Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mitsubishi previews bonkers i-MiEV Evolution for Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/mitsubishi-previews-bonkers-i-miev-evolution-for-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/mitsubishi-previews-bonkers-i-miev-evolution-for-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/mitsubishi-previews-bonkers-i-miev-evolution-for-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution - front three-quarter view

No, that's not a Mitsubishi i-MiEV in a fat suit, it's the automaker's brand-new all-electric race car, and it's set to take on the 2012 Pike's Peak International Hill Climb in July. This isn't the first time we've seen an EV enter the Pike's Peak challenge - Nissan commissioned a Leaf for battle last year, a car that set the bar for all future electric racers.

Mitsubishi says that its race car, dubbed i-MiEV Evolution, uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the standard, bean-shaped electric car that we haven't quite grown to love. Aside from the additional bodywork, the chassis has clearly been lengthened and widened, and the race car now uses an all-wheel-drive configuration rather than the rear-wheel drive of the standard i-MiEV.

To give you an idea of just how big the racer is, a quick glance of Mitsubishi's specs show that the i-MiEV Evolution's dimensions are within a few inches of the stock Lancer Evolution. We wouldn't be surprised if the all-wheel-drive system was sourced from the Lancer, as well.

Mitsubishi will also be bringing two more of its EVs to the Pike's Peak event, including an i that has been updated with a more aerodynamic front bumper and new safety equipment, as well as a bone stock model. Scroll down for the official press blast.

Continue reading Mitsubishi previews bonkers i-MiEV Evolution for Pikes Peak

Mitsubishi previews bonkers i-MiEV Evolution for Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hill climbhillclimbii-mievi-miev evolutionmitsubishipikes peakpikes peak international hill climbFri, 18 May 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240742/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/18/mitsubishi-previews-bonkers-i-miev-evolution-for-pikes-peak/20240742/article-detail.xml 20240742 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/67821mit628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/67821mit628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak roster adds female off-road star, former Le Mans champ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/pikes-peak-roster-adds-female-off-road-star-former-le-mans-cham/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/pikes-peak-roster-adds-female-off-road-star-former-le-mans-cham/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/pikes-peak-roster-adds-female-off-road-star-former-le-mans-cham/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Things are getting yet more interesting for this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with the addition of Le Mans winner Romain Dumas and off-road racer Beccy Gordon. Dumas was part of the winning team in the Audi R15 TDI in 2010 and has taken the top spot at the 24 Hours of Spa and the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring in various Porsches. He will tackle the Colorado incline in a Porsche 997 GT3-R.

Gordon has been racing off-road for years now, forms half the duo in All American Girl racing, and has taken two SCORE off-road victories. Her off-road expertise won't give her the full benefit this year since the mountain road has been completely paved, but that's probably better for the car she'll be driving: the 2012 Mitsubishi i-Miev. Gordon will be in the same Electric Auto Division class with Monster Tajima.

Scroll down below for the press releases, and get ready to tune in July 8 for the action.

Continue reading Pikes Peak roster adds female off-road star, former Le Mans champ

Pikes Peak roster adds female off-road star, former Le Mans champ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911911 gt3-rbeccy gordonii-mievmitsubishimotorsportspikes peakpikes peak hill climbporscheromain dumasTue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20220591/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/pikes-peak-roster-adds-female-off-road-star-former-le-mans-cham/20220591/article-detail.xml 20220591 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/dumasgordonpikes_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/dumasgordonpikes.jpg <![CDATA[Monster Tajima to tackle Pikes Peak in an all-electric prototype]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/monster-tajima-to-tackle-pikes-peak-in-an-all-electric-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/monster-tajima-to-tackle-pikes-peak-in-an-all-electric-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/monster-tajima-to-tackle-pikes-peak-in-an-all-electric-prototype/#commentsFiled under: ,


This year, Pikes Peak will, once again, be crawling with electric vehicles. Mitsubishi will be there with its i-MiEV-based racer, and the Pikes Peak EV Challenge Committee has just announced it will bring a new all-electric car to scale the 14,110-foot peak in Colorado this July.

The prototype vehicle will be developed by Team APEV, where APEV stands for the Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles, and will be driven by the legendary Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima. Tajima has won the contest six years in a row, breaking the ten-minute barrier for the first time last year.

But that was in a gas-powered Suzuki, which isn't nearly as eco-chic as doing it with zero emissions. The coolest part, for real, is that Team APEV and Monster Sports will be participating to help victims of the 2011 Japan earthquake disaster as well as promoting environmental education projects for children and "projects to promote active participation from the senior citizens of Japan."

