BENTLEY BENTAYGA CRUSHES PIKES PEAK SUV RECORD

Bentley’s W12 bruiser was the second VW to set a record last Sunday. As he predicted would happen back in May, veteran Rhys Millen has broken the Pikes Peak production SUV record driving a Bentley Bentayga. He also said he’d knock a minute off the record, but his 10-minute, 49-second time up the mountain took almost two minutes off.

A Range Rover Sport set the last record at 12 minutes, 35 seconds.

Bentley says Millen’s Bentayga was “nearly stock,” using an unmodified 600-hp W12. The car kept its stability control system and has the stock electric antiroll bars front and rear. The modifications? Bentley installed racing seats in front, removed the rear seats and added a roll cage and fire suppression system.

A Bentley Bentayga W12 driven by Rhys Millen took the Pikes Peak SUV record.

Naturally, there is a limited-edition Bentayga planned, with a run of just 10 cars. Bentley’s in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division, Mulliner, is building the Pikes Peak Bentayga.

The Pikes Peak version’s exterior is finished either in Beluga black paint or Radium with matching 22-inch wheels. Gloss black replaces all exterior chrome trim, and Mulliner added a carbon-fiber splitter, side skirts, diffuser and rear spoiler.

Inside the car, Mulliner installs Beluga leather with key lime accents and Alcantara faux suede inserts in the seats and doors. Alcantara also trims the steering wheel and gear lever. A little Pikes Peak map decorates the right side of the dash

Source: Autoweek