Bentley Continental GT  to take on Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) 

BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT SET FOR PIKES PEAK RECORD ATTEMPT

Bentley Continental GT at Pikes Peak 1

  • Continental GT seeks outright production car record on June 30
  • Follows Bentley Bentayga record-setting run in 2018
  • Full race livery is revealed
  • Race number #100 recognises Bentley’s centenary year
  • Extensive testing programme continues

Bentley Motors is set to attempt to break the outright production car record at the world-renowned Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) with the new Continental GT later this month. The current record and time to beat is 10:26.9.

Last year, the record for a production SUV at Pikes Peak was set by the Bentley Bentayga in a time of 10:49.9 – taking nearly two minutes off the previous record by averaging 66.5 mph.

Bentley Continental GT at Pikes Peak 1

In Bentley Motors’ centenary year, the spirit of endeavour and desire to push the boundaries of automotive performance remains strong after 100 years of competition. The Continental GT – racing under #100 – equipped with the highly-capable and dynamic W12 engine has undergone extensive testing in order to prepare both car and driver for the record attempt.

Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush, says:

“We have taken much learning from our successful visit to Pikes Peak last year with the Bentley Bentayga and applied it to our preparations this time around. We are proud to demonstrate the Continental GT’s breadth of abilities in competition on a global stage.”

“The extreme conditions of Pikes Peak pose a significant challenge. With the start line being at 9,300ft and climbing to 14,100ft the air is 1/3rd less dense than at sea level. The weather will also play a vital role in the run as 90 degree temperatures and clear skies can change to snow in a matter of minutes. The lack of oxygen will also impact driver Rhys Millen, who will have an on-board oxygen system fed into his helmet to reduce any effect of altitude sickness.”

Bentley Continental GT at Pikes Peak 1

Former ‘King of the Mountain’ and Pikes Peak veteran Rhys Millen, who will drive the Continental GT during the record attempt, added:

“In the Pikes Peak environment it [Continental GT] really checks every box as the most competitive vehicle you could arm yourself. This is one run, one day of the year. You have to be calm, be focused and process everything that you have to.”

The record attempt will take place on June 30. More information about PPIHC can be found at https://ppihc.org/.

About Rob Fraser 2479 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.