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Ford Unveils Its 2,000-HP Electric SuperVan Onto Pikes Peak

Ford SuperVan 4 2 Pikes Peak Racer 0 Hero
Photos: Ford Performance

Back in 1971, Ford tasked its race department with a particularly unorthodox endeavor; transforming a Transit Mk. 1 van into a true race-grade vehicle — a directive that was accomplished by bestowing the donor with a mid-mounted Le Mans-spec engine from the race department’s iconic GT40. Appropriately christened the “SuperVan,” this initial project was followed up by even more powerful Mk.2 and Mk.3 SuperVan builds. Over the summer of 2022, some 50 years after the debut of the original SuperVan, the Blue Oval’s performance division unveiled a modern take on the project with an E-Transit Custom-based one-off known as the Ford Pro Electric SuperVan — a vehicle that’s now slated to take on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Ford SuperVan 4 2 Pikes Peak Racer 1
Photo: Ford Performance

While originally built as a one-off concept and show car, the SuperVan 4.2 possesses the necessary performance capabilities to be competitive at Pikes Peak. Constructed around a race-derived chassis that’s been paired with a motorsport-spec double-wishbone suspension setup and race-grade braking hardware, the latest SuperVan is powered by a quad electric motor setup that collectively puts down a cool 2,000hp, allowing for 0-60mph runs in under two seconds — and making it ideal for blasting through the short stretches of road that separate Pikes Peak’s 156 turns. Also of note is the fact that, unlike gas engines that lose power at high elevations, the SuperVan’s fully electric powertrain will be completely unaffected by the thinning air on the way to the mountain’s 14,115’ summit. 

Ford SuperVan 4 2 Pikes Peak Racer 2
Photo: Ford Performance

It’s not only the van’s powertrain that makes it so conducive to competing at Pikes Peak, but it’s also its ability to harness the quad motor setup’s speed and acceleration and turn it into hundreds of pounds of downforce via its insanely-advanced aero kit which will keep the vehicle pinned to the tarmac as it ascends the mountain. Born out of a collaboration between Ford Performance and Austrian race outfit STARD, this state-of-the art aero kit is constructed from a lightweight yet rugged composite and includes a sharp front splitter, side skirts, flared wheel arches, and a large rear diffuser. Making the SuperVan 4.2 even more race ready is an advanced traction control system, launch control, and three-stage regenerative braking. With race seats and an FIA-spec full roll cage, the SuperVan should require minimal modifications in order to pass inspection to compete. The van also wears a livery based on the scheme worn by the new Mustang GT3 racer.

Ford SuperVan 4 2 Pikes Peak Racer 3
Photo: Ford Performance

For the 2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the Ford SuperVan 4.2 racer will be piloted by French driver and multi-time Pikes Peak (and 24 Hours of Le Mans) winner Romain Dumas. The 2023 event is scheduled to run from June 19th through the 25th.