Ford Performance is set to electrify the 101st Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with its all-new, electric SuperVan 4.2. Motorsport icon Romain Dumas will pilot the vehicle in this legendary competition, showcasing the significant potential of electric vehicles in motorsports.
What’s Happening
Ford Performance is prepared to make a spectacular entry at the 101st Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, powered by Gran Turismo, with its electric SuperVan 4.2. The all-electric vehicle, an upgrade from the SuperVan 4, has been specifically optimized for competitive hill climbing, featuring revised aerodynamics and an advanced powertrain designed for high-altitude performance.
Why It Matters
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb serves as the perfect backdrop to demonstrate the potential and viability of electric vehicles in motorsports. Since 1916, Ford has been a regular contender in the race, with a history rooted in the competition’s inaugural event featuring a Ford Model T. This year, Romain Dumas, a seasoned motorsports champion, will pilot the SuperVan 4.2, bringing his considerable expertise to the wheel in his eighth appearance at the competition.
Key Points
Ford Performance collaborated with STARD Advanced Research and Development to engineer SuperVan 4.2, focusing on showcasing the extreme potential of electric power in the world of motorsports. Notable features include a lightweight carbon fiber rear spoiler and front splitter for improved aerodynamics, as well as changes in the powertrain, which incorporate STARD’s UHP 6-phase motors and Ultra High-Performance Li-Polymer NMC pouch cells for enhanced energy utilization. The vehicle achieves an optimal power-to-weight ratio while maintaining its all-wheel-drive system, revealing the continuous advancements in electric vehicle technology.
Bottom Line
The SuperVan 4.2 represents Ford Performance’s ongoing commitment to electrification in the automotive industry. The vehicle has been specifically designed and refined to meet the unique challenges of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, providing a remarkable showcase of electric vehicle capabilities in motorsports. As the industry moves towards a more sustainable future, Ford Performance continues to lead the charge, turning the spotlight on the significant potential and performance of electric vehicles. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will take place on Sunday, June 25, 2023.
