New Zealander Rhys Millen has continued his family's winning legacy at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, setting a new outright production SUV record in a 'near-production' Bentley Bentayga.
The two-time Champion took nearly two minutes off the previous record, completing the 19.9km, 156 corner course in 10:49.9 and an average speed of 107km/h.
To comply with the rules, only minimal changes were made to the luxury SUV. The 2.4-tonne Bentley Bentayga was powered by twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 petrol engine, which thumps out 447kW of power and 900Nm of torque in standard trim.
Millen's Bentayga would have produced slightly more thanks to a production-specification Akrapovic exhaust, an option available to any Bentley customer.
Other modifications included swapping the front seats for racing versions, removing the rear seat, Pirelli DOT-marked tyres and instillation of a roll cage and fire suppression system.
In every other way the W12 Bentayga remained untouched, including standard adaptive air suspension, active electric 48V ani-roll control system and carbon ceramic brakes.
Millen's Bentayga was painted in Radium Satin paintwork with all-black chrome and carbon fibre body kit from Bentley’s Black Specification range.
Read more: Bentley Bentayga W12 road test
"To take a luxury SUV with minimal modifications and be able to drive up this course in under 11 minutes is a huge testament to the performance and level of engineering in the Bentayga," said Millen.
"I had a great run – the car was planted all the way up and gave me the confidence I needed to push hard. I’m delighted to take the SUV record for Bentley and for everyone that’s been involved in this project.”
Limited Edition Bentayga celebrates new record
Shortly after setting the new record, Bentley Motors confirmed a Limited Edition Bentayga would be built to celebrate Millen's achievement.
The Pikes Peak Bentayga will be limited to 10 units and built by Mulliner - Bentley’s in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division – as a homage to the achievements of the Bentayga W12 on the mountain,
The Pikes Peak Bentayga will feature of number of elements inspired by the record-setting car. The exterior is finished either in deep Beluga black or striking Radium paint, with 22” wheels in a bespoke two-tone finish of Beluga with Radium accents.
The Black Specification bodykit used on Millen's Bentayga will also be fitted, which replaces all exterior chrome with gloss black components and adds a carbon fibre splitter, side skirts, diffuser and rear spoiler, with a subtle Pikes Peak motif adorns the front fenders.
Inside the car, a Mulliner Design Colour Split marries Key Lime accents with Beluga leather and Alcantara inserts to the seats and doors. The steering wheel and gear lever are also trimmed in Alcantara, and the headlining is technical Eliade cloth. A Pikes Peak logo decorates the carbon fibre dash and numbered Pikes Peak treadplates complete the interior.
Under the skin, the Pikes Peak Bentayga features the same engine and chassis systems as the record-breaking racer. Bentley’s 6.0-litre twin turbo W12 is paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive system. The Pikes Peak Bentayga will also be fitted with Sports Exhaust and Touring Specification.
The Pikes Peak Bentayga will be available to order from August.
