Gen 3 Lightning

[Beaudee]

Whats the latest on the new Gen. 3 lightning, anyone heard,read the latest info.. :eek2:

[L8 APEX]

It was canned and repalced by the SportTrac SVT.

[dboat]

I was canned and repalced by the SportTrac SVT.
:Bullshit :flaming: :flaming: :vomit:

:crying: :crying: :hammer:

[bluesvt]

I still have faith. If they are considering bringing back the Fungus (focus) then I still believe that the Lightning has a chance. Maybe not in the next 2 years but hopefully soon. On another note the Adrenalin SUCKS!!! :hammer: What is SVT thinking? or are they not?

[WA 2 FST]

SVT has said they are going to focus on more "mainstream" vehicles. That means we'll see a 4-door mid-size sedan from SVT (probably based on the '06 Fusion) and the Adrenaline fits the bill.

While not as "cool" as our trucks, look at what the competitors are doing. Silverado SS (which is extended cab) and SRT-10 quad cab. Like it or not, there is a growing market (and has been for some time) for trucks with more interior space than a standard cab will allow. If you were to document the trucks you see on the road everyday, I'm willing to bet the majority are NOT standard cab trucks. The SVT SUV will sell well.

I would sell our Expedition tomorrow for an Adrenaline. Doesn't mean its replacing my Lightning, but I think the new truck is cool.
SVT is trying to appeal to a larger segment...even if all their older offerings have been successful (and they haven't been... Gen 1 L's did not sell well, the SVT Contour didn't sell well, and same with the Focus... no matter how much true gearheads/enthusiasts might have liked these vehicles). And while we tried and true L owners like the truck the way it is, I'm willing to bet sales would double if Ford built an extended/crew-cab version of the truck. Doesn't make it better. It just makes it a good business move on Ford's part.

We're fortunate to have a new SVT Mustang offering. But I think its very intentional that they changed the name to a more nostalgic one (GT500) in a direct effort to appeal to a larger fan base.

[Sixpipes]

I personally like the Adrenaline. I would prefer it over an extended cab pickup platform. :cool:

[sonicbluetommy]

I did a little research and ran a few numbers last week and posted this on a different thread here:
http://www.talonclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8047&page=5&pp=15

This could get interesting:

07 Adrenalin
est hp-390
est wt-4095
wt/hp ratio-10.5
est 1/4-13.1

compare that to:

04 Lightning
hp-380
wt-4700
wt/hp ratio-12.4
1/4mi-13.7

04 Cobra
hp-390
wt-3700
wt/hp ratio-9.5
1/4mi-12.9

The Adrenalin is way closer to the 04 Cobra in wt/hp ratio than it is to the Lightning. It only weighs 400lbs more than the 04 Cobra and is getting 4-whl drive. I am thinking this thing might hit close to the 12's stock. I am kinda thinking it also just might out launch an 04 Cobra off the line. With a little modifying this little thing (if they keep the weight down) will be surprising a few of us Lightning boys.



But I also think it will suck for drivers like us to drive with this "great" feature:

As with the first Sport Trac concept, the Adrenalin will feature the Volvo-developed Roll Stability Control system, which uses on-board sensors to cut engine power and/or apply the brakes to prevent the truck from rolling over under hard cornering, and resultantly solving one of the current Sport Trac's most disconcerting problems. The system works in tandem with AdvanceTrac, Ford's anti-skid/traction control system, to help drivers maintain control in slippery conditions or emergency manoeuvres.

Hopefully this will have an off switch.


The writings on the wall boys for any future Lightning.....it's over. Please more of the masses! It's the corporate way!

[tliss]

...As with the first Sport Trac concept, the Adrenalin will feature the Volvo-developed Roll Stability Control system, which uses on-board sensors to cut engine power and/or apply the brakes to prevent the truck from rolling over under hard cornering, and resultantly solving one of the current Sport Trac's most disconcerting problems. The system works in tandem with AdvanceTrac, Ford's anti-skid/traction control system, to help drivers maintain control in slippery conditions or emergency manoeuvres.

