Pikes Peak in Colorado USA is widely regarded to be one of the world’s most challenging hill climb events as drivers push their time attack machines to the limit in hopes of bagging the fastest time. But what’s that have to do with a Bentley Continental GT?
Back in June 2019, Bentley broke the production car record in a Continental GT W12 with a time of 10:18.488 which is 8.4 seconds quicker than the previous record and represents an average speed of roughly 112km/h. Impressive.
“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 (32°C) 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” said Brian Gush, Bentley Director of Motorsport.
To commemorate this momentous feat and the brand’s centenary year, Crewe will be producing the Continental GT Limited Edition Pikes Peak in very limited numbers, just 15 units. It will be modelled on the car that smashed the record climbing up the 20km-long course.
The exterior gets an eye-catching Radium paintjob by Mulliner and a carbon fibre body kit. Contrast is provided by the gloss black highlights added to the front lower bumper, roof, wing mirrors and parts of the rear. As an option, customers can choose to have the blacked-out front grille emblazoned with the number ‘100’ in honour of the marques centenary. The front fenders also sport Pikes Peak decals.
The wheels are 22-inch Mulliner Driving Specification alloys in gloss black wrapped with Pirelli P Zero Colour Edition tyres which has body-coloured pinstripes on it. The massive 10-piston brake callipers are given a coat of Acid Green paint as well.
Inside, the predominantly black cabin is contrasted by the Radium-coloured stitching on the seats, door trim and steering wheel. Carbon fibre and piano black trim are used throughout the interior with the passenger-side fascia featuring a graphic of the Pikes Peak course.
Like the car that broke the record earlier this year, this Limited Edition gets a twin-turbocharged W12 motor that’s mated to a ZF-sourced dual clutch 8-speed affair for the first time. It produces 467kW and 900Nm of torque which is enough to launch it to 100km/h from standstill in just 3.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 333km/h.
As mentioned, only 15 units of the Limited Edition coupe will be made but no prices have been announced. However, if the Bentley is too rich for your blood and it probably is for most of us, visit our Showroom for the best deal on a brand-new car that suits you best.
