7 Ford Truck Concepts that Paved the Way
Some of these Ford truck concepts are out-of-this-world. Others may leave you hoping they will make it past the conceptual stage.
1. Ford F-150 Lightning Rod
The F-150 Lighting Rod concept was inspired by both rock 'n roll and the resurgence of body art back in 2001, with its tattooed, hot-rod body paint and "ready for battle" attitude. The cherry red exterior was also implemented for the interior, with red leather wrapping several parts from the bucket seats to the steering wheel to the headliner. The Lightning Rod had a 5.4L SOHC Triton™ V-8 that produced 380 hp at 4750 rpm and 450 lb.-ft. of torque at 3000 rpm.
2. SVT Ford Ranger Lightning Bolt
The 2004 SVT Ford Ranger Lightning Bolt was given a jolt of supercharged power under its hood with the F-150 Lightning's 380 hp, 5.4-liter V-8 engine. As a concept pickup, it was anything but compact with its transformed transmission, modified exhaust, cross-braced frame rails, and custom steering rack to name a few power-supporting alterations. The Ford SVT engineers had fun with this one.
3. 24.7 Pickup
The 24.7 Ford pickup concept was intended to be "like a backpack" for enthusiasts who wanted a pickup capable of any type of adventure or utility, no matter the scope. It was designed to appeal to people looking to spend weekends in the wilderness and students who needed a vehicle to carry books during the week alike. Ford claimed the possibilities were endless with this concept pickup, including features like hands-free phone calling, GPS assistance, e-mail accessibility, and weather reporting. Build on the then-new Ford Focus platform, the 24.7 pickup variation may have looked like something out of The LEGO Movie, but it's 2.0-liter Zetec I-4 engine said otherwise. It may have been a good thing that this concept stayed on the drawing board.
4. Ford 4-Trac
The 2005 Ford 4-Trac pickup concept was basically what laid the groundwork for the T6 Ranger that debuted overseas six years later. The 4-Trac was a standard four-door pickup with a ladder frame and optional 4WD, as well as an estimated 220hp, 3.0-L V6 engine, and five-speed trans. What made it unique was its electronic, dual-folding tailgate, liftgate, and an abundance of covered storage boxes.
5. Ford F-250 Super Chief
The 2006 F-250 Super Chief concept was Ford's way of offering multiple alternative fuel solutions in anticipation of hydrogen becoming widely used as a fuel source. Hence, the Super Chief had a tri-flex fueling system that offered E85 ethanol, hydrogen or regular gasoline usage. When utilizing the hydrogen fueling system, the Super Chief boasts 400 lb./ft. of torque and can theoretically, go 500 miles before the next fill-up. This truck is more luxury than hard-work utility, with its converted rear suicide doors and locomotive-esque, shiny design, although it does have a stock crew cab, bed cover, and liner. Perhaps we will see this on the production line in 2020, as is to be expected.
6. Ford Ranger Max
The Ford Ranger Max concept was nearly identical to the eventual T6 Ranger, even more so than the 4-Trac concept that preceded both. The Ranger Max concept had a three-bar chrome grille, a custom hard tonneau cover, a "sports bar," and 18-inch alloy wheels. It was a rugged, colorful introduction to the T6 at the Thailand Auto Show.
7. 2004 Ford Bronco
The 2004 Ford Bronco concept was a streamlined re-imagining of the original, with modifications to the engine and transmission. Specifically, the Bronco's original engine was upgraded to a 2.0-liter turbodiesel I-4, a nitrous oxide system would contribute more hp, and the dual-clutch PowerShift trans was introduced. While a new model Bronco has been confirmed for 2020, we still don't know quite what it will look like, and what it will borrow from this awesome concept.
If you have a Ford truck and need help with maintenance and repairs the how-to section of Ford-Trucks.com is full of it.