Here's the link to the pic and discussion thread on Blue Oval News.

 

I was wondering what that photo was going to get linked.

Not enough 'substance' for me to decide if it's a Lightning mule or not. But hey . . . at least it's something.

 

The fact that it has Michigan plates gives it some credibility, but it could easily be nothing more than an F-150 with wheels and side exhaust. I've seen plenty of similarly-modded f-150s. I wouldnt get my hopes up.

 

Here's a direct quote from an article I posted here two weeks ago:

 

Yeah, I know. I saw that article. I'm just saying that that particular photo is no proof of a Lightning mule. When the new GT500 was being developed and designed, there were a bunch of S197s being modded in a Shelby/GT500 style, but they werent GT500 mules.

It certainly could be a developmental Lightning, but wheels, side exhaust, and a mighigan liscense plate dont guarantee it.

 

I agree but I don't think anyone is saying it's definitely a Lightning mule, only that it's possible. Given the stealth nature (plain F150 with GT500 wheels painted black) makes a little more possible.

 

I wonder if it is the new FX2 see the rear badge.

 

Is there any chance the new SVT truck could be based on the Ranger? Its older and doesnt have the new platform of the F150, but a small, light, quick truck is a lot of fun. I know the odds of this happening are astronomically low, but it could be cool if done with a new Ranger.

 

Hoping it is a test mule for a new Lightning. Ford should reclaim the title of having the baddest/fastest production truck in America, if not the world. A next-gen Ranger version (when will Ford redesign it?) would be cool too, if the F150 is not used for whatever SVT truck gets produced.

 

...mmmmmm....Single cab with blown 5.4.........

 

The only reason would be to prop up interest in the normal Ranger, but they'd mortage SVT's reputation doing so. Using SVT to push outdated models would be ahorrible trend to start. I would like to see an SVT edition of the Next ranger, since I think the current trend in trucks is making the F-150 too friggin heavy.

 

Theres no chance IMO that they'll use the Ranger in an SVT application. All the competition is using full size trucks in that segment and since Ford started it, why would they scale back to a compact truck?

Odds on that have to be a million to one.

 

Then I'd like Ford to beat the odds. The F150 is a pretty heavy truck, which would "waste" a bunch of horsepower trying to overcome its weight. Anyone remember the "Thunderbolt" truck? I thought that was a good idea, though if they try again, it should be on a new Ranger chassis. And please, don't make it Tacoma or Durango-sized!

 

I dont think ford is going to keep the ranger.

 

With it's track record? They've gotta. That, and, I love it. so nyah.