SVT Ranger: Ford's Lightning Power

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】In 2003, Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) created a high-performance version of the Ranger pickup truck. They used a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine from the SVT Lightning, resulting in 420 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. The frame was reinforced, suspension lowered, and various parts from the Lightning were used. The interior had custom leather seats and body color trim.

FutureCar Staff Aug 31, 2023 11:18 PM PT

Performance pickups used to have their own niche in the enthusiast market. Models like the Chevy 454 SS and the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner showcased impressive sports car-like performance. However, in 2003, Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) engineers decided to take things to the next level with the Ranger Flareside.

The SVT team had a vision of creating a high-performance truck using off-the-shelf parts to keep costs down. They chose the 5.4-liter 380 horsepower supercharged V8 engine from the SVT Lightning as the powerplant. With a modified induction system and exhaust, the Ranger Flareside now boasted an impressive 420 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque.

To handle the increased power, the SVT team reinforced the frame rails and cross-braced them for added stiffness. The suspension was lowered two inches, and control arms and steering knuckles were borrowed from the SVT Lightning. Additionally, the Ranger was equipped with a 3.73 rear axle, 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, and a heavy-duty transmission from the F-Series pickups.

Inside, the SVT Ranger retained much of its stock interior, with the exception of custom leather seats featuring yellow lightning bolt accents and body color trim on the doors. The result was a beast of a little pickup. Motor Trend tested it and recorded a quarter-mile time of 13.8 seconds at 108 mph, while MotorWeek achieved 13.5 seconds at 101 mph.

Despite the impressive performance and the use of cost-effective parts, SVT had no intention of putting the Ranger into production. Tom Scarpello, the head of SVT sales and marketing at the time, confirmed this to Motor Trend. The reason behind this decision may have been similar to the 911/Cayman situation, where the smaller vehicle outperformed its larger sibling. Ford likely didn't want a smaller truck overshadowing the performance of the SVT Lightning.

It's intriguing to imagine what could have been if Ford had given us an SVT Ranger with that much power. Such a vehicle could have had a significant impact on automakers and their lineups for generations to come.