In 2011, two EVs, a Nissan Leaf and a custom EV from AC Propulsion, made the climb.

Monster Tajima to tackle Pikes Peak in an all-electric prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>APEVelectric race carevmonster tajimapikes peakpikes peak 2012pikes peak hill climbThu, 29 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20204202/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/29/monster-tajima-to-tackle-pikes-peak-in-an-all-electric-prototype/20204202/article-detail.xml 20204202 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/pikes-peak-tajima-team-apev_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/pikes-peak-tajima-team-apev.jpg <![CDATA[Walter Röhrl and Audi Sport Quattro S1 reuniting for 25th anniversary run up Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/walter-rohrl-and-audi-sport-quattro-s1-reuniting-for-25th-annive/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/walter-rohrl-and-audi-sport-quattro-s1-reuniting-for-25th-annive/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/walter-rohrl-and-audi-sport-quattro-s1-reuniting-for-25th-annive/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Walter Röhrl with 1987 Audi Sport Quattro S1

Pikes Peak. It's one of the most grueling races in the world, climbing steeply uphill some 20 kilometers around 150 curves to the summit at 4,301 meters. These days the course is paved, but back in 1987 it was all dirt. That's when the legendary Walter Röhrl drove the 600-horsepower Audi Sport Quattro S1 up the mountain in a blistering 10:48. Sure, others have done it quicker since, but they've done it on pavement whereas Röhrl did it in the dirt.

Twenty-five years later, Audi is bringing Röhrl and his mighty S1 back to Pikes Peak for a high-speed trip up memory lane. The pseudo reenactment will take place on July 8, but for those not planning a trip to Colorado this summer but are heading to Germany this week, the car is on display at Techno Classica, the mega classic car expo in Essen, with Röhrl himself on hand Sunday, March 25. Details in the press release below, and feel free to click on the image above to enlarge.

Continue reading Walter Röhrl and Audi Sport Quattro S1 reuniting for 25th anniversary run up Pikes Peak

Walter Röhrl and Audi Sport Quattro S1 reuniting for 25th anniversary run up Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi sport quattro s1audi traditionessenpikes peakröhrlrohrltechno classicawalter röhrlwalter rohrlThu, 29 Mar 2012 08:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20202094/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/29/walter-rohrl-and-audi-sport-quattro-s1-reuniting-for-25th-annive/20202094/article-detail.xml 20202094 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/webrohrl-pikes_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/webrohrl-pikes.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi readies i-MiEV-based prototype for Pikes Peak climb this summer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/mitsubishi-readies-i-miev-based-prototype-for-pikes-peak-climb-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/mitsubishi-readies-i-miev-based-prototype-for-pikes-peak-climb-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/mitsubishi-readies-i-miev-based-prototype-for-pikes-peak-climb-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

mitsubishi i-miev pikes peak
Sending an all-electric vehicle up Pikes Peak is not new - a Nissan Leaf and a custom EV from AC Propulsion made the climb in 2011 - but that shouldn't stop anyone from trying to reach the 14,110-foot height in Colorado better, faster and in a cooler car.

Enter Mitsubishi and a radically reworked all-electric i-MiEV Prototype that will participate in the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this July. Based on sketches released today, the car is a one-seat racer the certainly looks ready for on-track duty. It also looks nothing like the bean-shaped i-MiEV we've grown accustomed to. We're certainly curious how well it'll make the peak, since the powertrain is made up of "the same EV components as the current production i-MiEV" and it'll be piloted by well-known driver Hiroshi Masuoka, who won the Dakar Rally in 2002 and 2003 behind the wheels of a Mitsubishi Pajero and Pajero Evolution, respectively.

The idea here, of course, isn't just to have a good time. Mitsubishi will "use the data obtained through its participation in the event to enhance the durability and reliability of pure EVs and plug-in hybrid EVs which it will be bringing to market in the near future." Read: plug-in versions of the Outlander, the i-MiEV-based truck and the Mirage EV.

