Bentley Is Going Racing At Pikes Peak… With The Bentayga SUV

Bentley is hitting the 156 corners of Pikes Peak with its unlikeliest of race cars. A lightly modified Bentayga SUV will aim to break the course record for a production SUV at the famously tough hill climb.

While it’s being kept as close to standard as possible, the 2.5-tonne physics-defier will naturally get a few safety mods to comply with the Pikes Peak Production Class regulations. There’s a full roll cage, fire extinguishers, racing seats (much lighter, we presume) and racing harnesses in place of the usual three-point seat belts.

There are also – ahem – ‘production tyres’ from Pirelli, which will almost certainly mean road-legal semi-slicks that will better withstand the punishment, while if you look carefully at the back end you’ll see an aftermarket exhaust from Akrapovic. Because more power and louder noises.

Responsible for the soundtrack over the 12.42-mile course is the standard 6.0-litre, 600bhp, 664lb ft W12 lump. A few extra ponies might join the race courtesy of the exhaust, but essentially it’s un-tuned, says Bentley. If you’re wondering, the acid green paintwork’s official name is Radium Satin, and it’s complemented by a full carbonfibre body kit and black chrome exterior trim.

It will be driven at the 24 June event by 45-year-old Rhys Millen, Pikes Peak veteran and two-time overall winner. His target of 12m35.61s was set by the Range Rover Sport in 2013.