Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Peugeot's legendary Climb Dance remastered in high-definition glory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Peugeot Climb Dance Pikes Peak film - remastered screencap

Climb Dance, the rally-porn film celebrating the Pikes Peak Hill Climb victories of Ari Vatanen in 1988 and Robby Unser in 1989 - and including footage from both drives - has been remastered in high definition. It was commissioned by Peugeot, maker of the four-wheel steering 415 T16 Grand Raid, the racecar that took both drivers to the top to overall victories.

Peugeot will be hoping that Sébastien Loeb can dance the same way next month when he runs up the now-paved mountain in his 208. You'll find the breathtaking remastered Climb Dance below, as well as tribute the Motor Trend made with Marcus Gronholm in a Ford Fiesta back in 2009. Enjoy.

Continue reading Peugeot's legendary Climb Dance remastered in high-definition glory

Peugeot's legendary Climb Dance remastered in high-definition glory originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ari vatanenclimb danceford fiestapeugeotpeugeot 405 t16pikes peakpikes peak international hill climbrobby unservideoThu, 16 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571485/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/20571485/article-detail.xml 20571485 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/climb-dance-remastered_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/climb-dance-remastered.jpg <![CDATA[Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-signs-on-as-pikes-peak-sponsor-race-participant/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-signs-on-as-pikes-peak-sponsor-race-participant/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-signs-on-as-pikes-peak-sponsor-race-participant/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Honda plans to storm the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 30, entering ten cars in nine classes at the race to the sky, and signing on as a corporate sponsor. Part of the company's return to grassroots racing - if that's what you can call factory-backed efforts - the banners of Honda R&D and Honda North America will fly on these entries: a first-gen Acura NSX, an Acura TL SH-AWD, Honda CR-Z, Honda Fit EV, one CRF450R and two CRF250R motorcycles, a CBR1000RR motorcycle and a TRX450 ATV.

One more entry, details of which are to be announced later, will be driven by IndyCar pilot Simon Pagenaud of Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports. LoveFab (pictured above during practice last year) will be there with its new, NSX-based Enviate, but as a privateer entry.

Honda's been to the mountain before, with high-powered gear in 2012 and record-setting EVs in 1994 and 1999, but it's never made noise like this. Have a read of the press release below for more info.

Continue reading Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant

Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura nsxacura tlcbr1000rrcrf250rcrf450rhondahonda cr-zhonda fit evpikes peakPikes Peak International Hill ClimbSat, 27 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548784/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/honda-signs-on-as-pikes-peak-sponsor-race-participant/20548784/article-detail.xml 20548784 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-pikes-peak-sponsor_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-pikes-peak-sponsor.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot reveals its 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/peugeot-teases-its-208-t16-pikes-peak-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/peugeot-teases-its-208-t16-pikes-peak-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/peugeot-teases-its-208-t16-pikes-peak-racer/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Peugeot is returning to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this year after a 14-year absence, and it has begun teasing the 208 T16 that Sébastien Loeb will be piloting up the mountain. Sporting a carbon fiber effects package that you won't find on the dealership floor nor at your local tuner, even the cockpit is a surprise since it features a central driving position.

Waging war in the Unlimited Class, it will have gobs of power underhood, the number 208 on its sides and two self-locking diffs to get power to the proper wheels. The entire route is paved this year, but Loeb has proved he knows how to handle tarmac in a variety of circumstances: after taking third in the French GT Championship last year, he entered the FIA GT series this year and won the opening race of the season earlier this month in a McLaren MP4-12C.

Click on the image above to see it in high resolution.

UPDATE: Peugeot released images and video of the car this morning, so we've updated the gallery and the press release and video are below.

Continue reading Peugeot reveals its 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer

Peugeot reveals its 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>peugeotpeugeot 208 t16pikes peakPikes Peak International Hill Climbsebastien loebMon, 15 Apr 2013 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540005/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/peugeot-teases-its-208-t16-pikes-peak-racer/20540005/article-detail.xml 20540005 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/peugeot-t18-208-pikes_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/peugeot-t18-208-pikes.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot returning to Pikes Peak with Sébastien Loeb [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/peugeot-returning-to-pikes-peak-with-sebastien-loeb-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/peugeot-returning-to-pikes-peak-with-sebastien-loeb-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/peugeot-returning-to-pikes-peak-with-sebastien-loeb-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Peugeot returning to Pikes Peak - video graphic

In spite of troubles in other areas - and there are plenty of them - sales of the Peugeot 208 are a bright spot for the French carmaker. Attempting to grab that light and make sure it shines everywhere, the company is returning the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 30 with a specially prepared 208 driven by nine-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb.

