In an unexpected turn of events, Ford's experimental electric van has demonstrated extraordinary performance on the renowned Nürburgring track, eclipsing the lap time set by its high-performance Mustang GTD. This achievement underscores the evolving capabilities of electric powertrains and innovative vehicle design in motorsport. The specially engineered van, a testament to Ford's ambitious engineering, proved that conventional vehicle categories are no barrier to record-breaking speed when equipped with formidable power and aerodynamic mastery. This accomplishment not only highlights the vehicle's impressive engineering but also pays homage to a long-standing aspiration within Ford to push the boundaries of what a van can achieve on the track.
The vehicle in question is the Ford SuperVan 4.2, an all-electric, one-off demonstrator loosely based on the Transit platform. Piloted by the seasoned driver Romain Dumas, it completed a scorching lap in 6 minutes and 48 seconds, besting the Mustang GTD's time by a significant four seconds. While the SuperVan 4.2 utilizes full racing slicks, making a direct comparison to road-legal vehicles somewhat unconventional, its performance still positions it ahead of numerous celebrated track machines, including the Corvette ZR1X, the latest Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and even the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, a former record holder. Remarkably, it was only half a second slower than the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, another car that once held the Nürburgring record.
This ambitious endeavor was reportedly sparked by an iconic 2005 episode of *Top Gear*, where the late Nürburgring expert Sabine Schmitz showcased the unexpected speed of a Transit van on the circuit. This inspired a long-held dream among Ford's F1 and demo program managers, including Michael Norton, to truly push a Transit-based vehicle to its limits on the 'Ring. Norton affirmed that the convergence of the right vehicle, the right driver, and optimal conditions finally allowed them to realize this dream.
The SuperVan 4.2 is far from an ordinary commercial vehicle. Despite its hefty curb weight of over 4,400 pounds, it boasts a quad-motor configuration generating an astounding 2,000 horsepower. This immense power, coupled with sophisticated aerodynamic enhancements, enabled Dumas to secure a class victory at Pikes Peak in 2023, showcasing its versatility and extreme performance capabilities beyond a single track. Ford's dedication to pushing the envelope in high-performance electric vehicles is evident, with further groundbreaking developments anticipated from their Nürburgring testing, including the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck.
This extraordinary feat by the Ford SuperVan 4.2 not only redefines expectations for electric vehicles but also honors the spirit of innovation and the pursuit of speed, reminding us of the unexpected potentials when engineering ingenuity meets a daring vision. The remarkable time set on the Nürburgring serves as a compelling demonstration of Ford's advanced electric powertrain technology and its commitment to automotive innovation.