Continue reading Mitsubishi readies i-MiEV-based prototype for Pikes Peak climb this summer

Mitsubishi readies i-MiEV-based prototype for Pikes Peak climb this summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclehiroshi masuokaii-mievmievmitsubishimitsubishi imitsubishi imievpikes peakThu, 01 Mar 2012 17:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20184063/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/01/mitsubishi-readies-i-miev-based-prototype-for-pikes-peak-climb-t/20184063/article-detail.xml 20184063 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/i-miev-prototype-for-pikes-peak-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/i-miev-prototype-for-pikes-peak-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ducati heading back to Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for 2012 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/ducati-heading-back-to-pikes-peak-international-hill-climb-for-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/ducati-heading-back-to-pikes-peak-international-hill-climb-for-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/ducati-heading-back-to-pikes-peak-international-hill-climb-for-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dunne Ducati Multistrada

Ducati has announced that it will be back at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in July. The company will once again partner with the Spider Grips team using Multistrada 1200 machines. The Multistrada is the same bike that propelled Ducati to first and third place last year. Privateer Carlin Dunne took home a slew of titles when he conquered the mountain in 11:11.32, setting a new record for motorcycles in the process. He'll be back this year alongside Greg Tracy, a six-time Pikes Peak winner. In 2010, Tracy took the top win on the mountain astride a Multistrada of his own.

To celebrate the brand's return, Ducati is inviting fans and owners to join the team in Colorado in July for a gathering that should include plenty of riding along some of the state's more impressive scenery before attending the race. Sounds like a very good time to us. Head over to the Ducati site for more information.

July is still a long way off, so Ducati has been kind enough to show off a short recap film of the brand's 2011 season. Hit the jump to check out the clip as well as the full press release.

Continue reading Ducati heading back to Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for 2012 [w/video]

Ducati heading back to Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for 2012 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlin dunneducatiducati multistrada 1200greg tracymultistradamultistrada 1200pikes peakpikes peak international hill cimbppihcFri, 03 Feb 2012 16:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163693/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/ducati-heading-back-to-pikes-peak-international-hill-climb-for-2/20163693/article-detail.xml 20163693 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/dunne-ducati-multistrada-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/dunne-ducati-multistrada-628.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak Hill Climb contemplating expansion to two-day event]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/pikes-peak-hill-climb-contemplating-expansion-to-two-day-event/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/pikes-peak-hill-climb-contemplating-expansion-to-two-day-event/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/pikes-peak-hill-climb-contemplating-expansion-to-two-day-event/#commentsFiled under:

2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

2012 will be the first year that the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be held on an entirely paved road, and while many who have long been involved with the event are bemoaning the loss of the gravel sections, the full tarmac course has piqued interest in the race. In fact, event organizers are considering adding a second race day for 2013. This time last year only 46 racers has expressed interest in participating in the event, but that number is already up to 170 for next year's race.

"The interest is astronomical compared to last year," says Tom Osborne, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb board chairman. "We're seeing all kinds of unique new cars." Osborne says that the race will likely have to hold a qualifying for 2012 to limit the number of entries into each class.

While you can count us in the group that will miss the gravel, we're duly excited to see what sort of new cars show up to Pikes Peak in the next several years.

Pikes Peak Hill Climb contemplating expansion to two-day event originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hill climbhillclimbpikes peakpikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbrace to the cloudsMon, 26 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20132286/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/26/pikes-peak-hill-climb-contemplating-expansion-to-two-day-event/20132286/article-detail.xml 20132286 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/pikes-peak-hill-climb-1324417559_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/pikes-peak-hill-climb-1324417559.jpg <![CDATA[GoPro releases final multi-angle edit of Monster Tajima's record Pikes Peak run]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/19/gopro-releases-final-multi-angle-edit-of-monster-tajimas-record/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/19/gopro-releases-final-multi-angle-edit-of-monster-tajimas-record/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/19/gopro-releases-final-multi-angle-edit-of-monster-tajimas-record/#commentsFiled under: ,

monster tajima suzuki sx4 hill climb special pikes peak run

Nobuhiro Monster Tajima went to the 2011 Pikes Peak hill climb with a singular goal in mind: Run from start to finish in less than ten minutes. GoPro bet heavily on the Monster, and covered his car with a flock of logos and a gaggle of cameras. The GoPro team worked quickly to put together video of the record-breaking run, but we knew they had more up their sleeve. After all, they mounted the compact cameras all over Tajima's Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special, so we expected that footage to be put to good use.

Our patience has been rewarded because the edits are done and the video is ready.

GoPro put ten cameras inside the Suzuki. It also stuck cameras at seemingly every turn, inside a helicopter, on the end of the checkered flag and even on the slim end of a celebratory champagne bottle.

Monster Tajima may know how to tackle every angle of Pikes Peak, but it's GoPro that knows how to cover them. Click past the jump for the video.