Citroën has loaned Loeb to its PSA/Peugeot-Citroën sister company so that he could contest his first Pikes Peak - it only makes sense that he's looking to try new pastures after winning all of those World Rally Championship titles with Citroën. The 208, which will have the start number '208,' will be revealed in April. Peugeot has won the race twice, once with Ari Vatanen in a 206 205 T16 in 1988 and again the next year with Robby Unser in a 405 T16.

To get you ready, there's a press release and a short film below called Climb Dance which follows Vatanen's drive. We highly recommend a watch - better vintage car porn is hard to find.

Continue reading Peugeot returning to Pikes Peak with Sébastien Loeb [w/video]

Peugeot returning to Pikes Peak with Sébastien Loeb [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>208ari vatanencitroëncitroenclimb dancepeugeotpeugeot 208pikes peakpikes peak international hill climbsebastien loebvideoTue, 02 Apr 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523791/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/02/peugeot-returning-to-pikes-peak-with-sebastien-loeb-w-video/20523791/article-detail.xml 20523791 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/peugeotpikespeak2013_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/peugeotpikespeak2013.jpg <![CDATA[LoveFab headed back to Pikes Peak with NSX-based heathen [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/lovefab-headed-back-to-pikes-peak-with-nsx-based-heathen-w-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/lovefab-headed-back-to-pikes-peak-with-nsx-based-heathen-w-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/lovefab-headed-back-to-pikes-peak-with-nsx-based-heathen-w-vide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

LoveFab Enviate Acura NSX

LoveFab had a rough run at Pikes Peak 2012. During qualifying on Day Two, owner and professional driver Cody Loveland launched his car off of the course at nearly 60 miles per hour. Never ones to be dismayed by a few bruised ribs and some busted body panels, LoveFab is headed back to the hill climb for 2013, and this year, it's bringing Garrett along as a title sponsor.

Loveland's chariot of choice is officially dubbed "Turbo by Garrett/LoveFab Pikes Peak Enviate" and is loosely based on an Acura NSX. All of the stock Japanese components have been swapped for LoveFab-built pieces with the exception of the subframes and suspension.

With a dry-sump LS1 V8, chromoly-tube chassis and a full carbon fiber body, the car is about as wild as they come. With around 800 pound-feet of torque on hand and a curb weight of under 2,000 pounds, the machine should give the mountain a run for its money. The team is expected to begin testing Enviate beginning May 1. You can check out a quick interview with Loveland in the video below along with the full press release.

Continue reading LoveFab headed back to Pikes Peak with NSX-based heathen [w/video]

LoveFab headed back to Pikes Peak with NSX-based heathen [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura nsxcody lovelandlovefab enviatensxpikes peakpikes peak international hill climbvideoTue, 02 Apr 2013 09:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523786/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/02/lovefab-headed-back-to-pikes-peak-with-nsx-based-heathen-w-vide/20523786/article-detail.xml 20523786 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/lovefab-enviate-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/lovefab-enviate-628.jpg <![CDATA[Rod Millen to face Monster Tajima in Electric Division of Pikes Peak Hill Climb]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/rod-millen-to-face-monster-tajima-in-electric-division-of-pikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/rod-millen-to-face-monster-tajima-in-electric-division-of-pikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/rod-millen-to-face-monster-tajima-in-electric-division-of-pikes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota TMG EV P002 on Pikes Peak

The 91st running of the Pike's Peak International Hill Climb is scheduled to begin on June 30. Like last year's event, the 12.42 mile course - fully paved these days - starts at 9,390 feet elevation and doesn't stop climbing until it reaches an impressive 14,110 feet (the air is so thin up there that the FAA requires pilots to use oxygen at that altitude).

