Ford's Super Mustang Mach-E Looks Unstoppable at Pikes Peak
Ford Performance Strikes Back at Pikes Peak
Ford Performance is going back to Colorado for this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb – the Blue Oval's Nth try since the Model T's maiden run in 1916. With the Ford Mustang GTD setting lap records on the other side of the pond, the Mustang appears to be the ideal candidate to conquer the mountain's 12.42-mile, 156-turn route.
But it won't be the ICE-powered Mustang that will challenge records this weekend. Meet the Super Mustang Mach-E – a sharper, lighter, and arguably more dangerous version of the otherwise mundane electric crossover, purpose-built to set records at Pikes Peak.
After two years of headline-making electric builds – from the wild E-Transit SuperVan to last year's title-winning F-150 Lightning SuperTruck – Ford's latest creation feels like a surgical strike.
Engineered To Conquer The Treacherous Colorado Mountain
The Super Mustang Mach-E has all the ingredients to secure a win at Pikes Peak. It weighs around 250 pounds less than the SuperTruck, tipping the scales in favor of agility and balance. On a climb where weight and precision can make or break a run, that's a huge advantage.
But there's more than weight savings at play here. Powering this monster is a trio of UHP 6-phase electric motors that deliver more than 1,400 horsepower, curiously tuned down a bit compared to its road-course version. Matching this huge grunt is 6,900 pounds of downforce generated at 150 mph, resulting in a car that sticks to the tarmac, unlike few others at this event.
The Super Mustang Mach-E also employs 710 kW of regenerative braking, reeling back serious energy to the system during tight turns and whatnots.
Source: Ford
A Record-Setting Legend At The Helm
But a top-rank contender is nothing without a worthy pilot at the helm. Behind the tiller of the Super Mustang Mach-E is none other than Romain Dumas, a Pikes Peak legend who holds the all-time course record (in a Volkswagen, by the way) that the Blue Oval contender wants to break. It's a solid driver-car combo that resulted in a winning run for Ford last year.
This year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is happening on June 22, 2025, with a slew of contenders from various automakers. One of them will be the Honda CR-V e:FCEV, set to become the first hydrogen-powered vehicle to complete the Race to the Clouds.
About the Author
Jacob Oliva View Profile
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
7 minutes ago
- Reuters
New-look Twins seek to halt skid in finale vs. Guardians
August 3 - The Minnesota Twins essentially wiped the slate clean before their series at the Cleveland Guardians, trading almost 40 percent of their roster. Two games and two losses into the new era, they remain undaunted by the challenge. Minnesota right-hander Jose Urena (0-0, 5.40 ERA) will take the mound Sunday afternoon in the finale against Cleveland left-hander Joey Cantillo (2-1, 4.14). "Some of us now get a second chance with this," Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers said. "I don't think we're going to go out there and play terrible baseball. Even last year, the (Detroit) Tigers sold some guys off and got hot and snuck into the playoffs. Anything can happen." The Guardians took the first game 3-2 on a Kyle Manzardo walk-off RBI single in the 10th inning, then won the second 5-4 after Bo Naylor doubled in Jose Ramirez in the eighth. After dealing all five of their late-inning relief specialists, the Twins were forced to throw Kody Funderburk and Pierson Ohl into the fire -- and paid for it as they both suffered losses. "I liked a lot of what I saw, but at some point, you've got to find a way to score another run," Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli said. Urena's recall from Triple-A St. Paul epitomizes what the Twins are going through. The 33-year-old already has pitched for the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers this season and was available on short notice to travel to Cleveland. Right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson originally was slated to start on Sunday, but Minnesota's massive series of transactions prompted Baldelli to juggle his rotation. Urena is 0-1 with a 3.95 ERA in 13 2/3 innings over three career starts against Cleveland. "It's a part of baseball, just the business side," Twins All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton said. "We'll be better once we get on the other side of it, but I ain't going nowhere." The Guardians aren't going away, either -- in terms of the postseason race. They have won 16 of their last 22 contests, pulling within two games of the Seattle Mariners for the final American League wild-card spot. Despite the loss of closer Emmanuel Clase to an MLB-imposed administrative leave and former AL Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber in a trade to the Toronto Blue Jays, Ramirez is making sure his teammates keep their eyes focused on the prize. "(Ramirez), man, I'm running out of things to say about him," Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. "He knows when we need homers and singles, and he just needs to get on base to make things happen. I don't take it for granted that we get to watch baseball from him every single day." Ramirez delivered the tying, two-run homer before scoring the go-ahead run on Saturday, which also was Jose Ramirez Jersey Day at the ballpark. The perennial All-Star third baseman is batting .312 with nine homers and 21 RBIs and 27 runs scored in his last 25 games. "It makes me happy to see all the fans in my jerseys," Ramirez said through an interpreter. "But I get the love from them every day, not just today." Cantillo will take on the Twins for the fifth time in his two seasons, owning a 0-1 record and 2.77 ERA in 13 innings with two starts and two relief appearances. He is 1-1 with a 4.57 ERA in five starts since being recalled from Triple-A Columbus on July 3. --Field Level Media