Hopefully this will have an off switch.


The writings on the wall boys for any future Lightning.....it's over. Please more of the masses! It's the corporate way!

So in other words, they picked a lame ass platform to build an SVT out of. They have to put a stability control system to keep the beeyotch from rolling over? Cut power? Those are words no Lightning owner wants to hear. It's a freakin SUV...leave it for the soccer moms. Adrenaline is gay! The future of SVT looks grim to me (other than the Cobra), and frankly I am completely pissed about it. Ford has found a really good way to exterminate a very loyal customer base with their utter lameness.

Scarpello and Coletti wouldn't stand for this gayness!

Tom

[sonicbluetommy]

Scarpello and Coletti wouldn't stand for this gayness!

Tom

Why do you think they are not there????

They either sensed the change in climate or got pushed out. Doesn't matter what propaganda was spewed out by them or Ford. It boils down to one of those 2 things.

[WA 2 FST]

I agree with these sentiments about SVT, Tom. However, they surprised me with the GT500 offering that's coming.

I am _sure_ there will be a way to turn off or program around the Stabili-trac thing in the Adrenaline. Again, its all about sales. If the things don't make $$, they will not keep building them. Not in this economic climate. The fat has (and will continue to be) cut.

I'm just happy they're building a 450+hp Mustang. And while I do not care for the new Mustang GT, it is priced very well for the performance and quality it offers.

All Lightning owners are/will be frustrated/angry. But that's just the way it goes. They are not going to build another one any time soon. Just hold on to what ya got. :)

[tliss]

I agree with these sentiments about SVT, Tom. However, they surprised me with the GT500 offering that's coming.

I am _sure_ there will be a way to turn off or program around the Stabili-trac thing in the Adrenaline. Again, its all about sales. If the things don't make $$, they will not keep building them. Not in this economic climate. The fat has (and will continue to be) cut.

I'm just happy they're building a 450+hp Mustang. And while I do not care for the new Mustang GT, it is priced very well for the performance and quality it offers.

All Lightning owners are/will be frustrated/angry. But that's just the way it goes. They are not going to build another one any time soon. Just hold on to what ya got. :)

I know it's all about the pocketbook. I just hope the Adrenaline is worth the risk, since they have basically sh!tcanned their loyal performance truck-buying market. I don't believe it'll sell any better than the Lightning, considering the market. I am also surprised by the GT500, and would love to put my mitts on one...but right now that is the only Ford vehicle that sounds remotely interesting to me.

Tom

[TP Derrick D]

SVT has said they are going to focus on more "mainstream" vehicles. That means we'll see a 4-door mid-size sedan from SVT (probably based on the '06 Fusion) and the Adrenaline fits the bill.

While not as "cool" as our trucks, look at what the competitors are doing. Silverado SS (which is extended cab) and SRT-10 quad cab. Like it or not, there is a growing market (and has been for some time) for trucks with more interior space than a standard cab will allow. If you were to document the trucks you see on the road everyday, I'm willing to bet the majority are NOT standard cab trucks. The SVT SUV will sell well.

I would sell our Expedition tomorrow for an Adrenaline. Doesn't mean its replacing my Lightning, but I think the new truck is cool.
SVT is trying to appeal to a larger segment...even if all their older offerings have been successful (and they haven't been... Gen 1 L's did not sell well, the SVT Contour didn't sell well, and same with the Focus... no matter how much true gearheads/enthusiasts might have liked these vehicles). And while we tried and true L owners like the truck the way it is, I'm willing to bet sales would double if Ford built an extended/crew-cab version of the truck. Doesn't make it better. It just makes it a good business move on Ford's part.

