Automotive
Ford just pulled off something wildly unexpected at the Nürburgring. The Transit SuperVan 4.2, a radical electric prototype that only faintly resembles its workhorse namesake, charged through the 12.9-mile Green Hell in a blistering 6 minutes and 48.393 seconds. That time makes it the fastest van to ever lap the track and the ninth fastest vehicle overall to do so.
Romain Dumas, a veteran behind the wheel of many EV record attempts, piloted the machine. During the run, the SuperVan reached an astonishing top speed close to 262 mph, proving this is far from your average delivery vehicle. It even outran lap times set by serious performance machines like the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, as well as Ford’s own Mustang GTD.
This record wasn’t just about taking bragging rights back from Chevrolet after the ZR1’s recent lap-time success. It was more about showing the world what Ford’s electric engineering team can accomplish when it breaks free from convention. The SuperVan program has always been used as a test platform for new ideas, pushing the limits of electric propulsion, aerodynamics, and chassis development. Ford views it as a proving ground for technology that will eventually find its way into future production EVs.
The SuperVan name has a long and quirky history that dates back to the early 1970s. It began as a novelty concept, essentially a powerful engine dropped into a van shell. Over time, it evolved into something more serious and cutting edge. The latest version, SuperVan 4.2, debuted in 2023 with a three-motor all-wheel-drive system delivering over 2,000 horsepower. It features a lightweight chassis, motorsport-grade suspension, and a dramatically enhanced aerodynamic profile. Development efforts focused on shedding unnecessary weight and improving energy efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Before this standout Nürburgring performance, the SuperVan 4.2 had already made headlines. It became the fastest electric and commercial vehicle to lap Australia’s Mount Panorama and turned heads with a strong showing at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, again with Dumas behind the wheel.
Ford has not said whether it plans more record attempts with this EV monster, but what is certain is that Chevrolet has no real answer in this category. The absence of a high-performance electric van in GM’s lineup means Dumas’s SuperVan lap is likely to remain unchallenged for quite some time.
Fittingly, Ford also paid tribute to Nürburgring legend Sabine Schmitz, who once famously said she could beat most drivers around the track in a Transit van. This record-setting run feels like the ultimate homage to her fearless spirit.
The SuperVan 4.2 is not headed for showrooms, and that’s not the point. What it does represent is far more exciting. It is a bold statement about how thrilling and capable the future of electric performance can be when imagination meets engineering.
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Darryl Taylor Dowe is a seasoned automotive professional with a proven track record of leading successful ventures and providing strategic consultation across the automotive industry. With years of hands-on experience in both business operations and market development, Darryl has played a key role in helping automotive brands grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. His insight and leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted expert, and his contributions to Automotive Addicts reflect his deep knowledge and passion for the business side of the car world.
