A long road trip can be a thrilling adventure, offering an opportunity to explore new places, create lasting memories, and bond with family and friends.
However, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, it’s crucial to properly prepare your car. In this article, we’ll delve into essential tips for getting your car road trip-ready, discuss safety measures to consider, and highlight some of the best cars for long journeys. With a little preparation, you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable adventure.
CAR MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION:
Before embarking on your journey, it’s essential to ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition. Schedule a thorough inspection with a trusted mechanic to examine various components of your car. For instance, checking the engine oil and filter will ensure that your engine is well-lubricated and running smoothly, while inspecting the transmission fluid will help maintain your car’s transmission system.
Similarly, checking the brake fluid and the condition of your brakes is crucial for your safety on the road. Power steering fluid, coolant levels, belts, and hoses are also important to examine to avoid any breakdowns during your trip. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to inspect your battery and charging system to prevent any electrical issues. Don’t forget to check your tires, including the spare, for adequate tread and proper inflation. Worn or improperly inflated tires can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, poor handling, and even blowouts.
Finally, make sure your wipers, wiper fluid, lights, and signals are all functioning correctly, as they play a significant role in maintaining visibility and communication with other drivers.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE AND STOPS:
Mapping out your route ahead of time can help you avoid unexpected delays or detours. Research potential stops, such as rest areas, gas stations, and attractions, to ensure you’re never caught off guard. This will also allow you to plan for regular breaks to stretch your legs, refuel, and stay refreshed during the journey. For example, if you are going with kids then stopping by some fun places like parks, playgrounds, water slide rentals and restaurants would be a great idea to keep them entertained. Additionally, having an emergency plan in place can help you stay safe during long drives through unfamiliar territory.
PACK AN EMERGENCY KIT:
Prepare for any unexpected situations by assembling an emergency kit. This should include first-aid supplies, such as bandages, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications. A flashlight with extra batteries is essential for nighttime emergencies, while jumper cables can come in handy if your battery dies. Your emergency kit should also contain items like a tire pressure gauge, tire repair kit or inflator, and basic tools to address minor roadside repairs. Pack a blanket, warm clothing, non-perishable food, and water to stay comfortable and nourished in case you’re stranded for an extended period. Finally, road flares or reflective triangles are useful for signaling your presence to other drivers in low-visibility situations.
SECURE YOUR LOAD:
Ensure all luggage and equipment are safely secured in your car or on a roof rack. Unsecured items can pose a safety risk in the event of sudden stops or accidents. Properly securing your load will also help prevent damage to your belongings and improve fuel efficiency by reducing wind resistance. Also, double-check all equipment is secure before hitting the road.
PRIORITIZE COMFORT AND ENTERTAINMENT:
Long road trips can be tiring, so it’s essential to keep everyone comfortable and entertained. Bring along items like neck pillows, blankets, and travel-friendly games or activities to keep passengers occupied during the journey. Additionally, create a playlist or download audiobooks and podcasts to make the drive more enjoyable.
SAFETY TIPS FOR A LONG ROAD TRIP
Safety should always be your top priority when driving, especially during a long road trip. Before setting off, review some essential safety tips that will help keep you and your passengers’ safe on the road.
Drive Defensively: Defensive driving involves anticipating other drivers’ movements on the road and responding accordingly. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, drive predictably, and allow plenty of space between you and other vehicles. This will help ensure everyone’s safety in any given situation.
Follow Speed Limits: Speeding is not only dangerous, but it can also lead to hefty fines and other legal repercussions. Obey speed limits in all areas, including residential and construction zones. Maintaining a consistent, safe speed is also an important factor in fuel efficiency.
Buckle Up: Always wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers buckle up as well. Set a good example for your passengers by buckling up every time you start the car, no matter how short or long the drive is.
Be Courteous to Other Drivers: Sharing the road with other drivers is just as important as following the rules of the road. Show courtesy and respect to other drivers by avoiding aggressive behavior, such as tailgating or speeding. Always signal when changing lanes or making a turn, and be mindful of traffic patterns to make sure everyone on the road is safe.
