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Ford electric SuperVan takes on Pikes Peak: 2nd overall in course debut

Ford SuperVan 4.2 images in the run-up to the Pikes Peak event were provided by Ford Performance.

 

 

Ford Performance debuted its way-out-there SuperVan 4.2 all-electric concept at the 101st running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 25 -- and came out blazing to land the second-fastest time on the Colorado course overall. 2023 was the 101st running of the event.

Held in a Rocky Mountains area just 16 miles west of Colorado Springs, the race is a climb of 4,720 ft from the start at Mile 7 on Pikes Peak Highway to the finish at 14,110 ft on grades averaging 7.2%. It is 12.42 miles, 156 corners, and just one attempt.

SuperVan won its Open division and came in second place overall. According to official race stats, "Romain Dumas of Azier, Switzerland, four-time King of the Mountain and overall course record holder, grabbed top honors in the Pikes Peak Open division in the purpose-built 2023 Ford Performance SuperVan 4.2 with a sub-eight run of 08:47.682. His time beat the 2019 record set by Peter Cunningham, setting a new mark in the Pikes Peak Open division. The PPIHC overall course record set by Dumas in 2018 in the Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak, a blistering 07:57.148, still reigns."

The UK's Robin Shute drove his Wolf TSC-FS "Indy/Le Mans-styled vehicle" (turbocharged Honda engine) to the summit in a sizzling 08:40.080, claiming first in the Unlimited division and earning his fourth King of the Mountain, overall winner crown for the event.

SuperVan bested 64 other entries, including 10 Porsches of all kinds of flavors, Audis, BMWs, a Tesla Model S Plaid, and even some Ford Mustangs. Final results can be seen here (click Official Results in red).

The all-new, improved SuperVan 4.2 is a major retooling of the 2,000-hp, one-off Ford Pro Electric SuperVan 4 concept vehicle unveiled to the world one year ago. That all-wheel-drive vehicle was created to achieve the highest performance of any Ford van ever. It features a purpose-built, track-ready chassis that includes components from the Ford E-Transit Custom van (the first fully electric version of Europe's best-selling van), four 500-hp electric motors (two for the front and two for the rear), a 50-kWh liquid-cooled battery, and a customized control system that oversees the production of 2,000 hp for under-2-sec, 0-to-60 acceleration.

VIDEO: The Ford SuperVan blazes up the mountain at the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 25, 2023. [Video by: Kyle Conner/Youtube]

SuperVan 4.2 had a totally different -- and real-world -- purpose: Win at Pikes Peak. This vehicle has undergone a complete redesign of aerodynamics specifically engineered to cut through the high-altitude air of the Rocky Mountain atmosphere while increasing downforce -- over 4,400 lb at 150 mph. Key features to its enhanced aerodynamics include an exaggerated lightweight carbon fiber rear spoiler and front splitter, both assisting SuperVan 4.2 to stay planted to the winding roads of the mountain. The chassis of SuperVan 4.2 also underwent a weight reduction to improve overall balance and provide agility through the twists and turns of the mountain roads.

VIDEO: Ride onboard the Ford SuperVan driven by Romain Dumas during its official run at the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 25, 2023. SuperVan had the second-fastest time overall. This is the full run. [Credit: Pikes Peak International Hill Climb]

Ford Performance said refinements were also made to the powertrain. By reducing the number of STARD UHP 6-phase motors from four to three, and utilizing STARD's Ultra High Performance Li-Polymer NMC pouch cells, the van achieves an optimal power-to-weight ratio while retaining its all-wheel-drive system, with one motor powering the front and two in the rear.

With over 1,050 kW (1,400 hp) combined discharge power at its disposal, the SuperVan 4.2 was free to unleash its full potential while also leveraging the battery's new 600-kW regeneration performance for optimal energy utilization.

VIDEO: Learn more details about Ford's SuperVan 4.2 in this Out of Spec Guide interview where Mike Norton from Ford Performance is interviewed. [Credit: Out of Spec Guide]

Ford Performance and STARD also equipped SuperVan 4.2 with a revised regenerative braking system with carbon ceramic brake discs, magnesium forged wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero race tires, upgraded driveshafts, a perspex windscreen, and a minimalist race interior to remove any weight that was not mandatory for SuperVan 4.2 completing its best possible time on the mountain.

What a debut!

Sources: Ford Performance, The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Kyle Conner/Youtube, Out of Spec Guide

Published July 2023

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