The Ford SuperVan broke cover last year as an all-electric tribute to Ford Transit performance vans of the past, harnessing borderline ludicrous power and tech beneath its futuristic exterior. Then, earlier this year, FoMoCo confirmed that it would hit the mountain at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb later in the season with its new SuperVan, and now, The Blue Oval has finally revealed the EV van that will take on the challenge ahead of the event.
Dubbed the Ford SuperVan 4.2, the race-prepared EV will follow in the tire tracks of Ford vehicles that have driven Pikes Peak in the past, including the Ford Model T that tackled the mountain for the inaugural race in 1916. The SuperVan, obviously, is a lot more technologically advanced than its ancestors, having been developed by STARD Advanced Research and Development to “showcase the extreme limits of electric power.”
The SuperVan 4.2 features overhauled aerodynamics created specifically to maintain performance at high altitude while increasing downforce, such as a lightweight carbon fiber rear spoiler and front splitter designed to keep the SuperVan planted to Pikes Peak’s twisting roads. Other upgrades include a revised regenerative braking system, magnesium forged wheels with Pirelli P Zero race tires, upgraded driveshafts and bared interior for weight reduction.
The van also has powertrain refinements, reflecting lessons learned from its immediate predecessor. It now has three STARD UHP 6-phase motors, instead of four, which helps with weight reduction. Additionally, it now utilizes STARD’s Ultra High Performance Li-Polymer NMC pouch cells that enable it to boast 600kW regenerative capability. As a result, the van now packs over 1,400 horsepower that is sent to all four wheels via one front motor and two rear motors.
“The Ford Performance and STARD teams have been hard at work optimizing SuperVan 4.2 for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb,” said Mike Norton, WRC Program Supervisor & Motorsports Regulations and Homologation for Ford Performance in a statement. “From the aero to the revised electric powertrain, I believe our run times on the mountain will be worth tuning in for.”
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports, said, “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.”
The race up Pikes Peak will take place on Sunday, June 25th, 2023.
We’ll have more on the Ford Pro electric SuperVan soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford Transit news and ongoing Ford news coverage.
Comments
You can’t hit ludicrous speed if your don’t have ludicrous power. When can I order one?
That would make an awesome street machine! The ultimate pickup truck!!