the only SVT product will be the SVT Cobra due in 06.



http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101065


Lightning Struck: Ford decides to shelve SVT Lightning pickup

Ford has pulled the plug on the next-generation F-150 Lightning SVT pickup truck, instead putting all SVT's eggs into one basket - the SVT Cobra Mustang, due for 2006.

"It's a business decision," said Alan Hall, SVT spokesman. The official line is that the Lightning has been "postponed," and not killed, but if it is revived, it will be 2008 or later before we see one. SVT has gone from three vehicles in 2004 - the Lightning, the Cobra Mustang and the SVT Focus - to none in 2005.

Ford had already shown a concept version of the next-generation Lightning in 2003. The concept had a supercharged V-8 engine with more than 500 horsepower, in answer to the Dodge Ram SRT-10, which eclipsed the Lightning as the world's fastest production pickup in a test last winter. Ford was eager to regain the crown, but has decided to deed the performance pickup-truck market over to Dodge and its 500-horse SRT-10, and to a lesser extent, Chevrolet, though the heavy all-wheel-drive Silverado SS is not in the same category.

The Lightning debuted in 1993, with a 240-horsepower version of Ford's 5.8-liter V-8. Cobby and not that attractive, it was only a mild success, and was dropped in 1995. The F-150's redesign led to a handsome new Lightning for 1999, featuring a 360-horsepower supercharged 5.4-liter V-8. A handful of 2004 Lightnings, not much changed from that 1999 model except for a horsepower bump to 380, remain on dealer lots. Base price: $33,560.

Apparently, cost played a leading role in the decision, as the expense involved in developing and certifying a proper V8, and massaging the new-for-2004 F-150's chassis, was deemed prohibitive. Also, the next-generation Lightning's fuel mileage would likely continue to detract from Ford's Corporate Average Fuel Economy totals: The current Lightning is rated at 12 mpg city, 16 mpg highway.

Even so, this news will not be popular with Lightning loyalists, such as Mike Philpot of Heathrow, Florida, who paid full sticker price for his Lightning in July, 1999. "My '99 Lightning has been a fantastic vehicle," he says. "It has about 54,000 miles on it, and it runs better than new. Never any problems. I bought an extended warranty from Ford, but I could have saved myself the money. It has it all: good looks, comfort, good handling and, of course, all that incredible power. Hardly a day goes by without at least one positive comment on it from someone.

"Hopefully, Ford will change its mind. If they want to keep the F-150 the most popular truck in the world with all the competition that it has now, they had better continue with their halo vehicle."

Hmm, too bad, but I'm not sure how good of a platform the new F-150 will be for the lightning anyway...it's REALLY heavy!

They just threw the towel in to Dodge.

My friend has one, it's AWESOME

This sucks. Dumb ford

That corporate mpg argument is gay. Trucks should not be subject to things like that and exempt.

I am so upset. Ford is stupid.

It makes perfect sense for them economically.

As for the mpg rating, they have to consider it because many people who drive this will drive it for going to work and back everyday, not really an efficient means of transportation.

this is retard, ford's just going to bend over and take it from Dodge like that? Wow. fuck that.

Bah is all i have to say

I was looking forward to seeing that concept become the production model. Bastards. I'll have to settle for tossing a KB supercharger on my 150 and calling it "good enough". I didn't realize they were dropping the Focus too. WTF.

Good riddance! Damn, no more SVT Focus though

does this mean the Cobra will be extra special?

haha, it will be from my point of view

As in, instead of three SVT cars the Ford teams will work on, they will work on just the Cobra

possibly even MORE of a collector's item? instant future classic?

Not when it's virgin version is the most sold platform in the world.

Dodge > Ford

Everything > Ford

V10 Triton F250, F350
03/04 Mustang Cobra
00 Mustang Cobra R
GT40 (old and new)
Shelby GR-1
Mustang SVO
Escort and Sierra Cosworth

Yes sure sounds like a car company that sucks to me.

You forgot the Cosworth Group-B rally car, but yea, all Ford products suck. Who the hell has heard of a "GT-Four Zero" anyhow?

LOL, What's so good about the v10?

You are WAY better off with the 6.0 Powerstroke under any circumstances.

Triton V10
6.8L
HP:362@4,750
Torque: 457@3,250

You mean the RS200?

Its a great motor if you don't want to graduate to a diesel. I mean in the US of A diesel now costs 2.40 a gallon around here while regular gas is still shy of 2 dollars.

Who cares! It's just a lousy pickup truck.

Ah the cry of a non-american.

Tarus
Escort
Explorer
Escape

Car companies aren't all about their high performance cars. I was talking about their cars in general. Not everyone has the same opinions Dakian, please don't hurt me

in so cal, gas is more expensive right now

BMW has the 1 series and the X3, Volkswagen has the Beetle and the Cabrio, Toyota has the Corolla and Camry, Honda has everything , Nissan has the Sentra, Nearly every car maker makes cars that suck.

they haven't made SVT focuses since they did the facelift and switched plants. like earlier this year.

just a little update...

apparantly they are thinking of ditching SVT altogether. No more Cobra = BAD.

This kind of sucks, because I loved the Lightning concept from 2003...

That's weird. In canada I've never seen diesel that costs more than gas.

I just saw my first lightning up close Friday night. It was one of the 93-97? models. Black supercharged. Nice truck. It made me want one.

Before 5liter and therest of you come in here saying they didn't put SC's on the first lightnings.... This guys was an aftermarket one. I don't remember what he ran though.

I did almost ride in an 11 second stang though. I don't know what all he had done to it though.

I also saw a 300Z twin turbo targa on 21psi run an 11.51.