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[Video: Monster Tajima's Suzuki SX4 Pikes Peak run]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/10/video-monster-tajimas-suzuki-sx4-pikes-peak-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/10/video-monster-tajimas-suzuki-sx4-pikes-peak-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/10/video-monster-tajimas-suzuki-sx4-pikes-peak-run/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Monster" Tajima's Pikes Peak assault - Click above to watch video after the jump

This is the kind of video that should be in the core curriculum for auto enthusiasts: A 2,618-pound Suzuki SX4 with a 3.1-liter twin-turbo V6 blown out to 897 horsepower and 654 pound-feet of torque. The pilot: Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima. No theatrics, no gimmicks, just 11 straight minutes of speed, dirt, opposite lock and ghastly mechanical fury. Follow the jump to watch the vid.

[Source: Falken Tire]

Continue reading Video: Monster Tajima's Suzuki SX4 Pikes Peak run

Video: Monster Tajima's Suzuki SX4 Pikes Peak run originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>monster tajimaMonsterTajimaNobuhiro Monster TajimaNobuhiro TajimaNobuhiroMonsterTajimaNobuhiroTajimapikes peakPikes Peak International Hill ClimbPikesPeakPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbTue, 10 Aug 2010 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19588429/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/10/video-monster-tajimas-suzuki-sx4-pikes-peak-run/19588429/article-detail.xml 19588429 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/tajimappihc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/tajimappihc.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Jeff Zwart's Porsche GT3 sets Pikes Peak Time Attack 2WD class record]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/28/video-jeff-zwarts-porsche-gt3-sets-pikes-peak-time-attack-2wd/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/28/video-jeff-zwarts-porsche-gt3-sets-pikes-peak-time-attack-2wd/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/28/video-jeff-zwarts-porsche-gt3-sets-pikes-peak-time-attack-2wd/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jeff Zwart's Porsche 911 GT3 scales Pikes Peak - Click above to watch video after the jump

We've seen footage of Jeff Zwart practicing for his recent run up Pikes Peak, now filmmaker Will Roegge has delivered unto us the footage from Zwart's Time Attack 2WD class record.

Zwart ran his 911 GT3 up 12.42 miles and through 156 turns in just 11:31.095, averaging over 65 miles per hour. But you don't need us to tell you about it - these things tend to speak for themselves. Follow the jump to watch a record being set.


Gallery: Jeff Zwart's Porsche 911 GT3 Cup


Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Sources: Will Roegge, YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Jeff Zwart's Porsche GT3 sets Pikes Peak Time Attack 2WD class record

Video: Jeff Zwart's Porsche GT3 sets Pikes Peak Time Attack 2WD class record originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911 gT3911Gt3hill climbHillClimbjeff zwartJeffZwartpikes peakpikes peak 2010pikes peak hill climbPikes Peak International Hill ClimbPikesPeakPikesPeak2010PikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbporsche 911porsche 911 gt3Porsche911Porsche911Gt3time attackTimeAttackzwartWed, 28 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19570863/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/28/video-jeff-zwarts-porsche-gt3-sets-pikes-peak-time-attack-2wd/19570863/article-detail.xml 19570863 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/porschegt3pikes_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/porschegt3pikes.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Red Bull chronicles Rhys Millen's Pikes Peak world record attempt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/13/video-red-bull-chronicles-rhys-millens-pikes-peak-world-record/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/13/video-red-bull-chronicles-rhys-millens-pikes-peak-world-record/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/13/video-red-bull-chronicles-rhys-millens-pikes-peak-world-record/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Rhys Millen's Pikes Peak World Record Attempt - Click above to watch the video after the jump

While we didn't know if anyone would break the ten minute barrier at Pikes Peak this year, we did know one thing: Red Bull was going to make an awesome video. Rhys' video of his record-breaking run in the 2WD Time Attack class in 2009 was pretty spectacular, so we had high expectations. This year the energy drink giant had cameras placed just about everywhere on Rhys Millen's Hyundai PM580, and it even brought along a helicopter to get some awesome aerial shots.

While neither Millen or anyone else broke the record in this year's Race To The Clouds, the resulting footage is still definitely worth a watch. You can watch the entire video after the jump.


Gallery: Rhys Millen at the 2010 Pikes Peak Hill Climb


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: YouTube via Hyundai]

Continue reading Video: Red Bull chronicles Rhys Millen's Pikes Peak world record attempt

Video: Red Bull chronicles Rhys Millen's Pikes Peak world record attempt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 pikes peak hill climb2010PikesPeakHillClimbhill climbHillClimbhyundaimillenpikes peakpikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbPikesPeakPikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbPM580red bullred bull racingRedBullRedBullRacingrhys millenRhysMillenvideoTue, 13 Jul 2010 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19551540/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/13/video-red-bull-chronicles-rhys-millens-pikes-peak-world-record/19551540/article-detail.xml 19551540 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/redbullmillenvid2010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/redbullmillenvid2010.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak 2010: Ducati takes top honors in the "big boy" class aboard stock Multistrada]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/29/pikes-peak-2010-ducati-takes-top-honors-in-the-big-boy-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/29/pikes-peak-2010-ducati-takes-top-honors-in-the-big-boy-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/29/pikes-peak-2010-ducati-takes-top-honors-in-the-big-boy-class/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Its all uphill from here for the new Multistrada - Click above for high-res image gallery

When it comes to proving a point on a motorcycle, there are two good ways to get it done. The first thing to do is keep your mouth shut and let your results speak for themselves. The second is to repeat the process as often as possible! If Ducati was out to prove the point that their all-new Multistrada was capable of taking on the biggest, baddest bikes on the planet, in one of the most respected and feared formats on or off the pavement, than we must say... mission accomplished.

