While it shares a name and lineage with the iconic Ford SuperVan, it’s no light commercial vehicle. Loosely based on the Ford e-Transit Custom, the SuperVan 4.2 has three electric motors that, together, can generate over 1,400 horsepower. It’s also built with a large, lightweight carbon-fiber spoiler and other aerodynamic features that can deliver more than 4,400 pounds of downforce at 150 mph. Plus, the EV was modified with a regenerative braking system with carbon-ceramic discs, as well as lightweight magnesium wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tires for better suspension.
“For two weeks the SuperVan team didn’t stop working on making this electric van as fast as possible,” said Sriram Pakkam, Manager, Formula 1 and EV Demonstrators, Ford Performance. “The global Ford Performance network was activated to ensure SuperVan 4.2 was as capable as possible.” While Mount Panorama is a tough track, the team’s efforts paid off, as each successive lap time was shorter than the last.
“SuperVan 4.2 really has to be seen to be believed, and we are thrilled that Aussie race fans have been able to witness its history-making runs around Mount Panorama,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO of Ford Australia. The SuperVan 4.2’s performance at Mount Panorama isn’t just about bragging rights but is a bellwether for electric cars in general, as EV engineering catches up to traditional ICE vehicles and becomes a bigger share of the automotive market. “Lessons learned from SuperVan’s running in Australia will have a direct flow into Ford’s next generation of electric road cars,” continued Birkic. “That means future products that customers drive on our roads will have a little spirit of Mount Panorama carried within them.”
