- Ford Performance is heading to the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with the electric SuperVan 4.2, an all-electric demonstrator vehicle redesigned from SuperVan 4 for optimal hill climb competitiveness
- Ford vehicles have been competing at Pikes Peak since the first event in 1916, which saw a Model T racing up the mountain
- For 2023’s effort, motorsports icon Romain Dumas will pilot SuperVan 4.2
- Pikes Peak International Hill Climb winds up 156 turns and 4,725 feet to a finish line sitting 14,115 feet above sea level
Ford Performance is gearing up for the 101st running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb brought to you by Gran Turismo with an electrifying entry – the all-new, improved Ford SuperVan 4.2. This highly anticipated event will showcase the refined all-electric demonstrator’s groundbreaking design, advanced technologies and unique features that optimize 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. 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 the 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 center stage, demonstrating the immense potential of electric vehicles in motorsports. With its revised aerodynamics and specific hill climb powertrain, the SuperVan 4.2 is set to electrify the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
“Together with our STARD partners, we have built the E-Transit SuperVan 4.2 to be a truly competitive machine focused on getting to the top of the mountain quickly. The Pikes Peak Hill Climb presents the perfect opportunity to showcase Ford’s electric vehicle technology and bring light to EV Performance.”
-Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance Motorsports
The SuperVan 4.2, refined from the SuperVan 4, 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 4,400 pounds at 150 miles per hour. Key features to aero include a lightweight carbon fiber rear spoiler and front splitter, both assisting SuperVan 4.2 to stay planted to the winding roads of the mountain. The chassis of SuperVan 4.2 also underwent a weight reduction to improve overall balance and provide agility through the twist of the mountain roads.
Förbättringar har också gjorts av drivlinan. Genom att minska antalet STARD UHP 6-fasmotorer från fyra till tre och använda STARD:s Ultra High Performance Li-Polymer NMC-pouchceller får skåpbilen ett optimalt effekt/vikt-förhållande samtidigt som den behåller sitt fyrhjulsdrivna system med en motor fram och två bak. Med över 1 050 kW (1 400 hästkrafter) kombinerad urladdningseffekt till sitt förfogande kan SuperVan 4.2 släppa loss sin fulla potential och samtidigt utnyttja batteriets nya regenereringsprestanda på 600 kW för optimalt energiutnyttjande.
“The Ford Performance and STARD teams have been hard at work optimizing SuperVan 4.2 for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. From the aero to the revised electric powertrain, I believe our run times on the mountain will be worth tuning in for.”
-Mike Norton, WRC Program Supervisor & Motorsports Regulations and Homologation, Ford Performance
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 tires, upgraded driveshafts, a perspex windscreen, and a minimalist race interior to remove any weight that is not mandatory to SuperVan 4.2 completing its best possible time on the mountain.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is set to take place on Sunday, June 25. For more information on the event, visit https://ppihc.org/. Don’t miss the live race broadcast on YouTube.
…notes from SP