Continue reading GoPro releases final multi-angle edit of Monster Tajima's record Pikes Peak run

GoPro releases final multi-angle edit of Monster Tajima's record Pikes Peak run originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 pikes peak hill climbgoprogopro tajimamonster tajimamonster tajima videonobuhiro monster tajimanobuhiro tajimapikes peakpikes peak videotajimavideoFri, 19 Aug 2011 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20020418/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/19/gopro-releases-final-multi-angle-edit-of-monster-tajimas-record/20020418/article-detail.xml 20020418 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/tajima-gopro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/tajima-gopro.jpg <![CDATA[Jeff Zwart's record-breaking run up Pikes Peak in a Porsche 911 GT2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/09/jeff-zwarts-record-breaking-run-up-pikes-peak-in-a-porsche-911/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/09/jeff-zwarts-record-breaking-run-up-pikes-peak-in-a-porsche-911/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/09/jeff-zwarts-record-breaking-run-up-pikes-peak-in-a-porsche-911/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jeff Zwart at Pikes Peak
Jeff Zwart's 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS at Pikes Peak - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Last month we showed you a video chronicling Jeff Zwart's 1,132 mile road trip from Southern California to Pikes Peak in his quest to break his own 2WD Time Attack record in a stock Porsche 911 GT2 RS. The second video, showing Zwart's run up the mountain, has now been released. The footage of the attempt is excellent.

While Zwart didn't manage to come up home with the title, it would be difficult to not consider his drive a success. He smashed the Pikes Peak record for stock production cars, and his time of 11:07.869 bested his previous attempt in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race car by 24 seconds. Only Zwart's good friend Rod Millen was able to top him on the day, albeit by a mere three seconds and with a fully-prepped race car producing over 700 horsepower.

You can watch Zwart drive his 911 GT2 RS up Pikes Peak in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Jeff Zwart's record-breaking run up Pikes Peak in a Porsche 911 GT2

Jeff Zwart's record-breaking run up Pikes Peak in a Porsche 911 GT2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 pikes peak hill climb2011 pikes peak international hill climb2011 porsche 911 gt2 rs2011 ppihcpikes peakpikes peak 2011pikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbporscheporsche 911 gt2 rsppihcSat, 09 Jul 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19986222/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/09/jeff-zwarts-record-breaking-run-up-pikes-peak-in-a-porsche-911/19986222/article-detail.xml 19986222 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/jeff-zwart-pikes-peak-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/jeff-zwart-pikes-peak-2.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Pikes Peak racer Roger Lovell roll from the inside out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/01/watch-pikes-peak-racer-roger-lovell-roll-from-the-inside-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/01/watch-pikes-peak-racer-roger-lovell-roll-from-the-inside-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/01/watch-pikes-peak-racer-roger-lovell-roll-from-the-inside-out/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Roger Lovell at Pikes Peak International HIll Climb 2011
Roger Lovell rolls at Pikes Peak - Click above for to watch video after the jump

It's been almost a week since the crazies went hell bent for glory up Pikes Peak, and videos from the hill climb are still making their way to the internets. The crew from AMSOIL just released a volley of footage from their two sponsored entries - drivers Brad and Roger Lovell.

Brad had no problem ushering his custom machine up the mountain, but as you may have heard, Roger ran into a bit of a glitch during his run. Part-way through the course, Roger missed an apex, drifted onto the far shoulder and attempted to correct his path, resulting in a lengthy tumble up an asphalt section of the road.

Thanks to a stout roll cage and plenty of luck, Roger came out of the incident without serious injury. And fortunately for the carnage-hungry out there, the crew had strapped an onboard camera into the cockpit before the buggy went tires-to-Jesus. Hit the jump to see both Brad and Roger's runs for yourself.

Continue reading Watch Pikes Peak racer Roger Lovell roll from the inside out

Watch Pikes Peak racer Roger Lovell roll from the inside out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad lovelllovell racingpikes peakpikes peak international hill climbppihcroger lovellroger lovell pikes peak crashvideoFri, 01 Jul 2011 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19981709/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/01/watch-pikes-peak-racer-roger-lovell-roll-from-the-inside-out/19981709/article-detail.xml 19981709 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/lovell-roll-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/lovell-roll-630.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Chip Yates blow away electric motorcycle record at Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/watch-chip-yates-blow-away-electric-motorcycle-record-at-pikes-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/watch-chip-yates-blow-away-electric-motorcycle-record-at-pikes-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/watch-chip-yates-blow-away-electric-motorcycle-record-at-pikes-p/#commentsFiled under:

Chip Yates finishes Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on electric motorcycle
Chip Yates crosses finish at Pikes Peak - Click above to watch video after the jump

This past weekend, Chip Yates checked off "make an amazing run up Pikes Peak" from his list of things to do to demonstrate the potential of electric-powered transportation. Coming second in the Exhibition Powersport class, his time of 12:50.094 bests the first-ever electric motorcycle effort made last year by over four minutes.