We're fortunate to have a new SVT Mustang offering. But I think its very intentional that they changed the name to a more nostalgic one (GT500) in a direct effort to appeal to a larger fan base.





You're right Wes,for anyone that doesn't know Ford announced it when the new F-150 was debuted that they would be doing away with regular cab trucks. I for one thought the L would be saved and built as the only reg cab available but I have pretty much given up on a new Gen III version. Selling 6000 L's a year versus maybe 20,000 quad/ext cabs.... well I see there $$$$ signs point of view even tho I don't like it.Ford started it and Chebby & Mopar followed suit with the SS & SRT10 quad cabs. At least Ford is giving something back worth my time to look at. L gone,Harley (F150 version) gone...I guess I'll keep my L a lot longer... :cool:

[WA 2 FST]

Yep, Derrick. Keep that L, brother, and save up for that pristine S351R you want. :) Just make sure you get a '94-95 model. Those are the fast ones.

:tu:

I'm having a hard time not picking up a nice, low-mileage '03-04 Cobra convertible. Prices on them are good (will get better as the GT500 release date gets closer), and they are fun cars.

[dboat]

I personally like the Adrenaline. I would prefer it over an extended cab pickup platform. :cool:

Dennis, why is that? just curious. I kind of like it but I always wanted a Harley without all the badging or a blown Lincoln Blackwood with the air conditioned seats.
I am kind of enamored with the F250 4 door cab truck too. Except have it really tricked out.
Having said all that, I still love my truck and for the money, its still the best bang for your buck going..
Dana

[Sixpipes]

Dennis, why is that? just curious.

My biggest complaint about the Gen II was the weight ~4,600 pounds. The Adrenaline is ~4,000 pounds with a little more horsepower. I like Flatsman's Supercrew (creature comforts) and haven't hauled a lot of large items in my Gen II so the bed would probably be just as useful. I absolutely hate long wheelbase vehicles so...your left with something that is really more comfortable, easier to handle, and probably faster than a Lightning. I hated the Concept Lightning (Gen III) and would never have considered buying one. If people would get over the fact that it is based on the old Sport-Trac and look at it as a completely different vehicle, I think it wouldn't get such a negative reaction.

If this thing does happen, it will be just about the right time for me to add a new vehicle to the stable. And if I started kicking Gen II a$$ with it, maybe folks would look at it with a little more respect. :evil

[TP Derrick D]

Dennis, why is that? just curious. I kind of like it but I always wanted a Harley without all the badging or a blown Lincoln Blackwood with the air conditioned seats.
I am kind of enamored with the F250 4 door cab truck too. Except have it really tricked out.
Having said all that, I still love my truck and for the money, its still the best bang for your buck going..
Dana



I like your choices, well the Harley & Blackwood anyway. If the gas wasn't so pricey right now I'd like to have a Harley or Blackwood as my daily driver , its cool factor and backseat would be a nice addition to my ToyTruck "L "& A'Teal'a my playtoy Mustang,get rid of the Sable/Tauras and just kick it with trucks for a while. The idea is really appealling, maybe later this summer.

[Beaudee]

I think it will be back.They never said it wouldn't.Maybe end of 2006.http://www.svt.ford.com/newsSvtSleeves.asphttp://www.svt.ford.com/conceptLabLightning.aspMost of the people targeted for the new svt's excluding the shelby couldn't give a darn about the super charged motor,especially with gas prices the way there gettin to be.Everyone i know who has the new f-150 complains about lack of gitty up.If they don't come back with it they be loosin to a dam dodge!!!!

[TP Derrick D]

I think it will be back.They never said it wouldn't.Maybe end of 2006.http://www.svt.ford.com/newsSvtSleeves.asphttp://www.svt.ford.com/conceptLabLightning.aspMost of the people targeted for the new svt's excluding the shelby couldn't give a darn about the super charged motor,especially with gas prices the way there gettin to be.Everyone i know who has the new f-150 complains about lack of gitty up.If they don't come back with it they be loosin to a dam dodge!!!!


