Bentley takes on Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak is one of the oldest motor races in the USA, most people probably know it by that famous film Climb Dance.

If you've never seen it, then check this out.

The 19km hill climb course became fully paved in 2012 and in 2013, Sebastien Loeb smashed the record on the mountain in his Peugeot 208 T16 with a blistering 8:13.878. 

Kiwi Rhys Millen, whose father Rod is a multi-time winner, is currently a record holder in numerous classes on the mountain and will this year take on a new challenge for the 96th running of the event on June 24.

Millen will be behind the wheel of a Bentley Bentayga and will be aiming to break the current production SUV record of 12:35.61, held by Paul Dallenbach in a 2014 Range Rover Sport. 

The Bentayga, that Millen will drive has an unmodified 447kW/900Nm Bentley W12 engine. It will be prepared by the team in Bentley’s motorsport department in Crewe. 

The car has been built as close to production standard as possible, with minimum changes as governed by the Production Class rules. It will run its standard air suspension with 48V electric active anti-roll control, but will be fitted with a full roll cage, onboard fire suppression system, racing seats and harnesses. It will run production Pirelli tyres, and a custom exhaust system from Akrapovic.  

To beat Dallenbachs record, Millen in the Bentayga will need to average a minimum of 97km/h up the exceptionally tight and twisty 156-corner 19km course. 

Millen will perform testing of the car in the USA prior to the record attempt.

Joel Strickland love all things automotive, you can follow him on line @joelstrickphoto on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Have you been to Pikes Peak ? Or if you had the chance what production car would you take up the famous Colorado hill climb course? Tell us in the comments below.