Ford's wild 1,400-horsepower electric SuperVan will tackle the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Cargo vans aren’t top of mind when it comes to choosing a performance platform, but they’ve been used with great success in racing series for years, including the famed Dajiban races in Japan. Ford took the format to a new level awhile back with its electric SuperVan, and the automaker has big plans for this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

The SuperVan 4.2 is an evolution of the EV with a unique setup for hill climb events. Ford said the new aero design generates up to 4,400 pounds of downforce at 150 mph, and the numerous spoilers and wings are made from lightweight carbon fiber. Further weight reduction came from cutting the number of electric motors from four to three and changing the batteries to a lithium-polymer pouch cell.

Cutting weight didn’t mean cutting power, as the van’s trio of electric motors generate 1,400 horsepower, and Ford updated the van’s regenerative braking system with carbon ceramic discs. Magnesium forged wheels, and Pirelli P Zero race tires accompany new driveshafts for traction, and the interior was further cleaned up for weight savings.