Ford to take on Pikes Peak with this SuperVan 4.2

Ford has revealed that it will be taking part in the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with a new and improved Ford SuperVan 4.2. The van will take on the hillclimb with Romain Dumas behind the wheel.

The Ford SuperVan 4.2 has been developed by Ford Performance and STARD Advanced Research and Development, and has been specifically designed to conquer the hill climb and showcase the extreme limits of electric power.

Changes to the Ford SuperVan 4.2 from the Supervan 4 include a redesign of its aerodynamic features, necessary to allow it to deliver the necessary downforce in the high altitude of Pike Peak. On the SuperVan 4.2 the aerodynamic downforce is said to total 1,995kg at 241km/h. Key features here include a lightweight carbon fibre spoiler and front splitter. The chassis of SuperVan 4.2 also underwent a weight reduction to improve overall balance and provide agility through the twist of the mountain roads.

The Ford SuperVan 4.2 is also said to utilise three STARD six-phase motors, with one positioned at the front axle and two at the rear, instead of the SuperVan 4's four-motor setup for an optimised power-to-weight ratio. The SuperVan 4.2 is still able to deliver a total of 1,808bhp, alongside a 600kW regeneration system for optimal energy utilisation.