There will be an assortment of internal combustion machines racing to the summit, entries from France, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Sweden, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland and Belgium, but all eyes will be on the electric showdown between Rod Millen and Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima, from Japan. 61-year-old Millen is a familiar name to Toyota racing fans, and he will be driving the Toyota TMG EV P002 (it won the Electric title last year), while Tajima will be again piloting the Monster Sport E-Runner (which was forced out of the field last year after a fire broke out).

Other entrants include Rhys Millen driving a 2013 Hyundai PM58OT and Paul Dallenbach, who will be driving Millen's Hyundai Genesis Coupe (it set the all-time speed mark last year).

Tickets and camping permits may be purchased online at the PPIHC official site, and the official press release announcing Millen's run is available below.

Continue reading Rod Millen to face Monster Tajima in Electric Division of Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Rod Millen to face Monster Tajima in Electric Division of Pikes Peak Hill Climb originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carhill climbpikes peakpikes peak international hill climbrhys millenrod millentmg ev p002toyotaMon, 11 Feb 2013 18:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20457134/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/11/rod-millen-to-face-monster-tajima-in-electric-division-of-pikes/20457134/article-detail.xml 20457134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/toyota-ev-p002_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/toyota-ev-p002.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai and Rhys Millen reunite, will return to Pikes Peak with new RWD racer, Genesis Coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/hyundai-and-rhys-millen-reunite-will-return-to-pikes-peak-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/hyundai-and-rhys-millen-reunite-will-return-to-pikes-peak-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/hyundai-and-rhys-millen-reunite-will-return-to-pikes-peak-with/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Last September, Hyundai confirmed that it was exiting all of its motorsports programs in North America. That left Rhys Millen Racing without a title sponsor for its Formula Drift and Global RallyCross Championship series challengers. It also looked to have meant the end of a partnership that last year resulted in a record-setting run at Pikes Peak when Rhys Millen established the new benchmark for a run up the Colorado mountain in a production-based race car.

Hyundai clarified that September report by saying it was "reconsidering our continued involvement in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, having achieved the world record in a Hyundai Genesis Coupe this year." The return is official, with Hyundai saying it is going back to the peak with Millen and two cars, one of them a "purpose-built unlimited class rear-drive," the other being the Hyundai Genesis Coupe-based racer that set last year's record in the time attack two-wheel-drive class.

Hyundai wants to show off the strength of its engineering, so the unlimited car will have something like 900 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque while using the production block, cylinder heads, bearings and accessories of its Lambda V6 engine. You can read more about the effort in the press release below, and click the image above for an enlarged view of what's coming.

Continue reading Hyundai and Rhys Millen reunite, will return to Pikes Peak with new RWD racer, Genesis Coupe

Hyundai and Rhys Millen reunite, will return to Pikes Peak with new RWD racer, Genesis Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genesis coupehyundaipikes peakpikes peak international hill climbrhys millenrhys millen racingrmrTue, 15 Jan 2013 16:23:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20428801/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/15/hyundai-and-rhys-millen-reunite-will-return-to-pikes-peak-with/20428801/article-detail.xml 20428801 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/millenpikeshyundai_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/millenpikeshyundai.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Greg Tracy snap the 10-minute Pikes Peak barrier]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/watch-greg-tracy-snap-the-10-minute-pikes-peak-barrier/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/watch-greg-tracy-snap-the-10-minute-pikes-peak-barrier/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/watch-greg-tracy-snap-the-10-minute-pikes-peak-barrier/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Greg Tracey's Pikes Peak run in 2012 - cyclecam

There are the racers who tackle the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on four wheels and then there are the (even more) insane bastards who head up the mountain on bikes. Greg Tracy is without a doubt one of the most talented of those souls. He's collected the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb overall win a total of six times, and this year, he blew straight past the 10 minute barrier on his Ducati with a 9:58.262 time up the course. Impressive, given the rider laid down a machine the weekend before the hill climb during a video shoot.

The time put him within six seconds of this year's winner, Carlin Dunne. Six seconds is a lifetime in motorsports, but watching Tracy wring the big Duc out over the 12-mile slog to the top makes it hard to fathom pulling any more time from the run. Check out the clip below for yourself.

