‘Tis the season for SUVs smashing records.
Barely a week has passed since Skoda’s Kodiaq vRS set a new record time at the legendary Nürburgring and now we’re telling you about another record-breaking SUV.
This time, it’s the Bentley Bentayga, which has just smashed the best time for a production SUV at Pikes Peak.
Driven by two-time champion Rhys Millen, the mighty Bentayga completed the 12.42-mile course in just 10:49.9 – hacking almost two minutes off the previous record and averaging 66.5mph.
Climbing almost 5,000ft and navigating 156 corners, the Bentayga made the best of its 600bhp W12 engine, adaptive air suspension, active electric 48V anti-roll control and carbon ceramic brakes to set a stunning new benchmark.
In order to comply with the track’s rules, a few minimal changes had to be made. For example, the front seats were replaced with racing versions, the rear seats were binned off altogether, and a roll cage and fire suppression system were installed.
Additionally, tyres were selected from Pirelli’s DOT-marked range and a production-specification Akrapovic sports exhaust was fitted. Everything else was what you’d find in a regular Bentayga sat in your nearest Bentley showroom.
To mark the occasion, the Pikes Peak Bentayga was finished in eye-catching ‘radium satin’ paintwork, accented by an all-black chrome and carbon fibre body kit.
“This record proves the outstanding dynamic ability of the Bentayga,” comments Chris Craft, Bentley’s member of the board for sales and marketing.
“It demonstrates again how Bentley Motors is the only automotive company in the world that can combine pinnacle luxury and breathtaking performance.”
Rhys Millen, the man behind the wheel of the record-breaking Bentayga, added: “What an incredible machine. The car was planted all the way up and gave me the confidence I needed to push hard.”
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