Heading 1: Ford’s Transit SuperVan 4.2: A Closer Look

Ford’s Transit SuperVan 4.2 is a concept vehicle that has been modified for the Pikes Peak climb. It features some significant changes from its predecessor, the SuperVan 4. The most noticeable difference is the new color scheme, which is far more eye-catching than the old predominantly white garb. However, there are far more important differences on and under the skin that earn this Transit its SuperVan 4.2 name, including some colossal aero devices.

Heading 2: The Aero Devices

SuperVan 4 already featured a front splitter, side skirts, a large rear diffuser, and a weird rear-end design that pinched the back half of the bodywork into a giant Le Mans-style fin above the waistline. But SuperVan 4 goes even wilder, upsizing all of the lower aero aids and adding a colossal double-deck rear spoiler, resulting in a total of over 4,400 lbs (1,996 kg) of downforce at 150 mph (240 km/h).

Heading 2: The Drivetrain

Ford Performance also made some major changes to the drivetrain that at first read seem like a backward step. Because while SuperVan 4 featured a quad-motor powertrain that pumped out a staggering 1,490 kW (1,998 hp / 2,000 PS), the new Transit makes do with only three motors and around 1,050 kW (1,408 hp / 1,428 PS).

But Ford says that reducing the motor count by one enabled it to achieve the optimum weight distribution while still delivering power to both front and rear axles (the front wheels now share the torque generated by a single motor). The suspension and running gear features carbon brake rotors, magnesium forged wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero race tires, and upgraded driveshafts, and Ford has added a Perspex screen and removed every piece of unnecessary weight it could to help gun-for-hire Romain Dumas get up the hill as fast as possible.

Heading 2: The Performance

Ford doesn’t speculate on what kind of time SuperVan 4.2 might achieve this weekend, but Ford Performance’s Mike Norton seems to think it’ll be remembered for more than its bright color scheme. “I believe our run times on the mountain will be worth tuning in for,” the WRC Program Supervisor said.

Heading 1: Conclusion

The Ford Transit SuperVan 4.2 is a concept vehicle that has been modified for the Pikes Peak climb. It features some significant changes from its predecessor, the SuperVan 4. The most noticeable difference is the new color scheme, which is far more eye-catching than the old predominantly white garb. However, there are far more important differences on and under the skin that earn this Transit its SuperVan 4.2 name, including some colossal aero devices. Ford Performance also made some major changes to the drivetrain that at first read seem like a backward step. But Ford says that reducing the motor count by one enabled it to achieve the optimum weight distribution while still delivering power to both front and rear axles. The Ford Transit SuperVan 4.2 is expected to make a big impact at the Pikes Peak climb this weekend.