Faraday Future FF91 to race at Pikes Peak

Electric car firm Faraday Future will compete in this year's running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the firm announced yesterday.

It will be the first electric-only car manufacturer to take on the 12.4-mile mountain road rally in Colorado, although a privately entered Tesla Model S competed in the event last year.

The FF 91, its first production car, will race in the "Exhibition Class", says AutoExpress, meaning it will have to use "production representative hardware and software".

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However, the magazine adds it will feature "a selection of undisclosed tweaks required to run at Pikes Peak", which could include safety equipment such as a roll-cage and racing tyres.

Nick Simpson, research and development chief at Faraday Future, says the event "serves as the ideal setting to further develop the electric propulsion system and supporting thermal systems of FF 91."

He adds: "Testing the performance of FF 91 in real-world conditions sets the bar even higher as we bring the vehicle to market in 2018."

With the FF 91's electric motor delivering 1,050bhp to all four wheels, power won't be an issue when tackling the 4,720ft ascent up Pikes Peak, claims Top Gear.

The SUV also features a torque vectoring system which independently brakes each wheel when cornering to improve grip and stability.

The FF 91 is being pitched as a direct rival to the Tesla Model X electric SUV, which indicates it could be priced close to its competitor's £75,400.

Faraday Future has yet to announce when the FF 91 will go on sale, although buyers can place a $5,000 (£4,000) deposit to secure one.