2003 SVT Vehicles Overview (Machine Design)
"Ain't That America", Machine Design, November 21, 2002.
For over a decade, Ford Motor Co.'s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) has kept America's love for high-performance vehicles alive.
Eleven years ago, Ford Motor Co.'s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) formed when the automaker decided there was an untapped market for high-performance, niche vehicles. Initial products included the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra, Cobra R, and the F-150 Lightning, introduced at the 1992 Chicago Auto Show.
Headed up by director John Coletti, the team includes 28 engineers, and design, marketing, sales, public affairs, and finance departments. Says Tom Scarpello, SVT sales and marketing manager, "People sometimes use the term 'skunk works' when referring to us, but I think that underestimates the capability of this organization."
Performance vehicles at SVT mean increased power, supple road manners, and balance among engine, suspension, and braking systems. There's an element of exclusivity as well: SVT produces only 5,000 vehicles yearly. In a sea of 4,000 Ford dealers in the U.S., SVT vehicles could easily get lost in the shuffle. Instead, dealers can receive additional training to be authorized SVT dealers. Also, SVT has its own national club, the SVT Owners Association (SVTOA). The club has 10,000 members and 40 regional chapters.
Currently, the SVT lineup includes the Focus three and five-door versions, Mustang Cobra, and the F-150 Lightning. SVT produced its 100,000 vehicle in February, the 2002 SVT Lightning.
So what does the future hold for SVT? The Ford unit won't discuss future products. We can only wait and see …
