2023 Ford F-150 success could open the door for all-electric Lightning ute and hardcore Raptor flagship

Ford Australia has just confirmed the 2023 F-150 for local showrooms, but it already has its eye on halo variants like the all-electric Lightning and off-road-focused Raptor.

Speaking to media at the reveal event, Ford Australia boss Andrew Birkic conceded there is local interest in models like the F-150 Lightning, but the focus would remain on bringing in next year’s XLT and Lariat variants first.

“Is there demand? Yes, absolutely I’m sure we could sell that product,” he said.

“What we’ve also got to do is make sure its commercially viable … and be in-tune with our overseas colleagues and what they’re focusing on, and right now that really is the focus.

“North America is investing billions of dollars into making sure that program is robust, and they get [Lightning] to their customers and supply vehicles to their dealers.

“So right now, our priority is ICE (internal-combustion engines) mid-2023, let’s get the products here into our dealers and out to our customers, and we think that is the first – and really important – step for us.

Mr Birkic said the success of the F-150 models launching from mid-2023 with a 3.5-litre EcoBoost petrol V6 will determine what happens to the future of the program, and whether the Lightning and Raptor grades are made available.

However, Mr Birkic – or Ford Australia in general – would not be drawn on whether the halo grades would fit into the right-hand-drive conversion program the brand has set up with RMA Automotive Holdings in Melbourne’s north.

“Look, [we] absolutely love the Lightning, it’s incredible, we love it … but really, we need to just ensure we take the appropriate steps and that’s what we’re trying to do,” he said.

“We’re always open, we’re always looking and that’s what we have to do.”

For reference, the Ford F-150 Lightning features a dual-motor powertrain that drives all four wheels, with a standard- and extended-range battery sizes.

The former produces 318kW and sports a driving range of 370km, while the latter boosts outputs to 420kW and range to 483km. Both versions punch out 1051Nm of torque.

The F-150 Lightning would compete against the likes of the Rivian R1T, Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Hummer as one of the first all-electric production pick-ups.

The F-150 Raptor meanwhile, takes the 3.5-litre EcoBoost petrol V6 and ups the ante to 336kW/691Nm, while also overhauling the suspension and tyre system for better off-road performance.

Mr Birkic would not be drawn on whether the Lightning or Raptor would be preferred for the Australian market, but said Ford Australia would keep an “open mind” going forward.

“We’ve always got an open mind, and to be honest, we’re really focussing on what we need to do, which is get the product here, get the engineering done, get the manufacturing set up,” he said.

“So that really is our key focus, and it needs to be. It is very, very important for us to have a significant and strong process, and then we will always have an open mind to look at other opportunities.”