Pikes Peak hill climb record broken in a Hyundai Genesis Coupe

On August 12th pro driver Ryhs Millen broke the 10 minute barrier at the annual Pikes Peak Hill Climb. The course was recently changed significantly. In the past the course had been a combination of surfaces, but this year that changed as the course is now all tarmac. Obviously, that changes the game and records on the old surface will forever be enshrined. Millen won the overall contest and set a world record in the meantime.

Hyundai’s Rear-Drive Genesis Coupe Sports Car
Millen’s ride is based on the current 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. The Genesis coupe is a rear-drive, front engine sports car which was designed by Hyundai in its California Design Facility. The stock 2013 Genesis coupe can come either with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or with the very powerful 344 horsepower, normally aspirated, 3.8 liter V6. The Genesis Coupe is one of the most powerful V6 rear drive sports cars in the world. It is also very light weighing in at approximately 3400 pounds. Millen’s racing Genesis Coupe has a slightly modified version of the Hyundai motor with an added Garrett GTX3582 Turbocharger producing 700 horsepower.

Down-force Rules At Pikes Peak
Power without control is nothing and a rear-drive car attacking corners needs a way to stick the rear-end to the ground or wheel spin will prevent any significant acceleration. The car Millen drives has a ginormous rear wing elevated to get the most wind. It produces a push-down effect on the back of the car that helps to keep the rear wheels from slipping in corners and when accelerating. Ultra-wide rear wheels fitted with racing slicks, suspension modifications and racing brakes make the vehicle a cornering monster. Millen drives rally style with tail out drifts and lots of body rotation.

That Millen has won another race is really not news. That a rear-drive Hyundai based closely on a stock car was the winning vehicle should raise some eyebrows.

Video clip courtesy of Youtube.com and Johnny Boost