MRigney
02-06-03, 10:19 PM
Ford?s bold vision for a third-generation SVT F-150 Lightning sport truck emerged today from a powerful new-product cloudburst 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. Launching a ?Whole New Era of Built Ford Tough,? the new F-150 is an all-new full-size pickup architecture designed for more power, refinement and unprecedented driving dynamics capability. It is the star of Ford Motor Company?s biggest-ever wave of new-product introductions at the dawn of its Centennial year.
?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. It is a powerful combination aimed at extending SVT Lightning?s supremacy 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.? Ten years later, competitors are finally bringing Lightning imitators to market. John Coletti, director, SVT Programs, welcomes the challenge.
Cool Technology Takes Power to New Levels
Coletti?s team fit the SVT Lightning concept with an all-aluminum, 5.4-liter DOHC supercharged and intercooled V-8 engine conservatively rated at 500 horsepower and 500 foot pounds of torque (SAE net). 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.
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. While its effect is similar to that of an aftermarket nitrous oxide system, the SuperCooler is completely self-contained, environmentally friendly and regenerative.
The SVT Lightning concept engine features a Lysholm, screw-type supercharger, paired with both an intercooler and the new SuperCooler system. The 32-valve, double-overhead-cam powerplant boasts Manley connecting rods, two fuel injectors per cylinder and high-performance heads similar to those on the limited-edition 2000 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra R.
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.
SVT Lightning Concept?s Driving Dynamics
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.
Stunning Performance Interior
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, 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 ****pit 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.?
Electrifying Exterior
The profile of the SVT Lightning concept is dominated by 22-inch tires mounted on Gunmetal Gray alloy wheels. The work of F-150 designer Michael Trump, the wheels feature a sculpted, flush face and positive offset for aggressive strength resonating the F-150 ?Built Ford Tough? character.
The roofline is 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 effect, according to Ford Tough Truck designer Damon Depeyster, is an ?aggressive, menacing brow.? To further accent the aggressive visage, Depeyster created a new lower fascia that incorporates SVT?s trademark round fog lights, and a new hood with functional air induction vents.
The design detail doesn?t stop on the exterior of the SVT F-150 Lightning concept hood. Inside, the engine bay is meticulously detailed. The engine is 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.
More to come.....
Lightning Wallpapers (http://www.mustangheaven.com/wallpapers.htm)
The SVT Lightning concept was a surprise during Ford?s unveiling of the all-new 2004 F-150. Launching a ?Whole New Era of Built Ford Tough,? the new F-150 is an all-new full-size pickup architecture designed for more power, refinement and unprecedented driving dynamics capability. It is the star of Ford Motor Company?s biggest-ever wave of new-product introductions at the dawn of its Centennial year.
?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. It is a powerful combination aimed at extending SVT Lightning?s supremacy 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.? Ten years later, competitors are finally bringing Lightning imitators to market. John Coletti, director, SVT Programs, welcomes the challenge.
Cool Technology Takes Power to New Levels
Coletti?s team fit the SVT Lightning concept with an all-aluminum, 5.4-liter DOHC supercharged and intercooled V-8 engine conservatively rated at 500 horsepower and 500 foot pounds of torque (SAE net). 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.
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. While its effect is similar to that of an aftermarket nitrous oxide system, the SuperCooler is completely self-contained, environmentally friendly and regenerative.
The SVT Lightning concept engine features a Lysholm, screw-type supercharger, paired with both an intercooler and the new SuperCooler system. The 32-valve, double-overhead-cam powerplant boasts Manley connecting rods, two fuel injectors per cylinder and high-performance heads similar to those on the limited-edition 2000 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra R.
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.
SVT Lightning Concept?s Driving Dynamics
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.
Stunning Performance Interior
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, 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 ****pit 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.?
Electrifying Exterior
The profile of the SVT Lightning concept is dominated by 22-inch tires mounted on Gunmetal Gray alloy wheels. The work of F-150 designer Michael Trump, the wheels feature a sculpted, flush face and positive offset for aggressive strength resonating the F-150 ?Built Ford Tough? character.
The roofline is 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 effect, according to Ford Tough Truck designer Damon Depeyster, is an ?aggressive, menacing brow.? To further accent the aggressive visage, Depeyster created a new lower fascia that incorporates SVT?s trademark round fog lights, and a new hood with functional air induction vents.
The design detail doesn?t stop on the exterior of the SVT F-150 Lightning concept hood. Inside, the engine bay is meticulously detailed. The engine is 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.
More to come.....
Lightning Wallpapers (http://www.mustangheaven.com/wallpapers.htm)