The Bentley Bentayga is far from merely extravagant; it’s power and prowess, utility and sport, and the true personification of “no stone left unturned” from the stitching to the powerhouse of the luxury SUV. Similarly, Pike’s Peak
boasts quite a record of its own- standing against the test of time as a place of hikers, campers, nature lovers, family adventurers, and now W12 engines with about 600 horses (hp).
With almost a 5.0 rating on Google, Pikes Peak is reportedly quite the challenge for man and machine, and one that the 2018 Bentley Bentayga dominated at the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The course is 12.42-miles where vehicles are challenged to climb almost 5,000 feet and attack 156 corners. The Bentayga averaged 66.5 mph, decimating the current record by nearly two minutes with Rhys Millen, a Pikes Peak Hill Climb veteran, at the helm. And no, the SUV wasn’t tricked out with upgrades and modifications to make the climb, but rather to comply within challenge guidelines, the winning SUV was as close to standard production as possible- with the front seats being replaced with racing seats and the back seats being removed among other small modifications.
Photo: James Lipman / jameslipman.com
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.”
The Pikes Peak Bentayga, a tangible Testament to A Brilliant Record
Bentley announced after the run on Pikes Peak, that they are releasing a Limited Edition Bentley Bentayga, the Pikes Peak Bentayga that will only produce 10 vehicles. The Pikes Peak Bentayga once again leaves no need, want, or luxury left unaddressed. Bentley’s in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division, Mulliner, is personally behind the handcrafted and eye-catching creation of this achievement on wheels.
The 10 production vehicles will showcase a few exterior updates including:
- Ether a deep Beluga black paint or striking Radium
- 22” wheels in a bespoke two-tone finish of Beluga with Radium accents
- All exterior chrome replaced with gloss black components
- Carbon fiber splitter, side skirts, diffuser, and rear spoiler.
The interior matches the grandiose specifications for the outer shell, including:
- Key lime accents with Beluga leather
- Alcantara inserts in seats and doors
- Eliade cloth headliner
- Pikes Peak logo on the carbon fiber fascia
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.” The Pikes Peak Bentayga will be available for order from August for clients in the US and Europe. A V8 Version of the standard SUV is set to release in 2019. For more information on this Pike’s Peak Feat, visit the Bentley Newsroom.