Ford’s family of both light-duty and medium-duty trucks that are branded under the F-Series nameplate are quite popular in the American market. One of its sub-brands, called the Lightning, was first launched in 1993 as Ford SVT Lightning and is now ready for another release. This time it is being launched as the 2018 Ford F-150 Lightning.
This truck is not only arriving with better and more aggressive looks, than the main attraction this time is that this model will be significantly lighter version of its predecessor. This will positively influence on fuel economy. Ford had last launched vehicles under their Lightning sub-brand back in 2004, and therefore they knew that this time something extra would need to pump up sales volumes.
Ample use of aluminum is being made to construct the body of 2018 Ford F-150 Lightning. Unnecessary weight has been shed to make this full sized pickup truck as light as possible. With emission standards getting more and more stringent with each passing day, a lighter body goes a long way in achieving better EPA ratings.
Ford had taken up this aluminum use strategy a few years ago. The switch from steel had some customers approaching Ford vehicles with caution since many thought pickup trucks needed to be bulky to keep up with their heavy-duty tag. However, the fact is Ford trucks were overweight, but now this lighter Ford F-150 Lightning is expected to attract customers by the numbers. Word is this vehicle will lose almost 500 pounds.
2018 Ford F-150 Lightning – Engine and fuel economy
The lighter weight of 2018 Ford F-150 Lightning allows it to have a smaller engine. A 3.5 liter V6 EcoBoost, which will also be inside Ford F-150 Raptor’s hood, will be the engine of choice. This engine produces a power of over 450 horsepower and a torque upwards of 510 lb-ft. The previous models had a larger 6.2 liter V8 engine which produced around 50 hp less power. A 10-speed automatic transmission gearbox will remain in the upcoming model. Combined fuel economy of 19 mpg will be an improvement over current F-150 models which is the primary benefit of this new engine.
Changes in design
As far as design goes, many amendments will be made on the current model. New enhanced models both in front and back will make 2018 Ford F-150 Lightning a more desirable prospect to pickup truck lovers than other cars in its segment. A larger grille with black chrome finishing will beef up the front fascia while new LED headlights and tail lights of a different shape than its current model will bring in a much-needed variation. Wheelbase will be larger, 133 inches to be exact which will don 17-inch alloy wheels.
On the inside, the cabin is mostly based on a silvery finish. This is a unique choice of color when most vehicles tend to go with the traditional leather color or a more typical black. Seats will get new upholstery, most probably in dark gray color, which will complement the silver color inside. The instrument panel looks far more elegant and stylish than its previous models.
Price and Release Date
With so much on offer, the new 2018 Ford F-150 Lightning will probably be out in late 2017 or early 2018. Prices will be similar Ford’s Raptor, which means base models will cost around $50,000.