The run would no doubt have been more impressive had it not been for the 2.6-mile stretch of unpaved road. The bike went from hanging with the top ten to dropping just inside the top 100 on the dirt section. Overall, Yates finished in 30th place.

One thing is for sure, the 240-horsepower bike has crazy acceleration when it has clean pavement beneath it, and Chip says he's gunning for a top 10 or better result when he gives it a go on next year's completely paved surface. Hit the jump for the full run and enjoy the sound of the UQM motor's sweet electric music winding out up the mountain.

Continue reading Watch Chip Yates blow away electric motorcycle record at Pikes Peak

Watch Chip Yates blow away electric motorcycle record at Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chip yateselectric motorcycleelectric motorcycle racinghill climbpikes peakppihcuqmThu, 30 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19980360/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/30/watch-chip-yates-blow-away-electric-motorcycle-record-at-pikes-p/19980360/article-detail.xml 19980360 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/chip-yates-pikes-peak-finish-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/chip-yates-pikes-peak-finish-630.jpg <![CDATA[Climb onboard for Rhys Millen's 2011 Pikes Peak run]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/climb-onboard-for-rhys-millens-2011-pikes-peak-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/climb-onboard-for-rhys-millens-2011-pikes-peak-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/climb-onboard-for-rhys-millens-2011-pikes-peak-run/#commentsFiled under: , ,

rmr pm580 onboard video screenshot
Climb aboard as Rhys Millen makes his way up Pikes Peak - Click above to watch video after the jump

Rhys Millen put in a heroic effort at the 2011 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The brakes on his Hyundai-powered RMR PM580 decided to give up before he did, which makes his 10:09.242 that much more amazing. Are you curious what it would be like to drive that beast up the Colorado mountain? You're in luck, because Rhys and his team slapped a few cameras on the car.

We're treated to a forward-facing shot, as well as footage trained on Millen's mug. The strain of pushing his rig up the mountain is evident, as is the frustration with his replacement transmission and terror supplied by his lack of brakes. Apparently the original video was switched to private, so we found a clip that features the forward-facing shot only.

Click past the jump to watch Rhys Millen battle both the mountain and his machine for just over 10 minutes.

Continue reading Climb onboard for Rhys Millen's 2011 Pikes Peak run

Climb onboard for Rhys Millen's 2011 Pikes Peak run originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 pikes peakhyundaimillenpikes peakrhys millenrmr pm580videoWed, 29 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19979512/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/29/climb-onboard-for-rhys-millens-2011-pikes-peak-run/19979512/article-detail.xml 19979512 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/rmr-pm580-1309379122_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/rmr-pm580-1309379122.jpg <![CDATA[Ride along with Monster Tajima as he rockets up Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/ride-along-with-monster-tajima-as-he-rockets-up-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/ride-along-with-monster-tajima-as-he-rockets-up-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/ride-along-with-monster-tajima-as-he-rockets-up-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , ,

monster tajima ride-along video screenshot
Ride along with Monster as he races up Pikes Peak - Click above to watch video after the jump

Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima's 9:51.278 run up Pikes Peak was simply amazing to watch. We were fortunate enough to see it in person, and we've shown you still photos of the record-breaking event. This was one of those "You had to be there" moments in motorsports. Still, don't fret if you didn't make the trek to the 14,115-foot summit, because GoPro installed enough cameras to capture every angle of Monster's run, and then some.

We spoke with the GoPro team as we rode in the media van down the mountain. They have quite a job of editing ahead of them. Still, they managed to get one video out that requires no mucking about. A camera was mounted on top of Tajima's 2011 Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special, and the footage is excellent. On the tarmac sections, the video almost seems sped up, but that's what 910 horses can do.

Want to ride along with Monster from the green to the checkered? Click past the jump to watch a video that will keep you entertained for nearly 10 minutes.

