Hyundai may have created a lot of buzz with its Pikes Peak record attempt this year but it was Suzuki (yes, Suzuki) that climbed the hill the fastest. Even more surprising is the fact that Suzuki driver Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima won the race for the fifth straight year, setting a dominant pace that put him at the top of the hill a half a minute before his closest competitor.

In anticipation of Tajima breaking his own world record of 10:01.41 Falken Tire decided to document the 2010 effort. Sadly Tajima’s 2007 record remains, with this year’s run clocked at “just” 10:11.490.

The good news is, that’s a few extra seconds that we get to enjoy the awesome ride-along experience of the 910-hp twin-turbo AWD Suzuki SX4 using up every last inch of the road – and in some cases, even more.

As for what this all has to do with Falken Tire, well, the Japanese tire company is using the video to help promote its new Falken WildPeak A/T tires – which Tajima used during his dominant performance.

Check out the awesome video after the jump:

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Porsche aficionado Jeff Zwart has done much to publicize his efforts at Pikes Peak with his 911 GT3, but really, what more do you need than a professional quality video to tell you what Zwart and the 911 are all about?

Hustling the 911 up Pikes Peak’s 12.42 mile hill took Zwart 11:31.095 with an average speed of over 65 mph. Those numbers may not mean much to you now, but once you see the video, you’ll understand.

[Source: Will Roegge]

By now, no doubt you’ve heard that Rhys Millen’s attempt to set a sub 10-minute time and reclaim the world record for his family at the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb was less than successful. Not only did Millen fail to break the 10-second time, but he managed just third place with a distant 11:06.208 run after his purpose built 650-hp Hyundai race car suffered mechanical problems. Worse still, he was bested by Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima and his race-prepped Suzuki. This was Tajima’s fifth consecutive win, but wasn’t his fastest, with his best attempt back in 2007 at 10:01.41 – which bested Rhys’ father, Rod Millen’s, previous world record of 10:04.06, set back in 1994.

And while it’s no record-setting run, the team at Red Bull Racing made an incredible video out of the event which is sure to get plenty of eyeballs thanks to high production quality and the sheer awesomeness of both the event and the car.

The video documents the attempt and the challenges any team faces trying to conquer the mountain in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Millen himself put it best in a post race interview, commenting that, “Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong today.”

Check out the video after the jump:

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Pikes Peak International Hill Climb veteran Jeff Zwart put on an awesome display of RWD car control on his record-breaking assent of Pikes Peak this weekend, taking his Luminox Watch Porsche GT3 Cup car up the 14,115 ft mountain in a Time Attack RWD class record time of 11-minutes and 31.1-seconds.

Zwart’s time up the mountain shattered the RWD Time Attack 12-minute 2-second record time set last year by Rhys Millen in his FormulaD Hyundai Genesis. Zwart’s pace up the mountain in his Porsche was also 1-minute 50-seconds quicker than his nearest competitor this year, making his performance all the more impressive.

For proof of this record-breaking trip up Pikes Peak, check out the video after the jump.

[Source: Porsche]

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With plenty of lead up to its introduction at the 88th annual Pikes Peak Hillclimb, the Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Genesis PM580 didn’t deliver on any of its promises and instead was overshadowed by the Suzuki of Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima. Rhys Millen had set out to break the 10 minute barrier on the treacherous mountain and reclaim the record for his family. (Rhys’ father Rod set a record of 10:04.06 in 1994, which Tajima topped in 2007 with a 10:01.41).

Tajima once again came out on top on the weekend’s race, claiming his 5th consecutive overall win at America’s second oldest race with a 10:11.490. In second was three-time hillclimb champion Paul Dallenbach with a 10:39.534 run. As for Millen, he placed a distance third with an 11:06.208 run after his purpose built 650-hp Hyundai race car suffered mechanical problems. “Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong today,” said Millen.

The Pikes Peak Hill Climb, which takes place annually on Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado, starts at an elevation of 9,300 feet and finishes at an elevation of 14,110 feet – where the air is so think drivers’ reaction times begin to slow and their race car engines lose 30 percent of their power. Drivers drift around 146 corners in 12.42 miles of track made up of dirt and asphalt, nearly missing guard rails and trees, while avoiding cliffs with 2,000-foot drop-offs.

[Source: Associated Press]

The RMR Hyundai Genesis PM580 is about as far removed from a Hyundai Genesis as you can get, but its still pretty damn cool. With a tube frame steel chassis, an active differential and a 650-horsepower 4.1L V6 – all with a curb weight of under 1,900 lbs - the PM580 is a serious machine, and one that you will never ever see on the road. If you’re not going to Pikes Peak, check out the gallery below and take in how badass this one-off racer really is.

