Ford has something special in store for this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb: a heavily modified version of its all-electric pickup truck, the F-150 Lightning. And this demonstrator model promises to channel the spirit of Ford’s bonkers SuperVan that recently broke a few records at Australia’s Bathurst circuit.
So far, the Detroit carmaker has divulged minimal information about the concept pickup truck, offering only a photo and a brief video teasing it concealed under a veil. However, we can see that the truck will bear an illuminated Ford emblem in classic script.
It also looks like it will have impressive aerodynamic elements, including a massive rear wing. That is to be expected from racecars that run at the Pikes Peak hill climb. The Colorado event’s high altitude and low air density require exaggerated aerodynamic elements.
Read: Ford’s 1,400-HP SuperVan 4.2 Sets Lap Record At Mount Panorama
That same low air density means that electric vehicles are well suited to the event. Near the top of the mountain, internal combustion vehicles lose power as they struggle to get enough air to feed their combustion cycles.
Ford also boasts prior experience at the event, having competed with its SuperVan last year. This electric vehicle, which recently set a lap record at Australia’s Mount Panorama, is propelled by three electric motors generating a formidable 1,400 hp (1,044 kW/1,419 PS) when combined.
At the 2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the SuperVan was driven by event veteran Romain Dumas, who set a time of 8:47.682, and nearly set the fast lap that year. Ford’s goal for 2024 has not yet been set, but it will likely seek to improve over its previous performance.
Unfortunately, Ford has not yet disclosed the power output of the F-150 Lightning set to tackle Pikes Peak. However, it has revealed that the truck will enter the competition as No. 150. Qualifying sessions for the event are scheduled from June 18 to 20, with the hill climb itself occurring on June.