Ford already has the Lightning, but what about the Thunder? According to trademark applications filed in both Canada and the U.S., in late June the automaker sought to register the names F-150 Thunder, Ranger Thunder, and Maverick Thunder.
It’s important to note that simply applying for a trademark doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to build something with that name. Automakers – and companies in just about every industry for that matter – often trademark names that they don’t necessarily plan to use. By registering the name, it prevents competitors from using it.
In the legal wording for each application, the name would apply to “Motor vehicles, namely, automobiles, pick-up trucks, electric vehicles in the nature of automobiles, pick-up trucks, sport utility vehicles, and their structural parts.”
The “Thunder” name could conceivably be used on higher-performance versions of those trucks, although we’ll go out on a limb and say it’s far more likely Ford would use it for an appearance package.
For one thing, the Ranger Raptor is on its way; while a fire-breathing Maverick doesn’t really seem all that likely. For another, Ford offered a limited-edition Ranger Thunder to European buyers for 2021, as shown in the photo at top, so it’s already been done. It was based on the Ranger sold there, which differed from ours, but it wasn’t a power upgrade.
It was available on the Wildtrak, which carried a powerful 2.0L diesel engine under its hood, but the Thunder edition was only an appearance package with black wheels and exterior accents, darkened light bezels, tonneau cover, and leather seats with the “Thunder” logo embroidered on them.
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