Bentley Motors is aiming to claim the record of fastest production SUV to compete at the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
The Crewe-based luxury manufacturer will use a stripped-out Bentley Bentayga - dropping 300kgs - for the attempt, in a bit to take the record currently held by Land Rover's Range Rover Sport.
The primary changes to the Bentayga are the addition of racing seats, a roll cage, an on-board fire suppression system, and a custom Akrapovic Exhaust System. The 6.0-litre bi-turbo W12 is untouched and produces 447kw and 900nm, and it will even run on ‘production’ Pirelli tyres.
The big news is that drift-God Rhys Millen will pilot the Bentayga for the 20km hillclimb. Rhys is a two-time winner of the event, a respected stuntman (having done most of the drift work in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift), as well as one of the prolific drifters in the world. His most recent work includes drifting a BMW M4 CS in the 2018 Pennzoil video, entitled "Escaping the Nürburgring'.
The record attempt will take place on June 24 this year.
Also worth a look: the In the lap of luxury - the finest motorcars for the world’s and the Bentley Flying Spur Enters Production.
FAQ
Q: What does the Bentley Bentayga cost in South Africa?
The Bentley Bentayga starts from around R3,500,000 in South Africa, making it one of the priciest SUVs you can buy locally, but you're getting proper British luxury and that monster W12 engine for your money.
Q: Is the Bentley Bentayga worth buying?
If you've got the budget and want the ultimate luxury SUV that can actually handle off-road duties while pampering you with handcrafted leather, then absolutely, but most buyers will find similar performance in German alternatives for half the price.
Q: How fast is the Bentley Bentayga W12?
The Bentayga W12 rockets from 0-100kph in just 4.1 seconds and tops out at 301kph, making it properly quick for something that weighs over 2,400kg.
Q: What makes the Pikes Peak Bentayga different from the regular model?
The Pikes Peak version sheds 300kg through racing seats, a roll cage, fire suppression system, and custom Akrapovic exhaust, but keeps the same 447kW W12 engine and even runs on production Pirelli tyres.
Q: Who is Rhys Millen and why did Bentley choose him?
Rhys Millen is a two-time Pikes Peak winner, world-class drifter, and the guy behind most of the driving stunts in Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift, so Bentley picked the absolute best driver for their record attempt.
Should You Buy It?
The best ultra-luxury SUV under R4,000,000 in SA is definitely the Bentley Bentayga, but only if you're loaded and want something truly special. At around R3,500,000, it's eye-wateringly expensive, but you're getting genuine craftsmanship, a mental 447kW W12 engine, and the kind of presence that makes other SUV owners weep. If you need to ask about running costs, fuel consumption, or depreciation, this isn't for you. Buy it if you want the most exclusive SUV on South African roads and have money to burn, otherwise stick to a Range Rover Sport SVR for half the price and 90% of the thrills.
