Heading: Ford Takes on Pikes Peak with SuperVan 4.2
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is known for drawing some of the most innovative and powerful vehicles in the world. This year, Ford is taking on the challenge with their SuperVan 4.2, an all-electric machine with over 1,400 horsepower.
The SuperVan 4.2 is a refined variant of the SuperVan 4, which debuted at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. While the previous version had a few more all-electric horses, the SuperVan 4.2 benefits from a weight reduction program to properly balance the vehicle for bespoke duty on the twist Pikes Peak circuit where agility is key along with outright speed.
The van is all-electric, packing a motor up front to power the front wheels and two more out back to propel the rears. This means the SuperVan 4.2 has all-wheel drive, allowing it to grip the Pikes Peak tarmac like a scared cat sticks to a wool blanket.
Heading: All-Electric Power
As one might expect given the brand’s push in that direction, the SuperVan 4.2 is all-electric. The vehicle is powered by a motor up front to power the front wheels and two more out back to propel the rears. This gives the SuperVan 4.2 all-wheel drive, allowing it to grip the Pikes Peak tarmac like a scared cat sticks to a wool blanket.
The van has over 1,400 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful vehicles on the mountain this year. The SuperVan 4.2 benefits from having been put on a SlimFast diet, shedding mass in a weight reduction program to properly balance the thing for bespoke duty on the twist Pikes Peak circuit where agility is key along with outright speed.
Heading: Refined Variant of SuperVan 4
The SuperVan 4.2 is a refined variant of the SuperVan 4, which debuted at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Officially known at the time as the Ford Pro Electric SuperVan, it was said to have a few more horsepower than this latest iteration whilst packing a full roll cage and FIA-spec racing seats. Speeds of 60 mph showed up in less than two seconds.
Even though that effort had a few more all-electric horses, SuperVan 4.2 benefits from having been put on a SlimFast diet, shedding mass in a weight reduction program to properly balance the thing for bespoke duty on the twist Pikes Peak circuit where agility is key along with outright speed.
Heading: Lightweight Carbon Fiber Spoiler and Front Splitter
To improve the vehicle’s performance, Ford has added a lightweight carbon fiber rear spoiler and front splitter. These additions contribute to a claimed 4,400 pounds of downforce at 150 mph.
Ace hotshoe Romain Dumas will be behind the wheel this year, taking on the challenge of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The event belts up the mountain through 156 turns and 4,725 feet of elevation to a finish line sitting 14,115 feet above sea level.
Heading: Conclusion
Ford’s SuperVan 4.2 is a powerful and innovative all-electric vehicle that is sure to turn heads at this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. With over 1,400 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the van is sure to grip the tarmac and take on the twists and turns of the mountain with ease. The lightweight carbon fiber spoiler and front splitter contribute to a claimed 4,400 pounds of downforce at 150 mph, making this vehicle one to watch.
