FOLLOWING the record-setting run at the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb of the Bentley Bentayga — it emerged as the fastest production SUV ever at the course — is the performance of the Bentley Continental GT at this year’s edition of the legendary time-trial race.
The Continental GT, driven by Rhys Millen, set the record for being the fastest production car ever on Pikes Peak. The car completed the 12.42-mile (19.99-kilometer) course in just 10:18.488, translating into an average of 70mph (112.6km/h). The time is 8.4 seconds faster than the previous record.
Millen is a three-time champion and a former “King of the Mountain,” as Pikes Peak winners are called. Pikes Peak is in Colorado, US.
Climbing almost 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) through 156 bends, Millen combined his driving skills with the world’s most advanced 12-cylinder engine to claim the coveted record. With the start line at 9,300 feet (2,834 meters) and climbing to 14,100 feet (4,298 meters), the air is one-third less dense than at sea level.
“This new record once again proves that the spirit of endeavor and desire to push the boundaries of automotive performance remain at the beating heart of Bentley. It clearly demonstrates the Continental GT’s astonishing breadth of ability,” says Bentley’s director of motorsport Brian Gush.
For his part, Millen says the record is “an amazing finish to a wet, snowy 2019 run at Pikes Peak.”
“We came here with one goal in mind, and that was to be the fastest production car up the mountain and set a new record. It was an incredible week. Today was a challenge with what Mother Nature threw at us, but the Continental GT held strong all the way to the top, and we are now Number One,” he says after his record run.
The latest Pikes Peak record comes during Bentley’s centenary year — the quintessential British brand marks its 100th anniversary on July 10. A year-long series of special activities continues in 2019, with celebrations planned around the world.
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