Ford’s electric Transit racer has undergone some changes since its initial concept reveal. While the SuperVan 4 originally featured four motors, Ford has now opted for three, citing reduced weight and improved aerodynamics. As the boxy electric racer gears up for the Pikes Peak challenge, Ford has unveiled the modified van, highlighting the significant alterations made since its previous appearance.
The most obvious of those tweaks is to the color scheme, which is far more eye-catching than the old predominantly white garb, but there are far more important differences on and under the skin that earn this Transit its SuperVan 4.2 name, including some colossal aero devices.
SuperVan 4 already featured a front splitter, side skirts, a large rear diffuser, and a weird rear-end design that pinched the back half of the bodywork into a giant Le Mans-style fin above the waistline. But SuperVan 4 goes even wilder, upsizing all of the lower aero aids and adding a colossal double-deck rear spoiler, resulting in a total of over 4,400 lbs (1,996 kg) of downforce at 150 mph (240 km/h).
Related: 2,000-HP Ford Pro Electric SuperVan Concept Does 60 MPH In Less Than 2 Seconds
Ford Performance also made some major changes to the drivetrain that at first read seem like a backward step. Because while SuperVan 4 featured a quad-motor powertrain that pumped out a staggering 1,490 kW (1,998 hp / 2,000 PS), the new Transit makes do with only three motors and around 1,050 kW (1,408 hp / 1,428 PS).
But Ford says that reducing the motor count by one enabled it to achieve the optimum weight distribution while still delivering power to both front and rear axles (the front wheels now share the torque generated by a single motor). The suspension and running gear features carbon brake rotors, magnesium forged wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero race tires, and upgraded driveshafts, and Ford has added a Perspex screen and removed every piece of unnecessary weight it could to help gun-for-hire Romain Dumas get up the hill as fast as possible.
Ford doesn’t speculate on what kind of time SuperVan 4.2 might achieve this weekend, but Ford Performance’s Mike Norton seems to think it’ll be remembered for more than its bright color scheme. “I believe our run times on the mountain will be worth tuning in for,” the WRC Program Supervisor said.
