Bentley Is Going Racing At Pikes Peak… With The Bentayga SUV
Bentley is hitting the 156 corners of Pikes Peak with its unlikeliest of race cars. A lightly modified Bentayga SUV will aim to break the course record for a production SUV at the famously tough hill climb.
While it’s being kept as close to standard as possible, the 2.5-tonne physics-defier will naturally get a few safety mods to comply with the Pikes Peak Production Class regulations. There’s a full roll cage, fire extinguishers, racing seats (much lighter, we presume) and racing harnesses in place of the usual three-point seat belts.
There are also – ahem – ‘production tyres’ from Pirelli, which will almost certainly mean road-legal semi-slicks that will better withstand the punishment, while if you look carefully at the back end you’ll see an aftermarket exhaust from Akrapovic. Because more power and louder noises.
Responsible for the soundtrack over the 12.42-mile course is the standard 6.0-litre, 600bhp, 664lb ft W12 lump. A few extra ponies might join the race courtesy of the exhaust, but essentially it’s un-tuned, says Bentley. If you’re wondering, the acid green paintwork’s official name is Radium Satin, and it’s complemented by a full carbonfibre body kit and black chrome exterior trim.
It will be driven at the 24 June event by 45-year-old Rhys Millen, Pikes Peak veteran and two-time overall winner. His target of 12m35.61s was set by the Range Rover Sport in 2013.
Comments
Next up: Jaguar aiming at fastest Nurburgring lap time for an SUV
I guess the F-Pace SVR will try and beat the Stelvio QV’s time. Then Lister will come along and boost it to the usual 666bhp ;)
tfw racing with sports car is too mainstream.
No Bentley, the course is asphalt, not snow or dirt.
Well it used to be, until the damn envriomentalists talked
This is like digging a hole with a rake, yes you can do it, but there’s a better tool for the job.
This is the best comparison
Ever
And some Swedish guy will also beat this record
whats next? nascar with a bmw isetta?
going full forza here
Two months later:
“Koenigsegg Announces Regera-Based SUV To Beat Bentley’s Pikes Peak Record”
What record, there’s already been a suv on pikes peak, and that was a 1000hp monster
you know what?
this shouldnt even be allowed, as the car isnt even properly stock!
its probably 200kg lighter than the standard car. AND it has race tires
what would be fun is seeing a fully stock factory one doing the run
the body roll would be fun to watch itself
Yup, ruf did that once and placed second
20 years ago
On gravel
Hey so apparently, on my birthday someone has decided to drive a Bentley SUV across like pikes peak!?
And I thought cars 2 releasing on my birthday was a bit too much
It would almost make sense if the mountain still had dirt on it