Ducati's freshman effort racing the Multistrada 1200S at "The Peak" in the 1205-or as we like to call it, the Big Boy-class was a great success as not one, but two Multistradas took the high and low position on the podium, locking up fist and third. Of interest was winning pilot Greg Tracy's comments about his victorious factory Ducati: "This is my first year on a factory motorcycle and I'll tell you that bike was box-stock. It had some carbon, and few tweaks and that was it." From what we can see, other than a few bolt-on items, suspension tweaks and special paint, it appears that Mr Tracey is telling the truth.

Although all of this leaves us very impressed, wanting nothing more than to get our hands on a shiny new Muti and head for the nearest fourteener, it must be mentioned that the win comes in a class lacking some of the major competitors who traditionally show up to send a beast up the hill (including BMW). But hey, maybe Ducati will have so much confidence leaving Colorado they can challenge BMW to a head-to-head Mini versus Porsche type shootout? For now, we'll just say congratulations to Ducati, Greg Tracey and Alexander Smith for some fine work. Hit the break to read the full press release straight from the horse's mouth.


Gallery: 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200


[Source:Ducati]

Continue reading Pikes Peak 2010: Ducati takes top honors in the "big boy" class aboard stock Multistrada

Pikes Peak 2010: Ducati takes top honors in the "big boy" class aboard stock Multistrada originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alexander SmithAlexanderSmithbmw motorcyclebmw motorcyclesbmw motorradBmwMotorcycleBmwMotorcyclesBmwMotorradcoloradocolorado rockiesColoradoRockiesColoradoSpringsducatiducati multistradaducati multistrada 1200DucatiMultistradaDucatiMultistrada1200Greg TraceyGregTraceyMini vs Porschemini vs porsche raceMini vs. PorscheMiniVs.PorscheMiniVsPorscheMiniVsPorscheRacemultistradamultistrada 1200Multistrada1200pikes peakpikes peak hill climbPikes Peak International Hill ClimbPikesPeakPikesPeak2010PikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbUnlimited classUnlimitedClassTue, 29 Jun 2010 16:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19534667/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/29/pikes-peak-2010-ducati-takes-top-honors-in-the-big-boy-class/19534667/article-detail.xml 19534667 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/two-multi-peak_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/two-multi-peak.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak 2010: The record-breakers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/pikes-peak-2010-the-record-breakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/pikes-peak-2010-the-record-breakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/pikes-peak-2010-the-record-breakers/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Record-Breakers - Click above for high-res image gallery

The record that everyone was talking about at the 2010 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, the overall course record, will remain for at least one more year, but there were plenty of other records broken in 2010. The extra 1.9 miles of pavement at the top of the mountain made for some very fast times, and some of the old times were smashed by a wide margin.

For starters, perhaps the most impressive record was one that was set in the Time Attack 2WD class. The previous record was just set last year by Rhys Millen in his Hyundai Genesis Coupe, but Jeff Zwart smashed Millen's time of 12:09.40 with a 11:31.095 in his Porsche 911 Cup. Other record-breakers include Clint Vahsholtz in Super Stock (Ford Mustang, 11:33.320), Doug Mockett in Vintage (Oldsmobile Super 88, 13:05.71), and Ikuo Hanawa in Electric (EV Sports Concept HER-02, 13:17.575).

Of course, not all of the records were about time. Colorado Springs native Randy Schranz tied the record for the most completed hill climbs at 36, matching Louie Unser. He also set the propane fuel record at 11:57.098 in his Shelby Cobra (pictured above). In her very first run, Denver resident Savannah Rickli became the youngest female to ever complete the race, finishing third in the Time Attack 2WD class with a time of 13:58.232 in her Mini Cooper S. Finally, Jason Taylor was the first person to complete the hill climb in a rock buggy, finishing with a time of 14:07.620. You can see all of the record-breakers from this year's Pikes Peak in the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Record-Breakers


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Pikes Peak 2010: The record-breakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 pikes peak hill climb2010PikesPeakHillClimbpikes peak hill cliimb recordspikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbPikesPeakHillCliimbRecordsPikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbMon, 28 Jun 2010 19:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19534095/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/28/pikes-peak-2010-the-record-breakers/19534095/article-detail.xml 19534095 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/lead1ppihcrecords2010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/lead1ppihcrecords2010.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak 2010: Tajima fastest man on the mountain, but ten minute mark remains unbroken]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/pikes-peak-2010-tajima-fastest-man-on-the-mountain-but-ten-min/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/pikes-peak-2010-tajima-fastest-man-on-the-mountain-but-ten-min/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/pikes-peak-2010-tajima-fastest-man-on-the-mountain-but-ten-min/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb - Click above for high-res image gallery

I had a choice to make for the race day of this year's Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Do I stick to the more photogenic middle portions of the course or do I head to the finish line to potentially see history made? The decision was easy. If the infamous ten-minute mark was going to be broken, I wanted to be there to see the car at the checkered flag. After all, the chances seemed quite good. "Monster" Tajima had smashed the qualifying record the previous day and had looked incredibly fast during the practice sections. The track conditions and weather were ideal in the morning, and the first few groups showed plenty of promise. In fact, a few track records were broken in the morning groups of cars, including Rhys Millen's recent fastest time in the Time Attack 2WD class.

