American legacy automaker Ford, through its motorsports division Ford Performance, has just teased a new F-150 Lightning-based electric SuperTruck for the upcoming Pikes Peak race.
Ford to compete again in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
Ford will once again participate in the annual automobile hillclimb to the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado to help bolster its electric powertrain R&D, according to the press release. This time, it will bring the new F-150 Lightning SuperTruck to showcase its electric vehicle technology muscle.
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, dubbed “The Race to the Clouds,” is currently one of the most intense hill climbs in the world. It occurs in Colorado, consisting of a 12.42 mi (29.99 km) trek uphill and 156 turns. Participants climb an astounding 4,720 ft to reach the 14,115 ft summit.
Romain Dumas will wear the No. 150 as the driver of the Ford SuperTruck for the qualifying run in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from June 18 to 20. The Hill Climb will kick off on June 23.
In hindsight, Dumas achieved a new record of 7:57.148 when he drove a Volkswagen ID.R in 2018.
Video teaser showcases massive wing, aerodynamic upgrades for electric pickup
As you can see in the video teaser below, the new F-150 Lightning SuperTruck sports several performance upgrades. Some of these features include a huge rear wing and a new rear diffuser.
As the name suggests, the model is based on its popular electric pickup. However, Ford Performance modified it to improve the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck’s power and aerodynamics.
Notably, the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck will mark the second time Ford tested a new electric vehicle at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. In 2023, the 1,400 HP Ford Electric SuperVan 4.2 reached a new class record in 8:47.682.
Rolling laboratories bolster EV development
Ford emphasized that bringing test electric vehicles at “America’s Mountain” Pikes Peak enables it to “push the boundaries of EV powertrains in the most extreme conditions.”
Ford’s Performance team then leverages the insights and realizations it gained to improve Ford’s production of EV models further.
Ford even describes these demonstrators as “performance-minded rolling laboratories” because they aid the development of key components like motors, inverters, and battery packs for electric vehicles.
The American legacy automaker cited the SuperVan, Mustang Cobra Super Jet 1800, and the Mustang Mach-E 1400 as its other rolling labs, which are already helping its battery management systems development.
