Auto

Lamborghini takes SUV record at Pikes Peak with the new Urus

Ahead of its premiere in mid-August, the yet-to-be-revealed new Urus model set a new record in the production SUV category on the track used for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb: the famous uphill race that recently celebrated its 100th Running.Hillclimb champion and Pirelli test driver Simone Faggioli, holder of the rear-wheel drive record set in the 2018 ‘Race to the Clouds’ on Pikes Peak, was entrusted with the new Urus, sporting a camouflage wrap ahead of its official presentation. The timed attack took place on the same route as the race, with the road closed to traffic for the occasion. Starting from an altitude of 2862 meters, Faggioli tackled the 156 turns that wind for 20 km (12.42 miles) ascending a further altitude of 1439 meters over an average gradient of 7%, and crossing the finish line at 4302 meters (14,115 ft) in 10:32.064.Yet to make its formal debut, the new Urus was not entered in the official race but the time was recorded by the official timekeepers of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The Urus bested both the previous PPIHC sanctioned non-race day manufacturer record of 12:35.610 set by Paul Dallenbach in 2014, and the current race day record of 10:49.902 held by Rhys Millen, set in 2018, in a Bentley Bentayga.