• Ford Performance heads to the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with the all-electric SuperVan 4.2, an all-electric demonstrator vehicle that has been redesigned from the SuperVan 4 for optimal competitiveness on the famous American climb
By Aris Galanopoulos
With an electrifying proposition – the all-new and improved Ford SuperVan 4.2 – Ford Performance is gearing up for the 101st running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. This much-anticipated event will showcase the ground-breaking evolution of the demonstrator vehicle, which features innovative design, advanced technologies, and unique features that optimize its performance for the demanding climb.
With a Model T participating in the event’s first race in 1916, Ford vehicles have always managed to leave their mark on the iconic Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. This year, motorsport legend Romain Dumas will take the wheel of the 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 the rich Ford tradition in America’s most famous “mountain” race.
Once again, Ford Performance and the experts at STARD Advanced Research and Development have joined forces to create the SuperVan 4.2 that will conquer the American mountain and highlight the inexhaustible limits of electric power. As the automotive industry moves towards an electric future, the SuperVan 4.2 comes to the fore by demonstrating the enormous potential of electric vehicles (EVs) in motorsport. With its revised aerodynamics and a special drivetrain tailored to the demands of the particular climb, the SuperVan 4.2 will electrify the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
“Together with our partners at STARD, we built the E-Transit SuperVan 4.2 to be a truly competitive machine focused on getting to the top of the mountain fast,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “The Pikes Peak Hill Climb is the perfect opportunity to showcase Ford’s electric vehicle technology and highlight their performance.”
Derived from SuperVan 4, the SuperVan 4.2 has been completely redesigned with aerodynamics in mind. The goal of the changes was, on the one hand, the aerodynamic performance at the high altitude at which Pikes Peak is held, on the other hand, the increase of the vertically generated force, which reaches over 1,995 kg at a speed of 241 km/h. Key aerodynamic features include a lightweight carbon fiber spoiler at the rear and a front splitter, which help SuperVan 4.2 to stay “glued” to the asphalt and the turns of the American mountain. The weight of its frame SuperVan 4.2 has been reduced, with the aim of improving overall balance and providing flexibility on the climb.
Improvements were also made to the drivetrain. By reducing the number of 6-phase STARD UHP motors from four to three and using STARD’s NMC Li-Polymer Ultra High Performance cells, the van achieves an optimal power-to-weight ratio while retaining the four-wheel drive system with one motor powering the front wheels and two of them back. With a combined power of over 1,050 kW (1,400 HP) available, the SuperVan 4.2 can unleash its full potential while harnessing the new 600 kW regenerative power from the battery for optimal energy use.
“The Ford Performance and STARD teams have worked hard to optimize the SuperVan 4.2 for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb,” said Mike Norton, WRC Program Supervisor & Motorsports Regulations and Homologation, Ford Performance. “From the aerodynamics to the revised electric drivetrain, I think the times we’ll set on the mountain will be remarkable.”
Ford Performance and STARD have fitted the SuperVan 4.2 with a revised regenerative braking system with ceramic discs, while forged magnesium wheels are also present, paired with racing tires Pirelli P Zero TM. The drive shafts have also been upgraded. At the same time, his windshield SuperVan 4.2 is made of perspex, while the minimalist, racing-style interior does not add unnecessary weight to allow the electric van to achieve the best possible performance on the famous American mountain.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will take place on Sunday, June 25, 2023. For more information about the event, visit https://ppihc.org/. Also, don’t miss the live broadcast of the match on YouTube.
Source: Skai
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