Continue reading Ride along with Monster Tajima as he rockets up Pikes Peak

Ride along with Monster Tajima as he rockets up Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gopromonster tajimanobuhiro monster tajimapikes peakpikes peak recordsuzukisuzuki sx4suzuki sx4 hill climb specialsx4tajimavideoTue, 28 Jun 2011 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19977968/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/28/ride-along-with-monster-tajima-as-he-rockets-up-pikes-peak/19977968/article-detail.xml 19977968 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/tajima-onboard_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/tajima-onboard.jpg <![CDATA[Electric cars set new records at Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/electric-cars-set-new-records-at-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/electric-cars-set-new-records-at-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/electric-cars-set-new-records-at-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan Leaf at the 2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb
Electric cars at the 2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

There were two electric cars on the entrant list for this year's Pikes Peak Hill Climb, and both set new records as they crossed the finish line at 14,110 feet.

First up was a 2011 Nissan Leaf, the first production electric car to compete in the event, and - by default - setting the initial record. Veteran Nissan off-road truck racing champion Chad Hord was behind the wheel, and completed the 12.42-mile course in a respectable 14 minutes 33 seconds. "The Leaf was great fun to drive up the mountain," said Hord after the race. "With the instant torque from the electric motor, we were able to jump out of the many slow corners, and the performance was very consistent from the bottom to the top since the electric motor wasn't affected by the high altitude near the summit like the gasoline powered cars."

Next up was the custom open-wheel electric car built by AC Propulsion featuring a high-performance version of the battery system found in the Mini E. The car broke Pikes Peak's electric vehicle record last year with a time of 13:17.575, and for 2011, Japanese driver Ikuo Hanawa handily surpassed that with a 12:20.084 run up the mountain.

Electric cars set new records at Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 nissan leaf2011 pikes peak hill climbac propulsionleafnissannissan leafpikes peakpikes peak 2011pikes peak hill climbpikes peak hill climb 2011Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19977949/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/28/electric-cars-set-new-records-at-pikes-peak/19977949/article-detail.xml 19977949 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/electric-cars-pikes-peak-2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/electric-cars-pikes-peak-2011.jpg <![CDATA[Monster Tajima smashes 10-minute mark at Pikes Peak, ascends in 9:51.278]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/26/monster-tajima-smashes-10-minute-mark-at-pikes-peak-ascends-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/26/monster-tajima-smashes-10-minute-mark-at-pikes-peak-ascends-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/26/monster-tajima-smashes-10-minute-mark-at-pikes-peak-ascends-in/#commentsFiled under:

Pikes Peak Unlimited class results
Monster Tajima sets new record at Pikes Peak - Watch video after the jump

Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima has accomplished his goal of ascending Pikes Peak in under 10 minutes. As shown on the official Pikes Peak Timing page, Tajima obliterated his old record of 10:01.408, taking his Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special up Pikes Peak in 9:51.278. Video of Tajima's record run and post-race interview at the summit is posted after the jump.

Our man Jeff Glucker is at Pikes Peak and he'll have complete coverage later on. For now, however, know that Monster Tajima has done it, setting a new record as he battled an overheating engine, no less. More to come later - there's still a lot of racing to go this afternoon.

Continue reading Monster Tajima smashes 10-minute mark at Pikes Peak, ascends in 9:51.278

Monster Tajima smashes 10-minute mark at Pikes Peak, ascends in 9:51.278 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Jun 2011 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-minute markbreakinghill climbmonster tajimapikes peakSun, 26 Jun 2011 16:36:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19976877/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/26/monster-tajima-smashes-10-minute-mark-at-pikes-peak-ascends-in/19976877/article-detail.xml 19976877 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/tajima-pikes_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/tajima-pikes.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak brings the cars to the crowd at Fan Fest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/26/pikes-peak-brings-the-cars-to-the-crowd-at-fan-fest/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/26/pikes-peak-brings-the-cars-to-the-crowd-at-fan-fest/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/26/pikes-peak-brings-the-cars-to-the-crowd-at-fan-fest/#commentsFiled under: ,

paul dallenbach's car at pikes peak fan fest 2011
Pikes Peak Fan Fest 2011 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Before the official Pikes Peak Hill Climb racing action hits the mountain, the fans command attention in Colorado Springs. The appropriately named Fan Fest completely takes over Tejon Street, packing it with rows of high-speed vehicles, throngs of Pikes enthusiasts, and excited race teams.

Everything ranging from the mighty Unlimited Class vehicles to dirt bikes and racing sidecars line the street. Paul Dallenbach's 1,300-horsepower four-wheeled rocketship sits near Monster Tajima's Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special, while Rhys Millen's RMR PM580 and the GT-R-powered Dacia Duster are both a few blocks away.

