This is the Ford SuperVan 4.2, less is more!

Ford SuperVan 4.2

The Ford SuperVan 4.2 is an all-new and improved version of the SuperVan 4. The original was already a very serious machine. Indeed, it is Ford’s fastest and most powerful commercial vehicle ever with a powertrain consisting of as many as four electric motors powered by a liquid-cooled 50 kWh battery. The engines add up to 2,000 horsepower. Torque comes out to 1,800 Nm. With all that power, the Ford Pro Electric SuperVan sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in less than two seconds. But all these figures refer to the original design. So what about this “four-point-two”?

Revised design

The SuperVan 4.2 has a revised design to greatly improve its aerodynamic qualities in particular. Ford promises more than 1,995 kilograms of downforce at 240 miles per hour, or 386 mph. Modifications include a modified carbon fiber rear spoiler and a different front splitter.

From four to three electric motors

The SuperVan 4.2’s chassis also underwent weight reduction to improve overall balance and increase maneuverability. Refinements have also been made to the powertrain. Reducing the number of STARD UHP 6-phase motors from four to three – and using STARD’s Ultra High Performance Li-Polymer NMC pocket cells – creates the optimal horsepower-to-weight ratio, according to Ford.

The AWD system is of course retained with one motor driving the front wheels and two electric motors driving the rear wheels. System power comes out to 1,050 kW (1,400 hp). The vehicle also recovers energy, up to 600 kW of regeneration performance. Actual production models could use that too!

Improved brakes, quite convenient

The Ford also gets upgraded carbon ceramic brake discs, as well as lightweight, forged magnesium wheels wrapped with Pirelli P Zero racing tires. Improved driveshafts, a perspex windshield and a minimalist racing interior complete the party. Now on to Pikes Peak!

Ford and Pikes Peak

Ford vehicles have been competing at Pikes Peak since the first event in 1916, when a Model T raced up the mountain. The Pikes Peak Hill Climb winds through 156 turns over nearly 20 kilometers. The course climbs 1,440 meters to the finish line at more than 4,300 meters above sea level. For the 2023 participation, Romain Dumas will get behind the wheel of the SuperVan.

The spectacle lasts from Monday, June 19, to Sunday, June 25, 2023. Lots of test runs take place first. Sunday, June 25, is Race Day.