"This technology plays directly into the hands of the enthusiast," states John Coletti, chief engineer and driving force behind Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT). "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."
The new concept's specific output shows an incredible performance leap when compared to previous Lightning trucks, albeit all three were and are production models. The 1st generation Lightning was introduced in 1992 as a 1993 model, sporting a 240-hp 5.8-L normally-aspirated V8 with 340 lb-ft of torque. Its amazing how, by today's standards, this drivetrain would barely be acceptable as a base V8 offering in a regular duty work truck. Its 7.6-second 0 to 60 time and 110 mph top speed was respectable nonetheless.
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| 2001 Ford SVT F-150 Lightning. (Photo: Ford Motor) |
The 1999 model saw horsepower rise to 360, while maximum torque shot up to a whopping 440 lb-ft, due to a supercharger. Of course the 5.4-L truck was quicker, with a 0 to 60 time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 140. Its suspension tuning and wheel and tire package improved commensurate with its performance.
In model year 2001 the supercharged 5.4-L continued, but output increased by 20 to 380-hp while torque rose by 10 lb-ft to 450. The Lightning broke through the 6-second mark posting an impressive 5.8-second 0 to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) time. Top speed was only slightly improved to 142 mph.