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Fastest ever production SUV at Pikes Peak to make Goodwood Festival of Speed debut

Festival of Speed | Press Article 16/04/24

  • Record-breaking Bentley Bentayga W12 will make its debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard following success at Pikes Peak
  • Bentayga W12 set a new benchmark time for a production SUV on Pikes Peak, completing the legendary course in 10min 49.902secs
  • The record-setting SUV will be in action on the famous Goodwood Hillclimb at this year’s Festival of Speed, which runs 12 – 15 July 2018

 

The Bentley Bentayga W12, fresh from setting a new record for production SUVs at Pikes Peak, will be go from one famous hill climb to another, as it makes its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018 presented by Mastercard.

The Bentayga W12 will be tackling the similarly iconic Goodwood Hillclimb course from Friday 13 – Sunday 15 July at this year’s festival. It will be aiming to set new records over the course of the weekend with driver Rhys Millen who is flying over for the event, just three weeks after the stunning performance at Pikes Peak.

Climbing almost 5000 ft through 156 corners at the Colorado course, two-time champion Rhys Millen steered the Bentayga through the 12.42-mile Pikes Peak course in just 10:49.9 – taking nearly two minutes off the previous record and averaging 66.5 mph. The impressive performance claimed the title for fastest production SUV to take on Pikes Peak.

The Bentayga showcased its incredible credentials, including the 600bhp, 900Nm W12 engine, adaptive air suspension, active electric 48V anti-roll control and carbon ceramic brakes to set the new benchmark.

To help maximise the Bentayga’s potential, a series of modifications were fitted including a set of tyres from Pirelli’s DOT-marked range. Further alterations saw the front seats replaced with racing versions while the rear seats were removed, and a roll cage and fire suppression system were installed.

Will Kinsman, Head of Content at Goodwood said: “We are thrilled to have the Bentley Bentayga W12 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year. Rhys Millen put in an amazing performance at Pikes Peak, and the record he set is a testament to the ability of the Bentayga.

“Arriving at FoS straight off the back of the record-breaking Pikes Peak performance is the perfect way to introduce the Bentayga to the Festival audience. This truly is an impressive car, and one which encapsulates the Festival of Speed spirit.”

To celebrate the record-breaking achievement, Bentley has announced a new Limited Edition Bentayga, strictly limited to just 10 cars. Created and handcrafted by Mulliner - Bentley’s in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division – the Pikes Peak Bentayga pays tribute to the model’s achievements on the mountain.

At FoS, Bentley will also be showcasing its new Bentley Continental GT and Continental GT3 race car over the weekend.

The Festival of Speed is renowned for attracting the best cars and most famous drivers in motoring. The 2018 running of the event is set to be no different, as Goodwood marks its Silver Jubilee, having been staged every summer since 1993.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard runs from the 12 – 15 July 2018, 7am – 7pm each day.

Hospitality packages are now very limited throughout the weekend. To buy tickets or enquire about hospitality visit Goodwood.com or call the Goodwood Ticket Office on 01243 755 055.

 

(ENDS)

 

EDITORS’ NOTES:

Staged every summer since 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by MasterCard is the world’s largest automotive garden party; set against the spectacular backdrop of Goodwood House in West Sussex, UK. Over 600 cars and motorcycles spanning the phenomenal history of motoring and motor sport take part with some of the most legendary figures from the sport as well as international celebrities regularly attending. Highlights will include Forest Rally Stage, Michelin Supercar Paddock, Michelin Supercar Run, F1 paddock, Drivers’ Club, GAS Arena, Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance, Aviation Exhibition and Bonhams Auction.

For all Media enquiries, please contact Laura Gilbert-Burke or Abbie Hansford at the Goodwood Motor Sport Press Office:

Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755000

E-mail: laura.gilbert-burke@goodwood.com or abbie.hansford@goodwood.com

 

About Mastercard

Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com,is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard’s products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MastercardUKBiz, join the discussion on the Cashless Pioneers Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.

Or Emma Fahy at the Mastercard Press Office:

Email: emma.fahy@mastercard.com

Telephone: +44 (0)7580 790 297

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