It is often said the toughest thing to do is defend a title, especially with the target on your back. Hyundai is relishing the challenge to duplicate last year's success at the Pike's Peak International Hill Climb, of course. With the race scheduled to run on June 30, the automaker has put together a series of videos to give us an inside look at the preparations and adjustments being made to capture another crown.
Hyundai still has driver Rhys Millen behind the wheel. Last year, using a modified Genesis Coupe, he climbed to the summit in a record time of 9:46.164. Of course, you want to do better than that, and you can bet the competition is working just as hard to do the same. So, that means more modifications and technological enhancements to get the Hyundai racer to another level.
This time, similar parts from the Genesis Coupe will be used, like the V6 engine on a model called the PM580T. The chassis will be built out of carbon fiber and titanium with the goal of dropping 1,000 pounds from last year's edition. The vehicle will also have rear-wheel drive, and use the standard power steering system, with a slight modification to give Millen tighter turns, and hopefully, a better time.
The videos can be found on Hyundai's YouTube channel. In total, 12 will air before the big day in June. To watch them, visit youtube.com/HyundaiUSA.
If you're interested in taking a look at new Hyundai models in the Buerkle Hyundai showroom, swing by during regular business hours. We're housed at 3350 N Highway 61 in White Bear Lake, MN, and are always happy to answer questions and set up test drives.
