Nitto snags OE fitment on F-150 Lightning Switchgear

DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. has selected a 37-inch version of the Nitto Ridge Grappler tire as the OE fitment on its latest "halo" specialty vehicle, the electric-powered F-150 Lightning Switchgear pickup.

The limited-edition F-150 Lightning Switchgear is considered a high performance on- and off-road demonstrator vehicle based on America's best-selling electric truck.

Designed and built in collaboration with RTR Vehicles and inspired by the F-150 RTR Ultimate Fun-Haver project vehicle from 2016, the F-150 Lightning Switchgear features custom carbon bodywork with a Ford Performance 2024 livery and is equipped with suspension upgrades to handle extreme off-road excursions.

It's the latest limited-edition model from the Ford Performance Demonstrator program—joining the SuperVan 4.0 and 4.2, the Mustang Mach-E 1400, Mustang CobraJet 1400 and the F-100 Eluminator, all of which showcase the possibilities of what an EV can be and provide Ford engineers a playgrounds to advance learnings quickly for future EVs, the company said.

The Lightning Switchgear has a significant increase in track width beyond F-150 Lightning for off-road stability, and improved ground clearance and suspension travel. To manage rough terrain, the new model is equipped with FOX 3-inch diameter internal bypass shock absorbers plus unique front and rear bumpers to improve approach and departure angles, Ford said.

The truck features custom independent double-wishbone suspension at the front, and multilink independent suspension at the rear with coil-over shocks, stabilizer bar and custom control arms.

Switchgear also has carbon composite front fenders, bed sides and rear bumper cover. Steel fabricated rock rails and front skid plate are added to ensure the vehicle is prepared for rough off-road terrain. Limit straps are added to help manage suspension and wheel travel.

Each F-150 Lightning Switchgear comes equipped with six Nitto Ridge Grappler tires in size 37x12.5R18—four on the ground and two spare mounted tires in a unique chase rack. Nitto is a brand owned by Toyo Tire Corp.

F-150 Lightning Switchgear will debut at King of the Hammers off-road racing event starting Jan. 25 in Johnson Valley, Calif.