What Makes the Pikes Peak Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck Stand Out in Its Design?

This weekend, Ford is debuting a heavily modified version of the electric F-150 Lightning at Pikes Peak. Dubbed the SuperTruck, it’s a continuation of last year’s SuperVan 4.2. While the technology behind it is undoubtedly impressive, one question lingers: Why does it look so peculiar?

The unusual design of the SuperTruck raises eyebrows, especially its front appearance. With no visible mouth, darked-out headlights that resemble eyes, and vertical vents extending downward from the headlights, it has a strikingly unsettling look. Without its vibrant livery and sponsor decals, it could easily be mistaken for a vehicle driven by a villain in a Mad Max film. It’s undeniably eerie.

Despite its brutal aesthetics, the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck supposedly generates 6,000 pounds of downforce at a speed of 150 mph—have you ever seen a wing of this magnitude on a truck? It’s been engineered for maximum electric performance, featuring three STARD UHP six-phase motors that deliver over 1,400 horsepower. Its performance is supported by carbon ceramic brakes, Pirelli P Zeros on magnesium forged wheels, and a custom in-board suspension system to maintain control.

Romain Dumas will pilot the Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck at Pikes Peak, with the goal of breaking the record established by the SuperVan 4.2, which ascended the hill in 8:47.682.