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Ford simply set a brand new private greatest time on the Nürburgring. But it surely wasn’t in a Mustang GTD. As an alternative, the corporate did it in its one-off “SuperVan,” an all-electric, track-only demonstrator based mostly loosely on the Transit. The time of 6:48, set by Romain Dumas, makes the van 4 seconds faster than the Mustang, rating it among the many quickest autos to lap the legendary German circuit.
It isn’t precisely truthful to check the SuperVan 4.2 to street automotive occasions, because the automotive set its lap on full racing slicks. However we’re gonna do it anyway. The time of 6:48.42 makes the Ford faster than the Corvette ZR1X, the present Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ—a former record-holder. The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Collection—one other former record-holder—is simply half a second faster than the van. The complete lap may be seen within the video beneath.
Ford says it was impressed to set a time by a now-legendary Prime Gear section, wherein the late Sabine Schmitz, a Nürburgring professional, needed to indicate simply how shortly she may lap the circuit in a lowly Transit van. Ever for the reason that episode’s authentic airing in 2005, “taking a Ford Transit to the restrict across the ‘Ring has all the time been a dream for a number of of us,” says Ford’s F1 and demo program supervisor Michael Norton.
“It wasn’t till now that we had the proper Transit, the proper driver, and the proper situations to see what may be potential,” he stated.
The SuperVan 4.2 is as excessive as Transit vans get. Although it weighs over 4,400 kilos, the quad-motor configuration used right here delivers an astonishing 2,000 horsepower. Mixed with some funky aero tips, Dumas was in a position to seize a category win at Pikes Peak in 2023.
Ford’s bought extra in retailer from the Nürburgring going ahead.
“We by no means relaxation. There’s extra to come back, not least with the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck that was additionally on the ‘Ring on the identical day,” Norton stated. “However for now, we’ll have fun this achievement, but additionally keep in mind Sabine Schmitz and her half on this superb story.”
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