The Pikes Peak International Hill Climbone of the most iconic and challenging competitions in world motorsports, will see a new technological marvel this year: the Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck.
Ford Performance returns to this legendary mountain with its latest electric creation, ready to demonstrate the power and innovation that characterize the brand.
The Pikes Peak Race, known for its dangerous curves and extreme changes in altituderequires vehicles that are not only powerful, but also extremely precise and reliable.
The F-150 Lightning SuperTruck has been developed in collaboration with Ford Design and STARD Advanced Research and Development, specifically to address these conditions.
The SuperTruck’s advanced design includes optimized aerodynamics that generate 6,000 pounds of downforce at 150 mphallowing exceptional grip and stability in the most treacherous corners.
The propulsion system of the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck is composed of three 6-phase STARD UHP motors and Ultra-High Performance Li-Polymer NMC cellswhich together generate more than 1,400 horsepower.
This incredible power allows the SuperTruck to not only compete, but potentially surpass record times set in previous years.
The engineering behind the SuperTruck focuses on maximizing efficiency and performance, which is reflected in its aerodynamic components and sophisticated suspension system.
The exterior design of the F-150 Lightning EV It is carefully planned to maximize aerodynamics and efficiency. It features a triple-element front wing, headlight ducts, bonnet louvers, front wings, side diffusers, a rear diffuser and a multi-element rear wing.
Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with carbon ceramic brakes, Pirelli P-Zero tires mounted on forged magnesium wheels, and a fully custom suspension system, ensuring that every aspect of the SuperTruck is optimized for maximum performance on Pikes Peak.
A legendary pilot
The choice of Romain Dumas as a SuperTruck driver it is no coincidence. Dumas, a veteran of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and current outright record holder, brings extensive experience and exceptional skills that will be crucial to the SuperTruck’s success in this competition.
This will be his ninth ascent of Pikes Peak and his second participation with Ford Performance.
Dumas expressed his excitement for this challenge: “After a successful promotion in 2023, I am excited to be behind the wheel with this team again and help push the limits of what an electric vehicle can achieve in the curves of this legendary course.”
“In the tests, The F-150 Lightning SuperTruck has exceeded my expectationsso we are waiting for good weather to try to achieve something very special,” he added.
Read also: The Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck EV Demonstrator will challenge the limits at Pikes Peak 2024
Ford’s partnership with STARD, which began with the development of the SuperVan 4.0, continues to be vital to the success of the SuperTruck. STARD is instrumental in the development and construction of the powertrain design and controls, ensuring the SuperTruck is equipped with the most advanced technology available.
Mark RushbrookGlobal Director of Ford Performance, highlighted the importance of this competition for the development of the brand’s electric vehicles: “To make the best vehicles for our customers, our research leads us to compete in the toughest and most challenging conditions – the F- “150 Lightning SuperTruck is the latest example of that.”
“Our quest for the mountaintop is driven by the commitment to make all of our electric vehicles more capable, advanced and exciting,” added Rushbrook.
Ford has a long and distinguished history on Pikes Peak, beginning in 1916 with a Model T that completed the climb to the 14,115-foot summit in 28 minutes and 03 seconds.
Since then, the brand has continued to push the boundaries of engineering and performance. This year, Ford aims to beat its own 2023 record set by the SuperVan 4.2, which completed the race in 8 minutes and 47.682 seconds.
The F-150 Lightning SuperTruck not only represents the future of Ford electric technology, but also its continued commitment to innovation and performance. With this vehicle, Ford Performance seeks to not only win at Pikes Peak, but also demonstrate the unlimited potential of electric vehicles in the most extreme conditions.
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