Founded in 1991, the Ford Motor Company Special Vehicle Team is responsible for all of Ford's high-performance production cars. Since 1992, they have produced the flagship Ford Mustang Cobra and the Ford F-150 Lightning. In 2002, they added the SVT Focus to their lineup. In the past, they have also produced the SVT Contour and various years of the Mustang Cobra R. The Lightning was the world's fastest production pickup truck until Dodge created the Viper-engined Ram SRT-10.
In addition, they work on high-performance concept cars, from the tuner-esque Focus R to the unholy might of the Mustang Boss 10.0 L (which goes from 0-60 mph / ~ 0-100 km in 1.5 seconds by forcing 855 bhp and 790 lb.-ft. of torque through a three-speed transmission). Most other concept work is handled by Ford's Concept Vehicle Team (CVT).
Sadly, there will likely be no SVT cars produced for the 2005 model year. This is because all three base models are undergoing major changes for 2005. The F-150 and Mustang are undergoing admirable face-lifts, while the SVT Focus seems to be cancelled in favor of the 2.3-liter Focus ST sedan. The Lightning and Cobra are slated to return, although rumours of Caroll Shelby's involvement may relegate the Cobra to second-best. In the meantime, SVT is rumoured to be working on the Ford GT supercar and the possible production of a new Ford Shelby Cobra (yes, Shelby is likely to be part of the model name).
2004 Mustang Cobra
4.6
L / 280
cid V8,
supercharged
390
hp at 6,000 rpm
390
lb.-ft. at 3,500 rpm
2004 F-150 Lightning
5.4 L / 330 cid
Triton V8,
supercharged
380 horsepower at 4,750 rpm
450 lb.-ft. at 3,250
rpm
2004 SVT Focus
2.0 L / 121 cid
Zetec L4
170 horsepower at 7,000 rpm
145
lb.-ft. at 5,500
rpm
2000 SVT Contour
2.6 L / 155 cid
Duratec V6
200 horsepower at 6,600 rpm
169 ft.-lb. at 5,500 rpm
Source: svt.ford.com