Sorry man, but thats old. We saw & touched that truck ,well the ones of us that went to '03 L fest,in September 2003,Topeka,Kansas. Yeah then it was new ,hot news,now its history before its even sold.

[sonicbluetommy]

I agree with these sentiments about SVT, Tom. However, they surprised me with the GT500 offering that's coming.

I am _sure_ there will be a way to turn off or program around the Stabili-trac thing in the Adrenaline. Again, its all about sales. If the things don't make $$, they will not keep building them. Not in this economic climate. The fat has (and will continue to be) cut.

I'm just happy they're building a 450+hp Mustang. And while I do not care for the new Mustang GT, it is priced very well for the performance and quality it offers.

All Lightning owners are/will be frustrated/angry. But that's just the way it goes. They are not going to build another one any time soon. Just hold on to what ya got. :)

I disagree with this statement:
{[If the things don't make $$, they will not keep building them.]}
You may show a loss on the sales of the true high performance vehicles but if you can show an increase in sales of "performance styled" vehicles (tied to your loss leader vehicles) that will make much higher margins you get to keep making the true high performance vehicles. IMO SVT failed to do exactly this.

Alah-DODGE-SRT

One of the big things I think everyone is missing here is how Dodge has capitalized on its SRT-10. They marketed the hell out of it. You all know it's not what it can do but what Dodge advertises it can do. Not everyone can afford $50 g's but a lot of ppl can afford a $25g knock-off rumble bee. And we now have hemi magnums, hemi chargers, rumble bees, SRT4 neons, SRT8 jeep cherokees, and SRT10 extended cabs. Hats off to their marketing dept.

Ford is getting a real butt whoopin lesson in how to market it's "performance" "style" vehicles. They never did much to capitalize on the L, unless you count the totally gutless STX model. At least the hemi is a decent, fairly powerful motor.

Some ppl may say Dodge is cheapening up their performance models, but i disagree. True gearheads know which is which, just with our L's, everyone else just cares how they look. Dodge is just capitalizing on an unfufilled market.

Since the SRT division has been able to increase sales in so many "performance style" vehicles:
1-How long do you think they will be around?
2-How much more free reign and research $$$ will they be given?
3-How many true high performance models will they get to build?

The only comparison I can see besides the Cobra is the mid 90's SHO Taurus. Sweet 4 door ride in its time. After that we get the later taurus :vomit: the contour, the focus, then the Marauder (which I am not knocking at all, but it was sooo unmarketed--and what about a Crown Vic version????). While the contour and focus were great cars i think they were overpriced for the kind of buyers that would buy a focus or contour. And I know as a gearhead, I would rather still be driving a 91-93 mustang before either one of those.

[Tex Arcana]

So in other words, they picked a lame ass platform to build an SVT out of. They have to put a stability control system to keep the beeyotch from rolling over? Cut power? Those are words no Lightning owner wants to hear. It's a freakin SUV...leave it for the soccer moms. Adrenaline is gay! The future of SVT looks grim to me (other than the Cobra), and frankly I am completely pissed about it. Ford has found a really good way to exterminate a very loyal customer base with their utter lameness.

Scarpello and Coletti wouldn't stand for this gayness!

Tom


The worst part of this whole thing is that the SportTrac is based off the OLD Explorer platform, which is nothing more than a slightly longer Ranger platform, with C-channel frame rails instead of boxed, and with the old stick axle out back. "Blowout-induced rollover", anyone??? :Bullshit

That Adrenalin should be based on the NEW Explorer platform, with the IRS included. That would obviate the need for excessive stability intrusion.

[BC Lightning]

Where's the Adam smiley when we need it :hammer:

[WA 2 FST]

Tommy,

You are sorely mistaken if you think Ford will keep building the Lightning (or any of their own "performance" vehicles) as a "loss leader"... like I said, "certainly not in _this_ economic climate."