Continue reading Watch Greg Tracy snap the 10-minute Pikes Peak barrier

Watch Greg Tracy snap the 10-minute Pikes Peak barrier originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ducatigreg tracyhelmet camhelmet camerapikes peakpikes peak international hill climbpikes peak videovideoMon, 27 Aug 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20310237/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/27/watch-greg-tracy-snap-the-10-minute-pikes-peak-barrier/20310237/article-detail.xml 20310237 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/greg-tracey-pikes-peak-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/greg-tracey-pikes-peak-628.jpg <![CDATA[Rhys Millen's record-breaking Pikes Peak Hill Climb run]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/rhys-millens-record-breaking-pikes-peak-hill-climb-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/rhys-millens-record-breaking-pikes-peak-hill-climb-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/rhys-millens-record-breaking-pikes-peak-hill-climb-run/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There are those who thought that paving the upper slopes of Pikes Peak would render the event boring. That didn't happen this year: between the crashes, the electric racers and the broken records it was a year that won't soon depart from memory.

The biggest record of them all was taken by Rhys Millen, who took his 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe race car from bottom to top in 9:46.164, relegating Pikes Peak rookie Romain Dumas to second place by the whisper thin margin of 17/1000s of a second.

The video below is in-car footage of the entire run. Scroll down to watch.

Continue reading Rhys Millen's record-breaking Pikes Peak Hill Climb run

Rhys Millen's record-breaking Pikes Peak Hill Climb run originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012+pikes+peak+hill+climbgenesis coupehyundaipikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbpikes peak hill climb 2012pikes peak international hill climbrhys millenvideovideosyoutubeFri, 17 Aug 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20302739/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/17/rhys-millens-record-breaking-pikes-peak-hill-climb-run/20302739/article-detail.xml 20302739 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/rhyspikesrun_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/rhyspikesrun.jpg <![CDATA[Records, snow fall at the 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/records-snow-fall-at-the-2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/records-snow-fall-at-the-2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/records-snow-fall-at-the-2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb/#commentsFiled under:

Rhys Millen 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

When it comes to Pikes Peak, expect the unexpected. The legendary mountain is known for its ever-changing conditions, and one driving up to the top might experience warm sunshine and a snow storm all in a matter of minutes. That was the case this past weekend at the 90th annual Pikes Peak Hill Climb when race officials were forced to shorten the course due to snow, rain and near-freezing temperatures at the finish line on the summit. It is only one of three times since 1916 that the length of the race has been shortened.

Thankfully many of the drivers and riders did get to fully complete their runs up the 12.42-mile, 156-turn course, and due to the new fully paved course the times were faster than ever. Last year, Monster Tajima was the first to break the ten-minute barrier on the mountain, but it was clear early on that his record would fall. Romain Dumas, a winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans but a rookie at Pikes Peak, blasted past the finish line in 9:46.181 in a Porsche 911 GT3R, setting a new record for the course.

The record didn't stand long, however, as Rhys Millen, driving his 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe race car, completed the course in 9:46.164 - just 17/1000s of a second ahead of Dumas.

Continue reading Records, snow fall at the 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Records, snow fall at the 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012+pikes+peak+hill+climb2012pikespeakhillclimbpikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbpikes peak hill climb 2012pikes peak international hill climbrhys millenMon, 13 Aug 2012 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20299092/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/13/records-snow-fall-at-the-2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb/20299092/article-detail.xml 20299092 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/millen-pikes-peak-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/millen-pikes-peak-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Jeremy Foley's incredible crash at Pikes Peak [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/watch-jeremy-foley-crash-his-evo-8-at-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/watch-jeremy-foley-crash-his-evo-8-at-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/watch-jeremy-foley-crash-his-evo-8-at-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Jeremy Foley crash at Pikes Peak

It's easy to forget just how dangerous the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb can be. Those who take to the mountain do so with the knowledge that any wrong turn could send them, their car and their co-driver down a rocky embankment at speed.

Jeremy Foley recently found that out first hand at around Mile 16 when his Mitsubishi Evolution 8 stepped off course. The car proceeded to somersault end over end down the side of the mountain, sheering off body panels and spitting parts along the way. From the look of things in the video below, the machine rolled at least seven times before coming to a stop right side up.

Both Foley and his co-driver were air-lifted to a local hospital, but have since been released. Early reports suggest Foley escaped the calamity with a broken leg. This was his first time at Pikes Peak. If ever there were an advertisement for building a proper cage, this is it. Check out the video of the crash below.

