Video: The brand new, unmodified Range Rover Sport sets Pikes Peak Hill Climb Record

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On June 7th, 2013, a 2014 Range Rover Sport set a new course record at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb for production-standard Sport Utility Vehicle. The only additions to the stock Range Rover Sport were racing seat-belts and a roll-cage. It flew through the 12.42-mile asphalt course in 12-minutes, 35.61 seconds. That means the average speed was a remarkable 59.17 mph. That may not look impressive on paper, but you have to remember: there are 156 corners (most hairpin/switchbacks) and an elevation increase from 9,390 feet to 14,110 feet. Up there, there oxygen percentage is 58% when compared to sea level – that’s nearly half.

Fortunately, the new Range Rover Sport has a few tricks up its sleeve. With its new aluminum-heavy design, it’s over 800-lbs lighter than before and it has a supercharged 510 horsepower 5-litre V8 engine that makes 461 lbs-feet of torque. At high altitude, supercharged engines can make up for much of the power-loss that occurs with less air density. Many piston engine aircraft use superchargers for that same purpose.

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“The Range Rover Sport was driven on the record run by American competition and stunt driver Paul Dallenbach. Best known as a Pikes Peak specialist, Dallenbach, 45 years old, from Basalt in Colorado, has won his division at the Hill Climb six times and won the event outright three times.

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Dallenbach said, “There’s no margin for error at Pikes Pike – you only need to misjudge one of those 156 turns and you’re into the trees or over the edge of the mountain. To take on this place the way I did today, you need complete confidence in your vehicle, and the Range Rover Sport sure gave me that – it’s fast, responsive and agile. I was able to place the car exactly where I wanted it on the road to keep to the optimum high-speed lines through corners. This is a hugely capable vehicle and I’m proud to have been part of demonstrating that by setting a new Pikes Peak record.”

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The Pikes Peak record run is the first of a series of global driving challenges to be taken-on by the all-new Range Rover Sport, pushing the vehicle to new limits in a series of the most punishing drives to be found on earth.” – – Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC

This story is poignant to The Fast Lane Car for two reasons. We just tested and fell in love with the 2013 Range Rover (and its excellent 510 hp V8) and we will cover the Pikes Peak Hill Climb race. The race is in our back yard and we cover it every year.

Check out Roman’s off road review of the all-new Range Rover!

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.