Ford Performance and RTR Vehicles Introduce the Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear!
In collaboration with Ford Performance, we are excited to introduce the Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear, a groundbreaking electric demonstrator vehicle that showcases the thrilling possibilities of electric trucks. This vehicle is based on America’s best-selling electric truck, the F-150 Lightning.
This collaboration began with a shared vision with Ford Performance, inspired by our previous endeavor, The Ultimate Fun-Haver F-150 project vehicle from 2016.
"Switchgear was inspired by the Ultimate Fun-Haver F-150 that RTR debuted in 2014,” said
Vaughn Gittin Jr., Founder and President of RTR Vehicles. “Now, 10 years later, advances in technology have allowed us to evolve that vision with greater power, instant torque and all the creature comforts we have come to expect in 2024, including self-driving Blue Cruise. When RTR Vehicles and Ford Performance set out to create Switchgear my dream was to have a vehicle capable of doing it all: drifting, driving off-road, jumping, and most importantly putting smiles on the faces of up to four passengers.”
Although Switchgear is based on a Ford Lightning chassis, every inch of the exterior has been customized. “We equipped it with carbon composite front fenders, bedsides, and rear bumper cover, along with steel fabricated rock rails and a front skid plate. These features ensure that the vehicle is high-performing, rugged, durable, and ready to face the toughest on or off-road challenges.”
Underneath the aggressive carbon bodywork, are extreme off-road components that challenge the conventional expectations of electric trucks. “We understood that to truly take the F-150 Lightning to places it's never been, we needed to incorporate significant modifications. This included a notable increase in track width for enhanced off-road stability and improved ground clearance and suspension travel to handle the most demanding terrains,” he added.
One of Switchgear's most notable features is its suspension system. Named for its dual capability on both off-road tracks and asphalt, the suspension uses Fox 3-inch internal bypass shock absorbers. Innovation didn't stop at the suspension. Switchgear boasts a custom independent double-wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link independent suspension at the rear. This setup is complemented by coil-over shocks, a stabilizer bar, and custom control arms, showcasing our dedication to detail and performance.
Switchgear rolls on a set of 18x9 Forged RTR Tech 6 Beadlock Wheels and NITTO Ridge Grappler 37x13.5R18 tires that are perfect for off-road conditions, providing the grip and stability needed for demanding terrains. The addition of a unique chase rack with two spare wheels/tires is not just practical but also underscores our commitment to ensuring that Switchgear is equipped to handle any situation it encounters.
On the inside, five RECARO Sportster ORV seats take center stage, providing both comfort and support for all passengers. Each seat is securely fitted with a set of RTR 6-point harnesses by Schroth. A billet reverse mount hydraulic e-brake from ASD Motorsports adds a touch of precision control.
“I’m pumped to be able to work with the very passionate teams at Ford for a second time developing a first of its kind EV vehicle built for fun! Based on Ford’s F-150 all-electric Lightning the ‘Switchgear’ showcases the on and off-road capabilities possible through electrification. I'm very surprised at how much I am enjoying experiencing and pushing electric vehicles just as we do our ICE creations, exciting and very fun times."
Switchgear will make its first public appearance at the King of the Hammers off-road event in Johnson Valley, California. This event is known for its grueling challenges and is the perfect backdrop to demonstrate the toughness and versatility of Switchgear. It's an opportunity for us to show the world that electric vehicles can be just as rugged and powerful as their conventional counterparts.
In collaboration with Ford Performance, we are excited to introduce the Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear, a groundbreaking electric demonstrator vehicle that showcases the thrilling possibilities of electric trucks. This vehicle is based on America’s best-selling electric truck, the F-150 Lightning.
This collaboration began with a shared vision with Ford Performance, inspired by our previous endeavor, The Ultimate Fun-Haver F-150 project vehicle from 2016.
"Switchgear was inspired by the Ultimate Fun-Haver F-150 that RTR debuted in 2014,” said
Vaughn Gittin Jr., Founder and President of RTR Vehicles. “Now, 10 years later, advances in technology have allowed us to evolve that vision with greater power, instant torque and all the creature comforts we have come to expect in 2024, including self-driving Blue Cruise. When RTR Vehicles and Ford Performance set out to create Switchgear my dream was to have a vehicle capable of doing it all: drifting, driving off-road, jumping, and most importantly putting smiles on the faces of up to four passengers.”
Although Switchgear is based on a Ford Lightning chassis, every inch of the exterior has been customized. “We equipped it with carbon composite front fenders, bedsides, and rear bumper cover, along with steel fabricated rock rails and a front skid plate. These features ensure that the vehicle is high-performing, rugged, durable, and ready to face the toughest on or off-road challenges.”
Underneath the aggressive carbon bodywork, are extreme off-road components that challenge the conventional expectations of electric trucks. “We understood that to truly take the F-150 Lightning to places it's never been, we needed to incorporate significant modifications. This included a notable increase in track width for enhanced off-road stability and improved ground clearance and suspension travel to handle the most demanding terrains,” he added.
One of Switchgear's most notable features is its suspension system. Named for its dual capability on both off-road tracks and asphalt, the suspension uses Fox 3-inch internal bypass shock absorbers. Innovation didn't stop at the suspension. Switchgear boasts a custom independent double-wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link independent suspension at the rear. This setup is complemented by coil-over shocks, a stabilizer bar, and custom control arms, showcasing our dedication to detail and performance.
Switchgear rolls on a set of 18x9 Forged RTR Tech 6 Beadlock Wheels and NITTO Ridge Grappler 37x13.5R18 tires that are perfect for off-road conditions, providing the grip and stability needed for demanding terrains. The addition of a unique chase rack with two spare wheels/tires is not just practical but also underscores our commitment to ensuring that Switchgear is equipped to handle any situation it encounters.
On the inside, five RECARO Sportster ORV seats take center stage, providing both comfort and support for all passengers. Each seat is securely fitted with a set of RTR 6-point harnesses by Schroth. A billet reverse mount hydraulic e-brake from ASD Motorsports adds a touch of precision control.
“I’m pumped to be able to work with the very passionate teams at Ford for a second time developing a first of its kind EV vehicle built for fun! Based on Ford’s F-150 all-electric Lightning the ‘Switchgear’ showcases the on and off-road capabilities possible through electrification. I'm very surprised at how much I am enjoying experiencing and pushing electric vehicles just as we do our ICE creations, exciting and very fun times."
Switchgear will make its first public appearance at the King of the Hammers off-road event in Johnson Valley, California. This event is known for its grueling challenges and is the perfect backdrop to demonstrate the toughness and versatility of Switchgear. It's an opportunity for us to show the world that electric vehicles can be just as rugged and powerful as their conventional counterparts.