Gallery: RMR Hyundai Genesis PM580

These are the first shots of Hyundai‘s secretive Pikes Peak race car, the Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) Hyundai Genesis PM580. The photos were taken by pro drifter Dai Yoshihara when the car was out testing recently at the El Toro airforce base

Designed to run the Unlimited Class at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the PM580 is basically a Le Mans-style prototype racer — with all-wheel-drive and at least 650 horsepower from a 4.1-liter turbocharged Hyundai LAmbda engine.

Hyundai and Rhys Millen are gunning for the record currently held by Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima, who ran a 10:01.41 on the 12.42-mile course in an extremely modified Suzuki back in 2007. Tajima’s time bested the standing world’ record of 10:04.06, set in 1994 by Rhys’ father Rod Millen.

The Pikes Peak Hill Climb, which takes place annually on Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado, starts at an elevation of 9,300 feet and finishes at an elevation of 14,110 feet – where the air is so think drivers’ reaction times begin to slow and their race car engines lose 30 percent of their power. Drivers drift around 156 corners, nearly missing guard rails and trees, while avoiding cliffs with 2,000-foot drop-offs.

Rhys Millen Racing will officially debut the car on April 19th, with this year’s event taking place on June 27th.

GALLERY: RMR Hyundai Genesis PM580

[Source: Dai Yoshihara]

See videos of the RMR Hyundai Genesis PM580 after the jump:

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It’s hard to call the Hyundai PM580 a Hyundai while keeping a straight face, but Rhys Millen, builder of this awesome, Le Mans-esque racer, does have some kind of deal with Hyundai to prep Genesis Coupe and Sedans for SEMA, so its natural that mechanical motivation for the PM580 would come from Hyundai‘s own Lambda V6, punched out to 4.1L of displacement.

Car and Driver is hosting a video of the PM580, showing off some trick bits like the active differential (made by Ford, apparently) and the ultra light HRE wheels. As soon as we hear video of the PM580 starting up, revving or driving, we’ll be sure to post it. In the mean time, this is as good as it gets.

[Source: Car and Driver]

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In a bid to convince drivers of the safety of vehicle electronics, Audi is planning to send a TTS up the legendary Pikes Peak hillclimb without a driver on board.

“Sometime soon — maybe even as soon as the fourth quarter of this year — an Audi TTS is going to make the climb up Pikes Peak in Colorado…. There will be no one in the driver’s seat,” Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen announced at the Automotive Press Association in Detroit this week.

Using special software developed in partnership with Stanford University and the Electronic Research Laboratory in Plao Alto, California, the TTS will navigate itself up Pikes Peak without any human control. A rash of quality problems related to vehicle electronics compelled Audi to host some form of public demonstration for their electronic systems.

“We’re not trying to eliminate the need for drivers or the pleasure of driving,” said de Nysschen. “But by demonstrating that we can do the unimaginable — and do it safely — we will prove that these technologies deserve our customers’ trust.”

[Source: Inside Line]

They say the best things in life are free…but they haven’t seen the incredible RMR Hyundai Genesis PM580. Designed to run the Unlimited Class at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the PM580 is basically a Le Mans-style prototype racer — with all-wheel-drive. And at least 650 horsepower.

Hyundai sent out a preview of the car, but, well, we weren’t expecting this. Let’s hear from Rhys Millen, the car’s designer and racer who will tackle the mountain this summer.

“We are building a car for today’s road,” said Millen “The car will have a sleek aerodynamic body, the grip of Toyo Proxy tires and the power and durability of a Hyundai engine. This is the package I need to break the record.”

By any estimation, the vehicle should be ballistic. A target weight of 1,850 lbs. — less than a Lotus Elise — ensures the 650+ horsepower 4.1-liter turbocharged Hyundai Lambda engine won’t go to waste. Also part of the package is an active rear wing to allow a more slippery profile on straights, plus a Quaife active center differential. Hyundai and RMR believe this setup will help the car transition from asphalt and dirt, something the 12.42 mile course does numerous times. 

Let’s make no mistake: Hyundai is gunning for the outright Pikes Peak record. The current world record holder is Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima, who ran a 10:01.41 on the 12.42-mile course in an extremely modified Suzuki back in 2007. Tajima’s time bested the standing world record of 10:04.06, se in 1994 by Rhys’ father Rod Millen.

The 2010 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is set for June 27th.

GALLERY: RMR Hyundai Genesis PM580

Click through for the complete specs on this stunning new Pikes Peak race car

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Rhys Millen will once again head to Pikes Peak this year, in the hopes of setting a new world record. The Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) team is currently building a special vehicle for the uphill climb, called the RMR Hyundai Genesis PM580, which will compete in Unlimited class and use all-wheel drive. Hyundai has released a single teaser image (above).

