For the 101st Pike Peak hillclimb that took place on 25 June, Ford created this striking SuperVan 4.2 and invited FIA World Endurance Champion Romain Dumas to get behind the wheel and see what it could do on the 156 turns that make up this gruelling race course.
Ford has a rich history at the famous hill climb, as it fielded a Model T in the inaugural race back in 1916., This year’s entry — the E-Transit SuperVan 4.2 — is about as far away from a Model T as you can get though, and is all about showcasing the potential of electric vehicles in motorsports. The powertrain features three STARD UHP 6-phase motors, pushing 1,4000 hp combined, while the battery offers 600 kWh regeneration performance.
Based on the SuperVan 4, the SuperVan 4.2 features a more extreme aerodynamics package that focuses on maximising downforce, as is needed for an event like this. Other upgrades include a revised regenerative braking system with carbon ceramic brake discs, magnesium forged wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero race tyres, upgraded driveshafts, and a completely gutted interior.
While Romain Dumas couldn’t break his own Pikes Peak record from 2018 in the Ford SuperVan 4.2, he did finish second with an 8:47.682 behind Robin Shute, who managed an 8:40.080 in his turbo Honda K-series powered Wolf TSC-FS.