There was an atmosphere of excitement and tension near the finish line as it was announced Tajima had started his run, and we all waited impatiently to hear the shriek of his Suzuki's twin-turbo V6. It soon arrived, echoing around the surrounding mountains. Within 30 seconds Tajima came tearing around the last turn, the rear tires breaking loose momentarily as he fought to keep it pointed towards the finish line. The Suzuki came tearing across the finish line, and we all looked at one another, wondering if the record had been broken.

Make the jump to read the rest of the story about race day at Pikes Peak.


Gallery: 2010 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Pikes Peak 2010: Tajima fastest man on the mountain, but ten minute mark remains unbroken

Pikes Peak 2010: Tajima fastest man on the mountain, but ten minute mark remains unbroken originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 pikes peak hill climb2010PikesPeakHillClimbfeaturedHyundaiHyundai Genesis PM580HyundaiGenesisPm580Nobuhiro TajimaNobuhiroTajimapikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbPikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbRhys MillenRhysMillenSuzukiSuzuki SX4 Hill Climb SpecialSuzukiSx4HillClimbSpecialMon, 28 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19532943/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/28/pikes-peak-2010-tajima-fastest-man-on-the-mountain-but-ten-min/19532943/article-detail.xml 19532943 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/lead1ppih2010raceday_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/lead1ppih2010raceday.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak 2010: Tajima dominates third practice session, sets qualifying record]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/25/pikes-peak-2010-tajima-dominates-third-practice-session-sets-q/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/25/pikes-peak-2010-tajima-dominates-third-practice-session-sets-q/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/25/pikes-peak-2010-tajima-dominates-third-practice-session-sets-q/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Practice Day 3 and Qualifying - Click above for high-res image gallery

A few lessons learned from my second day on Pikes Peak:
  • If you don't like cold weather, then watch the race on the bottom part of the course. After experiencing the freezing temps at 14,000 feet, I came better prepared this morning with more layers and hand warmers. I needn't have bothered. Even at 4:30 in the morning I was comfortable in a light jacket. Who would've thought that being 9,000 feet above sea level would feel so good?
  • Don't forget sun screen at high elevation. The sun feels twice as harsh in the thin air. I'll be peeling for weeks.
  • You can't drink too much water in Colorado. Despite downing what seems like gallons of water, I still feel more dried out than a saltine cracker. I guess that's what happens when it's 85 degrees out and humidity is only at ten percent.
  • While I know why they split up the vehicles into three groups for practice, it's kind of a shame. You have to choose between seeing a different set of vehicles or seeing a different area of the track. I chose to stick with the same group since I wanted to follow the battle between Millen and Tajima.
  • The spectators here are insane. There are basically no rules for where you can or can't stand, so just about anyone can stand a foot off the road while the cars fly by. Sideways. Towards a cliff.
While it couldn't top my incredible experience the previous day, the third day of practice brought plenty of excitement. The lower portion of the course has huge stretches of pavement that provide plenty of space for the drivers to fully open it up, and even more importantly, it's this section that serves as qualifying for the race. The top qualifier in the Unlimited class gets to choose when he wants to start on race day, which can be of huge importance if weather comes into play. Follow the jump to learn how the last day of practice went, whether any of the drivers think they have a chance at breaking the elusive ten minute mark and a few choice words from Millen and Tajima.

Gallery: Pikes Peak 2010: Practice Day 3 and Qualifying


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Pikes Peak 2010: Tajima dominates third practice session, sets qualifying record

Pikes Peak 2010: Tajima dominates third practice session, sets qualifying record originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 pikes peak hill climb2010PikesPeakHillClimbhyundaiNobuhiro TajimaNobuhiroTajimapikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbPikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbRhys MillenRhysMillensuzukiFri, 25 Jun 2010 20:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19531788/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/25/pikes-peak-2010-tajima-dominates-third-practice-session-sets-q/19531788/article-detail.xml 19531788 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/lead1ppihc2010pd3q_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/lead1ppihc2010pd3q.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak 2010: Second day of practice is in the books]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/24/pikes-peak-2010-second-day-of-practice-is-in-the-books/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/24/pikes-peak-2010-second-day-of-practice-is-in-the-books/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/24/pikes-peak-2010-second-day-of-practice-is-in-the-books/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Practice Day 2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As I headed up the Pikes Peak toll road early this morning (3:30 am to be exact) I started to doubt whether it was going to be worth it. Maybe it was the fact that I got just a little over two hours of sleep, or maybe it was the lack of oxygen, but as I passed 12,000 feet my head began to cloud-over and all I could think about was a nice, comfortable bed. It didn't help that I was driving on a mountain road in pitch black darkness at 10 mph sandwiched between a string of other cars. To make matters worse, a fierce, bitter wind greeted me as I parked the car just a few miles below the summit, and the fog was so thick I couldn't see more than a hundred feet. This was going to be miserable. What was I thinking?