*Update: According to a post on Evolutionm.net, neither Foley nor his co-driver, Yuri, broke any bones in the dust up. Foley exited the crashed vehicle under his own power and Yuri injured his shoulder in what may be a dislocation.

Continue reading Watch Jeremy Foley's incredible crash at Pikes Peak [UPDATE]

Watch Jeremy Foley's incredible crash at Pikes Peak [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashevo 8jeremy foleyjeremy foley crashmitsubishimitsubishi evo 8pikes peakpikes peak crashpikes peak international hill climbvideoMon, 13 Aug 2012 09:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20299276/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/13/watch-jeremy-foley-crash-his-evo-8-at-pikes-peak/20299276/article-detail.xml 20299276 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/pikes-peak-crash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/pikes-peak-crash-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Practice Day 3 saves the best for last]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-3-saves-the-best-for-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-3-saves-the-best-for-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-3-saves-the-best-for-la/#commentsFiled under:

2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

For the first two practice days of this year's Pikes Peak Hill Climb, we spent our time on the bottom third of the mountain, first checking out the new contenders of the Electric Division, including Monster Tajima's E-Runner, and for the second day catching up with the old and new faces of the Unlimited and Time Attack classes.

For the third and final practice day we headed up the mountain to the middle section of the course that encompasses many of its switchbacks. Our decision was two-fold, first to continue following the diverse selection of Unlimited and Time Attack cars, and second to take in what we consider the most beautiful section of the mountain. This portion of the road is undoubtedly the most dangerous with few guardrails and sheer drop-offs, but it's also the most visually stunning. Standing well above the tree line and just below Devil's Playground, named for the lightning bolts that jump from rock to rock during thunderstorms, one can see a large portion of the course hundreds of feet below. It's a scene that's unrivaled in any form of motorsport, enhanced further by fantastic Colorado sunrises that usher in each day's practice session.

Pikes Peak Dacia DusterPikes Peak Rhys Millen Hyundai Genesis Coupe

The competitors didn't disappoint those in attendance, blasting up each switchback at a furious pace, although it was evident that some cars were showing signs of struggling in the thin air of the higher elevations. Paul Dallenbach and Frenchman Jean-Philippe Dayraut continued their battle for fastest time in the Unlimited class, although it looks like the Frenchman currently has a slight edge on the Colorado native. While Dallenbach's home-built twin-turbo race car surely has more power, Dayraut's Dacia Duster looks to have the edge in handling.

Rhys Millen looked dominate in the Time Attack division in his 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and while results have yet to be posted from today's session we're confident he's at the top of the charts. Assuming Millen doesn't suffer any of the problems that plagued him over the last few years, he's a sure bet to set a new record in the class come race day.

You can see our photos from the third practice day of this year's Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the gallery above, and check back next week for Sunday's final race results.

2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Practice Day 3 saves the best for last originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbpikes peak hill climb 2012pikes peak international hill climbFri, 10 Aug 2012 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20297866/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/10/2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-3-saves-the-best-for-la/20297866/article-detail.xml 20297866 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead-pikes-peak-2012-p3-1344707393_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lead-pikes-peak-2012-p3-1344707393.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Practice Day 2 brings out the big guns [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-2/#commentsFiled under:



During the first practice day of the 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb we checked out Monster Tajima's new electric-powered E-runner and watched the Vintage and Exhibition divisions roar up the mountain. Our second day, however, was reserved for the fastest of the groups - Unlimited, Time Attack and Open Wheel - which were running in the bottom portion of the course that determines qualifying times.

While one might think that the Unlimited class would be less interesting without Monster Tajima and Rhys Millen in the mix, this year's grouping is perhaps more intriguing than ever. Two Ford RS200s are entered this year, Lovefab Motorsports has brought its radical 850-horsepower Acura NSX and the open-cockpit Palatov Motorsport D4 Pikes Peak Special is making its debut.

Some of the usual names have come back as well. Paul Dallenbach is aiming to take down the overall record once again with an updated version of his turbocharged 1,400-horsepower winged monster, and Jean-Philippe Dayraut has returned for a second year with his Nissan GT-R-powered Dacia Duster. The Frenchman looked quick enough to easily improve on his overall time of 10:17.707 set last year, setting the fastest time of the day with segment time of 3:54.96. Dallenbach was second fastest with a time of 3:59.70, followed by David Donner in the Palatov Motorsport entry with a 4:10.31.

