Not only did Rhys Millen take the overall victory at the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this past Sunday driving a specially prepared Hyundai Genesis Coupe racecar, but with an ascent time of 9:46.164, he also set a new world record.
For the 2012 edition of the famed hill climb, Millen’s own race team, Rhys Millen Racing (RMR), made a series of improvements to the Korean sports coupe.
Among other upgrades, the car was fitted with a wide body aero package, Hankook F200 racing slicks on custom HRE lightweight wheels, uprated brake calipers and new Garrett GTX3582 Turbocharger that boosted the V6 engine to 700 horsepower and 700 lb. ft. of torque.
RMR also put the Genesis Coupe under a strict diet to shed some extra pounds.
“With the insights gained from the last few years in our Genesis Coupe, the team was able to make some high-impact improvements, leveraging additional downforce and traction opportunities provided by the new all-tarmac surface,” said a very happy Millen after the end of the race.
“Breaking the 10-minute barrier is something I’ve always wanted to do, and it feels great to accomplish this goal in 2012,” he added.
If you follow the jump, you will find a photo gallery as well as a video of Millen’s Genesis Coupe racecar filmed on the last day of practice.
PHOTO GALLERY
VIDEO