And then something magical happened. As I stood shivering on the side of the road with camera in hand, a small glow appeared in the eastern sky and the fog started to lift. As more light started to brighten the area around me, the incredible beauty of the most famous mountain in America was brought forth in stunning fashion. The entire sky was lit with an orange glow, broken only by a few small clouds that looked like wispy strands of cotton. Suddenly an engine roared to life, breaking the peaceful silence, and minutes later an open-wheel racecar roared past at near-triple-digit speed, the rear end cocked out sideways and the driver applying loads of opposite lock to avoid hurling off the edge. It was amazing. Incredible. I've been to plenty of motorsports events, but this tops them all. The matchless beauty of the surroundings juxtaposed with such incredible machinery being pushed to its absolute limit is like nothing else on earth. I could have left right then and it would have all been worth it. Fortunately, I still had more than three hours of it to enjoy. Follow the jump for more impressions from the second day of testing for the 2010 Pikes Peak Hill Climb.


Gallery: Pikes Peak 2010: Practice Day 2


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Pikes Peak 2010: Second day of practice is in the books

Pikes Peak 2010: Second day of practice is in the books originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 pikes peak hill climb2010PikesPeakHillClimbhyundaiNobuhiro TajimaNobuhiroTajimapikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbPikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbrhys millenRhysMillensuzukiThu, 24 Jun 2010 20:08:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19530021/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/24/pikes-peak-2010-second-day-of-practice-is-in-the-books/19530021/article-detail.xml 19530021 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/lead1ppihc2010pd2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/lead1ppihc2010pd2.jpg <![CDATA[Monster Tajima won't be letting Millen go unchallenged at Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/24/monster-tajima-wont-be-letting-millen-go-unchallenged-at-pikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/24/monster-tajima-wont-be-letting-millen-go-unchallenged-at-pikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/24/monster-tajima-wont-be-letting-millen-go-unchallenged-at-pikes/#commentsFiled under: ,

Monster Tajima and his Suzuki SX4 hill-climb special - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Rhys Millen and his new Hyundai V8 powered Pikes Peak challenger have been getting the most attention, Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima has no intention of letting Millen capture all the glory without a fight. Tajima has been the dominant force at Pikes Peak in recent years and is the current overall record holders at 10:01.408, surpassing Rod Millen's run in 2007.

Tajima is back in Colorado this week with the latest edition of his Suzuki SX4 hill-climb special. The SX4 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.1-liter V6 generating 910 horsepower and 655 pound-feet of torque in a car that weighs just 2,425 pounds. Tajima has spent plenty of time in the wind-tunnel since last year's race refining the shape of his car to maximize down-force and reduce drag. It should be quite a battle on Sunday as the Tajima-Millen conflict resumes.


Gallery: Pikes Peak 2010: Monster Tajima and Suzuki SX4


[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Monster Tajima won't be letting Millen go unchallenged at Pikes Peak

Monster Tajima won't be letting Millen go unchallenged at Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>monster tajimaMonsterTajimaNobuhiro Monster TajimaNobuhiro TajimaNobuhiroMonsterTajimaNobuhiroTajimapikes peakpikes peak hill climbPikes Peak International Hill ClimbPikesPeakPikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbsuzukisuzuki sx4suzuki sx4 hill climb specialSuzukiSx4SuzukiSx4HillClimbSpecialThu, 24 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19529330/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/24/monster-tajima-wont-be-letting-millen-go-unchallenged-at-pikes/19529330/article-detail.xml 19529330 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/msppihc2010001-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/msppihc2010001-copy.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Rhys Millen's Red Bull Hyundai Genesis PM580 sounds like a really angry Cuisinart]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/18/video-rhys-millens-red-bull-hyundai-genesis-pm580-sounds-like/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/18/video-rhys-millens-red-bull-hyundai-genesis-pm580-sounds-like/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/18/video-rhys-millens-red-bull-hyundai-genesis-pm580-sounds-like/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rhys Millen's Red Bull Hyundai Genesis PM580 - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Recently, we had the chance to hang out with Rhys Millen and get up close and personal with the Hyundai Genesis PM580 racer that he'll be driving in this year's Pikes Peak Hill Climb. It's a mean machine, and comparisons to a real-life Batmobile are certainly not out of the question, but the one thing that text and photos cannot describe is the roaring sound produced by the 775-horsepower, 4.1-liter turbocharged V6 powerplant. It's like a bunch of angry hornets.

Follow the jump to watch Rhys piloting the PM580 around a test course, and turn up the volume to hear what this bad boy will sound like as it goes racing up Pikes Peak next week. Scroll through the attached gallery to see gorgeous high-res shots of the race car, as well.


Gallery: RMR Hyundai Genesis PM580 Test Session


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Hyundai via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Rhys Millen's Red Bull Hyundai Genesis PM580 sounds like a really angry Cuisinart

Video: Rhys Millen's Red Bull Hyundai Genesis PM580 sounds like a really angry Cuisinart originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genesisgenesis coupeGenesisCoupeHyundaiHyundai Genesishyundai genesis pm580HyundaiGenesisHyundaiGenesisPm580millenpikes peakpikes peak hill climbPikes Peak International Hill ClimbPikesPeakPikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbPM580red bullred bull racingRedBullRedBullRacingRhys Millenrhys millen hyundairhys millen racingRhysMilenRhysMillenRhysMillenHyundaiRhysMillenRacingvideovideosFri, 18 Jun 2010 12:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19522058/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/18/video-rhys-millens-red-bull-hyundai-genesis-pm580-sounds-like/19522058/article-detail.xml 19522058 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/videomillen630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/videomillen630.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak Prep: Autoblog joins Rhys Millen for Hyundai Genesis PM580 test session]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/pikes-peak-prep-autoblog-joins-rhys-millen-for-hyundai-genesis/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/pikes-peak-prep-autoblog-joins-rhys-millen-for-hyundai-genesis/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/pikes-peak-prep-autoblog-joins-rhys-millen-for-hyundai-genesis/#commentsFiled under: , ,

RMR Hyundai Genesis PM580 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The El Toro Marine base in Irvine, CA has seen its fair share of automobiles. The open runways are a playground for sports cars, and on any given day, you can find high performance driving schools or testing sessions utilizing the vast expanse of pavement. This week, however, El Toro was on the receiving end of something very, very different. Rhys Millen and the rest of his crew have been hard at work over the last six months creating a monster of an automobile built for just one thing - win the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. They have brought out the car, dubbed the Hyundai Genesis PM580, for a test and tune session ahead of race day on June 27.

