This decked-out Transit is not the bonkers Ford Supervan that set a Pikes Peak record, however it’s a van you should buy. Sold by means of Ford Pro within the UK, it is provided as a business car fitted with Ford Pro software program geared toward enterprise and fleet use. But it has a physique package, greater wheels, and in case you go for the electrical model, a bit extra horsepower. And in case you’re taken with extra utility, there is a sporty new Ranger, too.
The upgrades come from MS-RT, which is linked to Ford’s rally racing efforts at M-Sport. As such, the Transit Custom MS-RT will get a gnarly entrance fascia with massive nook vents and an built-in chin spoiler. It blends with aspect skirts and a rear fascia utilizing an built-in diffuser, all of which give the Transit a decrease look with out modifying the suspension. It’s a few inches wider due to massive fender flares that include 19-inch wheels, shod with 235/45-series Goodyears that Ford says are sporty however nonetheless commercial-rated. This is a piece van in spite of everything.
Ford took on the Pikes Peak Hill Climb with an electric van, aiming to set a record by completing the course in under nine minutes in the Open Class competition. The updated vehicle was based on the existing SuperVan 4.0 but required modifications to handle the grueling 12.5-mile course.
The evolution from SuperVan 4.0 to 4.2 involved cutting 881 pounds (400 kilograms) from the prototype, although it still weighed over 4,400 pounds. Ford Performance engineers had to fine-tune nearly every aspect of the vehicle for the run, including ride height, brakes, and suspension.
BMW’s first attempt to set a new record at Pikes Peak didn’t go as planned. The hybrid SUV crashed during the run in June. The automaker made a second run on September 21, and it was much more successful. The XM now holds the record for the fastest hybrid production SUV to run the course, which you can watch above.
Professional racing driver Matt Mullins piloted the BMW XM Label Red up the hill in 10 minutes, 48.60 seconds. While the time is impressive, the XM trailed the Lamborghini Urus Performante without a hybrid powertrain when it completed the course last year in 10 minutes, 32.06 seconds. It still holds the outright record among production SUVs.
The 101st running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, has come to an end, but one story of triumph continues to captivate the audience – the story of Hayden Bradley. At just 18 years old, Bradley stood out as the youngest competitor in the 2023 Pikes Peak field, but his performance was far beyond his age.
Bradley made a name for himself in the Lucas Oil Formula Car Series during his teenage years, participating in races at Homestead-Miami, Sebring, Road America, and Circuit of the Americas. He continued to excel in the World Racing League’s GP-2 Class, finishing fourth at the 24-Hour Enduro at Sebring International Raceway.
In 2023, Bradley, with 54 races of experience under his belt, received an invitation to compete in the prestigious Race to the Clouds, representing the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division. He chose the 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman Clubsport GT4 for its perfect balance and performance, adorned with the iconic Yokohama ADVAN livery. The racecar also featured Bradley’s personal connection to his race number, 727, which represents the area code of his hometown.
While preparing for the race, Bradley encountered various challenges, including high altitude, different weather conditions, and the 156 turns of Pikes Peak. With guidance from Jeff Zwart, a PPIHC Hall of Famer and his division mentor, Bradley adapted quickly and honed his driving skills to overcome these obstacles. Zwart’s coaching focused on understanding the unique ecosystem of the mountain and its ever-changing nature, preparing Bradley for the risk versus reward aspect of the Hill Climb.
On race day, Bradley’s dedication and hard work paid off as he emerged as the champion, proudly holding the Champion flag at the summit. This victory is not only a personal achievement but a shared success with his sponsors, mentors, and everyone who supported his journey. Bradley’s triumph serves as a testament to his talent, determination, and the exceptional engineering of the Porsche 718 Cayman Clubsport GT4. It is not just a highlight of the event but also an inspiration for aspiring racers, proving that with the right mentorship, effort, and outstanding engineering, even the most daunting challenges in motorsport can be conquered.
To view all available Porsche Cayman GT4 models, click here.
In the 101st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the Radford Type 62-2 Pikes Peak Special Edition made history over the weekend. Led by experienced race car driver and previous Pikes Peak champion, Tanner Foust, the vehicle not only won the Exhibition Class but also achieved a sub-ten-minute time, a record previously untouched by Foust.
Radford’s triumph was supported by impressive engineering. The Type 62-2 Pikes Peak Edition featured a 710HP supercharged 3.5L V6 DOHC engine, capable of going from 0-60 mph in under 2.2 seconds and reaching a top speed of 160 mph. The lightweight dry body, weighing only 1,898 pounds, was achieved through a full carbon composite monocoque. Additionally, the Radford race version included extensive modifications such as a new underbody design, subframes, suspension, wider body, and a new rear aero and diffuser to deliver outstanding performance on the challenging Pikes Peak terrain.
The Pikes Peak victory showcases Radford’s design and engineering capabilities for high-performance cars, combining power, speed, and cutting-edge technology. As the triumphant Type 62-2 Pikes Peak Edition prepares for its next challenge at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on July 1-2, 2023, it carries the momentum and prestige of a remarkable success.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is one of the most trying, storied, and respected automotive challenges, testing the performance limits of cars and drivers alike, which is why Porsche decided to test its most powerful Taycan Cross Turismo model at the legendary venue, with the help of a racing legend. Driver Hurley Haywood took the electric Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo on an electrifying exhibition run up Pikes Peak, a demonstration highlighting both the technology’s power and the event’s enduring tradition of bringing top-tier drivers and automotive innovation to the forefront.
As a five-time winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona, three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and two-time winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring, Haywood is no stranger to the challenges of the racetrack. Even still, taking on Pikes Peak was a first for him. The Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo took the thin air of the high altitudes in stride, demonstrating its impressive capability and resilience. Haywood was amazed, stating, “I was not getting close to what the car was capable of, but it was a lot of fun and required some recalibration on my part.” An important advantage of electric vehicles in places like Pikes Peak is that they don’t suffer from the performance reduction usually associated with conventional engines at high altitudes.
The Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo was not only reliable but nimble. Haywood noticed the utility of the rear-axle steering as it smoothly navigated through the notorious tight switchbacks of the climb. The Taycan Cross Turismo itself is no newcomer to Pikes Peak, one of America’s highest drivable points. Previously, it completed a record-breaking 1,400-mile journey from one of the lowest points in the U.S.—the bottom of a mine—to the top of Pikes Peak. This stunning feat set a Guinness World Record for the greatest altitude change by an electric car.
The 2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb reaffirmed its long-standing tradition of attracting world-class drivers and showcasing the latest breakthroughs in the automotive world. Hurley Haywood’s memorable run with the Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo exemplifies the event’s premise, proving that innovation and tradition create amazing moments and push the automotive industry forward as a whole.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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