Ford Fiesta going for a record

US customers will only be able to purchase the new Fiesta next year, but they will be able to ogle a spectacularly competitive variation of it during this summer. Ford is sending two FWD versions that have been beefed-up to 800bhp to take part in the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC). Rally icon Marcus Grönholm will be at the wheel, together with the fourfold Swedish rally champion Andreas Eriksson, who is also responsible for participation there as leader of the Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution team. Their objective is to be first to conquer the 12.4 miles and 156 bends of the famed asphalt and gravel route in less than ten minutes. The current record is 10.01408 minutes.

The PPIHC is in fact the second-oldest racing event in the United States. It takes its name from the 4,302 metre high mountain situated within the "Front Range" of the Rocky Mountains, which is also a favourite destination for people far beyond the State of Colorado.