Janhavi Ghanekar
Romain Dumas drove SuperTruck at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which broadcast on Gran Turismo. This was Ford’s second consecutive year competing in the Hill Climb with an electric vehicle demonstration, followed by the record-breaking performance of SuperVan 4.2 in 2023.
Dumas created history at the 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, winning his fifth title.
“In testing, the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck has surpassed my expectations, so we are hoping for some good weather to try and do something very special.” said Dumas before the Hill Climb.
Ford Performance makes a second appearance on America’s mountain in the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck, a brand-new electric demonstrate truck. The project builds on the success of using SuperVan 4.2 to set many records in the 2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
This vehicle was built in partnership with Ford Design and STARD Advanced Research and Development to withstand the tough Pikes Peak conditions. Its groundbreaking aerodynamics generate 6,000 pounds of downforce that is at 150 mph, and the electric engines are optimized for peak performance.
STARD is contributing to the invention and manufacturing of the SuperTruck’s powertrain design and controls, building on the cooperation that began with SuperVan 4.0. For the 102nd running of the Pikes Peak International Hill climb, SuperTruck’s powertrain will consist of three STARD UHP 6-Phase Motors and Ultra-High Performance Li-Polymer NMC cells, generating 1,600-plus horsepower output.
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The engine is far from the most radical aspect of this Pikes Peak racer, as is clear from a quick glance. The truck has a completely customed aero package adjusted for the race, including a big triple-element front split and the widest wing we’ve ever seen on a truck. The contoured body sides appear like they’d fit aboard a prototype racer, emphasizing how amazing a single-cab electric vehicle would be.
To maximize aerodynamics, the F-150 Lightning EV demonstration features headlight ducts, hood ducts and louvers, rear dive planes, side diffusion devices, rear diffusion devices, and a multi-element rear wing. It additionally features carbon ceramic brakes and Pirelli P-Zero tires mounted on magnesium forging wheels, and a fully designed in-board suspension system.
Romain Dumas, a Pikes Peak International Hill Climb veteran and current overall record holder, piloted the SuperTruck in his ninth and second outing with Ford Performance. Dumas’ skills and experience make him an excellent candidate to operate this unique vehicle.
Since 1916, Ford automobiles have conquered Pikes Peak, beginning with a Model T car that reached the 14,115-foot peak in 28 minutes and 03 seconds. This year, Ford hoped to beat its own 2023 benchmark set by the SuperVan 4.2, which finished the course in 8 minutes 47.682 seconds. Unfortunately, Romain Dumas drove the EV demonstrator up America’s Mountain in 8 minutes and 53 seconds, causing a 6-second difference from the previous year.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb was held on June 23, 2024. You can watch the race day’s activities for free on YouTube using the URL provided below.