Doug Siddens was also on hand, and his 300-horsepower RZR side-by-side is running even faster than he thought it would. Siddens believes he may end up finishing with a time in the 11-minute range, which is simply blistering in his vehicle.

This isn't just about the familiar faces and vehicles, however, as relatively unknown drivers get to chat about their cars, trucks and two-wheeled hill-climbers with anyone who's interested. Fan Fest is the ultimate chance for Pikes Peak lovers to meet an old hero, or introduce themselves to a brand new one.

Pikes Peak brings the cars to the crowd at Fan Fest originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Jun 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fan festpikes peakpikes peak 2011pikes peak fan festpikes peak international hill climbSun, 26 Jun 2011 09:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19976354/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/26/pikes-peak-brings-the-cars-to-the-crowd-at-fan-fest/19976354/article-detail.xml 19976354 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/001-2011-pikes-peak-fan-fest-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/001-2011-pikes-peak-fan-fest-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Jeff Zwart's road trip from Southern California to Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/25/jeff-zwarts-road-trip-from-southern-california-to-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/25/jeff-zwarts-road-trip-from-southern-california-to-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/25/jeff-zwarts-road-trip-from-southern-california-to-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jeff Zwart's Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Jeff Zwart's road trip in his Porsche 911 GT2 RS - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Jeff Zwart dominated the 2WD Time Attack class at Pikes Peak last year, setting a new record of 11:31.095 in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. He's returning to the mountain this year, but will be driving a completely stock Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

Unlike most competitors, however, Zwart won't be towing his car to Pikes Peak. Last week he picked up the 911 GT2 RS at Porsche Motorsport North America in Santa Ana, CA, and drove all 1,132 miles to the event in Colorado. Filmmaker Will Roegge tagged along, and has produced an excellent video chronicling the road trip. You can watch the video after the jump, or check out our photos of Zwart driving in the practice days earlier this week in the gallery below.

Continue reading Jeff Zwart's road trip from Southern California to Pikes Peak

Jeff Zwart's road trip from Southern California to Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Jun 2011 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 pikes peak hill climb911 gt2 rsjeff zwartpikes peakpikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbporscheporsche 911 gt2 rsppihcvideoSat, 25 Jun 2011 17:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19976595/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/25/jeff-zwarts-road-trip-from-southern-california-to-pikes-peak/19976595/article-detail.xml 19976595 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/jeff-zwart-road-trip_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/jeff-zwart-road-trip.jpg <![CDATA[Up close with Monster Tajima's Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/25/up-close-with-monster-tajimas-suzuki-sx4-hill-climb-special/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/25/up-close-with-monster-tajimas-suzuki-sx4-hill-climb-special/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/25/up-close-with-monster-tajimas-suzuki-sx4-hill-climb-special/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 monster sport suzuki sx4 hill climb special
2011 Monster Sport Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special - Click above for high-res image gallery

The man known as Monster Tajima once ran all 12.42 miles of Pikes Peak in 10:01.408. That was 2007. Four years later, Tajima-san is back to make the trip in even less time. Is a sub-ten-minute time in the cards for the 2011 International Pikes Peak Hill Climb? Nobuhiro Tajima and his team think so. They've returned to the mountain with an updated Monster Sport Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special, and the 910-horsepower beast is ready run.

We got to spend a few moments with Tajima's updated Suzuki before it hit Tejon Street for Fan Fest. The car is littered with cameras courtesy of sponsor GoPro, but the video equipment isn't part of the go-fast upgrades. Monster Sport came prepared to run on the increased amount of tarmac, which means changes were made to the suspension, spring rates, tires and wheels. Falken custom-built a set of tires that features a tarmac-specific tread pattern and delivers serious grip. They're wrapped around a set of HRE forged monoblock wheels dubbed the P43S Tajima Specials.

Still, the heart of the SX4 sits directly behind Tajima. A 3.1-liter twin-turbocharged V6 pushes the car to speeds well over 100 miles per hour in the blink of an eye. Couple that with the close-ratio transmission, and Monster has a machine built with one goal. Will he accomplish it and become the first man to record a sub-10 minute run? We'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out, but we've spoken to the man and seen his car. Stay tuned. Pikes Peak history could be in the making.