2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Returning to Time Attack (2WD and AWD have been combined for 2012) after competing in the Unlimited division for the last two years, Rhys Millen is looking to take back the class record set by his father, Rod Millen, last year. To do so he's brought an updated version of his Hyundai Genesis Coupe race car fitted with a new engine and wider body that can fit larger tires. The changes seem to have made a positive effect, as Millen blew away the Time Attack competition with a segment time of 4:06.24 - the fourth fastest of any class. Four-time SCCA World Challenge GT champion Randy Pobst was second fastest, putting in a run of 4:22.75 in his 2001 Audi A4, followed by David Kern's 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution with a 4:25.23.

We'll have more coverage of the Unlimited and Time Attack classes when they take on the middle section of the course tomorrow morning for the third and final practice day. Until then, browse through our photos from today in the gallery above and check out the video of Millen's qualifying run below.

Continue reading 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Practice Day 2 brings out the big guns [w/video]

2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Practice Day 2 brings out the big guns [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 pikes peak hill climbpikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbpikes+peak+hill+climb+2012pikespeakhillclimb2012Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20297633/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/09/2012-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-2/20297633/article-detail.xml 20297633 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/pikes-peak-2012-p2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/pikes-peak-2012-p2.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution crashes on first practice day of Pikes Peak Hill Climb]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/mitsubishi-imiev-evolution-crashes-on-first-practice-day-of-pike/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/mitsubishi-imiev-evolution-crashes-on-first-practice-day-of-pike/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/mitsubishi-imiev-evolution-crashes-on-first-practice-day-of-pike/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution Crash

Mitsubishi had high hopes for this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, entering a production i-MiEV and a radical racing version called the i-MiEV Evolution into the ever-growing Electric Division. We had our eye on the Evolution model in particular, as the car was specially developed for the hill climb with a tube-frame chassis, sleek carbon fiber body and an all-wheel-drive system.

Things haven't started quite as Mitsubishi planned, though, with the i-MiEV Evolution crashing during today's second practice session on the lower third of Pikes Peak. The car overshot one of the many hairpins on the course, ending up in a ditch several feet off the road. There's no word on whether the incident was due to a mechanical problem or driver error, but the car looks to be pretty heavily damaged. Fortunately, driver Hiroshi Masuoka, one of Mitsubishi's test drivers and two-time Dakar Rally winner, was unhurt in the accident.

We don't know whether the crew at Mitsubishi will be able to repair the car in time for this weekend's race, but we hope to see it on the mountain come Sunday.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution crashes on first practice day of Pikes Peak Hill Climb originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 pikes peak hill climbi-miev evolutionmitsubishimitsubishi i-miev evolutionpikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbWed, 08 Aug 2012 15:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20296513/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/08/mitsubishi-imiev-evolution-crashes-on-first-practice-day-of-pike/20296513/article-detail.xml 20296513 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mitsubishi-imiev-evo-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mitsubishi-imiev-evo-crash.jpg <![CDATA[LoveFab debuts 850-HP NSX Pikes Peak hill-climber [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/23/lovefab-debuts-850-hp-nsx-pikes-peak-hill-climber-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/23/lovefab-debuts-850-hp-nsx-pikes-peak-hill-climber-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/23/lovefab-debuts-850-hp-nsx-pikes-peak-hill-climber-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Cody Loveland, owner of LoveFab in Traverse City, Michigan, is joining the ranks of drivers for the 90th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on August 12. Known especially for his work packing monstrous power into the Acura NSX, it's no surprise that he's whipped up his own unlimited-class chassis based on the legendary Japanese car that we'll dub the FrankeNSX and that rides on HRE wheels - the same rim-maker who will be supporting Rhys Millen and Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima.

The 850-horsepower, twin-turbo C96S LoveFab NSX is said to throw down 600 hp at the wheels. To see what it should look like running up the mountain, below are some short clips of it testing in the Michigan backwoods with just 500 hp at the wheels. And below that is a press release with more info.

