Bentley Bentayga is king of the hill | New Release - Car News Jun 2018

15:43 Monday 25 Jun 2018

The Bentley Bentayga has set a new record, becoming the fastest production SUV to ever complete the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Two-time Pikes Peak champion Rhys Millen piloted the Bentayga up the 12.42-mile course in just 10:49.9 at an average speed of 66.5mph. The 600bhp W12-powered Bentayga slashed almost two minutes off the previous record for the course, with climbs through 5,000ft and a challenging 156 corners.

To comply with regulations the Bentayga had racing seats installed, and the rear seats were removed to make way for a roll cage and fire suppression system were installed. Its tyres were selected from Pirelli’s DOT-marked range, and a production-specification Akrapovic sports exhaust was fitted, but in every other way record-setting car was a standard production model.

Bentley are marking the record-breaking feat with a new Limited Edition Bentayga. Just 10 examples of the Pikes Peak Bentayga will be created and handcrafted by Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division, finished either in deep Beluga black paint or striking Radium, with 22-inch bespoke two-tone wheels, gloss black exterior components in place of chrome, and carbon fibre splitter, side skirts, diffuser and rear spoiler. Inside you will find Beluga leather with Key Lime accents, Alcantara steering wheel, gear lever, and door inserts, and Eliade cloth headlining. Adaptive air suspension and Bentley’s unique and world-first 48V electric active anti-roll control system are included, as is the Bentayga Sports Exhaust and Touring Specification pack.

The Pikes Peak Bentayga will be available to order from August.