The Rivian R1T all-electric pickup truck and the BMW XM Label Red hybrid SUV will make their first-ever appearances at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this year, competing in the Exhibition class. The R1T's entry to the 101st edition of the Race to the Clouds was first spotted by a user on the Rivian Owners Forum.
The news of the R1T's entry is big enough, but BMW entering the Label Red is arguably even bigger, as aside from an Instagram post in October last year and an online leak, we haven't yet seen the range-topping Label Red in all its glory and know nothing more than its total power outputs. With a reveal date only confirmed for fall 2023 and production in the summer, could the Colorado time trial event serve as the high-horsepower XM's debut venue?
The XM Label Red will feature loads of red accents and BMW's familiar 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and electric assistance, combining for a total of 735 horsepower and 735 lb-ft of torque. By contrast, the most powerful Rivian R1T (with the optional Quad-Motor system) makes up to 100 more horses. The all-electric pickup weighs some 6,949 pounds, while the hybrid Bimmer tips the scales at 6,062 lbs. These cars are not direct rivals, but it will be interesting to see if BMW M can keep up with the relatively new kid on the block, especially since the XM's combustion element will be disadvantaged at higher altitudes.
Other electrified entries include Randy Pobst with the Unplugged Performance Model S Plaid and Takashi Oi in a Nissan Leaf, but those of us with gasoline running through our veins will be more interested to learn that the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4RS Clubsport will enter the Time Attack 1 class alongside the likes of the 2023 Aston Martin AMR GT3. In the exhibition class, Tanner Foust will pilot a Radford Type 62-2 up the mountain.
The entry we're most looking forward to, however, comes in the form of a humble Mazda 3. After suffering setbacks in 2022, Michael "Mad Mike" Whiddett's four-rotor four-seater should be ready to entertain. With 1,200 hp and RWD, Mad Mike previously promised: "We'll be fast and sideways." We hope it's done in time, as just a week ago, the Kiwi reported that the car still needed more aero development and a new wheel and tire combination.