Continue reading LoveFab debuts 850-HP NSX Pikes Peak hill-climber [w/video]

LoveFab debuts 850-HP NSX Pikes Peak hill-climber [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuracody lovelandhrehre wheelslovefabmotorsportsnsxpikes peakpikes peak international hill climbvideovideosMon, 23 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20283036/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/23/lovefab-debuts-850-hp-nsx-pikes-peak-hill-climber-w-video/20283036/article-detail.xml 20283036 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/lovefabnsx_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/lovefabnsx.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak Hill Climb rescheduled for August 12]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/pikes-peak-hill-climb-rescheduled-for-august-12/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/pikes-peak-hill-climb-rescheduled-for-august-12/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/pikes-peak-hill-climb-rescheduled-for-august-12/#commentsFiled under:

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb - GoPro Suzuki takes the checkered flag

The organizers behind the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb have rescheduled the race event for August 12 in the wake of extensive wildfires in the Colorado Springs area. The competition's 90th annual event was initially slated to take place on July 8, but the massive Waldo Canyon fire forced a postponement due to safety concerns. Organizers say the full week's worth events will remain on the schedule, including the Fan Fest in downtown Colorado Springs. Despite the shift on the calendar, 21 of the 31 top drivers have already committed to making the event.

Organizers reportedly originally looked into dates as late as early September, but opted for August 7 to avoid conflicts with football, school openings and other events scheduled for the Pikes Peak area. Expect to see qualifying and practice runs start as early as August 8, while the official race gets going on Sunday, August 12.

Pikes Peak Hill Climb rescheduled for August 12 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colorado springshill climbpikes peakpikes peak international hill climbpikes peak rescheduledppihcrescheduledwaldo canyon firewildfireFri, 06 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20272882/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/06/pikes-peak-hill-climb-rescheduled-for-august-12/20272882/article-detail.xml 20272882 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/pikes-peak-international-hill-climb-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/pikes-peak-international-hill-climb-628.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak Hill Climb postponed due to Colorado wildfire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/pikes-peak-hill-climb-postponed-due-to-colorado-wildfire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/pikes-peak-hill-climb-postponed-due-to-colorado-wildfire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/pikes-peak-hill-climb-postponed-due-to-colorado-wildfire/#commentsFiled under:

2011 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

The 90th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has been officially postponed after race officials met with the U.S. Forest Service yesterday afternoon. The event was originally scheduled to run on July 8th, with technical inspections starting July 3rd, but a wildfire in the area, which began on June 23rd, is less than five percent contained and has currently burned over 18,500 acres. The decision to postpone the race was less about direct interference with the fire - the blaze is currently heading away from Pikes Peak - and more about taking away resources desperately needed by the city of Colorado Springs and the surrounding area.

"At the end of our meeting today, it was clear that we would not be able to go as scheduled," said Tom Osborne, Chairman of the Board of the PPIHC, in a statement released yesterday. "Our deepest concern is for the safety of the public and the competitors, and it was obvious that several agencies charged with public safety would not be able to commit the resources and manpower required to ensure those requirements because of the critical need for their resources at this time. Our city is in an unprecedented struggle right now and we are deeply sensitive to it."

The 211 competitors, many of them from outside the United States, have already been notified of the event's postponement, and a new date will hopefully be selected within the next two weeks. Race officials have assured that any tickets already purchased will still be honored and all agreements with sponsors and vendors will be fulfilled.

You can read the official announcement from the PPIHC below.

Continue reading Pikes Peak Hill Climb postponed due to Colorado wildfire

Pikes Peak Hill Climb postponed due to Colorado wildfire originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 pikes peak hill climbpikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbThu, 28 Jun 2012 09:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20267896/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/28/pikes-peak-hill-climb-postponed-due-to-colorado-wildfire/20267896/article-detail.xml 20267896 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/pikes-peak-2012-postponed_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/pikes-peak-2012-postponed.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak Hill Climb facing cancellation over Colorado wildfires?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/pikes-peak-hill-climb-facing-cancellation-over-colorado-wildfire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/pikes-peak-hill-climb-facing-cancellation-over-colorado-wildfire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/pikes-peak-hill-climb-facing-cancellation-over-colorado-wildfire/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Waldo Canyon Fire

The 90th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is in danger of being postponed or cancelled altogether as wildfires close in on Colorado Springs. The Waldo Canyon fire, which began several days ago and is ravaging the mountains just west of the city, has already burned more than 15,000 acres and is only five percent contained. Unusually hot weather, a lack of rain and persistent winds have made the blaze difficult to control, and more more than 32,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate. Highway 24, the road leading up to the base of Pikes Peak, is currently closed.

