Imagine a utility vehicle faster than a Formula 1 car… It sounds unreal, but that’s exactly what the Ford SuperVan 4.2, an electric powerhouse, wanted to show.
With 2,000 horsepower and extreme aerodynamics, this extraordinary machine has recently dazzled on prestigious tracks like Top Gear’s iconic circuit, outpacing cars specifically designed for speed.
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Mind-blowing performance for a utility vehicle
The SuperVan 4.2 is no ordinary van. Built on a tubular chassis, it’s powered by three electric motors delivering a combined 2,000 horsepower. Add to that slick tires and aerodynamics generating up to 4,400 lbs of downforce at 149 mph. The result? Road-holding capabilities that bring it closer to a Formula 1 car than a regular transport vehicle.
During its latest test on Top Gear’s track, piloted by the infamous Stig, the SuperVan completed a lap in 1 minute and 5.3 seconds, securing third place among the fastest vehicles ever timed on this circuit. With this lap time, Ford has simply set the record for the fastest lap by an electric vehicle. It beat giants like the McLaren 720S GT3X and the Pagani Zonda R, true race cars. The current track record is held by the iconic Renault F1 R24, the very car driven by Alonso and Trulli in 2004. Even 20 years later, the performance of this legendary single-seater remains unmatched by modern hypercars.
A legendary journey so far
The SuperVan 4.2 has been setting benchmarks since its debut in 2023. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, it conquered the famous hill climb in a record-breaking 43.98 seconds. A few months later, it shone at Pikes Peak under the expert hands of Romain Dumas, securing an impressive second place on this notoriously challenging course. In 2024, this unique vehicle made waves again by setting a new record at the legendary Bathurst circuit in Australia. With every outing, this electric monster continues to prove that innovation and performance can coexist—even in something as unconventional as a utility van.
Electric power at the cutting edge
The SuperVan 4.2 is a testament to Ford‘s commitment to exploring new frontiers, blending cutting-edge technology with bold design. This project shows that electric vehicles aren’t just clean—they can be incredibly fast. The secret to its performance lies in its 882-lb weight reduction compared to its predecessor, bringing its total weight to approximately 3,968 lbs. Its body, inspired by the Ford Transit Custom, is optimized for aerodynamics while sporting a distinctly futuristic design. True, you won’t get the visceral thrill of a roaring V8 engine inside, but the stopwatch doesn’t lie… The SuperVan 4.2 isn’t just a show of force—it’s a glimpse into the future of electric mobility and competition.
This article delves into the incredible performance of the Ford SuperVan 4.2 on Top Gear’s track, its record-breaking feats on iconic circuits, and its role as a showcase for electric innovation. This vehicle proves that limits are meant to be broken—even for a utility van.
Images: © Ford