For Dodge the Viper could be a loss leader that they would still produce b/c of the reasons you stated (image, being the greatest, which then drives sales of "lower class" vehicles through the roof).

The only vehicle Ford has in its lineup that could possibly compare would be the new GT, and they certainly aren't losing $$ on that right now with them selling at $100k over sticker in many cases.

GM considered killing the Vette in the mid-80s, as it was losing $$, but they were willing to lose some $$ on it for image purposes and to maintain integrity of the rest of the sales lineup.

The Lightning does not fit into this category. It does not _drive_ sales of anything else that Ford produces. We know that Ford trucks sell great, and it has nothing to do with having the Lightning as the top of the ladder. In fact, most Ford truck owners (especially those with a King Ranch or some other very expensive version) look at the Lightning as a lower class truck.

So, yes... I'll disagree with my own statement if we're speaking in broad generalities, but not as it applies to an F-150 based Lightning truck. If it isn't producing a nice profit, its gone. SVT has said they will build things that appeal more to the masses. The Lightning seems to be on the outside looking in, in that regard.

[TXBLU]

You have to understand that the money a dealer gets for ANY vehicle is based on what they have already paid the manufacturer, and the supply vs. demand factor. The manufacturer has already been paid for the vehicles on a dealer's lot, or at least the terms have already been agreed to. The dealers usually have a very nice (for them) built-in margin for vehicles at sticker price. A lot of people think that the "invoice" price is what the dealer paid the factory, but there are volume discounts and other incentives that reduce their actual cost. So while it may seem like you got a car or truck for "$100.00 over invoice", the dealer still made more than that, based on the deal he got from the factory.

Given that, I don't know what the actual dealer margin is on the GT, but I would suspect that the dealer cost is close to the sticker price, but it in fact could be higher. Most vehicles cost to the dealer is MUCH less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, the "sticker" price. Anything above that is generally pure profit, for the DEALER. Most dealerships are independantly owned and operated. They have toal control over selling price.

What I don't get is why Ford has chosen to miss a great advertising opportunity with a new Lightning. Sure, it would cost a lot of money to develop a Lightning from the current platform, but considering that the F Series truck is the best selling vehicle on the planet, there should be room in the budget for it. If SVT's new strategy is to develop the SVT products concurrently with the new base vehilce, then they missed their chance on the current F-150 and we will have to wait. However, seeing as how the Lightning community has grown, and given our level of enthusiasm and loyalty, I think it would be an excellent marketing strategy to build a new Lightning that outperforms the Ram SRT-10, and advertise the crap out of it. Even if it is 3 years down the road I would like to know about it, but I guess marketing folks get pissed when you leak the news of a new product too soon. They probably fear the competition will match or beat their announced performance targets before they can get the new product on the market.

At any rate, I like the Lightning. I need a truck and like performance vehicles. I don't really want something more "mainstream". I'm not ready to replace my Lightning yet but when I am, I want another Lightning. And I want it to outperform the one I have, along with whatever else is out there at the time, and be more refined. Just like how my 2002 L is better than my 1993 L was.

The bottom line here is, if there is enough demand for a new Lightning, Ford will make it happen. The engineers are spring-loaded to make it happen. They don't give a rat's you-know-what about how much it costs. The bean counters, product planners, and advertising executives all have to be satisfied with the marketing plan first though. Unless Bill Ford says to make it happen anyway. All is not lost, but it looks bleak for us Lightning freaks at the moment.

[Tex Arcana]

Wes, both Tommy and TxBlu make good points here. We all know that GM and Dodge have their "halo" vehicles that are basically losses for them, but are considered "advertising" costs, to bring people in and sell other vehicles. When FOrd succeeded so well with taking Mustangs and creating short-run specialty vehicles (Bullit, Cobra, Mach1, etc), and when SVT showed they could build a high-performance specialty vehicle that actually turned a profit (SVT Mustangs, Focuses, and especially Lightnings, not to mention the GT), they showed the rest of the industry that you don't necessarily need a loss-leader halo vehicle to attract paying customers.

