Ford is about to make a return to the Pikes Peak Worldwide Hill Climb with an electrical automobile, aiming for one more notable EV efficiency on this prestigious race.
The automaker introduced on Thursday that it could discipline a singular demonstrator primarily based on the Mustang Mach-E for the 2025 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, which is scheduled for late June. This follows Ford’s earlier EV entries, together with demonstrators primarily based on the F-150 Lightning pickup and the Transit van in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Whereas Ford has not disclosed particular particulars concerning the Mach-E-based automobile, will probably be pushed by Romain Dumas, who additionally piloted each prior demonstrators—the Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck and the SuperVan 4.2 in 2023. Dumas is the present report holder at Pikes Peak, having set a formidable general time of seven:57.148 within the Volkswagen ID.R in 2018.
Although Dumas was unable to beat his personal report in 2024, he did obtain the quickest time in final yr’s occasion, clocking in at 8:53.533 within the extraordinary SuperTruck. This automobile boasted a staggering 1,600-horsepower propulsion system mixed with superior aerodynamics that offered roughly 6,000 kilos of downforce at 150 mph, aiding grip on the difficult highway resulting in the 14,115-foot summit.
The 12.5-mile race course is mostly a public highway with a considerably low pace restrict for the remainder of the yr.
Electrical autos have been gaining traction at Pikes Peak, gaining an edge over conventional inside combustion engines as a result of high-altitude setting. The thinner air at elevation diminishes the ability of those engines, whereas electrical motors stay unaffected.
Though closed-course data could not resonate with on a regular basis automotive patrons, participation in racing enhances automotive enthusiasm and cultivates a positive picture for EVs amongst fans who regard automobiles as greater than mere transportation. With Pikes Peak showcasing the aggressive capabilities of EVs in opposition to gasoline-powered autos, Ford goals to take care of this momentum in 2025.
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