special editions in these decades. There
were posh options like Eddie Bauer (1995)
and King Ranch (1999) and performers
like the mighty SVT Lightning (1993) and
the NASCAR edition (1998) that cele-
brated Ford’s entry into the Craftsman
Truck series, which it won in 2000.
In the decades since, Ford has improved
the F-Series’ capability and efficiency by
introducing twin-turbo V-6 engines and
10-speed transmissions while replacing
steel bodywork with “military-grade
aluminum.” The desert-racing Raptor
has replaced the drag-strip-optimized
Lightning, and trailer reversing can be
done with a knob.
Meanwhile, MotorTrend launched
our figure-eight test, transitioned to
GPS-based speed/distance measure-
ment, and embarked on our ambitious
chassis-dynamics evaluation program,
Best Driver’s Car. These have measured
everything from chassis slip angle,
steering input, body roll, and ride quality
to driver heart rate and facial expression.
Today we deliver content across print,
digital, social media, streaming video, and
television platforms to reach the largest
total audience of any automotive outlet.
Pete Petersen, Walt Woron, and Hank
the Deuce are undoubtedly proud of the
solid citizens their respective babies have
grown into. n
THEN AND NOW
The “Million-Dollar Cab” looks
mighty spartan these days. Note the
rubber floor, lack of armrests, and
door pulls stamped into windowsills.