Ford Efficiency is returning to the Pikes Peak Worldwide Hill Climb in 2024, however this time it isn’t bringing a van. It is going to compete within the 102nd version of the occasion with a heavily-modified F-150 Lightning that appears a lot decrease and significantly vast than the inventory mannequin.
Whereas the thought of coming into a pickup truck in a serious hill climb would possibly sound odd, we’re not speaking a few run-of-the-mill F-150 Lightning. The preview picture printed by Ford Efficiency exhibits the define of a truck that appears extra like a race automobile than like one thing you’d take to House Depot. There’s not a lot in the way in which of floor clearance, and we predict we spot an enormous, wrap-around rear wing by way of the quilt.
Technical particulars have not been launched, we do not even know what the drivetrain’s format is, however we’re anticipating fairly insane figures. For context, Ford entered a closely modified Transit van known as SuperVan within the 2023 version of the Race to the Clouds. It was powered by three electrical motors that developed a mixed output of 1,400 horsepower, and it was fitted with a physique package designed particularly for the race.
Past the moment torque, working an electrical automobile within the Pikes Peak hill climb gives a serious benefit: an electrical motor is not affected by altitude adjustments. The course begins at about 9,400 ft and takes opponents to the summit, which is at round 14,100 ft, so groups racing with a gasoline-powered automobile must take this important distinction into consideration once they’re making ready their engine. Vary, charging time, and repeatability, the enemies of an electrical drivetrain throughout an extended occasion like an endurance race, are far much less essential at Pikes Peak.
Ford will launch extra particulars concerning the Pikes Peak-bound F-150 Lightning within the coming months. The qualifying days will happen from June 18 to June 20 and the race is scheduled for June 23. Ford has already revealed that its electrical truck will race with the quantity 150.
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