The current world record hold is Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima, who ran a 10:01.41 on the 12.42-mile course in an extremely modified Suzuki back in 2007. Tajima’s time bested the standing world’ record of 10:04.06, set in 1994 by Rhys’ father Rod Millen.

“Breaking into the 9′s has been a dream and desire of mine for the last 10 years,” said Rhys Millen “I finally have the team, support and infrastructure to put in a serious effort to go after the world record. The main focus is to be the fastest car up the hill, slay the Monster and get the record back in the family name, the Millen name.”

Last year Millen ran a 12:09.397 in the rear-wheel drive Time Attack Class. That might not sound all that impressive, but he was essentially using his drift car and did manage to beat his nearest competitor by 1 minute, 23 seconds and besting even his own previous time by 22 seconds.

The Pikes Peak Hill Climb, which takes place annually on Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado, starts at an elevation of 9,300 feet and finishes at an elevation of 14,110 feet – where the air is so think drivers’ reaction times begin to slow and their race car engines lose 30 percent of their power. Drivers drift around 156 corners, nearly missing guard rails and trees, while avoiding cliffs with 2,000-foot drop-offs.

Rhys Millen Racing will officially debut the car on April 19th, with this year’s event taking place on June 27th.

See the official release and a teaser video after the jump:

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Both Ford and Suzuki had high hopes heading into this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, but both were disappointed as neither automaker managed to run the 156 turn course in under 10 minutes.

Suzuki pilot Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima still managed to run the fasted time of the day, however, at 10 minutes, 15 seconds in his 885hp Monster Sport SX4 Hillclimb Special. While Tajima didn’t beat his time last year of 10 minutes and 1 second, he is still the Pikes Peak world record holder and reigning King of the Hill.

Ford’s efforts with two 800hp Fiestas, piloted by two of the world’s best rally drivers, came up significantly short of the mark as Marcus Gronholm managed only an 11:29 while Andreas Eriksson crashed his car during practice and again during the timed run.

GALLERY: Pikes Peak Ford Fiesta

GALLERY: Monster Sport SX4 Hillclimb Special

[Source: BSMotoring]

Hyundai continues defy doubters, setting a new world record at the world-famous Pikes Peak Hill Climb in a race-prepped Genesis Coupe. Driver Rhys Millen piloted his Rhys Millen Racing Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe drift car to a time of 12:09.397 in the rear-wheel drive Time Attack Class, beating his nearest competitor by 1 minute, 23 seconds and besting even his own previous time by 22 seconds.

“Driving the Genesis Coupe for the first time at Pikes Peak in front of thousands of fans is an amazing experience,” said Millen. “Nothing compares to the pressure and thrill of Pikes Peak while competing against yourself for the record.”

Millen also said the Genesis Coupe performed superbly, even though by the summit the tires were worn down to their steel belts.

The Pikes Peak Hill Climb, which takes place annually on Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado, starts at an elevation of 9,300 feet and finishes at an elevation of 14,110 feet – where the air is so think drivers’ reaction times begin to slow and their race car engines lose 30 percent of their power. Drivers drift around 156 corners, nearly missing guard rails and trees, while avoiding cliffs with 2,000-foot drop-offs.

2009 marks the 87th annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the second-oldest motorsports event in America, second only to the Indianapolis 500.

GALLERY: Rhys Millen Racing Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Official release after the jump:

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In an attempt to drum-up interest in the launch of the Fiesta in North America, Ford is putting on a serious publicity stunt by running two 800 horsepower versions of the economy car in the legendary Pikes Peak race.

Ford is eager to appeal not just to econonomically-minded individuals with the Fiesta sub-compact, but also to enthusiasts as it attempts to set a Pike Peak record with a sub-10 minute run up the mountain.

To do this not only will Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution race team owner Andreas Eriksson be piloting one of the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder Fiesta racers, but so will rally legend Marcus Grönholm. In World Rally Championship competition Grönholm has won 30 races and clinched the championship twice. 

Both Eriksson and Grönholm will certainly need all 800 horses when they take on the 12.4-mile, 156-turn dirt and tarmac climb on July 19th.

“We’re pleased to have a top independent team like Olsbergs MSE coming to the U.S. with their Fiesta Rallycross cars to take on the challenge of Pike’s Peak,” said Brian Wolfe, director, Ford North America Motorsports. “This will be a great chance for enthusiasts here to see in this unique setting what a lot of the rest of the world is already talking about – that the Fiesta is a great road car and a great race car.”

Ford Motor Company’s director of Global Motorsport Business Development, Jost Capito, said: “The Pike’s Peak event is another step forward for the new Ford Fiesta as a core vehicle in Ford’s future global motorsport aspirations. We’re looking forward to seeing Andreas and Marcus in action on this unique event.”

GALLERY: Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution Ford Fiesta Rallycross

Official release after the jump:

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