Automotive
Ford Performance is back with a strong latest contender for the celebrated Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Introducing the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck, Ford’s latest electric vehicle (EV) demonstrator. This cutting-edge machine will tackle the formidable challenge of America’s Mountain, driven by none aside from Pikes Peak veteran and record holder, Romain Dumas.
Continuing the Legacy: From SuperVan 4.2 to SuperTruck
Following the remarkable achievements of the SuperVan 4.2 on the 2023 Pikes Peak event, Ford Performance is desperate to construct on that success with the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck. Last yr, the SuperVan 4.2 made headlines by breaking records and setting latest benchmarks for EV performance on the mountain. This yr, the SuperTruck goals to push those boundaries even further.
Engineering Excellence: Designed for Extreme Conditions
The F-150 Lightning SuperTruck is a testament to Ford’s commitment to innovation and performance. Developed in collaboration with Ford Design and STARD Advanced Research and Development, the SuperTruck boasts advanced aerodynamics and cutting-edge technology. Key features include:
- Aerodynamics: Triple-element front wing, headlight ducts, hood ducts and louvers, front dive-planes, side diffusers, rear diffuser, and multi-element rear wing, generating 6,000 kilos of downforce at 150 mph.
- Powertrain: Three STARD UHP 6-Phase Motors combined with Ultra-High Performance Li-Polymer NMC cells, delivering over 1400 horsepower.
- Braking and Suspension: Carbon ceramic brakes, Pirelli P-Zero tires on magnesium forged wheels, and a custom in-board suspension system for optimal handling and control.
A Seasoned Driver: Romain Dumas
Romain Dumas, a seasoned competitor and current overall record holder at Pikes Peak, might be behind the wheel of the SuperTruck. With nine appearances on the event and a deep understanding of the course’s challenges, Dumas is the proper selection to pilot this high-performance EV. His expertise, coupled with the advanced capabilities of the SuperTruck, sets the stage for a potentially record-breaking run.
“After a successful 2023 climb, I’m thrilled to be behind the wheel again with this team and to assist push the bounds of what an electrical vehicle can achieve on the turns of this legendary course,” said Dumas. ”In testing, the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck has surpassed my expectations, so we hope for some good weather to attempt to do something very special.”
A Tradition of Excellence
Ford’s history at Pikes Peak dates back to 1916 when a Model T accomplished the climb to the summit in 28 minutes and three seconds. Fast forward to today, and Ford continues to push the envelope with its EV technology, aiming to surpass the impressive 8 minutes 47.682 seconds record set by the SuperVan 4.2 in 2023.
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance, emphasized the importance of such difficult endeavors: “To make the perfect vehicles for our customers, our research takes us racing within the harshest and most difficult conditions – the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck is the newest example of that. Our pursuit to the highest of the mountain is charged by the commitment to make all our electric vehicles more capable, more advanced, and more exciting.”
Witness History within the Making
The 102nd running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is scheduled for June 23. Fans of high-performance EVs and motorsports enthusiasts can watch the event live free of charge on YouTube. For more details, visit the official Pikes Peak International Hill Climb website.
Stay tuned as Ford Performance and the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck aim to make history once more on America’s Mountain.
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This Article First Appeared At www.automotiveaddicts.com