"We are cautiously optimistic concerning the running of the 90th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on July 8 after an informative and thorough meeting this morning with Mayor Steve Bach and officials from the City of Colorado Springs," said Tom Osborne, Chairman of the Board of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, in a statement released by the event yesterday. "We are in consistent touch with these officials, and monitoring the constantly developing situation related to the wildfires."

Autoblog spoke with Mike Moran, senior media consultant for the PPIHC, about the current status of the event today, and he is still uncertain what will happen. "This is now under the control of the federal government and other agencies," he told us. "We met yesterday with the mayor and came away optimistic, but we don't know what nature is going to bring here. The authorities are well aware of the hill climb and the resources needed to support it, but the first thing in our mind is safety."

Moran says organizers will let race fans and participants know about the status of the hill climb as soon as they can.

"We'll know in plenty of time to let everyone know, and we're getting to that point. I expect in the next 24-48 hours we will know something."

Continue reading Pikes Peak Hill Climb facing cancellation over Colorado wildfires?

Pikes Peak Hill Climb facing cancellation over Colorado wildfires? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 pikes peak hill climbcolorado firepikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbppihcwaldo canyonwaldo canyon fireWed, 27 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20267641/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/27/pikes-peak-hill-climb-facing-cancellation-over-colorado-wildfire/20267641/article-detail.xml 20267641 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/waldo-canyone-fire_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/waldo-canyone-fire.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Paul Dallenbach use 1,400 HP to race up Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/watch-paul-dallenbach-use-1-400-hp-to-race-up-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/watch-paul-dallenbach-use-1-400-hp-to-race-up-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/watch-paul-dallenbach-use-1-400-hp-to-race-up-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Paul Dallenbach has been practicing for the upcoming Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in an Unlimited-class competitor that looks like it drove straight out of Wacky Races, powered by a 1,400-horsepower Chevrolet engine from Banks Power.

Before one run up the lower slopes, the crew affixed cameras all over the race car, and the resulting video is a good demonstration of the speed, the sound and the shakes a driver needs to master over the 12.42 miles and 160 turns of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. It is also the only racing video we've seen to feature a flying camera and an ant.

Scroll down to watch, and you'll want to mind the volume.

Continue reading Watch Paul Dallenbach use 1,400 HP to race up Pikes Peak

Watch Paul Dallenbach use 1,400 HP to race up Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banks powermotorsportspaul dallenbachpikes peakpikes peak hill climbPikes Peak International Hill ClimbvideovideosyoutubeThu, 21 Jun 2012 12:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20263046/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/21/watch-paul-dallenbach-use-1-400-hp-to-race-up-pikes-peak/20263046/article-detail.xml 20263046 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/screen-shot-2012-06-21-at-10.40_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/screen-shot-2012-06-21-at-10.40.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota converts all-electric 'Ring racer to Pikes Peak hill climber [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/toyota-latest-to-announce-electric-entry-for-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/toyota-latest-to-announce-electric-entry-for-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/toyota-latest-to-announce-electric-entry-for-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

TMG EV P002

The number of electric race cars entered into this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb continues to grow with Toyota Motorsports GmbH announcing today that its TMG EV P002 race car will compete at the 90th annual climb to the clouds.

While this will be Toyota's first trip to the Peak with the TMG EV P002, this won't be the car's first motorsports outing. Last year it set the lap record for an electric car at the Nürburgring, a time that still stands today. Since then, Toyota has updated the electric powertrain, which now puts out 469 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque running through a single-speed gearbox.

Toyota will have its hands full with competition, though, as the reigning unlimited class champion Monster Tajima will also be bringing his Monster Sport Sport E_RUNNER to race in the electric division at Pikes Peak. Perhaps less potent although no less interesting will be Mitsubishi's i-MiEV Evolution and an electric 1995 BMW M3 built by EV West.

Scroll down for a video that accompanies Toyota's official announcement

Continue reading Toyota converts all-electric 'Ring racer to Pikes Peak hill climber [w/video]

Toyota converts all-electric 'Ring racer to Pikes Peak hill climber [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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