Daniel Ricciardo Unveils an Extraordinary Ford F-150 Lightning

The Red Bull Racing test driver had the privilege of discovering a new high-performance version of the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning pickup.

With 232 Formula 1 races under his belt, 8 victories, and 32 podiums… Daniel Ricciardo is far from a beginner and has a impressive record. The Australian driver, however, sees his future in 2023 as more uncertain, since returning to Red Bull Racing, he only secured a testing driver seat.

To console himself, he had the chance to preview the highly sporty version of the Ford F-150 Lightning. Launched in spring 2022, the American pickup marks the renewal of light trucks in the United States, with the move to 100% electric. To achieve this, it features a true technical sheet with two versions: 452 hp and 580 hp. The battery capacity also excites Europeans, with capacities of 98 and 131 kWh, theoretically allowing the Ford F-150 Lightning to reach 510 km of electric range under American standards.

Power ranging between 1,400 and 2,000 horsepower?

Despite this tempting technical sheet, the Ford F-150 Lightning will not stop here. Ford CEO Jim Farley took the opportunity during Daniel Ricciardo’s visit to hint at a very, very powerful variant of the American giant. It could draw inspiration from the Ford F-100 Fluminator previously showcased at SEMA, featuring 1,400 hp. Or even more extravagant, a 2,000 hp version that was glimpsed under the hood of the Electric SuperVan.

If this extraordinary pickup is likely to be developed as a concept or a demonstrator of Ford’s expertise, it’s uncertain whether it will ever go into production. But in the land of the American dream, anything is possible!

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