Crafted specifically for extreme off-road adventures, Ford's F-150 Lightning performance prototype stands as a testament to its commitment to high-performance excellence. This is the result of a collaborative effort between Ford and the renowned drift racer Vaughn Gittin Jr.
Ford Motor Company unveils their new electric F-150 Lightning outside of their headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan on May 19, 2021.
Commitment to High-Performance Excellence
Electric vehicles are often associated with urban environments and smooth roads, avoiding rugged terrains. However, Ford's latest creation, the F-150 Lightning Switchgear, defies this trend by embracing off-road adventures and mud-covered paths.
Unlike typical electric vehicles, The Verge reported that this one-off electric truck is designed for gravel roads, dirt ramps, and muddy escapades.
A result of collaboration with champion drift driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. and RTR Vehicles, the F-150 Lightning Switchgear is a high-riding, high-performance, all-electric demonstrator that pushes the boundaries of electric vehicle capabilities.
Picture demonstrator vehicles as exclusive creations meticulously designed to highlight Ford's prowess in racing and performance. Acting as a dynamic "testbed," these vehicles vividly showcase Ford's capability to master even the most challenging off-road conditions.
This collaborative effort with external partners, exemplified by Gittin Jr., echoes a previous successful venture with Ford on the 2016 F-150 RTR Ultimate Fun Haver project.
Joining an impressive lineup of demonstrators, the Switchgear shares the spotlight with the SuperVan 4.0 and 4.2, the Mustang Mach-E 1400, the Cobra Jet 1400, and the F-100 Eluminator.
Showcasing Ford's Racing Capabilities
The truck's aesthetic appeal is distinctly shaped by the carbon composite enhancements to its exterior, featuring noticeable front fenders and both front and rear bumper covers. Additionally, its eye-catching livery pays tribute to Ford Performance.
Ford has introduced a dual version of the truck, each tailored for specific terrains. The street-ready model is equipped with 33.23-inch Nitto NT420V 305 / 55R20 tires, while its off-road counterpart rides on imposing 37-inch Nitto Ridge Grapplers.
Slash Gear reported that the off-road variation features extra tires secured on a bed-mounted rack, along with sturdy steel-fabricated bumpers, skid plates, and rock rails.
During the development of the Switchgear, Ford concentrated on refining two crucial elements, which are the chassis and suspension.
The front suspension adopts an independent double-wishbone configuration, incorporating coil-over shocks, a stabilizer bar, and droop limit straps. In contrast, the rear suspension maintains a stabilizer bar and droop limit straps but opts for semi-trailing arms instead of the double-wishbone design.
With a front and rear track width measuring 80 inches, Autopian reported that the Switchgear boasts a "significant" expansion compared to the standard F-150 Lightning, a modification deemed crucial for enhanced track stability.
The suspension system incorporates Fox three-inch diameter internal bypass shock absorbers, complemented by distinctive front and rear bumpers designed to optimize approach and departure angles, according to Ford.
While Ford currently lacks immediate production plans for the Switchgear, there is a distinct possibility, and perhaps even anticipation, that certain features of this innovative truck could eventually become accessible to truck owners in the future.
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