An updated version of Ford SuperVan electric is set to solve Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this weekend.
Beneath the skin of the revised van — now known as the SuperVan 4.2 — the powertrain has been modified to reduce weight and improve balance so the car can better handle steep climbs. many bends and turns.
While SuperVan 4 With four electric motors making a total of 1471kW (2000hp), the 4.2 version has only three STARD UHP six-phase motors, with two in the rear and one in the front. The total discharge capacity is said to be 1050kW (about 1400 hp).
There is also a new STAR battery pack with NMC lithium polymer pouches and new recharging at 600kW.
Although the previous SuperVan 4 had a 50 kWh battery, Ford did not announce the battery capacity of the SuperVan 4.2, but we think it will be just enough to complete the Pikes Peak Hill Climb.
Other changes include a new regenerative braking system, an upgraded driveshaft and a perspex windshield. The interior has been allowed back to the bare minimum by the organizers of the climb, and now lacks the original 15.5-inch Sync 4 touchscreen and dashboard top.
It rides on Pirelli P Zero racing tires combined with carbon ceramic brakes, unequal length double wishbone suspension at both ends and “sports-grade” front and rear subframes.
The most obvious external change compared to SuperVan 4 debuting at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed is the new truck’s revised paint job, swapping out much of the exterior white for a dark blue tone with bright yellow, orange, red and purple accents.
At the front, the headlights look like they’re decorated, but the rest of the bodywork, based on the second-generation Transit Custom, appears to be carried over.
Ford has also extensively revised the van’s aerodynamics, with an even larger carbon fiber front splitter and rear spoiler to increase downforce down to 19,570N when driving at 240km. /H.
Again, this was done to keep the car stationary on the ground as it navigated 156 turns of the course and 1440m altitude changes.
Like the original SuperVan 4, the upgraded model has a body that tapers to the rear, severely limiting cargo space.
The SuperVan 4.2 will be driven by Romain Dumas, who won overall at Pikes Peak in 2014, 2016 and 2017 with Norma prototypes, as well as in 2018 with an electric Volkswagen ID. r.