El Toro seems an unlikely place to test a car that will be making an ascent up a 14,000 foot mountain, but Rhys told us it's actually quite ideal. The runways offer nearly identical amounts of traction as the paved portions of the mountain course, and provide more realistic feedback than the smooth surface of a racetrack.

While this might sound like an opportunity for serious hoonage, the Millen camp is all business. Their mission is simple: climb Pikes Peak in less than ten minutes. The team knows that everything has to be perfect if they are going to achieve their goal, so their preparation is methodical and meticulous. Many have tried to break the ten minute mark in the past twenty or so years, and while many of come close - very close - none have been able to do it. However, after spending a day with Millen and his crew, we think he's got the potential to do it if anyone can. Make the jump to find out why.


Gallery: RMR Hyundai Genesis PM580 Test Session


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Pikes Peak Prep: Autoblog joins Rhys Millen for Hyundai Genesis PM580 test session

Pikes Peak Prep: Autoblog joins Rhys Millen for Hyundai Genesis PM580 test session originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 pikes peak hill climb2010PikesPeakHillClimbgenesishyundaihyundai genesishyundai genesis pm580HyundaiGenesisHyundaiGenesisPm580pikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbPikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbrhys millenrhys millen racingRhysMillenRhysMillenRacingRMR Hyundai Genesis PM580RmrHyundaiGenesisPm580Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19519822/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/17/pikes-peak-prep-autoblog-joins-rhys-millen-for-hyundai-genesis/19519822/article-detail.xml 19519822 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/lead1rmrgenesispm580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/lead1rmrgenesispm580.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Rhys Millen previews the PM580 Hyundai Pikes Peak challenger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/25/video-rhys-millen-previews-the-pm580-hyundai-pikes-peak-challen/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/25/video-rhys-millen-previews-the-pm580-hyundai-pikes-peak-challen/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/25/video-rhys-millen-previews-the-pm580-hyundai-pikes-peak-challen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rhys Millen Racing PM580 frame - Click above to view the video after the jump

The folks at HRE Performance Wheels dropped by the Rhys Millen Racing shop to check out the progress on the new PM580 Pikes Peak hill-climb car. Millen and his crew are in the process of building an Unlimited Class racer to crack the all-time record on the Colorado mountain. Millen will attempt to both recapture the record that his father held for 13 years and record the first ever sub-10-minute time.

The PM580 is powered by a Hyundai Genesis V8 engine mounted in the middle of a steel tube-frame chassis. Aside from the engine, the rest of the chassis looks rather conventional, until you see the carbon-fiber bodywork that looks more like something destined to hurtle down the Mulsanne straight at Le Mans rather than up the side of a mountain.

Unlike your mobile data plan, at Pikes Peak Unlimited means exactly that: anything goes, including active aerodynamics. The angle of the upper plane on the rear wing is automatically managed based on a yaw rate sensor and lateral accelerometer. When the car is on the straights it flattens out to a 10-degree angle, but as the car turns in, it tips up to 50 degrees to press the rear end down. It's fascinating stuff and you can check it out in the video after the jump.


Gallery: Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Genesis PM580


[Source: Youtube]

Continue reading Video: Rhys Millen previews the PM580 Hyundai Pikes Peak challenger

Video: Rhys Millen previews the PM580 Hyundai Pikes Peak challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 May 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HyundaiHyundai GenesisHyundai Genesis SedanHyundaiGenesisHyundaiGenesisSedanpikes peakpikes peak hill climbPikes Peak International Hill Climbpikes peak unlimited classPikesPeakPikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbPikesPeakUnlimitedClassRhys Millenrhys millen pm580rhys millen racingrhys millen racing hyundai genesis pm580rhys millen racing pm580RhysMillenRhysMillenPm580RhysMillenRacingRhysMillenRacingHyundaiGenesisPm580RhysMillenRacingPm580videoTue, 25 May 2010 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19490896/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/25/video-rhys-millen-previews-the-pm580-hyundai-pikes-peak-challen/19490896/article-detail.xml 19490896 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/rmr-pm580-frame_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/rmr-pm580-frame.png <![CDATA[First renderings of Rhys Millen's Hyundai-powered Pikes Peak challenger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/rhys-millen-hyundai-pikes-peak-renderings/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/rhys-millen-hyundai-pikes-peak-renderings/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/rhys-millen-hyundai-pikes-peak-renderings/#commentsFiled under: , ,

RMR Hyundai Genesis PM580 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last week, we learned that Rhys Millen has been busy preparing a new unlimited class challenger to try to recapture the overall Pikes Peak Hill Climb record that his father held for over a decade. At the time, all we knew was that it would be Hyundai powered, and we assumed that it would bear at least a vague resemblance to a Genesis Coupe.

