FORD

Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​2022: Ford Pro SuperVan Electric

Ford today opens the first chapter in the electrification of its legendary Supervan series with the global unveiling of the super-performing Ford Pro SuperVan Electric at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​in the UK.

The Ford Pro SuperVan Electric uses the full potential of electric propulsion performance and improved connectivity to achieve the highest-ever Ford van performance, underscoring the massive commitment to electrification that the brand is making.

Four electric motors, a 50 kWh liquid-cooled battery and a specific control system result in a power close to 2,000 hp for an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h of less than 2 seconds. The performance of a purpose-built, track-ready chassis incorporating components from the newly introduced E-Transit Custom is complemented by Ford SYNC 4 technology, with integrated cabin touchscreen, inherited from road-going Ford models, as well as additional features to control the Electric SuperVan's unique capabilities.

Enhanced connectivity keeps the driver informed and enables real-time data transmission for remote vehicle management and optimized performance, as well as integrated services that can accelerate the productivity of more than 125,000 Ford Pro customers across Europe. Selectable driving modes and regenerative braking technologies, similar to current production Ford electric vehicles, are also present.

The impressive 100% electric demo vehicle was developed in secret by the global Ford Performance team and by STARD, an Austrian company specializing in racing cars and electrified rally cars, with exterior design by the Ford Design team in Cologne, in Germany.

“We designed the SuperVan of the 21st century with 2,000hp of all-electric power, resulting in levels of adrenaline and style that are absolutely unparalleled, inspired by the new E-Transit Custom. But the level of performance isn't limited to horsepower - the SuperVan Electric's processing power allows engineers to use real-time vehicle data to optimize its performance, just like in a top-level racing car," said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance.

Ford's first SuperVan was unveiled in 1971 and featured a mid-mounted engine, taken from the Le Mans-winning Ford GT40, giving rise to a Transit Mk. 1 different from all others. The formula was taken to another level in SuperVan 2; a fiberglass version of the Transit Mk. 2 was mounted on the monocoque and the 590 hp V8 Cosworth of the Ford C100 race car. This vehicle was later reborn in the facelift of the Transit Mk.3 (SuperVan 3), equipped with a 650 hp Cosworth HB engine used by Formula 1 cars at the time.

“Ford Pro is all about accelerated productivity for our customers, so why not create a new Electric SuperVan that proves the power of electrification and connectivity,” said Hans Schep, Managing Director, Ford Pro Europe. "This incredible demo vehicle takes the advanced engineering and distinctive look of the E-Transit Custom to a new level, and is a testament to the high performance of the Ford Pro connected services ecosystem."

The Electric Ford Pro SuperVan is presented today at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where the New Generation Ford Ranger Raptor, a high-performance pickup truck, also makes its dynamic debut. Romain Dumas, championship-winning driver and expert in electric motor racing, will be in the cockpit of the Electric SuperVan to demonstrate all his skills on the famous Goodwood ramp.

Taking the E-Transit Custom to the next level...The Ford Pro SuperVan Electric is a one-of-a-kind demonstration vehicle, giving the Ford Design team complete freedom to create a vehicle with a radical look that captures attention and reflects all of its incredible high-performance capabilities. Bold fenders, muscular styling and unique paintwork contribute to a more radical expression of the Transit design, while the 100% electric powertrain gave the development team fewer restrictions in terms of design, dimensions and cooling than in a combustion engine.

“Being able to be part of the iconic SuperVan story and recreate what a 21st century SuperVan will be was a dream opportunity,” reiterated Amko Leenarts, Ford Europe Design Director. “The fourth chapter in the SuperVan story is designed to be the fastest and most radical yet, while retaining all of the Transit DNA. The proportions are a more muscular version of the concept we developed for the E-Transit Custom, and the front light bar creates a futuristic expression, making the Electric SuperVan the ultimate expression of the Transit design language.”

The demo vehicle's motorsport spec combines the E-Transit Custom platform with a steel spaceframe architecture and lightweight composite body panels. A custom-made, liquid-cooled 50 kWh battery pack is fitted to optimize weight distribution and a low center of gravity. This battery pack can be fully recharged in about 45 minutes using a standard quick charger. The driver can access charging and battery data via the touchscreen in the cabin.

Four electric motors together produce around 2,000 hp via an all-wheel drive system, enough to propel this incredible van to 100 km/h in less than 2 seconds, easily making it the fastest SuperVan ever. , as well as the most ecological.

Like any good van, the Electric SuperVan has a cargo space behind the driver; a side door facilitates loading and unloading operations, and Ford is developing an electromagnetic safety opening system controlled via the SYNC screen.

An array of onboard cameras allows audiences around the world to immerse themselves directly in the action during the SuperVan's impressive on-track appearances. As with the Ford E-Transit, the driver can reproduce the images captured by the cameras on the cabin screen, and switch between them in order to position the vehicle.

The influence of Ford Performance and STARD Motorsport is fully visible; the imposing front diffuser, the side skirts and the rear diffuser would form part of the aerodynamics of a racing car, while at the rear the cutouts and dorsal fin form a radical effect and flow to the rear wing in order to generate downforce and 'collar'. ' the Electric SuperVan to the track for added grip.

The racing influence continues under the bodywork, with asymmetrical double wishbone suspension on both axles. Front and rear subframes, vertical elements and brakes provide braking and steering capability to match tremendous directional stability in a straight line.

Data to accelerate performance and productivity...The interior of the Ford Pro SuperVan Electric includes a full safety bow and racing seats in accordance with FIA safety standards, as well as a large SYNC touchscreen inherited directly from the models. Current production Fords, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which ensure control of advanced connectivity and information systems. If necessary, drivers can take a break from driving the Electric SuperVan on lanes or ramps to set a course, find a charging station, connect to WiFi and make phone calls - all via the SYNC touchscreen.

The touchscreen also allows control of selectable driving modes, which adapt the Electric SuperVan's torque mappings and regenerative braking, controlling the systems response in line with different driving scenarios:

Road - for the rare cases of 'normal' driving

Track - to balance speed and cornering behavior on the track, with competition slick tires

Drag - for maximum acceleration on drag strips, using radial tires for drag racing.

Drift - for spectacular drifting tricks, agility demonstrations and snow driving

Rally - for optimal performance in Rally Specials on asphalt and dirt, using special tires

The performance improvement results from the adoption of an electronic systems package that includes traction control, launch control, pit-lane speed limiter and three-phase regenerative braking to return energy to the battery, a function similar to the L-Mode on the E- transit At low speeds, ECO Mode keeps the engines at optimum efficiency, sets regenerative braking to maximum level and deactivates the transmission on the rear axle. To reach maximum speed, the E-Boost button activates the temporary increase in power and torque, within reach of the driver's fingertips.

A Tire Cleaning Mode can provide spectacular driving moments; This new feature completely locks out one axle while keeping the other active, creating impressive burnouts on the front or rear axles, which helps to clean and warm up the tires before performance demonstrations.

Just like a modern race car - and Ford vans tireless at work - the Electric SuperVan can send real-time data to remote vehicle management software. Companies can use Ford Pro E-Telematics or FordPass Pro to monitor the health and safety of their fleet; likewise, Ford Performance track engineers can monitor the Electric SuperVan through dedicated management software, which translates real-time data into information about speed, lap times and vehicle systems.

In addition to demonstrating Ford's advanced know-how in electric vehicles and connectivity systems, the Electric SuperVan is also a high-speed science experiment. Its demanding driving scenarios and unrestricted design concept allow Ford to push the boundaries of engineering and connectivity for electric vehicles to improve its future race cars and road models, the software and services offered.

Autonews