The more I look at it, the more I realize that the Lightning was an immesely successful vehicle. ANd the other manufacturers saw that, and have just now tried to emulate that, with the SRT10, RumbleBee, the SSR, and SSS; however, they don't have what Ford has in terms of being able to build small-volume specialty vehicles, so they end up costing more to build and sell.

I think FOrd's just taking their ability to build something special and still make a profit, and spreading it among the lines. I've read that one reason they're waiting on the next Lightning is that they have a new engine in the works (the Hurricane block), that has bigger bore spacings and bigger bores, that will allow bigger valves, which means MORE POWER URHUH! URHUH!

Either that, or the greenies are taking over, and slowly castraing the entire lines while we sit back and watch in frustration.

[WA 2 FST]

I'm not disagreeing with the concept of halo vehicles or building a car that might take a loss in order to effectively market other "lesser" vehicles into turning big profits. This happens all the time in multiple industries, not just cars/trucks.

But I just do not think the Lightning fits that category. 5000+ units a year cannot lose $$ for very long or they will not build them for very long. That and the fact that you won't see manufacturers building numerous halo vehicles. The only time you'll see a company take a hit is when they can really see other sales going up due to the unit in question. In Ford's case, the F150 has been a HUGE seller for decades. The L does not help sell F150s or anything else. It stands alone on its own (a good thing, and its obviously made $$ for Ford or they wouldn't have made the Gen 2 for 5 years!).

If Ford has a halo vehicle, its the GT. In '06-07, you could say the Cobra. Ford won't lose a dime on either of these, of course.

I agree that the Lightning has been successful. I've owned 3 (two Gen 2's). It's success has certainly created an apparent market for a "performance truck". Dodge is losing $$ on the SRT-10, but from my understanding they do not build nearly as many SRT-10s as Ford did L's on a per year basis. So, if they take a loss, its not a huge deal. And I would go as far to say that 5k units isn't a big deal, either, except Ford marketing types obviously see the demand shifting towards a truck with more than 2+ seats.

That was my only point in saying, "if it doesn't make $$, they won't build them." Dodge will build the Viper, GM will build the Vette, and Ford will build the GT (for at least 3 years) no matter if they make a penny or not. The performance truck market will be one of the first on the block to die, if it loses money.

If the trend continues for the SRT-10 (reg. cab) and its poor sales, it will be dead shortly, if I'm a betting man.

As you state, I believe Ford marketing types are considering a broader market to reach. There is no argument that a "truck" with more seats and AWD capability is more practical than a standard cab one. Does that make it better for us who like the standard cab L? NO! :mad: Not for us. I guess Ford has figured that there are less of "us" and more of "them" to appeal to. :(

[Tex Arcana]

I'm not disagreeing with the concept of halo vehicles or building a car that might take a loss in order to effectively market other "lesser" vehicles into turning big profits. This happens all the time in multiple industries, not just cars/trucks.

But I just do not think the Lightning fits that category. 5000+ units a year cannot lose $$ for very long or they will not build them for very long. That and the fact that you won't see manufacturers building numerous halo vehicles. The only time you'll see a company take a hit is when they can really see other sales going up due to the unit in question. In Ford's case, the F150 has been a HUGE seller for decades. The L does not help sell F150s or anything else. It stands alone on its own (a good thing, and its obviously made $$ for Ford or they wouldn't have made the Gen 2 for 5 years!).

If Ford has a halo vehicle, its the GT. In '06-07, you could say the Cobra. Ford won't lose a dime on either of these, of course.