Instead, these first official renderings suggest that the Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Genesis PM580 looks more like a Le Mans prototype than some of the cartoonish looking Suzuki or Toyota racersdriven by Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima or Rod Millen - let alone one of the more traditional open-wheel buggies that long dominated the Peak.

The PM580 uses a steel tube frame chassis wrapped in a carbon fiber skin. A turbocharged 4.1-liter Hyundai V6 producing up to 750 horsepower will put power down through an active all-wheel-drive system. The rear wing also has active trimming out on the straights to reduce drag, and it can tip up to generate additional downforce in the corners. Millen's goal is to set the first ever sub-10 minute time for the 12.42 mile "Run to the Clouds." Since you've got until June 27 until the green flag drops, why not check out the high-res gallery of renderings below and the official press release after the jump?


Gallery: Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Genesis PM580


[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading First renderings of Rhys Millen's Hyundai-powered Pikes Peak challenger

First renderings of Rhys Millen's Hyundai-powered Pikes Peak challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genesis pm580GenesisPm580hill climbHillClimbHyundaiHyundai Genesishyundai genesis pm580HyundaiGenesisHyundaiGenesisPm580Millenpikes peakpikes peak hill climbPikes Peak International Hill ClimbPikesPeakPikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbpmprace to the cloudsRaceToTheCloudsred bullred bull racingRedBullRedBullRacingRhys Millenrhys millen racingrhys millen racing hyundai genesis pm580RhysMillenRhysMillenRacingRhysMillenRacingHyundaiGenesisPm580Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19445023/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/19/rhys-millen-hyundai-pikes-peak-renderings/19445023/article-detail.xml 19445023 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/rmrpm58034fr-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/rmrpm58034fr-copy.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Rhys vows to bring Pikes Peak record back to Millen family]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/15/video-rhys-vows-to-bring-pikes-peak-record-back-to-millen-famil/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/15/video-rhys-vows-to-bring-pikes-peak-record-back-to-millen-famil/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/15/video-rhys-vows-to-bring-pikes-peak-record-back-to-millen-famil/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Millen family talks Pikes Peak - Click above to watch the video

The Millen family has quite a proud history at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, not quite up there with the Unsers, but certainly more than respectable. Rod Millen captured several class records at the Colorado mountain over the years, including an outright record of 10:04:06 set in a Toyota Celica in 1994 that stood for an astounding 13 years.

Last June, son Rhys took a Hyundai Genesis coupe to a class record in the two-wheel drive Time Attack class with a 12:09.397.

This June, Millen is headed back to the Peak with a new weapon that still wears a Hyundai badge and will still be slathered in Red Bull livery. There will be none of that production-based nonsense this time though. The younger Millen wants to take the overall record back from Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima. Millen is aiming to get the first ever sub-10 minute time at Pikes Peak and he and his team have built a new car dubbed the Genesis PM580. From the teaser video after the jump, we're guessing that this unlimited class car will feature plenty of carbon fiber and plenty of power, presumably 5.8-liters worth of Hyundai V8 based on the nomenclature. The new car is set to be revealed on Monday, but for now you can watch the Millen family talk about the glory that is Pikes Peak. Check out the video after the jump.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Video: Rhys vows to bring Pikes Peak record back to Millen family

Video: Rhys vows to bring Pikes Peak record back to Millen family originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyundaiHyundai Genesishyundai genesis coupehyundai genesis pm580HyundaiGenesisHyundaiGenesisCoupeHyundaiGenesisPm580Nobuhiro Monster TajimaNobuhiroMonsterTajimapikes peakpikes peak hill climbPikes Peak International Hill ClimbPikesPeakPikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbPM580red bullred bull racingRedBullRedBullRacingRhys Millenrhys millen genesis couperhys millen racingRhysMillenRhysMillenGenesisCoupeRhysMillenRacingRMR Hyundai Genesis Coupermr hyundai genesis pm580RmrHyundaiGenesisCoupeRmrHyundaiGenesisPm580Rod MillenRodMillenThu, 15 Apr 2010 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19440240/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/15/video-rhys-vows-to-bring-pikes-peak-record-back-to-millen-famil/19440240/article-detail.xml 19440240 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/rhys-millen-bw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/rhys-millen-bw.jpg <![CDATA[Audi drops more photos and info on "Shelley", the autonomous TT-S]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/audi-drops-more-photos-and-info-on-shelley-the-autonomous-tt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/audi-drops-more-photos-and-info-on-shelley-the-autonomous-tt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/audi-drops-more-photos-and-info-on-shelley-the-autonomous-tt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Autonomous Audi TT-S "Shelley" - Click above for high-res image gallery

We first heard about the latest autonomous driving project from Stanford University and the Volkswagen Group a couple of weeks ago. Audi has released some more information on the car, a TT-S coupe that, like its predecessors, Stanley and Junior, has a name: Shelley. Shelley's being developed to climb Colorado's Pikes Peak without any driver intervention during the annual hill climb next July. (Stanley and Junior were created for the DARPA Grand Challenge and Urban Challenge.)

Audi and Stanford's Dynamics Design Lab have managed to dramatically reduce the size of the equipment necessary for the car and its control system to detect the surroundings and respond accordingly. That it can all fit into the compact TT's body while sprouting just a trio of sensors from roof is quite an accomplishment. One of the goals of this year's effort is to have the car perform the way it would with a professional rally driver at the wheel, including drifting on the gravel. As of its name, "Shelley" refers to the nickname of Michelle Mouton, the most successful female rally driver of all time and the first woman to win at Pikes Peak, a feat she accomplished behind the wheel of the legendary Audi Sport Quattro in 1985.


