First, it was Lamborghini that promised (with Urus) a super-SUV; more recently, it was Ferrari's turn to ensure that the first SUV in its history will remain a pure Cavallino Rampante; now, it's Bentley's turn to ensure that for sporty SUVs, the Bentayga already exists. And it even intends to prove it — more specifically, by entering it in the difficult and demanding Pikes Peak Hill Climb. To break records!
As announced by the British luxury car manufacturer, the intention is to enter a Bentley Bentayga W12, completely original, in what is one of the most famous, but also the most difficult “ramps” in the world — there are a total of 156 curves, to 19.99 kilometers long! With only one goal: set a new record for the fastest production SUV in this complicated race!
Also according to the Crewe brand, the only changes to be made to the car will be in terms of safety. In particular, through the introduction of a safety cage and the mandatory fire-retardant system.
Current record is for Range Rover
Out of curiosity, it is important to remember that the current record for this type of vehicle, at Pikes Peak, belongs to Range Rover Sport, which managed to do the race in no more than 12 minutes and 35 seconds. Time that Bentley apparently believes it can beat, not only thanks to an addition of four cylinders, but also to the arts of a mystery conductor, whose name has yet to be released.
In case you don't already remember, the Bentley Bentayga W12 has a W12, a 6.0 liter gasoline engine with a maximum power of 600 hp and a maximum torque of 900 Nm. , prevent the British model from accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds and reach 301 km/h of top speed. It is also a result of the advanced adaptive air suspension and the presence of all-wheel drive.
Twenty kilometers with 156 curves… and the finish line at an altitude of 4300 m
As for the race itself, internationally known as Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, it has among its greatest difficulties not only the aforementioned 156 curves that fill a track of almost 20 kilometers, but mainly the change in altitude, which goes from 1440 meters where is the start, up to 4300 m where the finish line is located.
Also known as “The Race to the Clouds”, or, in English, “The Race to the Clouds”, the race held in the US state of Colorado takes drivers and cars to finish at an altitude where oxygen levels are much smaller, more precisely, 42% less than at sea level. Fact that makes combustion engines suffer, not being able to deliver as much power as when at lower altitudes.