Ford F-150 Lobo Prototype Spotted Testing, Signaling Return of Performance Street Trucks
If you're old enough to have appreciated cars in the 1990s and early 2000s, you know that factory-built street trucks were huge during those times. Ford specifically reigned supreme then with its SVT Lightning – no, not the EV. They're quite cool, especially the second generation that came with a supercharged engine. The Blue Oval proved then that trucks need not be hulking and burly to sell, until the market stopped agreeing.
Thankfully, Ford realized there's a market for street-tuned trucks and introduced the Maverick Lobo recently. More than just an appearance package, the Maverick Lobo rides lower to the ground thanks to a specially tuned suspension for better handling. It also borrows parts from other Ford vehicles, like the rear drive system from the Bronco Sport, steering from the European Kuga, and brakes from the sporty Fiesta ST. It also comes with paddle shifters and a Lobo mode.
But Ford isn't stopping there. The company is going bigger with its street truck onslaught and will soon introduce an F-150 Lobo. This has been long overdue since the trademark for the name was discovered two years ago, but at least now it's here. A prototype has been spotted testing on US soil, completely undisguised and showing off a brand-new F-150 Lobo badge on the fenders. If that's not an indication, then Ford is pulling off a mean prank.
Details aren't officially available for now, but thanks to the prototype, we know what to expect from the not-for-dirt street truck. Beyond the new emblem, it has a unique front fascia that isn't seen on other F-150s, while some aero parts have been added, such as a lower air dam and side skirts. The prototype also wears a set of black 22-inch wheels that look different from the Maverick Lobo's, wrapped in Bridgestone Alenza all-season tires.
It's unclear how Ford will employ its mechanical upgrades for the F-150 Lobo, though we expect similar upgrades found in the Maverick Lobo. A lower and stiffer suspension setup is almost guaranteed, along with enhanced steering and drive systems. The question now is what will power the truck, but the 450-hp twin-turbo V6 from the Ford F-150 Raptor is a mighty candidate. Hopefully, it will come with a manual transmission, but we're not holding our breath for that.
Another mystery is pricing. With the upgrades, the Lobo trim should tuck in safely in the middle of the F-150 range, but should not go over the pricing of Ford's precious Raptor line to attract more customers. Our guess is just as good as yours right now, but we're expecting Ford to announce its launch soon, given the production-ready look of the spotted prototype.
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