“Monster” trys to beat own record at Pikes Peak

With an all new crazy ass Japanese car Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima tried to best his own record in the unlimited class of the Pikes Peak hill climb. Monster’s record time of 10:15 from 2007 was untouched due mainly to bad weather conditions. The Suzuki SX4 that Monster was driving was built specifically for the pikes peak event. Check out the press release, more info on the car and more info about this years hill climb after the jump.

UPDATE:
Click here for information on Monster Breaks Record

The Suzuki SX4 is equipped with a 2.7 liter V6 with a huge 863 hp and wings to produce enough downforce to crack the pavement. Since Monster beat the long standing record of Rod Millen with his 10:15 second time he has been trying to break the 10 minute mark. I think the car and driver could have done it this year if it weren’t for the weather.

Rhys Millen who took the crown for the 2wd production class has said he will return to the unlimited class to try and take back the record his father held for 13 years. I hope he does enter the unlimited class because it would be fun to watch him go for that record.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

PRESS RELEASE

NOBUHIRO ‘MONSTER’ TAJIMA ATTEMPTS TO TAKE TEN

Race-prepped Suzuki SX4 Sport Shoots to Break Ten Minute Barrier

PIKES PEAK, CO (July 17, 2009) – Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima and his supporting Monster Sport cast return to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb this weekend with but one obvious opponent: the 2007 version of Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima and his record-breaking performance on the mountain they call Pikes Peak.

As the Peak’s undisputed King of the Hill, Mr. Tajima – and his Suzuki – has been without peer in their most recent, record-breaking performances. With his record time of 10 minutes, 1.408 seconds posted in 2007, Tajima and his team broke a Pikes Peak mark in the record books since 1994. A Pikes Peak competitor since 1988, Monster recorded his first class in 1993, and took his first overall title in 1995 aboard a twin-engined Escudo (Vitara in the States).

With the course under construction during last year’s competition, the 2008 run – and any record breaking – was rendered all but impossible. This year, behind the wheel of the Monster Sport SX4 Hillclimb Special, Tajima hopes to add his high-speed take to a vehicle already well regarded in the mountain and snowbelt states. With the production model’s all-wheel drive and Euro-inspired skin, the SX4 constitutes an international assault on the highways – and Colorado-sourced byways – of North America.

Monster’s Hillclimb Special – featuring a steel space frame, along with carbon and Kevlar composite bodywork – offers little traditional mass to hold the Special’s 885 horsepower back. The Unlimited Division, however, is not without competition; in 2009 three others intend to compete, including Andreas Eriksson, Marcus Gronholm and Mark Rennison.

Win – which is typical – or lose, ‘Monster’ on the Mountain speaks to both Suzuki’s long history of competition success, as well as Suzuki’s early history, where the company’s first victory was posted on a hillclimb near its corporate home – Mt. Fuji, Japan.

Base model: SUZUKI SX4

Frame Steel: space frame

Cowl & wing: Carbon and Kevlar composite

Engine model and Capacity: H27A, 2736cc, 2turbo

Maximum horsepower (Net): 885ps/8750r.p.m

Maximum torque (Net): 90.5kg-m/6250r.p.m

Gearbox: Sequential 6-speed

Differential: Front/Rear: Hydraulic Controlled ,Center: Mechanical multi plate

Race weight (without driver, fuel): 1120kg

Dimensions (without front and rear wing): L5300xW1960xH1500mm

Wheelbase: 2818mm

Tire size: 285/60R18

Wheel size: 18 x 11J