Ford Performance is once again returning to “America’s Mountain” for the 103rd running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with a brand-new electric demonstrator vehicle: the Super Mustang Mach-E. Piloting the demonstrator will be none other than Romain Dumas, current Pikes Peak overall record holder and seasoned veteran, in his third outing with Ford and tenth career start at the legendary hill climb.
The Super Mustang Mach-E demonstrator, developed in partnership with STARD Advanced Research and Development, is purpose-built to tackle the grueling 12.42-mile course and showcases the next leap forward in electric performance technology. Compared to last year’s F-150 Lightning SuperTruck entry, the Mustang Mach-E weighs less, is more nimble, has more regen ability, and features a more balanced weight distribution – a key advantage on the mountain’s twisty ascent.
“We’re continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible with electric vehicles,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance. “This Super Mustang Mach-E demonstrator represents the next stage in our electrification journey — lighter, leaner, just as powerful, and more capable in high-altitude competition.”
From Mountain to Market: Testing That Drives Innovation
Key learnings from the Super Mustang Mach-E and its Ford Performance demonstrator counterparts are actively influencing the next generation of Ford electric vehicles for production. Innovations in battery chemistry, thermal management, and high-performance electric drive units tested under extreme stress at Pikes Peak are directly informing future consumer models, electric vehicle calibration strategies, and even brake system development.
“Racing is our test bed,” added Rushbrook. “Every data point we gather on the mountain helps us build better electric vehicles for our customers — whether it’s maximizing power delivery, improving regen strategies, or managing heat in extreme elevation changes. What we learn here goes straight into future production.”
At the heart of the Super Mustang Mach-E demonstrator are three STARD UHP 6-Phase motors producing over 1,400 horsepower, all fed by 50kWh of ultra-high-performance Li-polymer NMC pouch cells. Like last year’s entry, it operates on a voltage of 799V, but this year’s setup sheds critical weight — over 260 pounds — while delivering regenerative braking of 710kW.
The car’s carbon braking system, forged magnesium wheels, and Pirelli P-Zero tires are engineered to withstand the punishing 156 turns up to the 14,115-foot summit. In Pikes Peak trim, the Mustang Mach-E generates a staggering 6,900 lbs of downforce at 150 mph, surpassing even last year’s high-downforce configuration of the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck.
To mark Dumas’ milestone with the team, the Mustang Mach-E demonstrator will carry the official race number 310 — a nod to his third entry with Ford Performance and tenth overall run up Pikes Peak.
“After last year’s incredible run with the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck and SuperVan 4.2 before it, I’m honored to be back with Ford to take on this challenge once again,” said Dumas. “This Mach-E is a different beast and we’re excited to see what it can do on the mountain.”
This marks Ford’s third consecutive year of fielding an electric demonstrator at Pikes Peak, following the 2023 record-setting SuperVan 4.2 and the 2024 F-150 Lightning SuperTruck claiming the overall win last year. Ford’s legacy stretches back to 1916, when a Model T first conquered the climb, Ford remains committed to testing and proving the limits of performance in one of the world’s most extreme motorsport arenas.
The program continues Ford’s long-standing partnership with STARD, who remain integral to the powertrain, battery systems, and control strategy development for Ford Performance’s cutting-edge electric vehicle demonstrators.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb takes place June 22, and fans can watch the action live on YouTube. For more on the race and full entry list, visit https://ppihc.org.
