Per Hemmings:
Lightning Cancelation
- Lightning was originally planned for a mid '06 release as '07 model.
- Development of GR-1 sports car then pushed release date back to '08.
- New [current] F-150 is a due to be "refreshed" in '09.
- The "refreshening" would have made the Lightning a one-year model, and supposedly not a smart business move.
- The new [current] F-150 weighs 600 pounds more than the previous model.
- This curb weight would make it too difficult to build a SRT-10 beater.
Does this story make sense to you guys/girls?
I think the story makes sense, but I suspect this may be only a portion of the story. I wonder if the instability of fuel prices and recent debut of the SRT-10 weren't also factors.
If gas prices were to continue their upward spiral, sales of hot rod trucks would likely go in the toilet.
With the recent debut of the Viper truck, I wonder if maybe Ford was a little worried about a crowded market. Anyone know how well the previous Lightnings sold? Did they always get snapped right up or were their sales always a bit lukewarm?
Patrick '93 Cobra '83 LTD