In case you were unaware, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is getting underway right this very second, and that means a whole swath of race-ready rides congregating in Colorado to take a swing at the 156 turns and high-altitude craziness that is America’s Mountain. And while simply getting to the top unscathed is in itself quite the accomplishment, some are vying to etch their names into the history books by beating the current standing record time of 8 minutes, 13.878 seconds, set back in 2013 by legendary rally champion Sebastien Loeb in a Peugeot 206 T16. But, as you might expect, such a feat is easier said than done, as evidenced by the above-featured video documenting every turn of Loeb’s incredible blitz to the clouds.

From the off, it’s clear Loeb is holding nothing back. The same talent that earned him an unprecedented nine World Rally Championship titles is very much on display, as is his incredible bravery as he uses every inch of pavement, even with nothing more than heart-stopping drops in place to greet him should he muck it up. The video combines a multitude of camera angles, including a passenger seat POV, in-car shots, bumper shots, and helicopter shots, providing the viewer with a fantastic overview. Also of note is just how clean the run is, with very little in terms of sliding or corrections. Will 2017 be the year Loeb’s record falls? By the look of it – probably not.

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The Full Story

I could go on and on about how unbelievably competent Loeb is at the helm of a race car, listing off accomplishments in rally racing, touring cars, and endurance racing, but without a doubt, part of that ridiculous 8:13 time is up to the car as well.

Providing just the right mechanical bits for Loeb’s run was a Peugeot 208 T16, rocking the right spec for domination at the Peak. Making it go is a mid-mounted twin-turbo 3.2-liter V-6, producing an incredible 875 horsepower routed to all four corners. Of course, the turbos help the engine continue to make obscene power even at high altitude, a necessary element in a race like this.

Low weight helps as well, with just 1,929 pounds in place to thwart physics. That means the 208 is quick, blitzing the 0-to-62 mph benchmark in just 1.8 seconds. Flat out, it’ll get to 124 mph in 4.8 seconds and 149 mph in 7 seconds flat.

Push rod suspension, mammoth carbon brakes, and a bigger-is-better aero set-up round it out.

With specs like that, I guess the better question is this – will anyone even get close to 8:13?

Read our full review on the Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak Racecar here.