-150 Lightning concept hood. Inside, the engine bay is meticulously detailed. The engine wass topped by a Performance Red air intake, in homage to ‘60s American muscle cars. The supercharged, aluminum 5.4-liter V-8 is completely chromed and polished and capped with “Powered by Ford” valve covers.
The Ford SVT Lightning concept was to mark the coming of a future third generation of the “World’s Fastest Production Pickup.” It arrived as the Ford Special Vehicle Team celebrated its 10th anniversary. But unfortunately SVT fell into some very dicey years following the debut of this truck. Between changin business climate, budgetary upheaval and the exodus of longtime SVT guru John Coletti, the future of the SVT division was in flux for a while.
This truck was never built and we had an absence of an SVT model until 2007, leading many to believe SVT was overwith. But as we know, that is hardly true today.