Reuters
7 minutes ago
- Reuters
Riding with Anthony Volpe, Yankees to start Luis Gil vs. Marlins
August 3 - Anthony Volpe is expected to start at shortstop on Sunday afternoon when his New York Yankees conclude their three-game series against the host Miami Marlins. Miami has won the first two games of the series. Entering this weekend, Volpe, 24, led the majors in errors with 16, and his .957 fielding percentage is down 15 points from last season. But Volpe also is tied for fourth among major league shortstops in home runs with 17. Volpe had a monster game against Miami on Friday, going 4-for-5 with a homer, a double, three runs, two RBIs and two steals. "Clearly, he's gone through some struggles," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of Volpe, a first-round pick (30th overall) by New York in the 2019 MLB Draft. "But Anthony is super tough, and I think he's wired for this." Sunday's pitching matchup features a pair of 27-year-old right-handers from the Dominican Republic: New York's Luis Gil against Miami's Edward Cabrera (4-5, 3.35 ERA). Gil was voted the American League's Rookie of the Year last season, going 15-7 with a 3.50 ERA. He also set a Yankees rookie single-game record with 14 strikeouts against the White Sox. This season, Gil -- who has never faced the Marlins -- has yet to pitch due to a lat strain he suffered in March. "From the moment I got hurt, I immediately wanted to get back out there," Gil said. "It's been a long process, but I think I've done a good job of following the plan." Cabrera, who has never faced the Yankees, has battled injuries for much of his MLB career. But he has been healthy this year, making 18 starts -- just two away from his career high. The Marlins are 9-9 this year when starting Cabrera, who has been consistently good over the past three months. He had a 2.00 ERA in May; a 2.89 ERA in June and a 2.43 ERA in July. That's over his past 14 starts. Aside from Cabrera, the Marlins this weekend have integrated rookie center fielder Jakob Marsee into their lineup. Marsee made his MLB debut on Friday, going 1-for-2 with three walks, one double and two runs scored in a 13-12 win over the Yankees. On Saturday, he went 1-for-2 with a double and a walk. "He has always been a guy who controls the strike zone," Marlins first-year manager Clayton McCullough said. "He has cut down on his strikeouts and tapped into some power." A lefty hitter, Marsee was San Diego's sixth-round pick out of Central Michigan in 2022. The Marlins acquired him and three other minor leagues in the May 2024 trade that sent three-time batting champion Luis Arraez to the Padres. At Triple-A Jacksonville this year, Marsee led the minors with 47 steals, getting caught 13 times. He also hit 14 homers in 98 games with an .817 OPS. The Marlins moved starting right fielder Jesus Sanchez to the Houston Astros at the trade deadline on Thursday, and that opened a spot in the lineup. Miami moved Dane Myers to right field and put Marsee in center. --Field Level Media
Geeky Gadgets
30 minutes ago
- Geeky Gadgets
OpenRouter Review : Easily Access Over 450 AI Models
What if the secret to unlocking your creative potential or streamlining your workflow wasn't just talent or effort, but the right tool? For serious writers and developers navigating the ever-expanding world of AI, the challenge isn't just about finding the best large language model (LLM)—it's about managing the overwhelming options available. Enter OpenRouter, a platform that promises to simplify this chaos by offering centralized access to over 453 LLMs, including industry giants like GPT and Claude. With its user-friendly interface and powerful integrations, OpenRouter isn't just another AI tool—it's a fantastic option for those who demand both efficiency and creative freedom. But does it live up to the hype? In this assessment, we'll explore whether OpenRouter truly delivers on its bold claims. Through this exploration, the Nerdy Novelist explains how OpenRouter enables users to navigate the complexities of AI with ease, offering features like seamless compatibility with popular tools, advanced customization options, and robust privacy controls. Whether you're a writer looking to refine your craft or a developer aiming to innovate, OpenRouter's unique capabilities promise to enhance your productivity while keeping your data secure. But beyond the technical specs, what makes this platform stand out? And is it the right fit for your needs? As we unpack its features and real-world applications, you might just find that OpenRouter isn't merely a tool—it's a fantastic option for creativity and efficiency in an AI-driven world. OpenRouter AI Access The Importance of Centralized Access to LLMs Navigating the vast landscape of AI models can be a daunting task, but OpenRouter simplifies this process by acting as a centralized hub. It allows users to filter models based on specific criteria such as context length, pricing, and unique capabilities like image or file handling. This tailored approach ensures that you can identify and use the model best suited to your needs. For instance, if you are working on a long-form writing project, OpenRouter provides detailed specifications, including input/output costs and supported modalities, allowing you to select a model with an extended context window. This level of detail enables users to make informed