Ford enters the most dangerous race with a 1,400 hp electric van and extreme aerodynamics

This Sunday, the 101st edition of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will take place, a famous competition where some of the most extravagant vehicles try to climb as quickly as possible a section of mountain located in Colorado, in the United States. Ford will enter the event with one goal: to set the fastest time using a pickup truck.

However, this is no ordinary van, but the Ford SuperVan developed by Ford Performance. It's actually an improved version of the model we discovered last year.

Romain Dumas will take the wheel of the Ford SuperVan 4.2 at Pikes Peak

In the 1970s, Ford came up with the idea of ​​combining the Ford GT40 engine with its new Ford Transit to promote it. This strange project resulted in the creation of the Ford SuperVan, which was so successful for the American brand that it was repeated several times.

Last year, the fourth generation of the Ford SuperVan was unveiled. Although the concept remained the same, the vehicle was transformed into an all-electric model, thus ditching its gasoline engine. He lost the charm of the V8, but became even more spectacular and, above all, faster. Indeed, it can reach an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.0 seconds.

Like its predecessors, the Ford SuperVan 4 has taken part in numerous shows since its launch and has always managed to surprise everyone. However, Ford feels that is not enough and sees the potential in its van. Therefore, the brand decides to take on a new challenge by participating in Pikes Peak, the race considered the most dangerous in the world.

The oval brand is so committed to this project that it managed to persuade Rumain Dumas to take the wheel of his van. This French driver set the current Pikes Peak record in 2018 at the wheel of an all-electric Volkswagen, and he is now preparing to try the experience again with Ford's electric van.

In order to offer you the ultimate tool, Ford Performance has been working on the Ford SuperVan for several months. The result is an improved version of the model we encountered last year, known as the Ford SuperVan 4.2. It is the second variant of the fourth generation of the SuperVan and promises to be even faster.

Ford Performance worked with STARD Advanced Research and Development to improve the aerodynamics of the Transit, specifically designed to overcome the extreme energy challenges of the famous American mountain, according to Ford statements. The brand claims that the van benefits from an all-new aerodynamic design, generating a downforce of 1,995 kg at a speed of 241 km/h. Additionally, chassis weight has been reduced to reduce overall mass, while improvements have been made to the propulsion system.

The previous model had four motors producing 2,000 horsepower, but the new SuperVan sacrificed one of those motors in order to improve its power-to-weight ratio. It now has "more than 1,400 horsepower", but also benefits from a new high-performance lithium-polymer battery, which allows it to exploit its electric power more efficiently.

In addition, it uses a regenerative braking system in addition to carbon ceramic discs, forged magnesium wheels equipped with Pirelli P Zero racing tires, as well as improved driveshafts. Inside, it offers a real racing car experience and includes only the essentials for driving, even the windshield is in methacrylate to reduce weight.

This Sunday, we will have the opportunity to see the performance of the Ford SuperVan 4.2, with an output of 1,400 horsepower. Ford will broadcast the race live on YouTube. Romain Dumas will face a course comprising 156 bends, with a climb of 1,440 meters to the finish line, located at an altitude of 4,302 meters.