Bentley Aims the Continental GT at a Pikes Peak Production Car Record

Bentley seems to have a thing for Pikes Peak. In 2018, the British automaker built a custom Bentayga specifically to break the production SUV record at the event, and it succeeded. Now, Bentley is back for 2019 with a new goal: The outright production car record. Its weapon of choice? This green Continental GT.

Similar to the Bentayga from last year, this Continental GT started life as a W-12 model. The drivetrain is totally unmodified, sending 626 horsepower and 662 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The only upgrades—a roll cage, a fire suppression system, racing buckets, and harnesses—are for safety purposes. From the factory, Bentley claims this car can do a 3.7-second 0-60 run and reach 207 mph top speed, so even with the safety equipment, this car should be plenty quick.

The green paint is identical to the shade used on the Bentayga, complemented by a graphic of Pikes Peak itself. The car carries the number 100 on its doors and grille to celebrate Bentley’s upcoming centenary in July 2019.

Two-time Pikes Peak champion Rhys Millen will return as Bentley’s expert Pikes Peak pilot, aiming to beat the 10:26.9 time set by David Donner in 2014 behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 Turbo S. The event kicks off June 30th, 2019. Don’t miss it.

Source: Read Full Article