Is That a 2017 Ford Lightning?

Is That a 2017 Ford Lightning?

Could it be? Is that a 2017 Ford Lightning? Well, if you ask Georgia’s Pioneer Ford and the number of people lined up to buy one, the answer to that question is an emphatic yes. We hadn’t seen a Ford that wears the Lightning nameplate since 2004, when the 380 hp, Supercharged 5.4 Triton motor was discontinued, to the dismay of adoring fans. At the time, the Ford Lightning was considered the world’s fastest truck, and ever since it’s been missed by fans far and wide. Until now.

A trip down to a small (6,779 pop.) Georgia town named Breman will get you as close to a new version of the Ford Lightning as the automotive world has seen in nearly 14 years. That’s a long time to be without the outgoing Lightning’s supercharger whine, and Ford hasn’t shown us anything to indicate they’re interested in reviving the nameplate. The automotive manufacturer seems to be too busy stuffing twin-turbo motors into trucks like the Raptor to mess with the likes of a new Lightning. That’s where Pioneer Ford steps in and builds fans a small, regular cab, rear-wheel-drive V8 truck just for them. The Ford Lightnings these guys build are the real deal; that’s a fact, Jack.

 

What’s Under the Hood?

Is That a 2017 Ford Lightning?

The original Ford Lightning spun its rear wheels via a 5.8L Windsor V8 and went on sale in February of 1993. Later, in 1999, the truck was stuffed with a supercharged 5.4 liter Triton V8 that produced 360 hp and 440 lbs ft of torque. Those figures were bumped up 20 hp and 10 lbs ft of torque in 2001. Today, those numbers are damn near doubled in Pioneers Ford’s tribute 2017 Ford Lightning. Their truck produces 650 awe-inspiring horsepower out of a dropped-in supercharged, 5.0L Coyote V8. Ford’s high revving, sweet sounding engine can now be had inside of a short box regular cab truck. If you want to hear how the 2017 sounds, have a look at the Youtube video below. It’s amazing:

 

How Much Do They Cost?

Is That a 2017 Ford Lightning?

I bet when general manager Robby Winiarczyk decided to build his dream truck he didn’t expect his 2017 tribute would get as much attention as it has. After details of his build were posted on FaceBook, they soon went viral, and the small Georgia dealership has already gotten its share of phone calls. How much does a new Ford Lightning Tribute truck cost? Just short of 50,000 dollars. Considering that used examples of this iconic truck are still holding strong in the 20,000 dollar range, that seems like one heck of a steal. I know if I had 50,000 dollars to spend on a truck, this sweet red Ford would be on my shortlist.

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