Zac Quinn 
2024 is set to be an epic year for Ford Performance as it’s entering several racing events, from the Mustang GT3 readying from global endurance racing action, to the perilous Dakar Rally. On January 17, Ford Performance went live with a launch event for the 2024 racing season, promising that “a new golden age” is starting for Ford Motorsports. This year, the company plans on participating in more events and series than any other brand. It has even revealed a vehicle capable of going beyond the track and onto more rugged terrain without the help of internal combustion engines. Enter the new Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear, built in collaboration with RTR vehicles.
Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear: Details
Unfortunately, the truck was only built for demonstrations, not as something that can be purchased. This F-150 Lightning Switchgear was inspired by the F-150 RTR Ultimate Fun-Haver project vehicle from 2016. It makes use of an F-150 Lightning chassis. RTR Vehicles stated that the exterior has been heavily customized, featuring carbon composite front fenders, bedsides, and a rear bumper cover that blends wonderfully with the steel fabricated rock rails and front skid plate. Of course, we can’t forget to mention the 37-inch tires and special Ford Performance 2024 livery.
According to Autoevolution, other modifications to the vehicle include Fox 3-inch-diameter internal bypass shock absorbers, a custom independent double-wishbone suspension at the front with a multilink setup at the rear with coilovers, custom control arms, limit straps, and Nitto Ridge Grappler 37-inch tires fitted to 18-inch Forged RTR Tech 6 Beadlock wheels. The track of the truck is significantly wider than that of the production vehicle thanks to these modifications, and it’s also noticeably taller with more suspension travel (as needed when taking on those impressive jumps). Of course, we can’t forget to mention the bespoke chase rack with two spare wheels/tires in the bed in case of emergency.
The inside of the Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear features five (yes, five) Recaro Sportster ORV seats, which offer comfort and a sense of security when riding inside the truck. Thanks to a set of RTR 6-point harnesses by Schroth, no one should be flying inside the cab when the truck takes turns and jumps at higher speeds. The truck also features a billet reverse-mount hydraulic e-brake from ASD Motorsports for even more fun in the mud. The new EV demonstrator’s first official public appearance will be on January 25 at Johnson Valley, California’s King of the Hammers off-road racing event.