Gallery: Audi autonomous TTS - "Shelley"


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi drops more photos and info on "Shelley", the autonomous TT-S

Audi drops more photos and info on "Shelley", the autonomous TT-S originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fiesta crash at Pikes Peak - click above to watch video after the jump

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is not for the faint of heart. The 12.42 mile, 156 turn course has multiple surfaces, a (nearly) 5,000 foot elevation increase, not to mention dozens of unprotected cliffs that await a driver's slip-up.

We reported earlier that the #5 Ford Fiesta succumbed to the mountain during a practice session on Thursday, with Ford later informing us that the crash had been caused by a misfire and that the damage was repairable.

Thanks to the wonders of YouTube, we now have amateur footage of Andrea Eriksson sliding the Fiesta off course. An alert cameraman caught the mishap on tape, and was kind enough to post it online and share it with us all. Most of the video is post-crash, but if you skip ahead to the end of part two, you can actually watch Eriksson and his co-driver drive away in the car after it gets towed back onto the road. Hit the jump to watch both videos.


Gallery: Ford Fiesta Rally Car at Pikes Peak


[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford Fiesta crashes at Pikes Peak

VIDEO: Ford Fiesta crashes at Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Ford Fiesta2011FordFiestaFiestaFordFord FiestaFord Fiesta Rally CarFordFiestaFordFiestaRallyCarPikes PeakPikes Peak Hill ClimbPikes Peak International Hill ClimbPikesPeakPikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbWed, 22 Jul 2009 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19105905/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/22/video-ford-fiesta-crashes-at-pikes-peak/19105905/article-detail.xml 19105905 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/fiestappcrashvid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/fiestappcrashvid.jpg <![CDATA[Ten-minute mark remains untouched as Monster Tajima wins Pikes Peak with 870hp Suzuki SX4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/images-needed-ten-minute-mark-remains-untouched-as-monster-taji/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/images-needed-ten-minute-mark-remains-untouched-as-monster-taji/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/images-needed-ten-minute-mark-remains-untouched-as-monster-taji/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Monster's Suzuki SX4 Sport - Click above for a high-res image gallery

They came. They saw. They were conquered. That pretty much sums up a thrilling Pikes Peak International Hillclimb for 2009 as Suzuki's legendary Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima took overall victory yet again, fending off a formidable paddock of rivals, while difficult weather conditions dictated that the mythical ten-minute mark - as well as Monster's own 10:15 personal best - remained untouched.

This year the Suzuki team replaced its existing XL7-bodied challenger in with a purpose-built SX4 packing a 2.7-liter V6 with a massive 873 horsepower on tap. But among those eager to strip the Japanese champions of their domination were two-time World Rally Champion Marcus Gronholm driving a specially prepared Ford Fiesta and an 1150hp Ford RS200. Along with all the other pretenders to the crown, they were fed a heaping dose of humble pie by the Monster. Meanwhile drift champ Rhys Millen took the 2WD class victory in his Hyundai Genesis, pledging to return to the peak in the top-spec Unlimited class in an effort to reclaim the title which Monster took from his father Rod Millen, whose record stood from 1994 through 2007 when Suzuki bested the time. The books were just closed on this year's run up the mountain, but the competition's already heating up for next year.


Gallery: Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima's Suzuki SX4 Sport

Continue reading Ten-minute mark remains untouched as Monster Tajima wins Pikes Peak with 870hp Suzuki SX4

Ten-minute mark remains untouched as Monster Tajima wins Pikes Peak with 870hp Suzuki SX4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hill climbHillClimbmillenmonstermonster tajimaMonsterTajimanobuhiro monster tajimanobuhiro tajimaNobuhiroMonsterTajimaNobuhiroTajimapeakpikespikes peakpikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbPikesPeakpikespeakhillclimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbrhys millenRhysMillensteve millenSteveMillensuzukisuzuki sx4SuzukiSx4tajimaMon, 20 Jul 2009 19:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19103684/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/20/images-needed-ten-minute-mark-remains-untouched-as-monster-taji/19103684/article-detail.xml 19103684 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/02-hill-climb-suzuki-sx4-sport-580op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/02-hill-climb-suzuki-sx4-sport-580op.jpg <![CDATA[Rhys Millen sets 2WD Time Attack class record at Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/19/rhys-millen-sets-new-record-for-2wd-time-attack-class-at-pikes-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/19/rhys-millen-sets-new-record-for-2wd-time-attack-class-at-pikes-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/19/rhys-millen-sets-new-record-for-2wd-time-attack-class-at-pikes-p/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Rhys Millen's Hyundai Genesis Coupe at Pikes Peak - Click above for high-res image gallery
The 2009 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is in the books. Reigning king of the hill Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima again took top honors in the unlimited class but failed to break his own record with the new Suzuki SX4 hill-climb special. In fact, he fell 14 seconds shy of his record 2007 run with a 10:15.368. He did manage to beat Marcus Gronholm and Timo Alanne in one of Ford's Rallycross Fiestas, which only managed an 11:28.963 as it crossed the line with its right rear tire in flames.

