Last year, Ford took its electric “SuperVan” up the hill at Pikes Peak; this time around, they’re upping the stakes with a souped-up version of the F-150 Lightning dubbed the “SuperTruck.” But don’t worry, we won’t spoil the surprise – except to say that it comes equipped with an enormous spoiler?
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, affectionately dubbed the “Race to the Clouds,” marks its 102nd anniversary with an annual competition. Racers from around the world converge to tackle the daunting 12.42-mile climb, driven by the pursuit of achieving a coveted record-breaking time.
As a storied and iconic annual racing event, Pikes Peak’s tradition of hosting thrilling competitions continues to evolve with the times, incorporating increasingly innovative electric elements. For the first time ever, an Acura ZDX BEV served as the official pace car to conquer the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak.
Hyundai is highlighting various features at this year’s event with its innovative IONIQ 5 models. Last year, Ford’s Performance division achieved a notable feat when they modified their E-Transit van to conquer Pikes Peak, dubbing it the “SuperVan”.
This year, Ford leveraged its innovative approach by applying the same strategy to its F-150 Lightning EV and dubbed it the “SuperTruck”. After weeks of anticipation, the electric racing truck finally took center stage at Pikes Peak on March 1, 2024, with its futuristic design unveiled for all to see.
Upon its formal unveiling by Ford, the vehicle’s design diverges significantly from its conventional passenger counterparts. Have a gander.
The Ford F-150 SuperTruck conquers the treacherous Pikes Peak course with ease.
Ford Efficiency, leveraging data gathered from its SuperVan at Pikes Peak last year, aims to establish a habit of doing so with the aid of battery-electric vehicle technology and a new racing car, the F-150 SuperTruck.
Ford collaborated with its design team and STARD to develop the F-150 SuperTruck, a Battery Electric Vehicle touted by the manufacturer for its exceptional efficiency. While the custom-made Lightning truck may appear unconventional compared to its passenger counterpart commonly spotted on urban roads, Notwithstanding this, the lesson teaches superior aerodynamics principles, capable of producing an impressive 6,000 kilograms of downforce at speeds of 240 kilometres per hour.
Propelled by a trifecta of advanced STARD UHP 6-Part Motors and Extremely Excessive Efficiency Li-Polymer NMC cells, the truck generates a staggering combined output of more than 1400 horsepower. Distinctive styling elements include a three-part front airfoil, headlight inlets, hood vents, and mesh inserts; angular side skirts; lower and upper rear diffusers, and a complex, multi-component rear spoiler.
The magnesium-cast alloy wheels boast high-performance credentials, equipped with carbon-ceramic brake pads that work in harmony with Pirelli’s advanced P-Zero tires, all of which are complemented by a bespoke in-board suspension setup uniquely tailored to optimize handling and control.
Ford has revealed that Romain Dumas, a seasoned driver with experience in the challenging Pikes Peak hill climb, where he holds the record, is set to drive the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck? Dumas discussed this year’s ascent with the Ford Performance team, outlining their expectations for the endeavor.
As I reflect on our successful 2023 campaign, I’m delighted to reunite with this team and drive innovation forward by unlocking the full potential of electric vehicles on this iconic track’s twists and turns. During rigorous testing, the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck has consistently exceeded our expectations, prompting us to seek favorable weather conditions to conduct a specific evaluation.
This year, Ford is aiming to surpass its own record, set by the SuperVan 4.2, which achieved a time of 8:47.682 seconds in 2023. The 102nd annual Pikes Peak World Wide Hill Climb takes place on June 23, 2024.