Take regular breaks: Taking regular breaks is essential for long drives. If the journey lasts several hours, plan to stop every two or three hours to stretch your legs and recharge. This will help keep you alert and aware of your surroundings, as well as giving passengers a chance to move around and get some fresh air.
Be Prepared for Emergencies: You never know when an emergency might arise, so it’s essential to be prepared. Carry a roadside emergency kit with you containing the necessary items such as a spare tire, jack, and basic tools to address minor roadside repairs. Pack a blanket, warm clothing, non-perishable food, and water to stay comfortable and nourished in case you’re stranded for an extended period. In situations with poor visibility, road flares or reflective triangles can be effective in indicating your presence to other drivers. Additionally, it’s important to have the contact information of tow truck services and roadside assistance companies readily available in case you need their help.
Plan Ahead: Lastly, it’s important to plan ahead and get plenty of rest before embarking on a long road trip. Map out an itinerary the night before, accounting for potential traffic delays or road closures. Take some time to double-check that all equipment is secure and that everyone is buckled up.
A long road trip can be an unforgettable experience, but it requires careful preparation and a focus on safety to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. By thoroughly inspecting and maintaining your car, planning your route, assembling an emergency kit, prioritizing comfort and entertainment, and adhering to safety tips, you can set the stage for a memorable adventure. Additionally, choosing a vehicle that’s well-suited for long journeys can make your trip even more enjoyable. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to hit the road and create lasting memories with your loved ones, while ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone on board.
The C27 Aérosport, built on chassis 52002, is one of the most unique and impressive cars created by Voisin.
With his extensive knowledge in aircraft, Voisin incorporated a clever combination of French curves and art deco touches to create a stunning piece of rolling sculpture.
The Aérosport’s story began in 1934 with the creation of the Aérodyne, a car that showcased Voisin’s unconventional style and unique features, including a sliding sunroof. Despite his intention to produce two dozen Aérodynes, only a few were completed.
Following the Paris Motor Show, two roadsters were built on a shortened and underslung version of the Aérodyne chassis, known as the C27. The Aérosport, chassis 52002, was the second roadster, a masterpiece with streamlined and pontoon-fended styling.
The car’s first owner, Andre Christmas, worked with Voisin to create a balanced design that was as impressive up close as it was from afar. They took the basic outline of the Aérodyne, lowered it, and added a sizable trunk space, pentagon side windows, piano-hinged doors, and ribbed aluminum accents. The Aérosport’s highlight is its sliding roof, which operates using a separate engine that works off the main engine’s vacuum. It closes directly onto the top of the windshield and offers tremendous exposure when retracted.
Inside, the car features a striking geometric pattern and ample luggage space. The Aérosport was displayed at the 1935 Geneva Motor Show, where its design was almost as intriguing as the patented Knight sleeve valve engine under the hood. This complex system replaced standard poppet valves with moving sleeves that surrounded the piston to uncover intake and exhaust ports. The result was a quieter ride and less stress on the engine at high speeds.
The Aérosport has been cared for by fortunate individuals over the years and remains largely as it did when it was first shown in 1935. It was a highlight of the Philip Moch collection in France before being acquired by the Mullin Automotive Museum.
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The Dacia Jogger range is strengthened with the availability of the Jogger HYBRID 140 – the brand’s first ever hybrid electric model
It features a 1.6-litre petrol engine, two electric motors, multi-mode transmission and a 1.2kWh battery
Up to 56.5mpg combined (WLTP), CO2 emissions of up to 112g/km and able to travel at speeds of up to 43mph on electric power alone
Battery comes with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty
Electrified drivetrain has no impact on the space of the 7-seat interior or load area
Available with a choice of two trim levels – Expression and Extreme SE
Standard specification includes automatic air conditioning, cruise control, rear parking sensors and rear parking camera, automatic headlights and wipers, blind spot warning, keyless entry, heated and electrically-adjustable door mirrors, Media Display with 8-inch touchscreen and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Innovative modular roof rails and split-folding seats with almost 60 possible configurations offer unrivalled practicality and versatility
Priced from just £22,595 on-the-road
Dacia’s famed fresh thinking and value-for-money approach has already revolutionised the 7-seat family car sector with the introduction of the Dacia Jogger, thanks to its unrivalled versatility that blends the practicality of an estate car with the spaciousness of an MPV and the styling of an SUV.
