For 2001, the SVT Lightning's SOHC 5.4-liter Triton™ V8 engine develops 380 horsepower at 4,750 rpm, up 20 horsepower from the 2000 model. Torque output is increased by 10 foot-pounds, to 450 at 3,250 rpm. The engineering team achieved these increases by enlarging the air inlet system for better engine breathing, by improving intercooler efficiency, and redesigning the lower intake manifold to improve air flow (see separate powertrain release for details). The engineers achieved additional performance increases with a new rear axle ratio, with "shorter" 3.73:1 crown and pinion gear set instead of the previous 3.55:1 ratio. This improves off-the-line performance, and is a key factor in reducing zero to 60 mph time from 6.2 to 5.8 seconds. Because of the higher driveline loads and rotational speeds, a new 4.5-inch aluminum drive shaft has replaced the previous 3.5-inch steel unit.

SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS

The SVT Lightning's suspension system, which lowers the truck half an inch in front and two inches in the rear, is largely unchanged for 2001. At the front is a short- and long-arm system with coil springs and a 31mm solid stabilizer bar; the rear is a solid axle with five-leaf springs and a 23mm solid stabilizer bar. New shock absorbers for 2001 are monotube Bilstein gas-charged units at all four corners. The damping characteristics of these shocks improve wheel control, while significantly improving the feel of the SVT Lightning's ride. Also for 2001, the specially developed 295/45ZR-18 Goodyear™ Eagle F1-GS™ unidirectional tires are built with the next generation F1 GS rubber compound. This new compound improves the tires' grip capability.

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR

The SVT F-150 Lightning is built on the F-Series regular cab, short-wheelbase chassis, giving the lightest possible weight, optimum handling and acceleration. This configuration also provides a dynamic visual presence, which is enhanced with design changes for 2001. Exterior elements that distinguish the 2001 SVT Lightning include new upper and lower front grilles with a horizontal billet-bar design that is unique to Lightning in the F-Series line. All the lights also are new for 2001. The headlights, taillights, side-marker lights, and the signature round fog lights all have clear, crystalline lenses found only on Lightning, which give the exterior a clean, jewel-like appearance. The cab's center high-mounted stop lamp also is unique to Lightning, with 10 light-emitting diodes flanked by two clear-lens cargo lights. The cast aluminum-alloy, five-spoke wheels measure 18 x 9.5 inches and are restyled for 2001 with a sharper-edged design, which further distinguishes this vehicle from previous models. The 2001 SVT Lightning's interior continues the combination of Ebony textured leather and Medium Graphite cloth trim, 40/60 split bench seat with center jump seat, and the SVT-signature white-faced gauges. New for 2001, and in response to customer demand, are sun visors with lighted vanity mirrors. These new visors also have auxiliary blades that can be flipped to the side to add shade to the top of the side windows.