Dodge Ram SRT-10 to Remain Top Truck with No Competition
Ford SVT Lightning fans that fell head over heals for the SVT F-150 Lightning Concept that debuted at the 2003 Detroit auto show will now be waiting indefinitely for the production version.
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| To everybody who got excited about the SVT F-150 Lightning Concept that debuted at the 2003 Detroit auto show, it looks like you'll be waiting quite some time for a production version. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Like rubbing an open wound with vinegar Dodge has not only been selling its 500 horsepower Viper V10-equipped Ram SRT-10 throughout 2004, but for 2005 it will offer a second SRT-10 model sporting a crew cab and automatic transmission, the latter necessary for towing.
Why has Ford put off building an SVT version of the hot-selling new F-150? The automaker feels an SVT Cobra Mustang based on the popular new 2005 model will be a stronger seller.
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| Ford has put off building an SVT version of the hot-selling new F-150 because it feels an SVT Cobra Mustang will be a stronger seller. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
"It's a business decision," commented Alan Hall, SVT spokesman, adding that the next Lightning is being "postponed" rather than dropped altogether. Initially expected to debut in 2006, it will most likely come to market in 2008.
If you go to your local Ford dealer right now, only unsold 2004 SVT models will be available. A total of three separate vehicles wore the three letter acronym in 2004, starting with the SVT Focus. The SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning pickup truck were also available. No 2005 SVT models will be available at all.