Boasting the same rugged styling and generous proportions, the Dacia Jogger HYBRID 140 – the brand’s first hybrid – introduces value-conscious families to even more impressive fuel economy, reduced emissions, and the opportunity to drive in smooth and silent all-electric mode up to 80% of the time on city roads. All without compromising cabin space, storage capacity, or Jogger’s adventurous spirit.
The Jogger HYBRID 140 is available exclusively with 7-seats and in two trim levels – Expression and Extreme SE. Both are generously equipped with automatic air conditioning, cruise control, and rear parking camera as standard, and are littered with clever touches such as Dacia’s ingenious modular roof rails.
In the interests of keeping things simple for customers, the Jogger HYBRID 140 is offered with just one option – metallic paint.
Exterior Design Based on the company’s modular CMF-B platform, the Jogger features a unique rear module that extends the car’s length to just over 4.5m, making it the longest model in the Dacia range. Key to the Jogger’s spaciousness, this extra length allows it to deliver the same level of versatility as many larger models from the segments above.
With a generous 200mm of ground clearance (unladen), a reinforced body structure, and protective body-cladding, the Jogger has been designed with an active life in mind. That ethos can be seen in the bold, wide grille, flanked by Dacia’s signature Y-shaped LED daytime running lights and headlights with LED low-beam illumination.
The vertical rear lights maximise the width of the tailgate making loading easier, while a low load sill makes accessing the Jogger’s spacious cargo area fuss-free. The Jogger’s readiness for the great outdoors continues with its innovative modular roof rails that transform in a few simple steps to accept anything from skis to mountain bikes, complete with a generous 80kg load capacity.
Expression models feature Dacia’s clever ‘Flex’ wheels which, although styled to replicate the appearance of alloy wheels, are more robust and affordable should they need to be replaced.
Alloy wheels with a stylish black finish are standard on the Extreme SE model, along with gloss black door mirrors, black shark-fin antenna, unique protective door strips, and contrasting front and rear skid plates.
There are six distinctive body colours to choose from: Glacier White, Pearl Black, Urban Grey, Dusty Khaki, Terracotta Bronze and, exclusive to HYBRID 140, Shadow Grey.
Interior Thanks to its 4.5m length and 2.9m wheelbase, the Dacia Jogger offers unrivalled interior space for a family of seven. With three full rows of seating, the Jogger can easily accommodate up to seven adults in comfort or, with the split-folding seats arranged into almost 60 possible configurations, up to 2,085 litres of cargo space.
The second-row seats offer plenty of seat height, similar to those in the front, together with generous foot- and knee-room. A simple tipping mechanism provides access to the third-row seats, made easier by longer rear doors, while an impressive 855mm of headroom and 127mm of knee-room allows two adults to sit in comfort. With all seats in place, the boot offers a useful 212-litres of storage space, rising to 699-litres with the third-row seats folded and measured to the top of the backrest. Folding the second-row seats and removing the third-row increases that further to an impressive maximum 2,085 litres, while the long boot floor (2,000mm) can easily accommodate a pram or a child’s bike without disassembly.
Dacia’s ingenious design ensures the available space can be used in any number of ways, with four lashing rings, three load hooks, and elastic straps to hold loads safely and securely. With a 12V socket and ISOFIX child-seat mounts for the outer second-row seats, the Dacia Jogger offers maximum versatility.
Fold-down tray tables (standard on Extreme SE) and cup holders for the second-row seats ensure all occupants are kept entertained, while even those in the third row have their own armrests and tilt-opening windows.
Dacia understands better than most that family life comes with plenty of paraphernalia, and so the Jogger boasts 23-litres of storage space spread conveniently throughout the cabin. A generously sized 7-litre glove box is joined by front and rear door pockets capable of holding a 1-litre bottle, with a 1.3-litre lidded storage bin within the centre console and six cup-holders.
The feeling of spaciousness is accentuated by a textile strip that runs across the dashboard, separating the driving components (instrument panel, multimedia screen) above from the easily accessible controls (air conditioning, driving aids) found below. The same textile also features on the front door armrests.
