G. David Felt

Since the 70's Ford has had at least one SuperVan each decade leading up to the 21st Century. Yet Ford then went into a dry spell on SuperVans as the market changed in what customers wanted. Now Ford has revisited the SuperVan with a very modern 21st century twist in the AWD E-Transit SuperVan. First let's take a walk down memory lane in the history of the Ford SuperVan with the 1971 SuperVan, a van that many in the US never saw, but a Transit that started it all. We then move onto the next Ford SuperVan from 1984. Another European Van that was popular for Ford and much bigger. 1995 Ford SuperVan continued a full-size affair in Europe and this time tied up with Cosworth Then we had a dry patch as it took 27 years to bring us the next crazy insane version of a Ford SuperVan and this time it is an AWD Electric E-Transit as Ford Pro moves back to the mini-van format. To quote the Ford press release: The Ford Pro Electric SuperVan fully utilizes the potential of electric performance and enhanced connectivity to achieve the highest performance of any Ford van ever and underscore the company’s huge commitment to electrification. Four electric motors, a 50 kWh liquid-cooled battery and a bespoke control system produce approximately 2,000 PS for sub two-second 0-100 km/h acceleration. Performance from a purpose-built, track-ready chassis including components from the recently unveiled E-Transit Custom 1 – the first fully electric version of Europe’s best-selling van 2,3 – is complemented by Ford’s SYNC in-cab touchscreen technology 4 from road-going Ford models, as well as additional functionality to control the Electric SuperVan’s unique capabilities. The enhanced connectivity keeps the driver informed and enables real-time data transmission for remote vehicle management and optimized performance, just like the integrated services that can accelerate the productivity of over 125,000 Ford Pro customers across Europe. Selectable drive modes and regenerative braking technologies similar to those on Ford production electric vehicles also feature. The striking, all-electric demonstrator vehicle was developed in secret by Ford Performance and electrified rally and racing specialists STARD in Austria, with exterior design by the Ford Design team in Cologne, Germany. “We’re bringing SuperVan into the 21st century with 2,000 PS of all-electric power for unmatched excitement and unmistakable styling inspired by the new E-Transit Custom. But performance isn’t all about horsepower – the Electric SuperVan’s processing power means engineers can use real-time vehicle data to optimize its performance, just like on a top-level racing car,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. Ford’s first SuperVan was revealed in 1971 and featured a mid-mounted engine taken from the Le Mans-winning Ford GT40 to create a Transit Mk. 1 unlike any other. The formula was taken further for SuperVan 2; a Glassfiber version of the Transit Mk. 2 body was draped over the monocoque and 590 PS Cosworth V8 of Ford’s C100 racing car. This vehicle was later reborn as the facelifted Transit Mk. 3 lookalike SuperVan 3, powered by a screaming 650 PS Cosworth HB engine shared with Formula 1 cars of the era. “Ford Pro is all about accelerating productivity for our customers – so why not create a new Electric SuperVan that proves the power of electrification and connectivity,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “This incredible demonstrator vehicle takes E-Transit Custom’s advanced engineering and distinctive look to a whole new level, and is high-speed proof of the power of Ford Pro’s connected services ecosystem.” For those that might not understand Europe performance numbers, here are the translated info: Zero to 62 mph in under 2 seconds 4 electric motors good for 1,972 HP or 2,000PS as they state Based on the All-New, All-Electric E-Transit Ford Pro Reveals Exciting Next Phase of Electrification Journey with All-New, All-Electric E-Transit Custom | Ford of Europe | Ford Media Center The bullet points of this 21st century SuperVan: Ultra-high-performance Ford Pro Electric SuperVan is an all-electric demonstrator inspired by new E-Transit Custom to showcase Ford Pro digital and EV capability Motorsport-spec suspension and brakes meet a 2,000 PS powertrain; SuperVan also features Ford SYNC connectivity, bespoke drive modes and regenerative braking Must-see van makes its global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, UK, driven by Le Mans racer and electric record-setter Romain Dumas The Ford Pro team of Europe turned the customization up to an 11 with the 21st century SuperVan. They had the following to say about this SuperVan. Quote: “The chance to be part of the iconic SuperVan story and reimagine what it could be in the 21st century was a dream opportunity,” said Amko Leenarts, director, Design, Ford of Europe. “The fourth