Ford Lightning
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ford Lightning | |
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| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 1993–2004 |
| Class | Performance Truck |
| Body style | 2-door |
| Platform | Generation I (1993-1995) Generation 2(1999-2004) |
| Related | Ford F-Series |
| Similar | Dodge Ram GMC Syclone Chevrolet 454 SS |
The Ford SVT Lightning is a sports/ performance version of the F-150 Pickup truck designed by Ford's truck-division and eventually released and marketed by the then-new SVT division. The F-150 Lightning was conceived as a product focus for the exciting personal-use possibilities of the Ford F-Series pick-up truck. An exhilarating driving experience, combining outstanding handling, comfortable ride, and spirited acceleration, was achieved without sacrificing the fundamental attributes of pick- up truck utility. Twenty-three product firsts, development of a successful Quality Operating System, and real-world product prove-out of this world class performance truck were achieved by the Lightning Team in only 22 months. Changes identified to support this high-performance model had a beneficial effect on the robustness of the entire F-Series product line.
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[edit] First generation (1993-1995)
Ford introduced the model in 1993 to compete with the GMC Syclone and, primarily, the Chevrolet 454 SS, in an effort to enhance the sporty, personal-use image of the Ford F-Series pickup. The Lightning shared its basic platform structure with the F-150, but custom modifications were made to many vehicle systems, including enhancing the Lightning chassis to increase rigidity. The stock Lightning was capable of achieving 0.88 g lateral acceleration, yet it was a full-sized American pickup truck with almost all the hauling and trailering capabilities of the parent F-Series. A 351 in³ (5.8 L) Windsor V8 producing 240 hp (179 kW) and 340 ft·lbf (461 N·m) of torque replaced the standard F-150 engine. The engine was based on an existing block, but Ford engineers fitted it with high flow rate "GT40" heads and used hypereutectic pistons to increase response, output and durability.
An upgraded Ford E40D automatic transmission equipped with an aluminum driveshaft was standard and the only available transmission. 4.10:1 ratio rear gears, special 17" aluminum wheels with Firestone Firehawk tires, unique Lightning badging, a custom front air dam with integrated fog lights, a 120-mph speedometer and unique under hood treatments including a special "Lightning" intake manifold casting all differentiated the Lightning from normal F-150s. Bucket seats with electrically-adjustable side and lumbar supports were part of the package. Suspension modifications made the truck stiffer and more responsive, and provided a 1 in front and 2.5 in rear drop in ride height, lowering the vehicle's center of gravity and improving handling.
The 1993 Lightning, launched on December 15, 1992 and "christened" by Mr. Ed Hagenlocker, Ford's President, received more than 150 favorable articles in America's newspapers, magazines, and television outlets, and helped Ford regain leadership in the all-important personal-use truck market. Three-time World Champion driver Jackie Stewart was highly involved in fine-tuning of the Lightning's handling prowess, and Mr. Stewart finally announced to the motor press, "I love the Lightning!" Key Ford engineers, managers, and executives involved in developing the original Lighting Peformance Truck were Jim Mason, Robert Burnham, Jim Englehart, Terry DeJonckheere, Rory Carpenter, Bob Hommel, Terrell Edgar, Dick Liljestrand, Deb Neill, and Fred Gregg.
The 1993 Lightning had an incredible 23 product "firsts" or pilot applications, including the first true dual exhaust on an F-Series, the first bucket seats in an F-Series, the first 17" wheels and tires, and the first use of synthetic lubricant in Ford truck rear axles. These trucks were manufactured at Ford's Michigan Truck Facility in Wayne, Michigan. AMT Ertl released a Ford-licensed 1/25 model kit of the 1994 F-150 Lightning, with more than 115 parts and a highly-detailed engine compartment (kit 6153).
