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E-Beast: Ford debuts dirt-chewing F-150 Lightning SwitchGear for off-road racing
Posted by Talbot Payne on January 24, 2024
Ford F-150 Lightning SwitchGear, Ford, Ford
Charlotte, N.C. — Auto racing and Ford Motor Co. have been synonymous since Henry Ford first secured investors with his wining Sweepstakes car in 1901. Today, the Blue Oval competes in multiple racing classes across the world with the Ford Mustang, F-150, Bronco, Puma and Bronco Sport.
Now, as the auto industry moves towards a battery-powered future, Ford is prepping its electric vehicles for racing as well.
On Thursday, Ford unveiled the F-150 Lightning SwitchGear, an off-road, performance-focused pickup based on the brand’s first electric truck. While the production Lightning doesn’t lack for on-road acceleration (its extended-range, 131-kWh battery pack model dashes from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds — on par with a Ford Focus RS), the Switchgear outfits the truck for off-road adventure. The 580-horsepower, 775-torque electric powertrain remains the same as in extended-range production trucks.
Ford F-150 Lightning SwitchGear has 13 inches of suspension travel with its Fox shocks. Ford, Ford
The SwitchGear comes with a SuperCrew cab and features such performance goodies as 37-inch off-road tires for added grip and body clearance, a lightweight carbon-fiber body, rear spoiler and wider, 80-inch track for better stability off road.
The Lightning SwitchGear joins the Ford Demonstrator stable that includes electric hellions like the seven-motor, all-wheel-drive, 1,400-horsepower Mustang Mach-E 1400, the Mustang CobraJet 1400 dragster, F-100 Eliminator, and Pike Pike-conquering SuperVan 4.0 and 4.2. Built under the Ford Performance umbrella — which also races the brand’s gas-fired cars — Demonstrator is aptly named as a demonstration program to explore the full potential of EVs. The program is also an opportunity for EV technology transfer between competitive and production engineering.
Electric vehicles have been challenged in competitive environments by their battery weight and range limitations compared to gas cars. Formula One racing — where Ford has partnered with Red Bull — has its eye on an all-electric future, but the series is currently running hybrid gas-electric powertrains. IMSA sportscar racing, too, has gone hybrid with its prototype class, while IndyCar is due to switch to hybrid powerplants later this year.
The F-150 Lightning SwitchGear has the 580-horsepower, 775-torque electric powertrain used in extended-range production trucks. Ford, Ford
Beyond these big-money series, however, battery-powered racing has proven expensive and difficult to market. Formula E — which runs under the same FIA sanctioning body as Formula One — has failed to stimulate public interest even as it multiple manufacturers have entered to advance battery engineering.
Competitive off-road series are an even steeper climb given their long distances and extreme weather conditions like Baja deserts or frigid winter forests.
Ford Performance partnered with RTR Vehicles to build the Lightning Switchgear. RTR and Ford have combined on numerous racing endeavors as well as the F-150 RTR Ultimate Fun-Haver project vehicle from 2016.
The Lightning SwitchGear interior includes a hoon stick for drifting. Ford, Ford
The SwitchGear’s exterior carbon bodywork is wrapped in Ford Performance 2024 livery. Under its lightweight skin are numerous upgrades for taking the Lighting deep off road.
To manage rough terrain, SwitchGear upgrades to beefy, Fox internal bypass shock absorbers to increase suspension travel and ground clearance to 13 inches. They are complemented by custom-built, front independent double-wishbone suspension and multilink independent suspension with coil-over rear shocks. Unique front and rear bumpers improve approach and departure angles, and SwitchGear adds steel-fabricated rock rails and a front skid plate to help absorb bruising off-road moguls.
If the 37-inch Nitto Ridge Grappler tires wear out, the Lightning features two spare tires held by a unique chase rack. Inside the cockpit, drivers are secured by six-point seatbelts, Recaro seats, and have fun toys to play with like a drift brake.
Ford developed the Ford F-150 Lightning SwitchGear with RTR racer Vaughn Gittin Jr. Ford, Ford
The SwitchGear off-road beast will make its public debut in Johnson Valley, California, at the King of the Hammers race starting Jan. 25.
Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or @HenryEPayne.