One of two categories that did see records broken was the 2WD Time Attack for production-based cars. Here, Rhys Millen found that the confidence he gained from his practice runs earlier in the week was not misplaced. In his 17th run at Pikes Peak, Millen covered the 12.4 mile course to the 14,110-foot summit in 12 minutes, 9.397 seconds. His Hyundai Genesis Coupe crossed the line with its rear tires worn down to the steel belts, but at least they weren't burning.

The other record set was in the Motorcycle quad 450 class, where Michael Coburn covered the course on his Honda 450 in 12 minutes, 18.858 seconds.

Gallery: Rhys Millen Hyundai Genesis Coupe at Pikes Peak 2009


[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Rhys Millen sets 2WD Time Attack class record at Pikes Peak

Rhys Millen sets 2WD Time Attack class record at Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Jul 2009 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyundaihyundai genesis coupeHyundaiGenesisCoupeNobuhiro TajimaNobuhiroTajimapikes peakpikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbPikesPeakpikespeakhillclimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbrhys millenrhys millen racingrhysmillenRhysMillenRacingSun, 19 Jul 2009 20:11:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19103209/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/19/rhys-millen-sets-new-record-for-2wd-time-attack-class-at-pikes-p/19103209/article-detail.xml 19103209 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/rhyspikes_overhead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/rhyspikes_overhead.jpg <![CDATA[Ford shows off 800-HP Fiesta rally car ahead of Pikes Peak attempt [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/ford-shows-off-800-hp-fiesta-rally-car-ahead-of-pikes-peak-attem/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/ford-shows-off-800-hp-fiesta-rally-car-ahead-of-pikes-peak-attem/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/ford-shows-off-800-hp-fiesta-rally-car-ahead-of-pikes-peak-attem/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Ford Fiesta Rally car at Pikes Peak - Click above to watch video

The 87th annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is set for this weekend, and race teams from around the country have traveled to Colorado Springs for the legendary race to the clouds. One of those teams is from Ford Racing, which has unveiled its duo of contenders for this year's event, a pair of Fiesta Rally Cars driven by two-time WRC champion Marcus Grönholm and four-time Swedish rally champ Andreas Eriksson. While the two drivers have a wealth of experience racing on dirt and gravel, it will be their inaugural trip up the famous mountain.

Both drivers and cars were unveiled to at Phil Long Ford in Colorado Springs yesterday, and have already completed a couple practice sessions with the 800 horsepower rally cars. You can check out dozens of photos from those sessions in the high-res gallery below, and watch the entertaining unveiling of the cars in the video after the jump.


Gallery: Ford Fiesta Rally Car at Pikes Peak


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford shows off 800-HP Fiesta rally car ahead of Pikes Peak attempt [w/VIDEO]

Ford shows off 800-HP Fiesta rally car ahead of Pikes Peak attempt [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andreas ErikssonAndreasErikssonFordFord FiestaFord Fiesta Rally CarFordFiestaFordFiestaRallyCarMarcus GrnholmMarcusGrnholmPikes Peak Hill ClimbPikes Peak International Hill ClimbPikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbFri, 17 Jul 2009 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19100245/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/17/ford-shows-off-800-hp-fiesta-rally-car-ahead-of-pikes-peak-attem/19100245/article-detail.xml 19100245 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/fiestappihc_lead2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/fiestappihc_lead2.jpg <![CDATA[Rhys Millen attacks Pikes Peak in Hyundai Genesis Coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/rhys-millen-attacks-pikes-peak-in-hyundai-genesis-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/rhys-millen-attacks-pikes-peak-in-hyundai-genesis-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/rhys-millen-attacks-pikes-peak-in-hyundai-genesis-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Rhys Millen's Hyundai Genesis Coupe at Pikes Peak - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rhys Millen continued his pursuit of the family business this week as he began his 18th attack on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. As one of the most challenging hill climbs in the world at 12.4 miles and 156 turns, in some ways it's as close to running the Nürburgring Nordschleife as you're likely to get in America.

This is the first time Millen is making the run in his new Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and he's evidently driving the same car he has been using in Formula D drift events all year long - complete with the Hyundai V6 powerplant. In fact, the car was trucked to Colorado directly from last weekend's drift event in Las Vegas.

Millen took advantage of a practice session on the course three weeks ago to get a time this week that was 1.5 seconds per mile faster than he managed last year in a Pontiac Solstice that had three years of development. Speaking after Thursday's practice runs, Millen had this to say:
"Yesterday was the first day of practice in the middle section, approx. 3.0 miles. We ran faster than last years section time by 5 seconds ! Today was even better. Today we ran the upper section to the finish line and I'm still shocked to say this but we ran 27 seconds faster than last years section time. The car is working amazing, so predictable, so fast that I am driving like never before."
Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore sent us a few pics to share, so check them out in our gallery below.


Gallery: Rhys Millen Hyundai Genesis Coupe at Pikes Peak 2009


[Source: Hyundai]

Rhys Millen attacks Pikes Peak in Hyundai Genesis Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hill climbhillclimbhyundaihyundai genesishyundai genesis coupeHyundaiGenesisHyundaiGenesisCoupepikes peakpikes peak international hill climbPikesPeakpikespeakhillclimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbrhys millenrhys millen racingrhysmillenRhysMillenRacingFri, 17 Jul 2009 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19101179/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/17/rhys-millen-attacks-pikes-peak-in-hyundai-genesis-coupe/19101179/article-detail.xml 19101179 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/arl37576-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/arl37576-580.jpg -1 2