Ford supervan 4.2: A game-changer for electric racing, sets new milestones at global events

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The all-electric Ford SuperVan 4.2 has had an exceptional year, setting new records at some of the world’s most iconic racing events. Last summer, under the driving of Romain Dumas, it tackled the challenging Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the Open category. The SuperVan completed the 12.5-mile (20.1 km) climb in under nine minutes, shattering the previous record by 37 seconds. In February, it set three lap records at Mount Panorama in Australia, including the fastest lap for an electric vehicle and a commercial vehicle, with an impressive time of 1m56.32s. Additionally, it clinched victory at the 2024 Festival of Speed shootout at Goodwood, outpacing its competition by over two seconds. Ford's SuperVan project began in 1971 as a promotional concept. The first version combined a Ford GT40 chassis and a 5.0-litre Ford V8 engine, placed inside the body of a Mk1 Transit van. In 1984, SuperVan 2 was introduced, featuring a Ford C100 Group C chassis and a Cosworth DFL engine, all hidden beneath a glass-fibre Mk2 Transit body. The third version, SuperVan 3, used a Cosworth V8 engine in a reduced-scale body. In 2022, Ford introduced the first electric version, SuperVan 4.0, powered by a 2000+bhp motor capable of accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in under two seconds.

When it came to the Pikes Peak challenge, Ford had to contend with extreme conditions. At 4,300 meters above sea level, the air is thinner, which impacts both downforce and cooling for the vehicle. To address this, the SuperVan 4.2 was redesigned with a 50kWh battery featuring liquid cooling to manage temperature fluctuations. The van is powered by four motors, each capable of delivering 400kW peak power. At Pikes Peak, only three motors were in use, while all four were utilized in other events such as Goodwood. The SuperVan 4.2 is equipped with a high downforce aerodynamics package to handle the demands of steep and twisty hill climbs. Its carbon fibre front splitter and large rear wing generate considerable downforce, similar to Formula 1 cars. Despite its 1700kg weight, the SuperVan produces up to 2200kg of downforce at high speeds, making it highly effective on challenging tracks like Pikes Peak, where maintaining grip is critical.

However, the SuperVan 4.2 is held back by its 18-inch Pirelli GT tyres, which limits its performance potential. Nevertheless, it has still managed to deliver strong performances on tracks such as Goodwood, Bathurst, and Pikes Peak. Romain Dumas, who drove the SuperVan, likened the experience to driving a Dakar rally car but with much more power. He also mentioned the challenge of handling such a heavy, high-powered vehicle. The SuperVan 4.2 has shown impressive versatility, excelling across various types of events including drag races, hill climbs, and rally stages. Despite its bulky, van-like appearance, it has outperformed race cars in certain events, even setting a lap record at Bathurst against GT3 vehicles. Michael Sakowicz, CEO of STARD, praised the SuperVan for its adaptability and high performance, calling it a remarkable achievement for electric vehicles. In conclusion, the Ford SuperVan 4.2 is more than just a marketing tool. It has proven itself as a formidable competitor, breaking records and demonstrating the future of electric vehicles in motorsports.