One factor Ford has all the time been well-known for is one thing Henry Ford stated again within the early days: “Any buyer can have a automotive painted any coloration that he needs, as long as it’s black.”
Since these days, automakers have launched much more choices. Positive, it’s rather less environment friendly to supply these choices, however drivers typically need to specific themselves and never have the identical previous automotive as everybody else round them. The pallet of colours you’d really see on the street over the a long time has diverse loads, with previous a long time displaying much more coloration, and with current autos tending to be extra reserved and boring.
However, whatever the reputation of different colours, black has remained as a quite common and beloved automotive coloration through the years. And, as expertise improves and folks experiment with issues like vinyl wraps, the sorts of blacks out there within the automotive world has steadily elevated. We’re now on the level the place “as long as it’s black” might imply greater than only one factor!
So, it’s no shock that Ford would get in on the motion by providing a vinyl-wrapped flat black model of the F-150 Lighting straight from the manufacturing unit, and with quite a lot of particular options to accompany it.
“Ford isn’t any stranger to limited-edition autos – and the F-150 Lightning Platinum Black is taking our award-winning electrical truck to new ranges of stealth and magnificence,” stated Dave Pericak, director, Ford EV truck packages. “That is the right selection for these prospects seeking to make an announcement.”
Ford plans to solely construct 2,000 of this particular model of the Lightning, and can promote it for $97,995. At this pricepoint, it’s going to function the extended-range model of the battery, making for a 300-mile EPA vary.
Exterior options on the truck embrace:
- 22″ matte black wheels to match the automobile wrap
- A black oval Ford badge on the entrance (as a substitute of the standard Blue)
- Flat black energy operating boards
- Gentle-shell black tonneau cowl
- A smoked model of the automobile’s signature all-across gentle bar (to dim it down a bit and make it stand out much less)
- A black-on-black “Lightning” badge on the mattress sides that glows when gentle hits it at evening
- A glossy-black roof that blends in with the glass, to keep away from ruining the automobile’s in any other case flat black look
- Considerably shiny door handles to cut back smudging and discoloration from touching
Particular Inside Options Embrace:
- “Lightning” graphics on roof glass above passenger seating
- Luxe black premium Nirvana leather-based seating floor
- Aluminum plate in each frunk and in driver door jamb with restricted version numbering
Whereas not particularly black or particular version, this nearly-$100,000 truck has the high-end options costlier variations of the Lighting have a tendency to incorporate.
Ford BlueCruise, model 1.2, allows hands-free freeway driving with Lane Change Help. This function permits the motive force to vary lanes with out guide intervention by merely tapping the flip sign when the trail is obvious. In-Lane Repositioning helps preserve the automobile’s lane place whereas subtly transferring away from adjoining autos. The up to date BlueCruise graphics within the digital cluster present visible cues for assisted hands-free lane adjustments and in-lane changes, equivalent to avoiding giant semi vehicles.
As well as, the truck presents an optimized towing setup expertise that enhances comfort and effectivity. With its clever system, the truck robotically acknowledges when a trailer is related and seamlessly switches to the tow haul drive mode, guaranteeing optimum efficiency for towing. And when the trailer is disconnected, the truck effortlessly reverts again to the earlier drive mode, offering a easy transition for on a regular basis driving.
Lastly, with Stroll Away Locking, prospects can effortlessly lock their automobile utilizing a passive key or their licensed telephone by way of Telephone As A Key. This progressive function offers added comfort and peace of thoughts, guaranteeing that your automobile is securely locked while you step away. Say goodbye to the fear of forgetting to lock your automotive, as Stroll Away Locking has obtained you lined!
Within the truck’s mattress, the Platinum Black options essentially the most highly effective (9.6 kW) model of Professional Energy Onboard, providing 120V and 240V plugs that can be utilized to energy job websites, campsites, or your own home throughout energy outages.
“Seventy p.c of adults globally imagine that their actions can affect optimistic change,” stated Jennifer Brace, chief futurist, Ford Motor Firm. “The F-150 Lightning serves as a beacon of hope for folks as a result of they will depend on the electrical truck to supply energy to these in want or maintain the lights on at residence throughout an outage within the neighborhood.”
This Development Will Most likely Proceed
Up to now, there have been a number of aftermarket automotive equipment which have turn into customary gear in trendy autos. Energy home windows have been initially launched as aftermarket equipment within the early twentieth century. Nevertheless, they’ve now turn into an ordinary function in most automobiles, offering comfort and ease of use for passengers.
Air-con was as soon as thought-about a luxurious add-on for automobiles. However, as we speak, it’s a customary function in nearly all new autos, offering consolation throughout sizzling summers and bettering general driving expertise.
Keyless entry methods, which permit drivers to unlock their automobiles remotely with out utilizing a bodily key, have been initially aftermarket equipment. These days, they’re generally built-in into the design of latest autos.
Bluetooth expertise was initially launched as an aftermarket possibility for hands-free calling and audio streaming. At the moment, it has turn into an ordinary function in most automobiles, enabling drivers to attach their smartphones to the automobile’s infotainment system wirelessly.
Rearview cameras have been initially out there as aftermarket equipment to enhance visibility when reversing. Nevertheless, they’re now necessary in all new automobiles in lots of nations, enhancing security by serving to drivers keep away from accidents whereas backing up.
In latest a long time, “murdering out” or doing a “blackout” on a automotive concerned making as many issues as doable black. Within the aftermarket world, all the things from smoked headlights and tail lights to masking up all contrasting or chrome trim in black to getting the darkest tint out there (authorized or not) led to some actually cool trying customized automobiles, at the least when finished proper.
Extra just lately, automobile wraps (together with blackout jobs) have turn into quite common within the aftermarket, with matte colours as a substitute of gloss being a quite common technique to stand out.
Each of those at the moment are beginning to enter the mainstream and even come from the manufacturing unit. Ford’s responding to evolving buyer demand.
Featured picture by Ford.
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