Monster Tajima won the 87th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for the four successive years

Monster Sport Suzuki SX4

Suzuki’s legendary driver Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima took overall victory yet again at this past weekends Pikes Peak International Hillclimb 2009. Mr. Monster once again fended off a formidable paddock of rivals but difficult weather conditions dictated that the mythical ten-minute mark - as well as Mr.Monsters own personal best of 10:15 - remained untouched.

Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima

The 2009 Suzuki team competed a purpose-built SX4 packing a 2.7-liter V6 with a massive 873hp on tap, and this helped keep the competition at bay. Among Mr.Monsters key rivals was two-time World Rally Champion Marcus Gronholm who drove a specially prepared Ford Fiesta and a 1150hp Ford RS200.

Meanwhile in the 2WD class, Rhys Millen took class victory in his Hyundai Genesis. He pledged to return to the peak in the top-spec unlimited class in an effort to reclaim the title which Mr.Monster took from his father Rod Millen whose record stood from 1994 through 2007 when Suzuki bested the time. The challenge just ended for 2009, but the competition’s already heating up for next year.

Monster Sport SUZUKI SX4 Technical data :

Base model	SUZUKI SX4
Frame Steel	Space frame
Cowl & Wing	Carbon and Kevlar composite
Engine model and Capacity	H27A, 2,736 cc, Twin turbo
Max. Power output	885 PS @ 8,750 RPM
Max. Torque	90.5 kg-m @ 6,250 RPM
Gearbox	Sequential 6-speed
Differential	Front/Rear : Hydraulic Controlled Center : Mechanical multi plate
Wheelbase	2,818 mm
Wheel size	18 x 11J
Tyre size	285/60R18
Dimension - Body Only	L5,300xW1,960xH1,500 mm
Race Weight (without driver and fuel	1,120 kg.

Top 3 Overall Timing

Driver Name	Vehicle	Time
Nobuhiro Tajima	Suzuki SX4	10:15.368
Paul Dallenbach	Chevy	10:52.097
Marcus Gronholm	Ford Fiesta	11:28.963

Images : Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima with Monster Sport SUZUKI SX4

[Source : Suzuki via Monster Sport]