Bentley will race the 600bhp Bentayga at Pikes Peak

And you thought 2017 had its share of unbelievable headlines: Bentley has confirmed that it intends to prepare and build a Bentayga for participation in the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

To repeat: Bentley wants to race its new SUV at one of the world’s most demanding hill climbs, to become the quickest SUV to have ever tackled 156 corners and 12.42 miles of prime Colorado mountain. Jaw, meet floor.

Naturally, the Crewe carmaker has turned to the most powerful iteration of its Bentayga – the 600bhp, W12-engined SUV – for the attempt. Match that 600bhp with 663lb ft of torque, a 0-62mph time of four seconds, four-wheel drive, air suspension and a 48-volt anti-roll system, and you’re looking at a very heavy, very expensive and very determined instrument of speed.

“We hope to set another benchmark at the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb by conquering the most demanding mountain course in the world,” explains Bentley motorsport boss Brian Gush.

If, say, on the 24 June later this year, you feel something seismic emanating out of North America, don’t say you weren’t warned...