To complement its striking exterior, the interior of the Jogger Extreme SE features unique, red-stitched upholstery, unique floor mats and a protective boot tray, while its enhanced standard specification includes heated front seats, Media Nav, and tilting rear quarter glass.
Reflecting its state-of-the-art powertrain, all Jogger HYBRID 140 models are exclusively equipped with a new 7-inch digital instrument cluster.
Multimedia Two multimedia and infotainment systems are available in the Dacia Jogger HYBRID 140, both with a range of powerful connected features for busy, modern families.
Media Display delivers its audio experience through four speakers, while an 8-inch touchscreen mounted high on the dashboard is angled towards the driver for maximum visibility. The system boasts both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while a new ‘Car’ tab gives access to various ADAS and vehicle settings.
Media Nav builds upon the Media Display system with the addition of a full in-car navigation function, and an upgraded audio system with six speakers and two USB ports.
Powertrain The Dacia Jogger HYBRID 140 boasts all the advantages of the rest of the Jogger range without compromising either cabin space or storage capacity. That’s because the Jogger was designed from the outset with this latest hybrid powertrain in mind, with the traction battery easily accommodated under the floor in place of the spare wheel.
The Jogger HYBRID 140’s technology has been well tested within the Renault Group. The proven set-up sees a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with two electric motors – a 49hp traction motor and a smaller HSG (High-voltage Starter Generator) – plus an innovative multi-mode clutch-less gearbox that optimises gear changes and ensures a smooth power delivery.
This clever arrangement allows for full-electric starting, accelerating the car the instant the driver requests it, without having to use the petrol engine. In fact, the Jogger HYBRID 140 has been designed to use the electric motor to pull-away from a standstill each and every time, providing its occupants with impressively silent acceleration and rewarding the driver with its immediate response.
During normal driving, the system automatically chooses the best combination of petrol or electric power to suit the prevailing conditions, and switches between them unnoticeably. Whether that calls for zero fuel consumption driving on electric power alone, rapid acceleration with the petrol engine and electric motor working together or using the engine to both drive the wheels and recharge the battery, Dacia’s hybrid system takes care of it all leaving the Jogger HYBRID 140’s occupants to just enjoy the drive.
The system is even capable of using the electric motor to help fill-in the gaps in acceleration that naturally occur when changing gears, leading to exceptionally smooth power delivery and comfortable performance for everyone.
Power for the electric motor comes from a compact 1.2kWh 230V battery tucked away under the floor. It is recharged whenever the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator, using the electric motor as a generator to recover kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost and converting it into electricity to be fed back into the battery.
By shifting the drive selector into ‘B’ mode, the driver can choose to recuperate more energy, recharging the battery faster and increasing the braking effect.
A similar effect occurs whenever the brake pedal is pressed. At first, the braking effort comes from the regeneration system, but is joined by further mechanical braking if it is needed. Again, this is all unnoticeable to the driver.
This recovery of energy makes for an incredibly efficient drive. In fact, the Jogger HYBRID 140 can spend up to 80% of its time on city roads in full-electric mode, which equates to 40% fuel savings compared to a pure petrol model on the urban cycle.
Thanks to these savings, and the clever use of the High-voltage Starter Generator which quickly and quietly restarts the engine, allowing it to stay off for longer, the Jogger HYBRID 140 achieves up to 56.5mpg (WLTP) on the combined cycle while emitting 112g/km of CO2.
Yet despite this economy-mindedness, the Jogger HYBRID 140 is a spritely performer, travelling at speeds of up to 43mph on electric power alone, and accelerating from 0-62mph in 10.1 seconds. The sprint from 50mph to 70mph, meanwhile, takes less than 8.8 seconds.
Safety and Driving Aids All Dacia Jogger models feature six airbags, including curtain and side airbags to protect the abdomen, chest and head, as well as a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEBS) is standard across the range and uses front-mounted radar to measure the distance to the vehicles in front and warn the driver should a risk of collision be detected. If the driver fails to take avoiding action, the system can amplify or apply the brakes automatically.
Blind Spot Warning illuminates an LED light within the door mirror to warn the driver if another vehicle may be concealed from view.
Park Assist comprises ultrasonic rear sensors matched with a rear-view camera to provide both audible and visual assistance during parking manoeuvres.