chapter of the SuperVan story is designed to be the fastest, most extreme yet while keeping the Transit DNA. The proportions are a more dramatic version of what we developed for the E-Transit Custom and the front light bar creates a futuristic expression, making the Electric SuperVan the absolute pinnacle of Transit design language.” The demonstrator vehicle’s motorsport-spec construction marries the E-Transit Custom floorpan with a steel spaceframe and lightweight composite body panels. A bespoke 50 kWh liquid-cooled battery pack is mounted for optimum weight distribution and a low centre of gravity and can be fully recharged in approximately 45 minutes using a standard electric vehicle fast-charger. The driver can access charging and battery insights via the in-cab touchscreen. Four electric motors together deliver approximately 2,000 PS through an all-wheel drive system – enough to propel the incredible van to 100 km/h in under two seconds and making it comfortably the fastest SuperVan ever, as well as the cleanest. Like any good van, the Electric SuperVan features a loadspace behind the driver; a door in the bodyside makes loading and unloading cargo easy, and Ford is developing a secure electromagnetic release system controlled via the SYNC screen. A suite of onboard cameras can immerse audiences around the world in the action during SuperVan’s impressive high-performance runs. As on the Ford E‑Transit, the driver can pull camera feeds onto the in-cab screen and switch between them to help position the vehicle. Ford Performance and STARD’s motorsport input is immediately obvious; the dramatically sculpted body’s front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser would be at home on a racing car, while the radical rear design’s cutaways and dorsal fin flow into the rear wing to generate downforce and push the Electric SuperVan into the track for more grip. The racing influence continues under the skin with unequal-length double wishbone suspension at each corner. Motorsport-grade front and rear subframes, uprights, and brakes deliver the braking and steering capability to match the enormous straight-line go. The touchscreen also enables control of the selectable drive modes that tailor the Electric SuperVan’s torque maps, regenerative braking and control responses to suit different driving scenarios: · Road – for rare cases of “normal” driving · Track – for balancing speed and cornering on track with racing slick tyres · Drag – for maximum acceleration on drag strips while using drag racing radial tyres · Drift – for spectacular drifting, agility demonstrations and snow driving · Rally – for optimum performance on tarmac and gravel rally stages with special tyres Further performance fine-tuning is delivered by an electronics package that includes traction control, launch control, a pit-lane speed limiter and three-stage regenerative braking to return energy to the battery – similar to the L Mode function on E-Transit. At low speed, ECO Mode keeps the motors at optimal efficiency, turns the regenerative braking up to maximum and cuts drive to the rear axle. For maximum speed, an E‑Boost button puts a temporary power and torque boost at the driver’s fingertips. A Tyre Cleaning Mode can deliver exhilarating driving displays; this new feature fully brakes one axle while spinning the other, creating impressive burnouts on the front or rear axles that help clean and warm the tyres before performance runs. Just like a modern racing car – and Ford’s hard-working vans – the Electric SuperVan can send real-time data to software for remote vehicle management. Businesses can use Ford Pro E‑Telematics 7 or FordPass Pro 8 to track the health and security of their fleet; similarly, Ford Performance trackside engineers can monitor the Electric SuperVan via dedicated management software that translates live data into insights on speed, lap times and vehicle systems. Beyond demonstrating Ford’s advanced electric vehicle and connectivity know-how, the Electric SuperVan is also a high-speed science experiment. Its demanding driving scenarios and unrestricted design concept allow Ford to push the boundaries of electric vehicle engineering and connectivity to improve its future race cars and road-going vehicles, software and services. So now that the Electric SuperVan is here, that leaves only one question to be asked, Who is ready for a Custom SuperVan themselves? This brings back memories of corvette Summer and the custom vans in that movie as well as all the custom vans we saw at auto shows. Could this SuperVan be the start of the next custom auto revolution? Ford Pro Electric SuperVan - Ford of Europe Press and Media Materials - https://supervan.fordpresskits.com Here’s How to Accelerate a Business: 2,000 PS, Wild-Styled Ford Pro Electric SuperVan Packs a High-Voltage Punch | Ford of Europe | Ford Media Center View full article

