What's happening over at Bentley then?

Why, it's Bentley's 100th birthday, as it happens.

So, cake and presents then?

Not so much. Think more Pikes Peak records and a new electric concept car.

An electric Bentley?

Oh yes. Next week, next Wednesday (July 10, in fact), is officially Bentley's 100th birthday, and it's going to celebrate by showing off an all-electric concept car. There are no official details yet, but we're expecting it to be based on the same battery platform as the new Porsche Taycan and the upcoming Audi e-Tron GT. All Bentley will say for now is that it will be 'a transformative zero-emissions concept car that will inspire extraordinary human experiences through a perfect blend of technology and craftsmanship'.

Ah, I see. And the record-breaking?

Well, that took place in Colorado this weekend, at the legendary Pikes Peak hillclimb. Having taken the Pike's record for production SUVs with a Bentayga last year, this year Bentley took a bash at the outright production car record, using a Continental GT W12 coupe, driven by former Pikes Peak champ Rhys Millen, from New Zealand.

Quick, was he?

I'll say. Millen hurled the Bentley, wearing the appropriate number 100, up the 5,000-feet, 156-corner course, in just 10:18.488, taking 8.4 seconds off the previous record and averaging an astonishing 70mph.

Bentley's Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush, said: "This new record once again proves that the spirit of endeavour and desire to push the boundaries of automotive performance remain at the beating heart of Bentley. It clearly demonstrates the Continental GT's astonishing breadth of ability."

Millen said after his record run: ""This is an amazing finish to a wet, snowy 2019 run at Pikes Peak! We came here with one goal in mind, and that was to be the fastest production car up the mountain and set a new record. It was an incredible week. Today was a challenge with what Mother Nature threw at us, but the Continental GT held strong all the way to the top, and we are now Number One."