BENTLEY'S BIG UPHILL BET

On Sunday June 24 there will be a few dozen high performance cars milling about the start line for the famous Pike's Peak hillclimb, with aspirations to knock off the current outright record, established in 2013, by Sebastian Loeb, in his Peugeot prototype at 8 minutes 378 seconds.

The very first ascent, 100 years ealier, by William Wayne Brown in his car called The Bearcat, was 5 hours, 28 minutes.

In 2014, the SUV record was set by a Range Rover Sport at 12 minutes, 35 seconds, but now Bentley has thrown its hat in the ring.

The imposing Bentley Bentayga SUV will make its attempt in virtually standard condition, except for racing seats and a roll cage.

The Range Rover Sport's weight-to-power ratio is measured at 10lbs per horsepower; but the mighty 600hp W12 in the Bentayga is measured around 8 - so on June 24 all eyes will be on driver Rhys Millen as he blasts off for the 14,000ft (4300m) summit.

Photo: Autoweek