Hill Start Assist prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards on a hill by holding the brakes for a period of two seconds after the driver releases their foot from the pedal.
Electronic Stability Control, automatic headlights, cruise control with speed limiter, and emergency E-call are also standard on the Jogger HYBRID 140.
UK Specifications In line with Dacia’s brand ethos of offering customer-driven essentials all for unbeatable value, the Jogger HYBRID 140 is available in a choice of two well-equipped trim levels – Expression and Extreme SE.
Priced from only £22,595, the Jogger HYBRID 140 Expression includes cruise control with speed limiter, automatic headlights and wipers, automatic air conditioning, keyless entry, height-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and electrically-adjustable door mirrors, rear parking sensors and rear parking camera, blind spot warning, and Media Display with 8-inch touchscreen and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Also included are 16-inch steel Flex wheels, body-colour door handles, Megalith Grey front and rear skid plates, 75% tinted rear windows, and Dacia’s ingenious modular roof bars.
From £23,395, the Jogger HYBRID 140 Extreme SE gains a unique outdoor-themed exterior design, plus 16-inch black alloy wheels with Extreme decals, gloss black door mirrors, and a gloss black shark-fin antenna.
Inside, the special edition benefits from Extreme SE-specific upholstery with red stitching, heated front seats, Extreme SE floor mats and boot tray, tilting rear quarter glass, fold-down seat-mounted trays for second-row passengers, and an upgraded Media Nav system with navigation, an additional USB port, and six speakers.
JOGGER HYBRID 140
EXPRESSION specificationExterior Features
16-inch Flex steel wheels
LED Y-Shaped Dacia lighting signature
Body colour front and rear bumpers
Body colour door handles
Modular roof bars
Front and rear skid plates in Megalith Grey
75% tinted rear windows
Interior Features
Titanium Black Seat Fabric
Fog Grey Air vents and interior trim
Steel Grey interior door handles
Split-folding rear bench seat back 1/3 – 2/3
Safety and Driving
Rear parking sensors
Rear parking camera
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEBS)
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) + Hill Start Assist (HAS)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Emergency Call (E-call)
Blind Spot Warning
6 Airbags (front and side driver and passengers including curtain airbags)
ISOFIX points for child seats in both outer rear seats
Three height-adjustable rear headrests
7-inch digital instrument cluster
Cruise control and speed limiter
Electric Power-assisted steering
Stop & Start and ECO mode
Automatic front windscreen wipers
Automatic headlights
Comfort and Convenience
Front and rear electric windows with one-touch on driver’s side
Height-adjustable driver’s seat with armrest
Automatic central locking
Keyless entry
Height and reach-adjustable steering wheel
Automatic air conditioning
Communication and Connectivity
8-inch Media Display with DAB Radio, Smartphone replication, Bluetooth, 4 Speakers with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
USB connection for data transfer and charging
JOGGER HYBRID 140
EXTREME SE specification (In addition to Expression)Exterior Features
16-inch black alloy wheels
Extreme SE-specific outdoor design with lateral stickers
Gloss black door mirrors
Gloss black shark fin antenna
Interior Features
Extreme SE-specific upholstery with red stitching
Extreme SE floor mats
Steel Grey interior door handles
White decoration strips on door panels
Flight trays for 2nd row passengers
Boot tray
Comfort and Convenience
Heated front seats
Tilting rear quarter glass
Communication and Connectivity
8-inch Media Nav with MAP CARE navigation (Western or Eastern Europe maps + 6 free updates for 3 years), DAB radio, smartphone replication via USB cable, Bluetooth, 6 speakers (4 speakers + 2 tweeters), additional USB port, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Pricing
VERSION
VED
YEAR 1
BIK
BASIC
PRICE
VAT
20%
TOTAL RETAIL
PRICE
FIRST REG
FEE
DELIVERY
CHARGE
OTR
Jogger Expression
HYBRID 140
£180
27%
£18,137.50
£3,627.50
£21,765.00
£55
£595
£22,595
Jogger Extreme
SE HYBRID 140
£180
27%
£18,804.17
£3,760.83
£22,565.00
£55
£595
£23,395
Technical Specifications
ENGINE
HYBRID 140
Fuel type
Unleaded petrol
Emissions standards
