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The Mount Panorama Circuit witnessed a new lap record established by French racer Jules Gougon in an unrestricted Mercedes-AMG GT3 during the Bathurst 12 Hour event. Nevertheless, this achievement was eclipsed within a week by Ford’s SuperVan, piloted by Romain Dumas.
The Ford SuperVan 4.2, despite its commercial van silhouette, has undergone extensive modifications to its chassis and aerodynamics, distancing it from the typical van. It boasts an electrifying trio of motors, collectively delivering a staggering 1,400 horsepower, powered by a 50 kWh liquid-cooled battery supplied by STARD.
Aided by its modified structure and formidable electric power, the SuperVan 4.2, with Dumas at the helm, achieved a lap time of 1:56.3247 at Mount Panorama, surpassing Gougon’s by mere fractions. This effort not only claimed the record for Gougon’s lap but also set new benchmarks for electric and commercial vehicles at the circuit.
“The drive in SuperVan 4.2 exceeded 186 mph for the first time, and we pushed to the limits for the fastest lap,” Dumas commented. “Such a performance has never been seen before at Mount Panorama, especially at this speed!”
The SuperVan’s impressive new record is especially remarkable considering its substantial weight and height, which is approximately double that of a typical GT3 car. This record comes on the heels of the SuperVan 4.2 also breaking the Open Class record at Pikes Peak in November 2023.
“The insights gained from the SuperVan’s performance in Australia will directly influence Ford’s future electric road vehicles,” said Ford Australia’s President and CEO, Andrew Birkic. “Which means the spirit of Mount Panorama will be injected into the cars our customers drive.”
With this in mind, the prospect of Ford releasing electric performance vans with aggressive aerodynamics and track-ready suspensions in the near future seems more tangible.
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FAQ Section:
Q: What is the Ford SuperVan 4.2?
A: The Ford SuperVan 4.2 is a heavily modified van, equipped with three electric motors and a 50 kWh battery, designed primarily for speed and track performance, not for utility.
Q: Who drove the Ford SuperVan 4.2 to break the record?
A: Romain Dumas, a professional racing driver, was behind the wheel when the record was broken at Mount Panorama Circuit.
Q: What records did the Ford SuperVan 4.2 break?
A: It broke the overall lap record at Mount Panorama, previously held by an unrestricted Mercedes-AMG GT3 race car. It also set new records for electric vehicles and commercial vehicles at the circuit.
Q: Will the technology from the SuperVan 4.2 influence future Ford electric vehicles?
A: Yes, according to Andrew Birkic, Ford Australia’s President and CEO, the lessons learned from the SuperVan’s performance will influence the next generation of Ford’s electric road cars.
Conclusion Section:
With its groundbreaking lap at Mount Panorama, the Ford SuperVan 4.2 has not only set new records but also demonstrated the potential of electrified performance vehicles. The significance of this achievement extends beyond the racetrack, as it promises to have a transformative effect on the development of future electric vehicles for everyday consumers. Ford’s intent to incorporate the high-performance spirit of this innovative electric van into its upcoming production models is an exciting prospect for automotive enthusiasts and indicative of a more electrifying future in the industry.
