Ford SuperVan 4.2 Sets Mount Panorama Lap Record
The Ford SuperVan 4.2 etched its name into the annals of motorsport history at Mount Panorama during the Thrifty Bathurst 500 event, solidifying its position as the apex predator among closed-wheel vehicles.
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Piloted by the skilled hands of Romain Dumas, the SuperVan 4.2 blazed across the legendary racetrack, clocking a mesmerizing lap time of 1:56.3247. With speeds soaring beyond the 300 km/h mark on both the daunting Mountain Straight and the fabled Conrod Straight, the SuperVan 4.2 left onlookers awestruck and competitors in its wake.
Mark Rushbrook, the esteemed Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports, underscored the magnitude of this accomplishment, emphasizing the sheer dedication and expertise required to rewrite the lap record books at Mount Panorama. Reflecting on the monumental feat, Romain Dumas remarked on the distinct challenges posed by Mount Panorama, a stark departure from the rugged terrain of Pikes Peak where the SuperVan 4.2 had previously conquered all.
1 471 kW from a van? That is the Ford Electric SuperVan
The SuperVan 4.2, a true anomaly in the realm of racing, stands as a testament to innovation and engineering prowess. Towering over conventional race cars and tipping the scales at nearly 1 800 kg, this electric powerhouse defies convention at every turn. Sriram Pakkam, the meticulous Manager of Formula 1 and EV demonstrators at Ford Performance, shed light on the tireless efforts undertaken by the SuperVan team to hone its performance to perfection. With each passing session at Mount Panorama, strategic adjustments and relentless determination propelled the SuperVan 4.2 closer to its zenith.
Andrew Birkic, the President and CEO of Ford Australia, exuded pride as he reflected on the momentous achievement of the SuperVan 4.2 at Mount Panorama. For Australian race fans, witnessing the SuperVan 4.2’s triumphant laps was akin to witnessing history in motion. Birkic emphasized that the invaluable insights gleaned from the SuperVan’s endeavors would serve as the cornerstone for future innovations in Ford’s electric road car lineup, ensuring that the spirit of Mount Panorama