decisions, saving time and effort. By consolidating access to multiple platforms, OpenRouter eliminates the need to juggle various tools. This streamlined approach not only enhances efficiency but also ensures that you can fully use the advanced capabilities of modern AI models without unnecessary complexity. Seamless Integration with Existing Tools One of OpenRouter's most compelling features is its seamless compatibility with popular writing and automation tools such as NovelCrafter, Raptorite, and Make. These integrations allow you to embed AI functionality directly into your existing workflows, enhancing both creativity and efficiency. For example, if a particular model does not deliver the desired results, OpenRouter's fallback mechanism enables you to switch to another model without disrupting your workflow. This ensures reliability, especially for time-sensitive tasks, and keeps your processes running smoothly. By integrating AI into your tools, OpenRouter helps you unlock new levels of productivity and innovation. How OpenRouter Simplifies Access to AI Models Watch this video on YouTube. Stay informed about the latest in Large Language Models (LLMs) by exploring our other resources and articles. Advanced Features for Enhanced Control OpenRouter goes beyond providing access to LLMs by offering advanced features that prioritize control and customization. Users can test and compare multiple models simultaneously, making it easier to identify the best option for a specific task. This comparative functionality is particularly valuable for those working on complex or high-stakes projects. Privacy is another key focus of OpenRouter. By storing chat histories locally within your browser, the platform minimizes reliance on cloud storage and ensures that your data remains private unless you choose otherwise. For developers, the ability to create API keys assists seamless integration with external tools, further expanding the platform's utility. Cost Transparency and Budget Management OpenRouter operates on a credit-based payment system, offering an affordable and flexible way to access LLMs. Users can set spending limits and enable auto top-off to maintain control over their budgets. This system is particularly beneficial for individuals and organizations looking to manage costs effectively. Detailed activity logs provide a transparent breakdown of costs for each prompt and usage session. This level of insight enables users to make informed decisions about resource allocation, making sure that every credit is used efficiently. Whether you are an individual writer or part of a larger team, OpenRouter's cost management features help you stay within budget while maximizing the value of your AI interactions. Privacy and Data Security Privacy is a critical consideration when using AI tools, and OpenRouter addresses this concern with robust data protection features. Users have the option to opt out of contributing input data for model training, giving them greater control over sensitive information. While this may limit access to certain free models, it provides an added layer of security for those handling confidential material. That said, OpenRouter is best suited for non-sensitive data. If your work involves highly confidential information, additional precautions are recommended to safeguard your data. By prioritizing user privacy, OpenRouter ensures that you can use its platform with confidence. Applications Across Diverse Industries The versatility of OpenRouter makes it a valuable tool across a wide range of industries. Its ability to cater to different needs ensures that professionals from various fields can benefit from its features. Writers: Experiment with prompts, compare model outputs, and refine creative processes to produce compelling narratives. Experiment with prompts, compare model outputs, and refine creative processes to produce compelling narratives. Developers: Integrate AI into programming tasks or marketing workflows to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Integrate AI into programming tasks or marketing workflows to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Marketers: Generate and compare ad copy from multiple models to create effective messaging strategies. Generate and compare ad copy from multiple models to create effective messaging strategies. Programmers: Debug code, brainstorm solutions, or explore innovative approaches using AI-powered insights. For example, a marketing professional might use OpenRouter to craft persuasive ad campaigns by comparing outputs from different models. Similarly, a programmer could use the platform to troubleshoot code or develop creative solutions, saving both time and effort. OpenRouter's adaptability ensures that it can meet the unique demands of various professions. Empowering Users in an AI-Driven World OpenRouter stands out as a robust, user-focused platform that enables writers, developers, and professionals across industries to harness the potential of large language models. By combining centralized access, seamless integrations, advanced features, and strong privacy controls, it offers a comprehensive solution for using AI effectively. Whether you are crafting stories, automating workflows, or exploring innovative applications, OpenRouter equips you with the tools and resources needed to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven world. Its commitment to accessibility, efficiency, and user empowerment makes it an indispensable asset for anyone looking to unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence. Media Credit: The Nerdy Novelist Filed Under: AI, Reviews, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
