The nearly 2,000 hp electric van is going hill climb racing.
Ford has announced it will be taking its Ford Performance-prepped E-Transit electric van to compete at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
In case you missed this particular slice of insanity's appearance last year, the SuperVan 4 is the latest in a lineup of crazy modified vans that started in the 1970s with a Transit body shell mounted on a GT40 chassis. Version four is Ford's electric van running a race car spec powertrain built in conjunction with the Austria-based electric race and rally specialists STARD.
In its showcase form, SuperVan 4 uses a 50 kWh liquid-cooled battery to power four electric motors up to nearly 2,000 horsepower. Each motor controls a wheel, which means it's all-wheel-drive.
Most importantly for racing, the SuperVan 4 already features a full roll cage and racing seats built to FIA standards and a motorsport-spec adjustable regenerative braking system.
Ford has a history at Pike's Peak and has been represented by legendary drivers. To pilot the SuperVan 4 in 2023, Ford has drafted Romain Dumas, a Pike's Peak record holder, three-time Le Mans winner, and holder of seven EV lap records worldwide.
Ford's latest electric vehicle technology is the perfect match for America's Mountain,” said Dumas. With high altitudes cutting power in traditional ICE-powered vehicles, the electric powertrain of SuperVan 4 has no loss at elevation and will be a healthy competitor in this year's race.
STARD's EV research and development relationship with Ford Performance is five years old and includes the powertrain for the Fiesta ERX – one of the first FIA-certified EV rallycross vehicles. It's also involved in the Mach-E 1400, which has seven electric motors.
“SuperVan 4 is equipped with one of the world's most powerful electric powertrains ever developed,” said STARD CEO Michael Sakowicz. “It's also one of the most versatile electric racecars ever built. It has gone up the hill at Goodwood, rallied over WRC tarmac stages and more. Now, to send it to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, is very exciting. A lot of work has gone into this effort, and STARD is proud to be a part of it.”
Ford has promised to give more details before the event in Colorado. It will be the 101st Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and will take place on Sunday, June 25, 2023.
Keyword: Ford Is Taking The Insane SuperVan 4 To The Pikes Peak Hill Climb