I agree that the Lightning has been successful. I've owned 3 (two Gen 2's). It's success has certainly created an apparent market for a "performance truck". Dodge is losing $$ on the SRT-10, but from my understanding they do not build nearly as many SRT-10s as Ford did L's on a per year basis. So, if they take a loss, its not a huge deal. And I would go as far to say that 5k units isn't a big deal, either, except Ford marketing types obviously see the demand shifting towards a truck with more than 2+ seats.

That was my only point in saying, "if it doesn't make $$, they won't build them." Dodge will build the Viper, GM will build the Vette, and Ford will build the GT (for at least 3 years) no matter if they make a penny or not. The performance truck market will be one of the first on the block to die, if it loses money.

If the trend continues for the SRT-10 (reg. cab) and its poor sales, it will be dead shortly, if I'm a betting man.

As you state, I believe Ford marketing types are considering a broader market to reach. There is no argument that a "truck" with more seats and AWD capability is more practical than a standard cab one. Does that make it better for us who like the standard cab L? NO! :mad: Not for us. I guess Ford has figured that there are less of "us" and more of "them" to appeal to. :(


But is that really the case?? If you look back at the history of the SVT vehicles and the specialty vehicles that were built under their banner, the only ones that were there from the beginning (post-SVO days), are the Cobra and the Lightning. THe Focus was a later addition, as were the rest of the specialties. Given that Ford basically spread out with those vehicles--each one a "halo" vehicle in its own right--then I think their plan is to continue with the concept, and spread the wealth among the other lines.

By limiting the numbers each time they do this, they create additional demand, and make good profits for everyone. So, following this logic, it makes sense that they'd shelve the L (tho, I'm with you: they should've capitalized on the L more in advertising), if only to create more demand later when the next TRUE Lightning (F150-based, single-cab performance truck) is built. The same goes with the blown Cobra: hold off for a while, let demand build, then give it to 'em. It's almost Pavlovian!!

It's a good business plan, especially if the SVT vehicles always make a profit (which I do believe is the case). :tu:

[WA 2 FST]

3 examples of SVT vehicles that didn't make a profit: Contour, Focus, Gen 1 Lightning.

The Contour and Focus (built in an effort to bring in a more mainstream buyer) died quickly. The Gen 1 Lightning would not have made it another year, even if the redesigned truck hadn't come around.

The Gen 2 L did great. There is no doubt about it! :) My primary point of rebuttle is that SVT will not continue to build vehicles that do not make a profit. They don't have to. Ford has too many other vehicles that sell well without one or two of SVT offerings that sit on the lot.

If this new Adrenaline falls on its face, it will have a 2yr production run...and that's it.

[Beaudee]

If Ford comes out with anytning less than 500H.P. it shouldn't be called an svt..As far as i am concerned an svt is ready for the track.The new crap they are putting out should be called an suvt.I think even the new mustang should have been over 500h.p..They need to get their crap together,go out in the real world and redefine what an svt is and get the new svt guys @ ford a job they can handle.If it aint over 500h.p. stock in this day and time it ain't an svt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!End of story!!

[WA 2 FST]

My humble prediction is that the new GT500 will be 450 RWHP... that is over 500hp flywheel. Ford has already said they are going to underrate this car for several reasons (insurance, and not to piss off Ford GT owners).


Whatever the case, with the Whipple riding shotgun, it will be a pulley swap away from 500-525rwhp with stock-like driveability and durability. Radical ones will be over 650rwhp without too much work. ;)

[Beaudee]

My humble prediction is that the new GT500 will be 450 RWHP... that is over 500hp flywheel. Ford has already said they are going to underrate this car for several reasons (insurance, and not to piss off Ford GT owners).


