$96000 ex govt stat charges

August 13, 2003

Today, the Ford SVT F-150 Lightning was certified as the "World's Fastest Production Pickup Truck" by Guinness World Records, Ltd. after reaching 147 miles per hour at Ford's test track. Since the truck's introduction in 1999, the supercharged SVT Lightning has been unofficially called the world's fastest pickup by numerous media outlets. Now it's a matter of official record.

"We're proud to have certification from Guinness World Records," says Tom Scarpello, Ford SVT marketing and sales manager. "It is a well-deserved record for the engineering team, and overdue confirmation to all the SVT F-150 Lightning owners out there who have known for years that they drive the fastest truck on the planet!"

The record run was conducted on the Michigan Proving Grounds of Ford Motor Company. The five-mile-long, high-speed oval provided a safe, controlled environment to test the limits of truck's performance.

"This may seem like fun and games, but high-speed stability is critical for a performance vehicle, even a pickup truck," says Tom Chapman, Ford SVT chassis systems supervisor and driver for the record-setting run. "The SVT F-150 Lightning is just as stable and planted at 147 miles per hour as it is at 55 mph; only the scenery's going by faster. That stability is a testament to the solid foundation of the Ford F-150, and the performance engineering found in Ford SVT products."

For the record, Guinness requires the truck to be production level, meaning it is identical to what a customer can find at his local Ford SVT dealer. Speeds must be measured over a kilometer, and the record speed is derived from an average of speeds in both directions.

To meet the vehicle requirements, Ford SVT used a stock 2003 Ford SVT F-150 Lightning. Exterior modifications were limited to folding in the side mirrors, and removing the radio antenna. To meet timing requirements, Ford SVT conducted the test on Ford's Michigan Proving Ground high-speed oval. Timing lights were set up seven-tenths of a mile apart (as certified by an independent surveyor). A Hot Lap In-Car Timer, from Longacre Racing Products, was used to measure elapsed time through the measured 0.7 mile. Elapsed time was then converted to miles per hour.

Clockwise, the fastest elapsed time was 17.03 seconds, or 147.974 mph. Counter-clockwise, the fastest elapsed time was 17.09 seconds, or 147.454 mph.

The average of those two runs is 147.714 mph.

This result is more than adequate to set the Guinness World Record™ for the "Fastest Production Pickup."

The supercharged SVT F-150 Lightning was introduced in 1999, with 360 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. In their January 1999 issue, Car and Driver magazine reported, "Ford SVT builds the world's fastest pickup."

Since then, engine modifications have improved performance, bringing output up to 380 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. In their most recent editorial evaluation, the July 2003 issue of Motor Trend reported a terminal speed of 146 mph in a 2003 Ford SVT F-150 Lightning.

For Tom Scarpello, the Guinness World Record™ solidifies the Ford SVT F-150 Lightning as the one, the only, and the best performance pickup truck in the world.

"Capable of acceleration from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, and reaching 147 mph, the SVT Lightning is the dominant sport pickup in the world," says Scarpello. "No pickup truck on the market today can come close to matching those numbers. And, the SVT Lightning does all this and still can tow a 5,000 pound trailer and carry 1,300 pounds of payload. But best of all, this is no concept vehicle--it's available right now from your local Ford SVT dealer."

Overview
The SVT F-150 Lightning is a high-performance pickup truck with a supercharged V-8 engine and performance-tuned suspension.

Introduced as a 1993 model, the original SVT F-150 Lightning helped define the four hallmarks of a Special Vehicle Team product: performance, substance, exclusivity and value. Eleven years and two generations later, those same hallmarks make the 2004 SVT F-150 Lightning the best sport truck on the market. No other truck can match its combination of 380 horsepower and acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.

Lightning is built in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

Design and Equipment
The 2004 SVT Lightning has several distinct exterior features that set it apart from the rest of the F-150 lineup. Crystalline headlamps, clear turn signal lenses and SVT-signature round fog lamps in the vehicle's unique front fascia project the Lightning's attitude.

Complementing the face are unique clear taillamp lenses and a light-emitting-diode high-mounted stoplight. Lower rocker extensions, side-exit exhaust and unique 18-inch wheels and low-profile tires round out the exterior.

Inside, Lightning has a 60/40 split bench front seat. More aggressive side bolsters give better lateral support for spirited driving. Seating surfaces have Preferred Suede trim with textured Nudo leather inserts;

the SVT logo is embroidered on the backrest. Other high-performance cues include SVT-signature electroluminescent gauges, brushed aluminum finish on the interior door handles and perforated-leather wrap on the steering wheel.

Powertrain and Chassis
A 5.4-liter SOHC Triton^� V-8 powers the 2004 SVT F-150 Lightning. The Triton^� V-8 is paired with an Eaton^� supercharger and water-to-air intercooler, providing 380 horsepower at 4,750 rpm and 450 foot-pounds of torque at 3,250 rpm.

Transferring the power to the wheels is a four-speed automatic transmission, strengthened with the same internals used behind Ford's heavy-duty truck engines. Routed through an aluminum driveshaft for increased strength, power is then transformed into acceleration by a 9-inch traction-lock differential with a 3.73:1 gear ratio.

Suspension and Brakes
The 2004 SVT F-150 Lightning also benefits from performance-oriented chassis modifications. Bilstein gas-charged shocks are fitted at all four corners for their excellent control and ride characteristics. Unique suspension tuning also lowers the Lightning 2 inches in the rear and 1.5 inches in the front to improve the handling and give a more aggressive appearance.

The 12.1-inch, vented front rotors work with twin-piston calipers while the 13.1-inch, vented rear rotors are pinched by single-piston calipers. Both front and rear brake assemblies use a Lightning-exclusive pad for improved wear and heat dissipation. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard.

Although it provides an American hot-rod driving experience, the SVT F-150 Lightning still retains the Built Ford Tough capabilities of the standard F-150. Accordingly, the Lightning is capable of pulling a 5,000-pound trailer or hauling nearly 1,400 pounds of payload.

Safety
The SVT F-150 Lightning has as standard safety and security equipment dual front air bags, BeltMinder^�, SecuriLock^�, a battery saver feature and anti-lock brakes.

Major Equipment and Options
Lightning standard features include: 5.4L supercharged V-8 engine, four-speed automatic transmission, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, 40/60 split-bench seat, Preferred Suede trim with Nudo leather seat inserts, power mirrors, windows and door locks, keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo and variable intermittent wipers.

In collaboration with our overseas partners American Performance were able to secure some of the very last examples from the USA. Only 3 of our brand new Lightnings remain.They have full warranty and a full RHD conversion by VDC. You can own one of these truck for as little as $96000 ex govt stat charges.