Ford F-150 Lightning gets a high-performance off-road demonstrator version

MANILA: Ford Performance has unveiled the newest addition to its Demonstrator program, the F-150 Lightning Switchgear.

With the F-150 RTR Ultimate Fun-Haver project vehicle from 2016 serving as inspiration, Ford and RTR Vehicles designed and built the Switchgear's custom exterior carbon bodywork with a Ford Performance 2024 livery. Off-road upgrades were also to bring the F-150 Lightning to new heights.

As the latest model under the Ford Performance Demonstrator program, the F-150 Lightning Switchgear joins the Supervan 4.0 and 4.2, the Mustang Mach-E 1400, the Mustang Cobrajet 1400, and the F-100 Eluminator. These vehicles show off what an electric vehicle (EV) is capable of and gives engineers a testing ground to acquire knowledge for next-generation EVs.

In particular, the Switchgear offers a testbed for going beyond what is conventionally expected of electric trucks.

For off-road stability, it features a much wider track than the F-150 Lightning, along with improved ground clearance and suspension travel.

The F-150 Lightning Switchgear’s suspension employs special front and rear bumpers in addition to Fox three-inch diameter internal bypass shock absorbers to better handle rough terrain and improve approach and departure angles.

It has a custom independent double-wishbone suspension at the front, and multi-link independent suspension at the rear with coil-over shocks, stabilizer bar and custom control arms.

The front fenders, bed sides, and rear bumper cover of the Switchgear are all made of carbon composite. The addition of front skid plates and steel-fabricated rock rails guarantees that the truck is ready for challenging off-road conditions. In order to better control suspension and wheel travel, limit straps are installed.

A set of Nitto Ridge Grappler 37-inch tires is fitted on the electric truck, which also comes with a unique chase rack with two spare wheels and tires.

The F-150 Lightning Switchgear will make its public debut at the grueling King of the Hammers off-road racing competition that will be held on January 25 in the United States.

Photos from Ford

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