Ford’s Modified Mustang Mach-E Tackles Pikes Peak Challenge
▼ Summary
– The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a historic 12.42-mile race that tests vehicle speed and agility, with electric cars excelling due to high-altitude advantages.
– Ford has dominated the event for the past two years with high-performance electric demonstrators like the SuperVan 4.2 and F-150 Lightning SuperTruck.
– This year, Ford introduces the Super Mustang Mach-E, featuring a ground-up redesign, 1,400+ horsepower, and extreme downforce for improved performance.
– The Super Mustang Mach-E incorporates advanced tech like carbon brakes, lightweight materials, and regenerative braking to tackle the challenging course.
– Ford uses Pikes Peak as a testing ground, with innovations from the race directly influencing future production EVs, including battery and thermal management systems.
Ford’s high-performance electric Mustang Mach-E is gearing up to dominate the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, continuing the automaker’s winning streak at one of motorsport’s most grueling challenges. Known as the “Race to the Clouds,” this 12.42-mile course climbs 4,720 feet with 156 treacherous turns, testing both driver skill and engineering excellence.
Electric vehicles have a distinct advantage at Pikes Peak due to their immunity to altitude-induced power loss, a hurdle for traditional combustion engines. Ford has claimed victory for the past two years with its radical electric demonstrators, first the 2,000-horsepower SuperVan 4.2, followed by the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck. Now, the spotlight shifts to the Super Mustang Mach-E, a purpose-built electric racer designed to push boundaries even further.
Unlike its predecessors, this year’s contender represents a complete redesign from the ground up. Zach Burns, Ford’s F1 and EV demonstration program engineer, describes it as a “ground-up exercise,” featuring a new suspension, full aerodynamic overhaul, and carbon brakes. The most striking element? A massive rear wing engineered to generate 6,900 pounds of downforce at 150 mph, a figure rivaling top-tier racing prototypes.
Power comes from three STARD UHP 6-Phase motors delivering over 1,400 horsepower, fed by a 50kWh ultra-high-performance battery pack. The setup operates at 799V, shedding 260 pounds compared to last year’s entry while boosting regenerative braking to an impressive 710kW. Forged magnesium wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tires ensure grip through every hairpin turn on the ascent to 14,115 feet.
French racing legend Romain Dumas will pilot the Super Mustang Mach-E, marking his third Pikes Peak attempt with Ford. The car bears race number 310, symbolizing his tenth overall run at the event. But beyond bragging rights, Ford emphasizes that lessons from these extreme builds directly influence future production EVs, particularly in battery technology, thermal management, and high-performance electric drivetrains.
The 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb takes place on June 22nd, where Ford aims to secure a historic third consecutive win. If successful, the Super Mustang Mach-E won’t just conquer the mountain, it could redefine what’s possible for electric performance vehicles.
(Source: The Verge)