Euro 6D Final
Engine capacity (cc)
1598
Number of cylinders / valves
4 cyl / 16
Maximum power (hp) at rpm
140 @ 5600 cumulative
Maximum torque (Nm) at rpm
144 @ 3400 + 205 electric
BATTERY
Traction battery
Lithium-ion 1.2kWh 230V
PERFORMANCE
Top speed (mph)
110
0 – 62 mph (s)
10.1
GEARBOX
Type
Automatic multi-mode
TYRES
Standard tyre size
205/60 R16 92H
Repair kit / Spare wheel
Yes / No
BRAKES
Diameter / thickness of vented front discs (mm)
280 / 24
Rear brakes
9-inch drums
FUEL ECONOMY AND EMISSIONS
CO2 WLTP (g/km)
112
Combined cycle WLTP (mpg)
56.5
Tank capacity (L)
50
STEERING AND SUSPENSION
Type
Electric power steering
Turning circle, curb to curb (m)
11.7
Steering wheel turns, lock to lock
3.26
Front suspension type
Pseudo McPherson with lower wishbone, spiral spring suspension with telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar
Rear suspension type
Semi-rigid axle with anti-roll bar spring suspension and telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers
WEIGHT
Minimum/Maximum kerb weight (kg)
1,385 / 1,406
Gross weight (kg)
1,995
Gross train weight (kg)
2,745
Max. braked trailer weight (kg)
750
Max. unbraked trailer weight (kg)
730
Max payload (kg)
606 – 585
Dimensions
BOOT VOLUME (dm3 VDA / litres)
All rows in place (top of backrest)
160 / 212
3rd row folded down (top of backrest)
565 / 699
2nd folded down and 3rd removed
1,807 / 2,085
DIMENSIONS (mm)
Overall length
4,547
Wheelbase
2,897
Front overhang
830
Rear overhang
820
Overall width with door mirrors folded/with door mirrors extended
Warranty and Servicing Like all new Dacia cars, the Dacia Jogger HYBRID 140 is covered by a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first. It can be extended via one of Dacia’s Extended Warranties, offering up to six years and 100,000 miles of cover.
In addition, the battery comes with the peace-of-mind of an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Dacia offers customers a range of simple Servicing Plans to stay on top of maintenance schedules. The entry service plan covers the vehicle for three years and 30,000 miles, with up to four years and 60,000 miles of servicing available.
Ford Performance is heading to the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with the all-electric SuperVan 4.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb winds up 156 turns & 4,725 ft. to a finish line sitting 14,115 ft. above sea level.
Ford vehicles have been competing at Pikes Peak since the first event in 1916, which saw a Model T racing up the mountain.
For 2023’s effort, motorsports icon Romain Dumas will pilot SuperVan 4.
For over 100 years, Ford vehicles have been competing in the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) held just outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado. For 2023 and the 101st running of the event, Ford Performance is heading to America’s Mountain with the all-electric SuperVan 4.
The race was first held in 1916, and a Ford Model T made the climb up to the finish line sitting 14,115 ft. above sea level in a time of 28 minutes and three seconds. SuperVan 4 aims to continue Ford’s storied tradition while looking to shave more than a few minutes from the Model T’s time.
“The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the perfect next stop for Ford Performance, and is the perfect place to take SuperVan 4, as both have long, storied histories that ignite the imagination of racing fans all over the world,” stated Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “Both have evolved over time, and it’s time to take our electric vehicle technology and put it to the test on the mountain against some of the most impressive performance vehicles in the world.”
In 101 instances of the PPIHC, Ford vehicle have competed prominently with a variety of nameplates ranging from a 1916 Model T to current generation Mustangs, including a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500SE campaigned by Shelby American in 2022.
Over the years, several iconic drivers have piloted Fords up the mountain, from Stock Car Division records set by Curtis Tanner and Parnelli Jones in the 1960s, to the late Ken Block’s incredible Hoonicorn run up the mountain for Climbkhana.
For 2023, SuperVan 4 will be piloted by motorsports icon and PPIHC record holder Romain Dumas, who among other notable accomplishments is also a three-time Le Mans winner and holds several EV-powered lap records.
