COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Bentley Motors and Broadmoor Pikes Peak Int’l Hill Climb superstar Rhys Millen will return to America’s Mountain on June 30, determined to capture the Time Attack 2 Production record with the 2019 Continental GT.
Powered by the world’s most advanced 12-cylinder engine, the Continental GT and Millen will attempt to set the mark in the Exhibition Division as they tackle the 12.42-mile, 156-turn course on Pikes Peak.
Long time competitor David Donner holds the current TA2 Production record of 10:26.896, set in 2015 in a 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo.
In 2018, Millen and Bentley targeted the Production SUV record, setting the current mark of 10:49.902 in a Bentley Bentayga SUV.
“When I learned of Bentley’s plans to compete at Pikes Peak for a second time, the decision to work together again was an easy one,” said Millen. “The Continental GT and its W12 provide us with the perfect platform to begin chasing a new record, and I am looking forward to once again being part of the Bentley Motorsport team that will prepare the car over the coming months.”
Crafted for effortless, exhilarating driving, the new Continental GT is built on an innovative chassis and electrical architecture, featuring a 6.0 liter W12 engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
As a result, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds (0 to 100 km/h) and deliver a top speed of 207 mph (333 km/h) with 626 hp, complimented by an advanced 48-volt roll control system for extraordinary dynamic ability.
Twin-scroll turbochargers minimizing turbo response time, coupled with high and low pressure direct fuel injection, optimize power and torque delivery.
“Bentley’s success last year along with the experience we gained will prove to be instrumental in preparing for our return to the mountain,” said Bentley Director of Motorsport Brian Gush. “The challenge to establish a new record for production cars is not one we underestimate, but we are confident in the combination of our W12 engine, the dynamic ability of the new Continental GT and the outstanding skill of Rhys Millen.”
With over 20 years of racing experience, Millen has carved out a solid career and reputation, becoming one of the most sought after performance drivers in the United States automotive scene.
Born in New Zealand in 1972, Millen is the son of famed rally and off road racer Rod Millen, a Pikes Peak legend.
Rhys Millen joined Rod in the U.S. as a teenager and founded Rhys Millen Racing at the age of 21. RMR is an automotive tuning and parts shop, concentrating on rally, drift and movie car preparation.
Millen, making his 24th appearance on Pikes Peak since his rookie debut in 1992 and triumph in the Pikes Peak Open Class, has won a dozen championships on the mountain.
He was named King of the Mountain in 2015, when he raced a Drive eO PP03 Electric to the top with a clocking of 9:07.22, a record that lasted only a year. He set a new Electric Modified standard in 2016 at 8:57.118 behind the wheel of the 2016 version of the auto.