Tag Archives: Peak

Car review

Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance

The Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance is the most powerful S-Class yet, with 791bhp and 1055lb ft of power and torque. However, this increased power comes with the downside of adding 309kg to the car’s weight, bringing it to a total of 2520kg.

Equipped with AMG’s nine-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive system, the S63 E Performance can go from 0 to 62mph in just 3.3 seconds.

Although its performance numbers are impressive, the question remains: can this larger and heavier S63 deliver the same level of engagement and dynamics as its highly rated predecessor?

The S63 E Performance offers seven different driving modes: Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, and Individual. This provides the car with incredible versatility for various driving conditions. In everyday driving, the Comfort mode utilizes both petrol and electric power sources to offer a refined and urgent experience on the motorway, giving the impression that there’s always more power to spare.

Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance

Switching to Sport+ mode unleashes the true sledgehammer performance of the S63 E Performance, with the electric motor’s torque compensating for any lag as the turbos spool up. This results in acceleration similar to that of a supercar, thanks to the 4Matic+ system and electronically controlled limited-slip differential that provide outstanding traction and determination when applying full throttle. However, due to the combination of two separate gearboxes and the 4Matic+ system, there can be some unruly shunt, particularly at low speeds and when accelerating quickly.

Motorsport

BMW XM Crashes At Pikes Peak During Attempt to Break Fastest SUV Record

The 101st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb concluded recently, with most competitors having a successful day. The weather conditions were favorable, and the course itself was fast. However, BMW was unable to take advantage of these conditions to set a record time.

The German automaker had set its sights on claiming the production SUV record with its high-performance XM Label Red, which is the first M-specific vehicle to come out of Munich since the M1 in 1981. Unfortunately, the BMW crashed during the event, as shown in the Pikes Peak livestream video, but driver Matt Mullins thankfully walked away uninjured.


Motorsport

2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb: Watch the Livestream Here

Are you ready for the 101st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2023? This renowned event takes place on the famous Colorado mountain and offers a thrilling race experience like no other. And the best part is, you can watch all the action unfold live right here! The livestream will begin on Sunday, June 25 at 9:00 AM Eastern / 6:00 AM Pacific.

What makes Pikes Peak so special? Well, for starters, drivers have to navigate through a challenging 12.4-mile rally stage, which features a staggering 156 turns. Missing any of these turns can have serious consequences, as they can lead to dangerous drops down the side of the mountain. But that’s not all. Over the course of the climb, drivers will ascend almost one mile in elevation. The race starts at 9,390 feet and finishes at an impressive 14,115 feet. This means that they can encounter drastically different weather conditions throughout the course. Additionally, tuning a high-performance engine to handle such a significant change in elevation poses a unique challenge for the drivers.

Acura NSX Type S Active Aero Study Pikes Peak
Ford SuperVan 4.2
2023 Alpine A110 Pikes Peak
Acura NSX Type S Active Aero Study Pikes Peak

Similar to the famous Nurburgring, Pikes Peak has become a coveted trophy for automakers aiming to set record times. In 2022, Porsche achieved a production-car record with a stock 911 Turbo S completing the climb in an impressive 9 minutes 53.5 seconds. However, there was some controversy surrounding this achievement, as it wasn’t done during the actual race. Due to unfavorable weather conditions in June, Porsche took advantage of a rule change that allowed an official run outside the racing venue. They returned in September and shattered the previous record by nearly 30 seconds.

In addition to Porsche, Lamborghini also made history at the 2022 event by setting the record for the fastest production SUV. Their Urus achieved a time of 10 minutes 32 seconds during the race, although the news was only released in August.

For the upcoming 2023 edition, several automakers are set to participate and make their mark. Acura will be showcasing various vehicles, while Alpine has a special A110 prepared for the challenge. Ford is planning to impress with their electric SuperVan 4.2, which boasts a staggering 1,400 horsepower. Additionally, all eyes will be on the Block family as Lucy competes in the Unlimited class, driving a Sierra Echo Block Edition powered by Hypercraft, in honor of Ken Block – Lucy’s husband and Lia’s father – who tragically passed away earlier this year. Speaking of Lia, she will be driving the 1,400-hp Hoonipigasus Porsche 911 in an exhibition run to pay tribute to her late father. Although Lia won’t make an official timed pass, her presence adds an emotional touch to the event.

Don’t miss out on any of the thrilling moments during the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb! The livestream will begin at 9:00 AM Eastern, with the first run expected to start half an hour later. The event will continue until 4:00 PM, and we will provide you with the complete livestream coverage.

Motorsport

Acura Brings Integra Type S Racer, Crazy NSX Type S To Pikes Peak

Acura is participating in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for the 13th consecutive year. As usual, the automaker is bringing some special vehicles for the race.

The debut of the new Integra Type S will take place at Pikes Peak this year. This Integra, built by the Honda Of America Racing Team (HART) with Honda Performance Development (HPD) parts, features a custom hood, front splitter, rear wing, and 19-inch wheels with Yokohama Advan A005 tires. It also has a Borla exhaust system.

One of the key highlights is the Integra’s livery, which is based on the anime Chiaki’s Journey. The car will be driven by fourth-generation race car driver Loni Unser.

Acura Integra Type S Pikes Peak
Acura Integra Type S Pikes Peak

Four other Acura vehicles will race alongside the Integra Type S at Pikes Peak. The field includes a HART-modified Integra 1.5T, a TLX Type S, a TLX Type S PMC Edition, and an NSX Type S Active Aero Study.

The NSX Type S is nicknamed “Yamabiko,” after a mythological mountain spirit in Japanese folklore. It was designed by HART’s skunkworks division called “Crazy New” to maximize aerodynamic performance at Pikes Peak. The NSX Type S features custom carbon fiber bodywork, a dynamic rear wing, and is lighter than the stock NSX. It will be driven by Honda engineer and experienced Pikes Peak racer James Robinson.

The Pikes Peak Hill Climb will take place on June 25th, lasting throughout the weekend. The course covers 12.4 miles with 156 turns, culminating at a 14,115-foot summit.