Electric Cars

The recent Pikes Peak International Hill Climb witnessed a phenomenal display of automotive engineering, with optimal weather conditions paving the way for numerous new benchmarks. Among the most notable achievements was the shattering of the production car record, a feat accomplished by the formidable 2027 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X.

Driven by the skilled JR Hildebrand, the ZR1X ascended the challenging course, reaching the summit at 14,115 feet above sea level in an astonishing 9 minutes and 30.104 seconds. This remarkable time decisively eclipsed the prior record of 9:53.541, previously held by David Donner in a 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo S. Even during this year's event, Donner's time of 9:53.740 was quickly surpassed by Hildebrand's incredible performance. The ZR1X, described as a stock vehicle, was equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires on its standard carbon wheels, with only essential safety modifications like a roll cage, harness, and fuel cell added for competition.

This triumph underscores the rapid advancements in production sports car capabilities. While a sub-ten-minute ascent at Pikes Peak once required highly specialized race cars, the current generation of street-legal vehicles is demonstrating an extraordinary ability to conquer this legendary mountain. The Corvette ZR1X's record-setting run not only redefines expectations for production car performance but also inspires a new era of engineering excellence, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable with off-the-assembly-line machines.

David Beard, a long-standing managing editor at Car and Driver, exemplifies a rare blend of mechanical prowess and an insatiable desire for performance. His career trajectory is a testament to an innate ability to understand and master the intricacies of machinery, transforming vehicles and pushing them to their limits. This deep-seated passion, nurtured since childhood, has not only shaped his professional journey but also fueled his personal pursuits, from competitive racing to restoring classic motorcycles.

Beard's mechanical journey began in his youth, influenced by his father, a car dealership technician. This early exposure instilled in him a foundational understanding of vehicle mechanics, fostering a self-reliance that meant he rarely needed professional help with his own cars. This hands-on experience laid the groundwork for a career dedicated to the automotive world.

His competitive spirit found an outlet in BMX racing during his teenage years, followed by a decade of motocross. These high-octane experiences were crucial in developing the precision driving and handling skills essential for his role at Car and Driver. Over ten years, Beard has rigorously tested approximately a thousand vehicles for the publication, making him an invaluable asset to their track testing operations.

Beyond his professional commitments, Beard's enthusiasm for speed and mechanics continues into his personal life. As a Michigan native, he dedicates his winters to snowmobiling across the state's picturesque northern trails. He currently rides a 170-horsepower Ski-Doo MXZ XRS, often covering hundreds of miles in a single weekend. Despite its impressive capabilities, Beard humorously expresses a slight disappointment that his snowmobile 'only' reaches 109 mph, highlighting his perpetual quest for more power and speed.

This unique blend of racing experience, snowmobiling prowess, and a competitive outlook makes Beard an ideal participant in Car and Driver's annual Lightning Lap event. His mechanical curiosity also extends to hobbies like 3D printing, where he applies innovative solutions, such as creating a custom taco tray for a long-term test vehicle. Currently, Beard is engrossed in restoring a 1982 Honda MB5 motorcycle, a rare model sold for only a single year in the U.S., with the predictable goal of enhancing its speed and performance.

Ultimately, David Beard embodies the spirit of a true automotive enthusiast. His career at Car and Driver is more than just a job; it's a living extension of his lifelong dedication to understanding, optimizing, and experiencing the thrill of mechanical motion. Whether it's through rigorous vehicle testing, high-speed snowmobiling, or intricate motorcycle restoration, his commitment to the world of wheels and engines remains unwavering.