BA.4 and BA.5 is here, BA.5 is the dominate strain on the east coast now and both versions are not affected by the Vaccine so anyone can get covid. New England Journal of Medicine paper on the latest versions of Covid-19. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2206576

Very cool, more images out on the CELESTIQ. Cadillac CELESTIQ Show Car: Discovery and Fascination We all saw the first picture released of the drivers side front quarter panel. Now we get additional pics of focus points. Interesting, I just noticed that they have "Standard of the World" on the bolts.

I have to wonder if they decided to go with a bigger interior space as Tesla has FAILED IMHO on interior space and has a pathetic Frunk for size. This makes me wonder if they decided to maximize the interior space forgoing a Frunk. The videos I posted it would seem they have kept with using the front end as a storage space for all things electrical, cooling and powertrain. Will be interesting to see how this Ultium Platform evolves. I like the Cashmere interior of my Escalade better than the white. White becomes dirty so fast it seems to me. Better yet, is the warm mocha brown interiors, those are great, warm, inviting and I think look way better than black or white.

While excited for the GM EVs, I am bum' ed by the blah white/grey interiors. So sterile and cold looking to me.

Very Cool new Video on LYRIQ Liberating Performance Liberating-Performance.mp4 New Face of Cadillac New-Face-of-Cadillac.mp4

Thanks for posting it looks great, but I totally agree that they should have included a frunk. I suspect that cooling, electrical, etc. many things that have not had much deep thinking yet was hidden in the front since they had not thought about where they would put it. I suspect other Cadillac and GM EVs will end up with a frunk especially the trucks, but for the mid to compact cars/CUVs that GM makes that front will initially be used for placing all the electrical components. Will be interesting to see if the Chevrolet Equinox and Blazer SS will have frunks, I suspect not.

Very cool to see all these F150 Lighting's getting loaded up for delivery to customers and how nice and quiet it is. Ford-F-150-Lightning-shipping-B-roll.mp4 Also I see Ford has announced that they have chosen Valencia Spain Plant for their first Europe EV dedicated assembly plant for their next Gen EV Architecture. Spending $2 Billion in Cologne Germany to start production next year of passenger EVs. Ford has advanced their Goal for Europe to be pure electric auto sales, Carbon Neutral across Europe by 2035 Quote of the Press Release: Next generation architecture a critical component of Ford’s all-electric future in Europe The next generation architecture is a critical step in the transformation of Ford in Europe to achieve an all-electric future and build a thriving business while making a positive contribution to society and reducing emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. Ford’s plans for all-electric future in Europe supports the global goal of 2 million+ annual production of EVs by 2026 and 10% company adjusted EBIT margin by 2026. Ford Speeds Toward All-Electric, Connected Future in Europe; Chooses Valencia Plant, Spain, for Next-Gen EV Architecture | Ford Media Center

GM started BrightDrop as a decarbonizing last-mile delivery company. FedEx working to deliver on their corporate goal of zero-tailpipe emissions by 2040 choose only a couple months after BrightDrop's commercialization of the Zevo 600, the fastest all-electric vehicle to market in GM's history as the corner stone in FedEx's conversion from Diesel/Petrol last-mile delivery fleet to an EV fleet. To quote Mitch Jackson, Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), FedEx: “At FedEx, we have ambitious sustainability goals, and our phased approach to vehicle electrification is a crucial part of our roadmap to achieve carbon neutral global operations,” “In just under six months, we’ve taken delivery of 150 BrightDrop Zevo 600s for our parcel pickup and delivery fleet. In today’s climate of chip shortages and supply chain issues, that’s no ordinary feat and a true testament to the collaboration between FedEx and BrightDrop.” The first 150 BrightDrop Zevo 600s have been delivered throughout Southern California FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. With an estimated range of 250 miles per full charge, the Zevo 600s built on the Ultium Platform is part of a larger agreement with FedEx and BrightDrop where 2,500 Zevo 600s will be incorporated into the FedEx fleet over the next couple years. FedEx starting in California where they have installed 500 charging stations across the state in support of the Zevo 600s is working with utility companies in evaluating and determining capacity needed from the electrical grids to support their state/national charging infrastructure as well as investing/expanding on-site generation and procurement of renewable energy at their facilities. Mitch Jackson CSO states the following: “For FedEx to successfully achieve our sustainability goals, it will require collaboration across the public, non-profit and corporate sectors,” “Our ongoing collaboration with BrightDrop is a perfect example of what is possible when two organizations come together and work toward achieving similar goals in pursuit of a better world.” FedEx is pleased with their advocation of being a better steward of the planet as they started in 1994 using some of the first available lead-acid battery powered vehicles where possible. In 2003 they were the first delivery company to start using hybrid vehicles for pickup and delivery. Today, Travis Katz, president and CEO of BrightDrop had this to say: “This shows how BrightDrop is delivering sustainable solutions at scale to customers today, and we couldn’t be happier to be part of FedEx’s sustainability journey,” “Our Zevo 600 has been a record-setting vehicle from the start. From a record-setting time to market, to delivering one of the largest fleets of electric delivery vans on the road today, BrightDrop is showing the world what sustainable delivery looks like.” BrightDrop is not only rethinking how they build sustainable last-mile delivery vehicles, but also looking at all aspects of safety and ease on the body with built in grab bars, low deck industry access for the Zevo 600s and so much more. GM/BrightDrop is working with FedEx to help them achieve a carbon neutral goal for the global company and a better quality of life for all. View full article

Have they stated what the problem is? Bad battery pack, bad controller? Be very interested in what caused it to brick.

