Supervan Conquers Mount Panorama and Sets New Speed Benchmark
The all-electric Ford Performance SuperVan 4.2 continues its streak of dominance, clinching yet another record as the fastest closed-wheel vehicle to lap Mount Panorama in Australia. This remarkable feat marks the second speed record achieved by the van in recent months.
At the 2024 Thrifty Bathurst 500 held last weekend, driver Romain Dumas showcased exceptional skill, guiding the SuperVan 4.2 around the 3.85-mile circuit in an astonishing 1:56.32 minutes. Transitioning through the Mountain and Conrad straights, the van clocked speeds exceeding 186 mph.
This achievement surpasses the previous record of 1:56:61, set just a week prior by an unrestricted Mercedes-AMG GT3 race car during the Bathurst 12 Hours, as reported by The Drive. Notably, the SuperVan 4.2 also secures the title of the quickest electric and commercial vehicle to navigate the track.
Despite its name, the SuperVan 4.2 resembles more of an extra tall race car than a conventional van. Apart from its side profile, everything from its lightweight construction to its modified chassis is meticulously crafted to optimize performance. Its powertrain, comprising three electric motors generating a combined 1,400 hp, draws power from a liquid-cooled 50-kWh battery pack.
While there are currently no production plans for the SuperVan, elements of its design and insights gained during its development are expected to influence forthcoming Ford EVs. Andrew Birkic, CEO of Ford Australia, emphasized this notion, stating that lessons learned from the SuperVan’s exploits will directly inform the brand’s future electric road cars.
“Future products that customers drive on our roads will carry a little spirit of Mount Panorama within them,” remarked Birkic.
The SuperVan’s penchant for setting speed records is undeniable. In November of last year, it clinched the Open Class competition lap record at the Pike’s Peak Hill Climb, with Dumas once again at the helm. Clocking a remarkable time of 8:47:68 minutes over the 12.5-mile course, the van shattered the previous record by over half a minute.
With each record-breaking performance, the SuperVan cements its status as a formidable force in the realm of electric vehicles, showcasing innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the track.
Article by AutomotiveWoman.com Editor, Juliana Chiovitti, aka @AutomotiveWoman online
IMAGES: Ford Performance + Ford Media || Video Credit: CarBuzz Extra
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