The Bentayga was piloted by the legendary drifter and professional racer, Rhys Millen who managed to average a healthy 107 kmph on his sprint up to the top of the Pikes Peak Hill. They managed to cover the 19.9-kilometre course in 10:49.9 (m.s.ms), almost 2 minutes faster than Paul Dallenbach’s record of 12:35.6 in the Range Rover Sport back in 2014.
Bentley Motorsport first tested and tweaked the W12 Bentayga at Willow Springs as it somewhat replicated the turns and elevations that the Pikes Peak has. The mammoth SUV did require some minor modifications to be able to participate. The standard seats were swapped for lightweight race-spec seats and the rear seats were taken away. The SUV was also fitted with a roll cage, a fire suppression system, a production-spec Akrapovic sports exhaust and Pirelli tires to help it through the corners. Apart from all these minor tweaks and add-ons, the rest of the car stays stock.
Bentley also decided to celebrate the win with a limited edition Pikes Peak Bentayga with an assortment of upgrades on the inside where Mulliner decided to go with Beluga leather, Alcantara inserts, and Key Lime accents. Rounding off the changes are the individually numbered treadplates and a map of the hill climb on the carbon fibre panel of the dashboard.
BENTAYGA BREAKS SUV RECORD AT PIKES PEAK
(Crewe, 25 June 2018): The Bentley Bentayga has again demonstrated its outstanding performance credentials by claiming the outright record for a production SUV at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
Driven by two-time champion Rhys Millen (NZ), the Bentayga completed the 12.42-mile course in just 10:49.9 – taking nearly two minutes off the previous record by averaging 66.5 mph. Climbing almost 5,000 ft through 156 corners, the Bentayga deployed its unique combination of a 600 bhp, 900 Nm W12 engine, adaptive air suspension, active electric 48V anti-roll control and carbon ceramic brakes to set a stunning new benchmark.
Bentley’s Member of the Board for Sales & Marketing, Chris Craft, comments:
“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.”
Speaking immediately after his run, Rhys Millen commented:
“What an incredible machine. To take a luxury SUV with minimal modifications and be able to drive up this course in under 11 minutes is a huge testament to the performance and level of engineering in the Bentayga. I had a great run – the car was planted all the way up and gave me the confidence I needed to push hard. I’m delighted to take the SUV record for Bentley and for everyone that’s been involved in this project.”
Only minimal changes were made to a standard production Bentayga in order to comply with the rules. The front seats were replaced with racing versions while the rear seats were removed, and a roll cage and fire suppression system were installed. Tyres were selected from Pirelli’s DOT-marked range, and a production-specification Akrapovic sports exhaust was fitted. In every other way, the Pikes Peak car is a standard Bentayga, finished in eye-catching Radium Satin paintwork accented by the all-black chrome and carbon fibre body kit provided by Bentley’s Black Specification.
Striking Limited Edition Bentayga celebrates new record:
To celebrate the record-breaking run, Bentley is today announcing a new Limited Edition Bentayga, strictly limited to just ten cars. Created and handcrafted by Mulliner – Bentley’s in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division – the Pikes Peak Bentayga is an homage to the achievements of the Bentayga W12 on the mountain.
The Pikes Peak Bentayga features of number of eye-catching elements. The exterior is finished either in deep Beluga black paint or striking Radium, with 22” wheels in a bespoke two-tone finish of Beluga with Radium accents. The Black Specification is included, replacing all exterior chrome with gloss black components and adding a carbon fibre splitter, side skirts, diffuser and rear spoiler. A subtle Pikes Peak motif adorns the front fenders.
Inside the car, a Mulliner Design Colour Split marries Key Lime accents with Beluga leather, with Alcantara inserts to the seats and doors. The steering wheel and gear lever are also trimmed in Alcantara, and the headlining is technical Eliade cloth. A Pikes Peak logo decorates the carbon fibre fascias, and numbered Pikes Peak treadplates complete the interior.
Under the skin, the Pikes Peak Bentayga features the same engine and chassis systems as the record-breaking racer. Bentley’s iconic 6.0-litre twin turbo W12 provides 600 bhp and 900 Nm, fed through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission to permanent four-wheel drive. Adaptive air suspension and Bentley’s unique and world-first 48V electric active anti-roll control system (Bentley Dynamic Ride) ensure the perfect balance between refined ride comfort and optimum body control. The Bentayga Sports Exhaust and Touring Specification pack complete the car.