Very cool additional pics on GM's Design Studio Instagram site. https://www.instagram.com/p/CfEkrVMu6ku/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Happy Summer Solstice Everyone, Longest Day of the Year! Enjoy getting outside when you can. Seattle is supposed to have a high of 73 today, been a long cold wet spring and so today will be good to get outside, only last Thursday we got 3 inches of snow on the passes. Maybe summer will be here for this coming weekend.

Very interesting, this kind of video info will change people's thoughts, I think.

Interesting read / watch of the Tesla 3 and to be honest, I think Tesla is heading in the direction of buyout or merge as I agree with the writing story where they say there are better built EVs in the same price category now. Owner Suggests Tesla Model 3 Is Not Worth The Money, Regrets Purchase (insideevs.com)

Yes, Sorry, should have stated that first about the exterior as well as the interior before talking about the screens. Agree, my Son has a glass black exterior on this Jeep GC and loves it, but it is always dirty looking even right after he washes it, it seems to show dirt still. Crazy.

Too True and both the refineries and Oil production companies are on record now of not wanting to drill and expand going through again the Boom/Bust cycle so they are letting prices go up, increasing crazy profits but not really doing much to plan for the future with moderate addition of refining and oil drilling.

? I do wonder as we go to bigger and bigger screens for the dashes how the OEMs are going to deal with dead pixels? Currently I know TV companies all have their own version of how many pixels die before they will replace a screen. I wonder especially in the luxury segment, how many dots will have to appear dead before they replace the screen. Also with them sticking up above the dash, if they get snagged and broken how will that play out. Over all, all gloss black is a pain to keep clean externally and internally, I totally agree with @Drew Dowdell on this. I am hoping that Chevrolet when they bring out the Blazer EV will have more than just an all black interior or the but ugly white/grey they have done on the Bolt. They need some warm Mocha type interiors, two tone. This is the one area I feel is a Failure already on the GMC Hummer. That white/Grey NASA inspired moon interior should have been an option, but they should have had additional interior colors or at least one other. Hoping GM does not do their basic black only at launch on this EV.

The points you make here can be applied to every auto maker out there with various models picked from each OEM hitting these same points. Mercedes has their fair share of dogs. These Are The 10 Worst Cars Made By Mercedes-Benz (hotcars.com) Interesting that the 2022 has the best and worst full size SUV both from Germany and Mercedes was not the best. Consumer Reports Worst Full-Size Luxury SUV Is Also the Most Expensive (motorbiscuit.com) Here was the skunks of the last decade and I have to agree what is stated about each specific model/year as these are well known issues. 10 Worst Mercedes-Benz Models Of The Last Decade (msn.com) Why do I post this, cause you know NOTHING about the quality of the Blazer EV. NONE of us know anything about it as it has not been out so if you want to in the random thread bash the gas powered Blazer go ahead, but do not try to state that the Blazer EV is going to be just like the current Blazer ICE. Currently you nor anyone else can stay that about this auto yet. We can clearly make our own feelings about existing EVs that are on the market today.

WOW, That would perfectly apply to all the FWD cars out there too. Appliance blah cars, every point you make my friend.

Agree, Happy Father's Day to all dads, be they human or fur babies. Enjoy your special day!

I can barely fit in the X3, I doubt I could in the X1, at 300lbs, 6'6" tall, I am not the average or normal size person. While my wife loves driving our Trailblazer SS which is considered a mid size, I could still use a bit more room. For local driving it is fine, but road trips are a bit tight for me. The Escalade I have is perfect for road trips.

Posted on one of the rivian Instagram accounts. Rivian R1T and F150 Lighting charging up at a station in Colorado. Very cool to see them in the wild and side by side. Ford looks a few inches taller and longer.

I have to agree that I think Oil is grossly overvalued. Citi: Oil Is Overvalued By $50 Per Barrel | OilPrice.com