“Fords latest generation of Electric vehicle technology is the perfect match for America’s Mountain” said Dumas. “With high altitudes cutting power in traditional ICE powered vehicles, the electric powertrain of SuperVan 4 has no loss at elevation and will be a healthy competitor in this year’s race.
This will be Dumas’ ninth appearance at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, originally starting his time on the mountain back in 2012.
“We’re always excited to see what Romain is racing next in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. He consistently arrives in unique builds that are serious contenders and fun to watch,” shared Melissa Eickhoff, PPIHC Executive Director. “This year is no different. The Ford Performance SuperVan 4 is sure to be a crowd pleaser.”
SuperVan 4, built as a joint effort between Ford Performance and STARD, takes to the mountain this year sporting an all-wheel drive system powered by a 50kWh ultra high-performance cell battery. Top the powertrain with carbon composite body features, an FIA specification roll cage, and adjustable regenerative braking, and it’s quite the hill climbing capable machine.
This marks EV and R&D specialists STARD’s most recent project with Ford Performance over a five-year relationship, including other high performance EV powertrains found in vehicles such as the Fiesta ERX™, the first line of FIA certified EV rallycross vehicles.
“SuperVan 4 is equipped with one of the world´s most powerful electric powertrains ever developed,” said STARD CEO Michael Sakowicz. “It has gone up the hill at Goodwood, rallied over WRC tarmac stages and more. Now, to send it to one of the world´s most iconic and unique events is very exciting and STARD is proud to be a part of it.”
Ford Performance will have more details to share about this year’s special effort as the event approaches.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is set to take place on Sunday June 25th, 2023. For more information on the event, visit https://ppihc.org/.
Available to order now in the UK with the choice of Sport or M Sport trim
Offers an electric range of up to 299 miles (WLTP)
Featuring the latest driver assistant systems, BMW Curved Display and BMW Operating System 8
BMW UK has announced that the order books have opened for the BMW i4 eDrive35, making it the latest model to join the fully-electric BMW family.
Available in both Sport and M Sport trim, the four-door Gran Coupé offers a fully-electric range of up to 299 miles (WLTP), and features the same BMW Curved Display with BMW iDrive and Operating System 8 found in all BMW i4 models, as well as the BMW iX and iX1.
The BMW i4 eDrive35 Sport includes an impressive level of equipment as standard, including LED Headlights, 18″ alloy wheels, as well as eye-capturing elements in blue design. Inside, Black Cloth/Sensatec upholstery is offered as standard with Front Heated Seats also included. Customers choosing the BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport add the M aerodynamic exterior styling as standard, High-gloss Shadowline exterior, 18″ M Aerodynamic alloy wheels, M Sport leather steering wheel and Alcantara/Sensatec interior upholstery with Black/Blue contrast stitching.
The BMW i4 eDrive35 is built at BMW Group Munich Plant alongside the eDrive40 and M50 models and it is expected that the production volume share of fully-electric cars at the plant will increase to 50 percent of the total manufactured volume in 2023.
BMW’s portfolio of fully-electric vehicles is continuing to grow, with BMW i5 set to join the BMW iX1, BMW i4, BMW iX3, BMW iX and BMW i7 later in 2023. The BMW Group is aiming for more than 50 percent of its sales volumes to come from fully-electric vehicles no later than 2030. Last year in the UK, BMW battery electric vehicle sales tripled on the previous year to 21,481 registrations, meaning one in five BMWs sold last year was a fully-electric vehicle, making it the fastest-growing BEV brand in the UK.
Steve Roberts, General Manager, Corporate Sales, BMW UK, said: “Following the huge success we have seen with BMW i4 in the Corporate and Fleet markets since launch, we are very pleased to bring the eDrive35 model to the UK portfolio. We’re offering this model in Sport and M Sport trims, which both include an impressive level of standard equipment, including 18” alloy wheels, alongside a range of up to 299 miles. This latest model to join the i4 range will make electric driving accessible to even more of our customers.”
The BMW i4 eDrive35 is priced from £49,995 (OTR) and is available to order now in the UK, with expected delivery starting in summer 2023.
