The legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is on again and Ford Performance will contest the 102nd edition in a Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck EV.
Following on from its successful stint with the SuperVan 4.2 in which multiple records were set, the new F-150 Lightning SuperTruck was designed in conjunction with Ford Design together with STARD Advanced Research and Development.
Changes between Ford Performance’s two iterations include advance d aerodynamics generating 6000 pounds of downforce at 150mph featuring optimised electric motors for peak performance.
The powertrain of the SuperTruck features three STARD UHP 6-Phase Motors and Ultra-High Performance Li-Polymer NMC Cells to produce 1400+ horsepower output.
A wild powertrain is matched by the exterior consisting of a triple-element front wing, headlight ducts, hood ducts and louvres, front dive-planes, side and rear diffusers, and multi-element rear wing.
Carbon ceramic brakes, Pirelli P-Zero tyres on forged magnesium forged wheels and a fully custom in-board suspension system.
Le Mans winner Romain Dumas has the honours of driving the SuperTruck at Pikes Peak making his ninth appearance and is the current overall record holder.
“After a successful 2023 climb, I’m thrilled to be behind the wheel again with this team and to help push the limits of what an electric 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 are hoping for some good weather to try and do something very special.”
Global Director of Ford Performance, Mark Rushbrook explained the target of this program is to enhance the development of electric technology.
“To make the best vehicles for our customers, our research takes us racing in the harshest and most challenging conditions – the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck is the latest example of that,” said Rushbrook.
“Our pursuit to the top of the mountain is charged by the commitment to make all our electric vehicles more capable, more advanced, and more exciting.”
Ford has contested Pikes Peak since 1916 when the Model T climbed the 14,115 ft summit on dirt in 28m 3s, while on the part-tarmac course the SuperVan completed it in 8m 47.682s.
The 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is due to commence on June 23.
