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2021 Ford F-150 Lightning Renderings Modernize SVT’s Beloved Pickup

The Ford F-150 Lightning came into our lives and left very much like its namesake – far too quickly, and in a flash. Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) officially launched the first-gen Lightning for the 1993 model year, and over 11,000 were produced through 1995. The second-gen Lightning didn’t appear until 1999, but it was worth the wait, thanks to its vastly improved output, and Ford managed to sell over 28,000 of them through 2004. However, we recently asked ourselves – what would a 2021 Ford F-150 Lightning look like?

Sadly, it doesn’t look like the Lightning will ever return, at least from Ford. There are several alternatives currently available, such as Beechmont Ford’s supercharged, 725 horsepower pickups. But folks just aren’t as interested in lowered, street-performance-focused pickups anymore, and the Ford F-150 Raptor has essentially taken the Lightning’s place.

That’s a shame really because these 2021 Ford F-150 Lightning renderings look pretty fantastic in our opinion. The 14th generation pickup’s new lines lend themselves well to the Lightning treatment, especially in a regular cab, short bed configuration. This gussied-up truck also has zero chrome, with only black accents to complement its bright red paint.

First-Generation F-150 Lightning

A set of large black wheels fills up the fenders quite nicely, as we’d expect them to on a Lightning. After all, this is a model that’s designed specifically to win drag races and corner admirably, not venture off-road or bother to carry more than one (or two, with a bench seat) passenger. A singular Lightning badge on the tailgate is the only clue as to what’s going on here, but by the time the competition sees it, it’s too late.

Second-Generation F-150 Lightning

Selecting the right powerplant for a 2021 Ford F-150 Lightning would be pretty easy too. We’d just stick with Ford’s tried-and-true 5.0L Coyote V8 and give it a boost in the form of a supercharger. Horsepower could easily top the 600-700 mark and make this a seriously fast pickup. And while none of this is likely to happen, we can dream, no?

We’ll have more cool renderings like these to share soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford F-Series news, Ford F-150 news, and ongoing Ford news coverage.

Brett's lost track of all the Fords he's owned over the years and how much he's spent modifying them, but his current money pits include an S550 Mustang and 13th gen F-150.

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Comments

  1. Since the F-150 is getting too big, how about using the Ranger as the base. 3.5 Eco with the boost turned up, lower stiffer suspension, bigger brakes and wheels!!!
    Bring it on!!!

    Reply
    1. That would be a fast truck for sure I would like to see that. Still I think the Lightning should stay in the F150 family, just wouldn’t seem right IMHO😕.

      Reply
  2. There’s still a market for the Lightning, the Raptor caters to a different customer it didn’t replace this model. Done right like the 2005 Lightning Concept with the 5.2 760hp 7speed transmission wheels and interior it will sell. This rendering is a mess the wheels look ghetto, exhaust sissy and Lightning would never have a 5.0 Coyote so watering it down would hurt it’s reputation.

    Reply
  3. Only two comments so far!!!??? Lets rally this idea and get Ford to really build it! Lightning badge will be brought back I’m sure….just a matter of time! #patiently waiting

    Reply
  4. I think it would sell or there wouldn’t be so many offerings from Roush, Saleen, Shelby and independent dealers. It just has to be done right. Put the Gt500 engine in one that’s made to run at the drags and road course, like the Gt500, and it will sell. No crew cab tho. Regular or supercab.
    With the 10 speed reprogrammed or the DCT, it would sell like hot cakes.

    Reply
    1. You said what I said 2 points the Lightning is a “ Regular cab “ truck, that use special engines 93-95 5.8, 99-04 5.4. Done right 5.2 only with 7speed Am not sure if the 10speed would work if so Coo

      Reply
  5. Love the idea, these renderings are OK not a fan of the huge wheels. I don’t see amy reason to go bigger than 20″ wheels with some meatier tires on it. I would approve of the coyote supercharged or 5.2 NA either way they are both great and strong. I’ve got a first gen red that cost a pretty penney but decent first gen lightning’s are hard to come by.

    Reply
  6. To big? Its aluminum! Will have short bed much more powerful engines available! Better suspension! Mabey IRS? BETTER all round than the ranger!

    Reply
  7. There’s no reason not to have the Lighting in the stable. For has everything the need to build one. Plus like previously mentioned, it fills a completely different market than the Raptor. Heck, stick a F-150 body on the Mach-e chassis and call that a Lighting!

    Reply
  8. BUILD IT AND IT WILL SELL

    Reply
  9. Hasn’t anyone noticed that single cab short bed trucks are huge right now. A new Lightning would sell like crazy with the right engine and trans combo. To this day my first generation gets hit on every time I take her out.

    Reply
  10. Build it!!!!!! I would love to have one ✅. Ford should build it, there’s plenty of customers like myself who have the money and want to buy one!

    Reply

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