Ford Lightning: Sports car or pickup?

reprinted with permission

David Menzies
Financial Post

At first blush, the words "pickup truck" and "sports car" in the same sentence seem incongruous: After all, a pickup truck conjures up visions of Lil' Abner hauling junk around the county, while a sports car is typically big on fun but short on practicality.

Enter the Ford SVT F-150 Lightning -- a hybrid pickup truck/hot rod that adroitly fills the void by delivering the best of both worlds.

The 2001 SVT Lightning has Corvette-like power because of its supercharged/intercooled 5.4-litre V-8 engine. This muscular motor generates a whopping 380 horses (20 more than last year's model.) The power boost allows the vehicle to zip from 0 to 60 mph in just over six seconds -- quite a feat considering that the Lightning is, after all, a pickup truck. 

It boasts a restyled front end including a low front air dam. This translates into better aerodynamics and a more aggressive-looking snout. Indeed, Ford has seemingly achieved the impossible by creating a pickup truck that actually looks kick-ass fast.

And as with previous Lightning models, the 2001 version comes loaded. Standard equipment includes front air bags with a passenger airbag deactivation switch; a passive anti-theft system and remote keyless entry, and a Class III towing package.

Bottom line: the Lightning remains unique: a pickup truck with plenty of room for hauling yet blessed with the capability to go like the proverbial bat out of hell -- if need be. Price: $41,300 CAD

For more information - feel free to contact www.svt.ford.com

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