Whatever the case, with the Whipple riding shotgun, it will be a pulley swap away from 500-525rwhp with stock-like driveability and durability. Radical ones will be over 650rwhp without too much work. ;)
Thats the way it should be!! :tu: :tu: :tu:

[TP Derrick D]

If Ford comes out with anytning less than 500H.P. it shouldn't be called an svt..As far as i am concerned an svt is ready for the track.The new crap they are putting out should be called an suvt.I think even the new mustang should have been over 500h.p..They need to get their crap together,go out in the real world and redefine what an svt is and get the new svt guys @ ford a job they can handle.If it aint over 500h.p. stock in this day and time it ain't an svt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!End of story!!


Man, how long have you been a Ford person, or is this your first. Let me guess, you heard the Lightning was fast, so you bought one,now you're a life long Ford guy that know everything about Ford and the Lightning. If you have been a Ford person long as I have or followed SVO/SVT program since the beginning you would know that Ford put out lower HP vehicles and let the owner perform HP building mods. It keeps cost low and cars selling. Do you know how much a 500 hp vehicle would increase price. I hope you come to some of our events now that its getting warm. I got to meet you. a 6'8" bald ,black guy should be easy to spot in TALON. :cool:

[Beaudee]

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[Beaudee]

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[Beaudee]

[QUOTE=Derrick]If you have been a Ford person long as I have or followed SVO/SVT program since the beginning you would know that Ford put out lower HP vehicles and let the owner perform HP building mods.............................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .............................................Where did you here that Derrick?I would love to see your refference.Ya they LET you mod them and LET you void the warranty! Need i say anymore!!! :flaming: :throw:

[lenard_hester]

Wow, I had no idea that there would be this kind of backlash against the Adrenaline. When I first saw it a whole host of possibilities ran through my mind.

1. I love the idea of AWD. This opens up a whole new world.

2. Light weight. As much as I love my Lightning it is a brick. Can you imagine being able to take 700 pound of of your L?

3. Fuel economy. I know the old addage "If you are worried about gas, don't buy a Lightning" I can afford the gas, but if I can get something similar in performance and utility while getting 18 MPG (estimated) I will take it.

4. The ability to carry around friends. One of the biggest complaints I have about the Lightning is that when I am going somewhere with frineds, I never get to drive, because they all want to go in 1 car and they all have 4 seaters.

5. The engine possibilities. The supercharged 4.6l in the adreniline as far as I can tell is going to be very similar to the enging in the 03/04 Cobra. Those guys are able to get their engine to ridiculous power levels. I think this engine has a whole lot of potential.

In short I think this maintains the perfomance and funtionality of the L (truck bed able to haul stuff) while adding addtional funtionality with the larger cab. I may be alone in this, but this vehicle reminds me in a lot of ways of another vehicle that is somewhat revered...can anyone say Cyclone/Typhoon? Look at the similarities. Small truck platform, all wheel drive, high powered force induction engine. This looks to me like it could be a revolution. A half breed of power and functionality.

I in no way want to give the impression that I am glad to see the L go or that it even is going (no one knows yet), but I do like the possibilities of the Adrenaline. I personally love the L and I am glad to see the SVT brand moving. They are taking chances and making adjustments. Would you be as happy to see the lightning stay if it remained with the same engine? No. We would all complain that they were not moving. I personally think that we will se the rebirth of the lightning in a few years, but that remains to be seen.

I am not saying that all we L owners should jump on the Adrenaline bandwagon and completely abandon the L, I just wish everyone would quit bashing the Adrenaline as it may cover a market share that others have been looking for. If the price is right, I may purchase one when they come out.

The L is to recognizable of a name to get rid of, here's hoping that it comes back.

[TP Derrick D]

[QUOTE=Derrick]If you have been a Ford person long as I have or followed SVO/SVT program since the beginning you would know that Ford put out lower HP vehicles and let the owner perform HP building mods.............................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .............................................Where did you here that Derrick?I would love to see your refference.Ya they LET you mod them and LET you void the warranty! Need i say anymore!!! :flaming: :throw:


I read . And its true. Believe me ,when I post something on this board its true. You see I got to make sure I don't post :Bullshit and then it comes back to hit me in the face.