Bentley and Mobil 1 have announced that they will be taking on the Pikes Peak Challenge with the Bentley Bentayga, aiming to set a new record for the fastest SUV on the course. This ambitious endeavor will see the Bentayga driven by the experienced Rhys Millen, a name synonymous with high-performance driving and hill climb challenges.
The Bentley Bentayga will be taking on Pikes Peak on the 24th of June, and the team is looking to break the existing record for the fastest SUV on this iconic course. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, also known as “The Race to the Clouds,” is one of the most challenging and prestigious hill climbs in the world. The course spans 12.42 miles and includes 156 turns, climbing from an altitude of 9,390 feet to 14,115 feet at the summit. This extreme elevation change poses a significant challenge for both the vehicle and the driver, as the thin air at high altitudes can affect engine performance and driver concentration.
The Bentley Bentayga: A Technical Marvel
The Bentley Bentayga is no ordinary SUV. It combines luxury with performance, featuring a W12 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse enables the Bentayga to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds, with a top speed of 187 mph. These impressive specs make it a formidable contender for the Pikes Peak Challenge.
In preparation for the event, Bentley and Mobil 1 conducted extensive testing at Willow Springs in California. This test session was crucial for fine-tuning the Bentayga’s performance and ensuring that it can handle the demanding conditions of the Pikes Peak course. The team focused on optimizing the vehicle’s aerodynamics, suspension, and braking systems to maximize its performance on the hill climb.
Bentley will tackle the most fearsome hill climb of them all with their Bentayga SUV later this year: Pikes Peak. Mobil 1 The Grid followed the marque and dedicated driver Rhys Millen to their recent test session at Willow Springs in California, where they laid the groundwork for the upcoming record attempt in the Rocky Mountains.
Rhys Millen: The Man Behind the Wheel
Rhys Millen is a seasoned driver with a wealth of experience in hill climb events. He has previously set records at Pikes Peak and is well-versed in the unique challenges that the course presents. Millen’s expertise and familiarity with the course make him the ideal driver to pilot the Bentayga in this record attempt.
Millen’s involvement in the project goes beyond just driving; he has been actively involved in the testing and development of the Bentayga for this challenge. His feedback has been invaluable in fine-tuning the vehicle’s performance and ensuring that it is capable of tackling the demanding Pikes Peak course.
The collaboration between Bentley, Mobil 1, and Rhys Millen represents a perfect synergy of engineering excellence, high-performance driving, and meticulous preparation. This record attempt is not just about showcasing the capabilities of the Bentayga but also about pushing the boundaries of what an SUV can achieve.
We will have more details on the record attempt at Pikes Peak with Bentley and their SUV on the 24th of June. Stay tuned for updates as the team prepares to take on one of the most challenging hill climbs in the world.
Source Mobile / YouTube
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