Ford Teases F-150 Lightning Switchgear Concept At Tokyo Auto Salon
by AutoExpert | 18 January, 2024
With the F-150 Lightning Switchgear concept, a joint effort between RTR and Ford Performance, Ford is investigating the off-road capabilities of electric trucks.
The F-150 RTR Ultimate Fun-Haver served as an inspiration for this concept, which features eye-catching exterior styling with distinctive carbon composite bodywork, a widebody kit, fender flares, and vents. Front and rear bumpers, a skid plate up front, steel rails for off-roading, and a sizable spoiler all contribute to improved off-road abilities.
The upgrades include 18-inch wheels with 37-inch Nitto Ridge Grappler tires, a bed-mounted chase rack housing two spares, and a cabin equipped with five Recaro Sportster ORV seats featuring six-point harnesses. The modified suspension, 3-inch Fox internal bypass shocks, and an increased track of 80 inches promise exceptional off-road capabilities with 13.5 inches of front clearance and 11 inches at the rear, offering up to 13 inches of wheel travel.
For those favoring the street, a configuration with an aerodynamic front bumper, tonneau cover, and 20-inch wheels on Nitto NT420V tires is available. The F-150 Lightning Switchgear concept maintains a stock powertrain, featuring a 131 kWh battery pack and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivering 580 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque.
While specific acceleration details are undisclosed, the regular F-150 Lightning achieves 0–60 mph in less than four seconds. Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance’s Global Director of Motorsports, highlights that the concept showcases the potential of electric vehicles and serves as a testing ground for future developments. The F-150 Lightning Switchgear concept is set to make its public debut at the King of the Hammers race on January 25.