The epic Ford SuperVan 4 is due to take on the famour Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in June this year.
Ford has a long history of competing at the Pikes Peak and throughout the years, Ford has competed with a variety of nameplates, including a 1916 Model T and current generation Mustangs. This year's event is the 101st running of the event and the all-electric SuperVan 4's first proper competitive uphill outing after making its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2022 and taking on the hill there.
SuperVan 4 will be raced at the famous Colarado climb by motorsports icon and PPIHC record holder Romain Dumas. Dumas is also a three-time Le Mans winner and holds several EV-powered lap records and will be appearing at the Pikes Peak mountain for the ninth time since his first outing there in 2012.
“Fords latest generation of 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.
SuperVan 4 was built in collaboration with Ford Performance and STARD. It has an all-wheel drive system powered by a 50kWh ultra high-performance battery. Other very obvious differences from the Ford E-Transit and Ford E-Transit Custom which it is alleged to have a share a connection with is a carbon composite body with FIA specification roll cage and adjustable regenerative braking,
“SuperVan 4 is equipped with one of the world´s most powerful electric powertrains ever developed,” said STARD CEO Michael Sakowicz.
“It has gone up the hill at Goodwood, rallied over WRC tarmac stages and more. Now, to send it to one of the world´s most iconic and unique events is very exciting and STARD is proud to be a part of it.”
The Pikes Peak climb consists of 156 turns over 12.5 miles. From start to finish the course has an elevation of 4,725ft, with a finish line that sits at 14,115ft above sea level.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is due to take place on Sunday June 25th, 2023.