Up close with Monster Tajima's Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Jun 2011 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gopromonster tajimamoster sportnobuhiro tajimapikes peaksuzukisuzuki sx4suzuki sz4 hill climb specialSat, 25 Jun 2011 11:49:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19976355/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/25/up-close-with-monster-tajimas-suzuki-sx4-hill-climb-special/19976355/article-detail.xml 19976355 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/002-2011-monster-sport-suzuki-sx4-hill-climb-lead-1308983706_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/002-2011-monster-sport-suzuki-sx4-hill-climb-lead-1308983706.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Practice Day 3 sets the running order]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/2011-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-3-sets-the-running-orde/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/2011-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-3-sets-the-running-orde/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/2011-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-3-sets-the-running-orde/#commentsFiled under:

2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb
2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Practice Day 3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

This morning, the Unlimited Class cars headed for the bottom portion of Pikes Peak, the sole remaining part of the course that still contains unpaved roads. The three-plus miles of dirt will be paved over before next year's race, and since we'll be spending race day at the finish line, this is the last time we'll ever see the race cars run on the dirt. Sad.

The practice session on the bottom third of the course also serves as a qualifying time, which determines the starting order at the official race. The top qualifier can choose to go first or last in his class. Why is this important? With the ever-changing weather at Pikes Peak, a few minutes can mean the difference between good and bad weather. Last year, Monster Tajima elected to go first, leaving Rhys to deal with the snow that started falling just a few minutes later at the top of the mountain.

While Tajima hasn't been in his usual dominant form during the practice days, he crushed the competition in today's qualifying, beating his closest competitor, Rhys Millen, by 15 seconds. Dallenbach qualified just one second behind Millen, and Jean Philippe Dayraut was another ten seconds back in his Dacia Duster. Even so, the race could be anyone's come Sunday. Millen, whose car is set up more for the fast pavement sections, put in a time 15 seconds faster than Monster on the top section, and the two were nearly equal in the middle portion of the course. Dallenbach can't be counted out, either, as he's been nearly dead even with Millen throughout the week.

Rod Millen looks to be the close favorite in the 2WD Time Attack class, edging out his close friend Jeff Zwart by a second and a half during today's qualifying. Millen's Hyundai Genesis was far faster on yesterday's practice session, however, topping Zwart's Porsche 911 GT2 RS by thirteen seconds.

Stephan Verdier will be the man to beat in 4WD Time Attack. He piloted his highly modified Subaru Impreza WRX STI to the top qualifying spot, five seconds faster than David Kern's Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

For a full list of practice and qualifying times, head over to www.ppihc.com.

Check back Sunday afternoon for the final race results and to see if the ten-minute barrier will finally be broken at Pikes Peak. Until then, as always, check out our live photos from today in the gallery below.

2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Practice Day 3 sets the running order originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Practice Day 2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Early this morning (out the door at 3:00 am) we headed to Pikes Peak for the second of three practice sessions this week before race day on Sunday. Our final destination was the summit, where the Unlimited Class would be tackling the final third of the course. The past couple years more and more of the road has been paved, and for this year the final section has been completely paved over. The fresh tarmac should knock a few seconds off each car's overall time, increasing the chances that 2011 might be the year that the overall course record will be broken.

Unlike the past few years where Monster Tajima has dominated the time sheet throughout the week, this year looks like it could be anybody's race. The four Unlimited drivers were separated by just two and a half seconds in yesterday's practice session, with local favorite Paul Dallenbach edging out Monster by just .16 seconds for the top time. The numbers don't tell everything, however, as Rhys Millen, who's best time overall was the slowest, was actually fastest for most of the sessions throughout the morning.

Tajima has more than his fellow drivers to worry about, however. His Suzuki was rendered helpless at the start line with a blown clutch after the first run. Replacing the specially-made part would take three hours, leaving Monster to watch the rest of the session from the sidelines. He fully expects to have his car in running order tomorrow, though.

We'll have a better idea of how the Unlimited Class cars stack up after tomorrow's practice session that also doubles as a qualifying time for the race. Check back tomorrow for a full report, and and until then, browse through our photos from this morning's practice runs in the included gallery.

2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Practice Day 2 brings fresh pavement and fast times originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 pikes peak hill climb2011 pikes peak international hill climbfeaturedpikes peakpikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbpikes+peak+2011pikes+peak+hill+climb+2011pikes+peak+racepikespeak2011pikespeakhillclimb2011pikespeakraceppihcThu, 23 Jun 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19975037/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/23/2011-pikes-peak-hill-climb-practice-day-2-brings-fresh-pavement/19975037/article-detail.xml 19975037 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2011-pikes-peak-middle_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2011-pikes-peak-middle.jpg -1 2