Forget the Mustang. Ford is getting ready to tackle the famous Pikes Peak hill climb in a delivery van — an electric one at that.
The all-new, improved Ford SuperVan 4.2 will showcase the refined all-electric demonstrator’s groundbreaking design, advanced technologies and unique features that optimise its performance for the challenging hill climb.
With a history dating back to a Ford Model T in the inaugural race in 1916, Ford vehicles have consistently left their mark on the iconic Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb winds up 156 turns and 1440 metres to a finish line sitting 4302 metres above sea level.
This year, motorsports legend Romain Dumas will take the wheel of SuperVan 4.2 in his eighth appearance at the event, with his vast experience and exceptional skill set making him the perfect choice to continue Ford’s rich tradition at America’s most renowned mountain race.
Ford Performance and experts at STARD Advanced Research and Development joined forces once again to create SuperVan 4.2, specifically designed to conquer America’s mountain and showcase the extreme limits of electric power.
As the automotive industry charges forward into an electrified future, SuperVan 4.2 takes centre stage, demonstrating the immense potential of electric vehicles in motorsports.
With revised aerodynamics and specific hill climb powertrain, SuperVan 4.2 is set to electrify the legendary hill climb.
SuperVan has undergone a complete redesign of aerodynamics specifically engineered to cut through the high-altitude air of the Pikes Peak atmosphere while increasing downforce – over 2000kg at 241km/h.
Key features to aero include a lightweight carbon fibre rear spoiler and front splitter, both assisting SuperVan 4.2 to stay planted to the winding roads of the mountain.
The chassis also underwent a weight reduction to improve overall balance and provide agility through the twist of the mountain roads.
Refinements have also been made to the powertrain.
By reducing the number of STARD UHP 6-phase motors from four to three, and utilising STARD’s Ultra High Performance Li-Polymer NMC pouch cells, the van achieves an optimal power-to-weight ratio while retaining its all-wheel-drive system with one motor powering the front and two in the rear.
With over 1050kW of power at its disposal, the SuperVan 4.2 can unleash its full potential while also leveraging the battery’s new 600kW regeneration performance for optimal energy utilisation.
Diving into the chassis, Ford Performance and STARD equipped SuperVan 4.2 with a revised regenerative braking system with carbon ceramic brake discs, magnesium forged wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero race tyres, upgraded driveshafts, a perspex windscreen, and a minimalist race interior to remove any weight that is not needed.
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