Let's get straight to the point - a high-performance vehicle designed for both smooth and rough terrains is making waves under the Ford banner, and it's called the F-150 Lightning Switch Gear. Crafted in collaboration with RTR Vehicles and Vaughn Gittin Jr, this electrifying truck boasts a carbon exterior, Ford Performance 2024 trim, and off-road enhancements, taking lightning to unprecedented heights.
Introducing the F-150 Lightning Switchgear from Ford Performance – an electrifying marvel equipped with 37-inch tires. This high-performance on- and off-road demonstrator vehicle is derived from America's best-selling electric truck. Crafted in collaboration with RTR Vehicles and drawing inspiration from the 2016 F-150 RTR Ultimate Fun-Haver project vehicle, Switchgear boasts a customized exterior carbon bodywork adorned with the Ford Performance 2024 livery. Underneath, it is fortified with off-road enhancements, propelling the F-150 Lightning into uncharted territories.
The Latest Addition to the F-150 Lightning Switch Gear:
As the newest addition to the Ford Performance Demonstrator Program, which includes models like SuperVan 4.0, SuperVan 4.2, Mustang Mach-E 1400, Mustang CobraJet 1400, and F-100 Eluminator, the Lightning Switch Gear showcases new capabilities electric vehicles can attain in the future. This electric truck, or rather, electric platform, specifically pushes the boundaries of what is expected from such vehicles to the utmost extremes.
This remarkable creation is the latest addition to our Ford Performance Demonstrator program, joining the ranks of SuperVan 4.0 and 4.2, the Mustang Mach-E 1400, Mustang CobraJet 1400, and the F-100 Eluminator. These vehicles serve as showcases, illustrating the vast possibilities of electric vehicles and providing a testing ground for engineers to rapidly advance their knowledge for future electric vehicle developments.
Off-Road-Ready Modifications:
Equipped with various modifications, including a noticeable lift for enhanced stability on rough terrains and increased ground clearance, the Lightning Switch Gear ensures agility when navigating challenging landscapes at high speeds. The front suspension features independent dual stabilizer technology with a stabilizer bar, and the rear system mirrors this configuration but with semi-independent arms and, of course, a wider track, ensuring effective handling on similar tracks.
Switchgear serves as a dynamic testbed, challenging the conventional expectations of electric trucks. Noteworthy enhancements include a substantial increase in track width for off-road stability, along with improved ground clearance and suspension travel.
Carbon Fiber Upgrades for The F-150 Lightning Switch Gear:
The truck is adorned with lightweight carbon fiber components, including front bumpers, fender flares, and rear bumper cover. To tackle the toughest terrains, the electric truck is fitted with NITTO Ridge Grappler 37×12.5R18 tires, complemented by a unique chase rack with spare tires.
To tackle challenging terrains, the suspension system of the F-150 Lightning Switchgear – aptly named for both its off-road prowess and on-road performance (more details to follow) – incorporates FOX 3-inch diameter internal bypass shock absorbers. Additionally, unique front and rear bumpers enhance approach and departure angles. The front features a custom independent double-wishbone suspension, while the rear boasts multilink independent suspension with coil-over shocks, stabilizer bar, and custom control arms.
Distinctive Exterior and Lightning Badge:
Completing the visual spectacle is the blue exterior paint adorned with the lightning logo, clearly signaling its electric nature. Is this truck the big sister of the "Lightning McQueen" from the movie "Cars"?
Switchgear further stands out with carbon composite front fenders, bed sides, and rear bumper cover. For added durability in rugged off-road conditions, steel fabricated rock rails and a front skid plate are integrated. Limit straps are strategically placed to manage suspension and wheel travel. The electric truck is fitted with NITTO Ridge Grappler 37x12.5R18 tires and showcases a distinctive chase rack with two spare wheels and tires.
Performance Metrics:
Now, onto what you've been waiting for - performance metrics. The Lightning Switch Gear boasts an impressive 580 horsepower and 1050 Newton-meters of torque, surpassing even top-tier Lightning models. This version is genuinely capable of excelling in challenging terrains, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing this formidable power on regular roads.
Debut at King of the Hammers Off-Road Event:
Ford will unveil the new Switch Gear to the public for the first time at the King of the Hammers off-road event starting on January 25 in Johnson Valley, California. Can it compete with other trucks in the same category powered by traditional gasoline engines? Only time will tell.
Experience the F-150 Lightning Switchgear for the first time at the challenging King of the Hammers off-road racing event, commencing on January 25 in Johnson Valley, California.
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