New Bentley Continental GT takes on Pikes Peak challenge
The new Bentley Continental GT is taking on the challenge of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) on 30th June, 2019. The climb is held annually on the last Sunday in June and has been running since 1916, when Rea Lentz raced to the top in 20 minutes 55.6 seconds. PPIHC sees cars and motorbikes from across the world take on the challenge of racing to the top of the mountain in the fastest time and attracts huge crowds.
The journey to the top of Pikes Peak, in Colorado, USA, is no less than 12.42 miles, 156 corners and finishes 14,115ft up at the summit. Also known as The Race to the Clouds, the altitude takes its toll on both driver and vehicle, with engine power reduced by as much as 30% at the top of the mountain.
Advancements in technology has seen the winning time reduced from Lentz’ 20:55.6 win to last years’ Volkswagen I.D R Pikes Peak which took the overall record and set the time to beat at 7:57.148.
This year, 60 cars and 29 motorbikes will take on the challenge, and the Bentley Continental GT has competition from a wide range of vehicles and driving skills, with everything from a 1970 Ford Escort and a Nissan Leaf to a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye and McLaren 650S.
We’ve got our fingers crossed for driver Rhys Millen and his Bentley Continental GT for the upcoming race. The Continental will be racing under #100 in celebration of Bentley’s centenary year, and is equipped with Bentley’s powerful 6.0 litre W12 engine.
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