Model: Ashley Stout
"The benchmark is 13.33," comments FPT's Editorial Director Jim Campisano. It is the performance standard set by the Gen 2 SVT Lightning, as tested by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords.
Many enthusiasts were disappointed when Ford killed off the SVT Lightning back in 2004. Two years ago, Big Blue teased the anxious Lightning community with a concept truck that looked awesome and seemed like a worthy replacement. Unfortunately, that truck remained a concept and never made it to the real world.
However, there is hope for those in the market for a badass F-150 truck that runs darn quick off the showroom floor. Roush Performance has released a new hot rod-Nitemare. There is no mistaking that this Roush F-150 was built to fill the needs of SVT Lightning owners. The fabled engineering company did what Ford has refused to do. It stuffed a supercharged engine under the hood of an F-150 to go after the performance segment. Cutting right to it, we ran 13.55 at 100.69 mph-and this truck has a tough attitude to go along with its quick quarter-mile status.
Ford might be shying away from a Lightning replacement because of the F-150's girth, but that didn't stop Roush engineers from moving forward with this project. Sitting in the driver's seat instantly gives you the perception of big-and it should, as our test vehicle tipped the scales at 5,270 pounds. As a comparison, the Gen 2 Lightnings regularly hit the drag strip weighing 4,700 pounds in stock trim. It's even more apparent when you toss the Nitemare into the corners on the highway. The truck has a very bulky feel to it, but it's not Roush's fault. The company is only working with what Ford gave them.
We ran a best of 13.55 at 100.69 mph and did so with a 1.96 60-foot time. That makes this the quickest pickup available today. Hemi trucks and Chevy's SS series pickups don't even come close to the straight-line performance.
The real story behind this truck is that it will crush any pickup that Dodge and GM have to offer. Dodge stopped building the SRT-10 truck, so it isn't a concern, and the Chevy Silverado SS can't come close to running with Nitemare. Another thing to consider-the Roush truck is quicker than a stock automatic-equipped Mustang. The same day we ran 13.55, a Mustang (with an auto) knocked off 13.70 runs.
Making this truck roar is the same 445hp engine that powers the Roush Stage 3 F-150 we tested previously. It's based on the factory 5.4L engine featuring three valves per cylinder and variable camshaft timing. Roush added it's RoushCharger blower, which huffs approximately 4-5 psi of boost into the engine. An air-to-water intercooler keeps the boosted air chilled before entering the Roush manifold, and ultimately, the cylinder heads. A cold-air induction system ensures there is plenty of air making its way into the throttle body.
Roush engineers spent a considerable amount of time reprogramming the factory ECM. The calibrations ensure the engine remains reliable and trouble-free over time. They could have added more power, but it would have pushed the engine past its limit during durability testing. These trucks carry factory warranties and factory emission standards, making the ECM tune that much more critical. Transmission shifting parameters are enhanced and much more aggressive than stock. A dual-exit exhaust system whisks away spent gases. Torque output is a lofty 500 lb-ft to go along with the 445 hp. Top speed has been limited to just 105 mph, so you need to figure something out if you want to take this truck to the Autobahn.
A RoushCharger blower sits on top of a 5.4L Three-Valve engine. Output is regulated to 445 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, but we think with a few basic modifications this truck will run in the mid 12s. | 
This truck is a lot of fun-really it is. | 
Exterior mods are limited-Roush didn't overdo it. The front fascia is familiar Roush styling and black is the Nitemare theme. |
Dual exhaust exits from under the rear bumper. It was a joyous occasion to hear the rumble of dual exhaust and the whine of a blower inside a mid-13 second F-150. | 
Matte stickers adorn the hood and rear quarter panels. | 
The interior is basic with manually adjustable leather seats and various Roush-modified gauges. We'd like to add a boost gauge or maybe even some pillar-mounted gauges to add to its hot rod status. |