What makes the annual climb to the highest of Pikes Peak so distinctive among the many world’s many motorsport occasions?
Sure, there’s the hillclimb half and little in the best way to forestall opponents from launching themselves off the mountain, however what makes it so particular–and several other to so many racers–is that you just solely get one run to set the quickest time potential, no do-overs.
Over 70 entries are signed as much as make the annual Race to the Clouds, together with open cockpit prototype racers, extremely modified manufacturing automobiles, wild EV hillclimbing machines and even a number of tributes to the famed Audi quattro rally automobile.
Whereas each single automobile making the climb this 12 months is particular, listed here are eight that I’m wanting to see compete.
1991 Audi 200 Avant
Wagons are cool, however race wagons are even cooler.
Cooler nonetheless? Strive an Audi 200 Avant with a V8 below the hood and primed to tackle some of the iconic hillclimbs on the earth.
Sufficient mentioned.
2025 Tremendous Mustang Mach-E
Following up one thing as wild as final 12 months’s F-150 Lightning SuperTruck could also be no straightforward activity, however I feel Ford’s constructed an acceptable sequel, this time “based mostly” on the Mustang Mach-E.
I put “based mostly” in quotes as a result of Ford’s Tremendous Mustang Mach-E simply barely resembled the manufacturing Mach-E.
Good for some 1400 horsepower, the Tremendous Mach-E’s huge entrance splitter and rear spoiler assist to provide practically 7000 kilos of downforce at 150 mph, says Ford.
1993 Mazda RX-7
For the chronically on-line fanatic, you’ll doubtless acknowledge this RX-7.
[Video: The quest to build the fastest Mazda RX-7 at Pikes Peak]
Constructed by longtime rotary engine lover Rob Dahm, the RX-7 is powered by a–yep, you guessed it–rotary engine.
Energy output? A not-too-shabby 1000 horsepower. (Keep in mind when 500 horsepower was a giant deal?)
As excited as I’m to see this one, I’m equally trying ahead to listening to it.
2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302S
Keep in mind the S197-chassis Boss Mustang? Yeah, the one which was designed to be extra monitor targeted of the lineup.
Whereas the restricted Laguna Seca version turned the dial up much more (you didn’t even get again seats), this Boss 302S is all that after which some.
Basically a turn-key race automobile, the 302S was ultimate for courses like SCCA World Problem GTS and NASA American Iron.
1967 Alfa Romeo GTA-m
In a sea of contemporary race machines with numerous aero, this ’67 Alfa Romeo is a welcome interruption from our usually scheduled programming.
Sitting low and large, the GTA-m is joined by solely a handful of old-school racers, together with a 1972 Porsche 911 ST and a 1967 Chevy Camaro.
2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Right here’s one Corvette that’s just about completed all of it, together with our annual Tire Rack Ultimate Track Car Challenge.
[She Started in Autocross, Now Road Races a C6 Corvette Z06]
Corvette race automobiles are hardly ever not cool as heck, however this one is somewhat further particular as a former GRM competitor. (The Lingenfelter LS7 below the hood doesn’t damage, both.)
2024 Volkswagen Enjoyable Cup
{Photograph} by Vlad Tyeryekhov
What’s a Enjoyable Cup? Consider it like a European model of Legend Automotive, designed with a spec physique, spec engine, spec chassis, and many others.
Based on the entry checklist, this one makes use of an electrical powertrain rather than the extra widespread 1.8-liter VW inline-four.
Above all, the automobile has “Enjoyable” within the title, so how might I not like it?
2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV
Be careful Toyota, Honda additionally has a hydrogen race automobile…properly, type of.
The hydrogen gas cell model of the CR-V, the e:FCEV, will develop into the primary hydrogen-powered automobile to compete at Pikes Peak, per Honda.
Additionally, in response to Honda, the e:FCEV’s powertrain will likely be unmodified when it takes to the mountain, so it’ll be fascinating to see what sort of time it places down. (The CR-V’s suspension, brake pads, wheels and tires have all been upgraded, nonetheless, in addition to a racing seat and roll cage.)
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