Sebastian Loeb smashes Pikes Peak record in Peugeot 208 T16 (video)

Sebastian Loeb has set a new record on the Pikes Peak hillclimb in his Peugeot 208 T16 of 8:13.878 at an average speed of 87.471mph.

This weekend saw the Pikes Peak hillcimb action, with powerful cars tackling the more than 12 mile course, with all its twists and turns, in a thrilling spectacle. But no spectacle was more thrilling that the run by Sebastian Loeb in the Peugeot 208 T16.

The Peugeot 208 T16 (which bears about as much resemblance to your 208 as Loeb’s driving does to your Granny’s) gets a 3.2 litre twin turbo V6 with 875bhp, enough to hit 62mph in a scant 1.8 seconds and on to 150mph. So fireworks were likely, and we got them.

Loeb took the 208 T16 up Pikes Peak in a frankly unbelievable 8:13.878, which meant he averaged 87.471mph whilst climbing in to the mountains and negotiating every one of Pikes Peaks twists and turns.

To give that some focus, second place man Rhy Millen (in the Hyundai PM580T) only managed 9:02.192 (which was itself 44 seconds quicker than his winning time last year) and the very powerful Range Rover Sport – which set its own class record for Pikes Peak recently – did its record run in an almost leisurely 12:35.61 at an average speed of 59.17mph.

It’s the first time anyone has got in to the 8 minute range, and Loeb came perilously close to taking the record from the 9 minute to the 7 minute range in one fell swoop.

Sebastian Loeb said of his run:

I felt really good in the car, and I pushed it hard from the start to the finish.

I made no mistakes, and I felt the race was really good. To drive a car like this and race up here (to the top) is what makes this special. It’s amazing.

A stunning drive – and good PR for Peugeot, who we’re sure will capitalise as best they can – and we’ve managed to grab a ten minute video of the whole Loeb/Peugeot Pikes Peak drive below.

Enjoy.

Sebastian Loeb’s Pikes Peak run record in Peugeot 208 T16 Video