Pikes Peak Thunder

Designed specifically for the relentless Pikes Peak hill climb, the build excels on tight, elevation-changing switchbacks. Adjustable suspension and aerodynamic elements allow the car to adapt to mixed surfaces and varying air densities, delivering confidence and speed across the mountain’s unpredictable terrain.

Front-engine to mid-engine conversion relocating V8 behind seats
Shortened front overhang with extended cabin rearward
Sharply tapered front fenders with aero vanes
Expansive rear haunches housing ultra-wide tires

Ultra-high single-element rear wing mounted 920mm above deck
Stepped diffuser tunnels with vertical endplates
Roof intake duct feeding rear-mounted radiator
Wide front fender vents directing airflow to intercoolers

Aerodynamics are a core focus, featuring a towering rear wing nearly a meter above the deck that generates substantial downforce while stepped diffuser tunnels and vertical endplates stabilize airflow. The roof intake duct supplies cooling air to the rear radiator, and front fender aero vanes channel air efficiently into intercoolers, all working in concert to maintain performance in the mountain’s thin air.

18x12-inch front and 19x14-inch rear Work Wheels CR Kiwami
Toyo Proxes R888 tires sized 350mm rear width
Front fenders extended 110mm wider with aero vanes
Rear cylindrical flares extended 140mm for tire clearance

Fitted with staggered Work Wheels CR Kiwami—18x12-inch fronts and 19x14-inch rears—wrapped in Toyo Proxes R888 tires, the setup maximizes mechanical grip and stability. The ultra-wide 350mm rear tires sit beneath aggressively flared arches, ensuring traction and control under extreme lateral loads.

The stance is aggressive and planted, with a widened track facilitated by extended fenders and flares. Adjustable ride height and progressive dampers provide the flexibility to dial in precise handling characteristics, balancing responsiveness with stability on the varied Pikes Peak surface.

Mid-mounted
turbocharged V8 relocated from front compartment
Rear-mounted radiator cooled via roof intake duct
Heat management optimized for high-altitude performance
Engine layout optimized for improved weight distribution

The build features a turbocharged V8 repositioned behind the seats, transforming the Tahoe’s traditional engine bay into a compact front compartment. This mid-engine setup improves weight distribution and cooling efficiency, with a rear-mounted radiator fed by a roof intake duct to maintain optimal temperatures during high-altitude runs.

Power is transmitted through a reinforced drivetrain optimized for the mid-engine layout, featuring a custom transmission setup tailored to handle the increased torque and rapid response demands of hill climb racing. The drivetrain components are engineered to balance durability with lightweight performance enhancements.

Custom carbon fiber tub integrating mid-engine layout
Widened chassis with reinforced suspension mounting points
Precision-machined diffuser tunnels and wing attachment
Aerodynamically shaped sidepods housing intercoolers