The Bentley Bentayga sets a new Production SUV record completing the Pikes Peak Hill Climb track in a record time. We all know that the Bentley brand name is more known for luxury than for performance. But this record makes it evident that the folks at Bentley are not shy when it comes to showing the true potential of the luxury SUV.
The Bentayga was driven on the Pikes Peak circuit by the veteran driver Rhys Millen of New Zealand. He took the SUV through the 12.42-mile course in a record time of 10:49.9, at an average speed of 66.5 mph. That is two minutes faster than the last record. The record delighted Bentley to an extent that they have planned to sell a new limited-edition Bentayga by Mulliner, which is Bentley’s in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division. Sadly, only 10 examples will be built to commemorate the achievement.
The Pikes Peak Bentayga comes to life via a 6.0-liter twin turbo W12 engine producing 600 hp and 900Nm of torque. With the help of adaptive air suspension, electric active 48V anti-roll control, and carbon ceramic brakes, Bentayga went 5,000ft above water level and maneuvered through 156 corners to reach the finish line.
Chris Craft Member of Bentley’s Board for Sales & Marketing commented, “This record proves the outstanding dynamic ability of the Bentayga – demonstrating again how Bentley Motors is the only automotive company in the world that can combine pinnacle luxury and breath-taking performance. Congratulations to all at Bentley Motorsport and to Rhys Millen and his team.”
Bentley had to make a few changes to the standard Bentayga in order to make it viable for the Pikes Peak regulations. For that matter, the front seats were replaced with racing seats while the rear passenger seats were totally removed. Bentley chose Pirelli’s DOT-marked tires and Akrapovic sports exhausts. Other than that, everything in the Bentley Bentayga SUV was original.
The Pikes Peak Bentley Bentayga SUV will go on sale in August in Europe and America. No pricing details have been released, however, it might be bordering around Bentayga’s original price.