While Rhys Millen and his new Hyundai V8 powered Pikes Peak challenger have been getting the most attention, Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima has no intention of letting Millen capture all the glory without a fight. Tajima has been the dominant force at Pikes Peak in recent years and is the current overall record holders at 10:01.408, surpassing Rod Millen's run in 2007.

Tajima is back in Colorado this week with the latest edition of his Suzuki SX4 hill-climb special. The SX4 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.1-liter V6 generating 910 horsepower and 655 pound-feet of torque in a car that weighs just 2,425 pounds. Tajima has spent plenty of time in the wind-tunnel since last year's race refining the shape of his car to maximize down-force and reduce drag. It should be quite a battle on Sunday as the Tajima-Millen conflict resumes.




I still have my money on Millen. Him and his dad are serious racers and are up to the challenge I am sure




BTW:::: check out how hardcore the aero mods are on Tajima's car.

 

seems like we dont have many members who are to familiar with Pikes Peak ( not uncommon). Here is some more info for those who are interested

At 14,110 feet, there's only about 61% of the breathable oxygen that many of us are used to. Monster Tajima's Suzuki SX-4's twin charged 3.1L V6, which produces 910 horse power, would only develop 555 horses at the summit of Pikes Peak! At that elevation, even I had a difficult time moving from photo spot to photo spot. Just imagine going up to 14,110 feet in 12 minutes, let alone 10.... But would Monster's years of experience on the famed hill climb, and the fact that the course is now ~65% paved, assist him with breaking the sub 10 minute barrier? We'll see this Sunday.
The results from today's practice session has not been released yet so I can't tell you how both Monster and Rhys faired in the top section of the course. I'll post the results as soon as they're released.

 

This is what Suzuki should bring to the market.

 

Suzuki's been in the Pike's Peak game for a LONG time... Since the second iteration of Gran Turismo back on the PS1. Tajima has been driving the Escudo up Pikes Peak since 1996.

 

i love that pike peaks car that was in gran turismo..

 

Rod NEEDS to dust of the celica and be the first to go Sub 10. His record stood for 13 years, and on the un-paved version of the climb. Show sonny bot Rhys how to do a thing or two.

Pretty sure it could do it with a tune and some new tyres

 

seems like he is placing pretty well in the practice sessions so far

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/25/p...ession-sets-q/