| Year | Engine | Power | Torque | Black Trucks | Red Trucks | White Trucks | Total Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 5.8 L Windsor FI V8 | 240 hp (179 kW) | 340 ft·lbf (461 N·m) | 2,691 | 2,585 | N/A | 5,276 |
| 1994 | 1,382 | 1,165 | 1,460 | 4,007 | |||
| 1995 | 824 | 695 | 761 | 2,280 | |||
| Total | 11,563 | ||||||
[edit] Second generation (1999-2004)
In 1999, after a five-year hiatus, Ford SVT unveiled the Second Generation Ford Lightning. Powered by a modular SOHC 2-valve 5.4 L Triton, the new engine was capable of producing 360 Horsepower and 440 ft·lbf of torque. This was particularly due to the inclusion of an Eaton Supercharger that was factory installed. Behind the engine sat the 4R100 automatic transmission which connected to a rear end housing 3.55:1 rear gears. The Lightning featured specialized 18" wheels mounted with Goodyear Eagle F1 295/45ZR-18 tires. The Lightning's suspension system, which lowers the truck half an inch in front and two inches in the rear was also modified from the standard F-150. The suspension was largely unchanged for the 2001 Model. It retained the front short-and long-arm system with coil springs and a 31 mm solid stabilizer bar along with the rear solid axle with five-leaf springs and a 23 mm solid stabilizer bar.
In the 2001 Model Year, the engine design was slightly altered to produce 380 horsepower @ 4,750 rpm and 450 ft·lbf of torque @ 3,250 rpm. Another engine revision came in the 2003 Model Year when a weakness in the heads, the lack of sufficient threads for spark plugs, was addressed and fixed. At the other end of the drivetrain, the final drive ratio was shortened to 3.73:1 in 2001. Also, in 2001 the drive shaft was increased in size to a 4.5-inch aluminum unit, from the previous 3.5-inch steel unit. The specially developed 295/45ZR-18 Goodyear Eagle F1-GS unidirectional tires were upgraded utilizing a new generation F1 GS rubber compound; improving the tires' gripping capability. With these engine and drivetrain revisions, Car and Driver magazine drove a lightning from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. For 2003, the Lightning's cargo capacity was raised from 800 lb. to 1,200 lb.
The second generation Lightning was initially offered in just Bright Red, Black, and White paint colors. The 2000 Model Year brought the addition of the Silver color to the lineup. In 2002, True Blue, a very dark blue, was offered, but replaced with a lighter Sonic Blue in 2003. The 2003 Model Year also saw the introduction of the Dark Shadow Grey color.
These trucks were manufactured at Ford's Ontario Truck Facility in Oakville, Ontario until its closure.
| Year | Engine | Power | Torque | Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 5.4 L supercharged Triton V8 | 360 hp (268 kW) | 440 ft·lbf (597 N·m) | 4,000 |
| 2000 | 4,966 | |||
| 2001 | 380 hp (283 kW) | 450 ft·lbf (610 N·m) | 6,381 | |
| 2002 | 4,726 | |||
| 2003 | 4,270 | |||
| 2004 | 3,781 | |||
| Total | 28,124 | |||
[edit] Third generation (est. 2009)
There are many rumors about the next generation Lightning. A concept vehicle was released on the new 2004 F-150 platform, with a supercharged 500 Horsepower, 500 ft·lbf 5.4 L V8 engine and independent rear suspension from the recently-released Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator. However, all plans for a Lightning on the 2005-present F-150 platform have been dismissed. There is speculation this is because the weight of the platform would hinder a performance vehicle. The next Lightning is rumored to be released during the 2009 Model Year.
[edit] References
- Official site. Ford SVT. Retrieved on March 8, 2006.
- SAE Paper, Document Number: 932985, F-150 Lightning World-Class Performance Truck
[edit] External links
- AustinSVT Austin & Central Texas SVT Owners website.
- National Lightning Owners Club
- Lightning Rodder Online Magazine is a continuously updated web-zine for Lightnings.
- Third-generation Concept Lightning Press Release
