Volkswagen aims for Nürburgring EV lap record with modified ID R

Following its record-breaking run at Pikes Peak, VW’s ID R is heading for the Nordschleife

After breaking the all-time Pikes Peak record in 2017 with a staggering time of 7:57.148, Volkswagen is now set to put an adapted version of its all-electric ID R supercar around the Nürburgring in an attempt to smash the EV lap record there.

Behind the wheel will be Romain Dumas – the same driver who brought VW success at Pikes Peak and perhaps the person with the most experience behind the wheel of the ID R. He’s also something of an Nordschleife expert, with four victories in the 24 Hour race at the Nürburgring to his name.

The ID R is the halo car for Volkswagen’s upcoming range of all-electric, road-going ID vehicles, due to launch in 2020. The concept supercar is powered by two electric motors with a total power output of around 670bhp, while the car itself weighs less than 1100kg (including driver). Due to the differences between Pikes Peak and the Nordschleife, though, the car will receive an array of modifications to give it the best chance at success.

Altitude is one significant difference, with Pikes Peak demanding a climb of almost 1500m over its course, the Nordschleife just 300m. As such most changes will be found in the aerodynamics department. Tweaks to allow for a higher top speed may also be made: the Döttinger Höhe straight will present challenges not found at Pikes Peak, likely meaning less restrictive aero and modified gearing will be required for a higher top speed.

Since opening in 1927, the Nordschleife has become renowned for being one of the most demanding racetracks in the world, with very little run off, 73 corners, regular altitude changes and a staggering length of 20.7 kilometres. Dumas said: ‘The thought of driving the ID R on the Nordschleife is already enough to give me goosebumps. I know the track very well, but the ID R will be a completely different challenge, with its extreme acceleration and huge cornering speeds.’

He added: ‘Breaking the existing electric record will certainly not be a stroll in the park.’ The current all-electric lap record stands at 6:45.90, set by the 1341bhp NIO EP9 in 2017 with British driver Peter Dumbreck at the wheel.

Volkswagen Motorsport’s Technical Director explained that the ID R will be put through an ‘intense test and development programme’ at multiple racetracks in spring, ahead of the record attempt this summer.

This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk

Copyright © evo UK, Dennis Publishing