Volkswagen has started testing the I.D. R in the run up to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 24.
The German marque recently headed to the mountain in Colorado and is working on perfecting the suspension and tire setup for the 12.42 mile (20 km) hillclimb course. Work is also being done to tune the powertrain’s energy management system.
“The news from Colorado is very positive: we are on schedule with the preparations for the I.D. R Pikes Peak and can now focus on the fine-tuning,” Volkswagen Motorsport director Sven Smeets said.
Powering the VW I.D. R Pikes Peak are two electric motors producing a combined 680 hp, 480 lb-ft of torque and driving all four wheels. Thanks to the vehicle’s lightweight construction, it weighs just 1100 kg (2425 lbs) and can rocket to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a blistering 2.25 seconds.
Extensive work has also been done on the race car’s aerodynamics. As a result, it features a prominent front splitter, wide side skirts, and an absolutely huge rear wing. Many of the external parts have been 3D printed.
“The acceleration and cornering speed are really impressive, and on top of that the car is very convenient. Thanks to the electric drive, I don’t need to change gears and can focus on the line instead,” driver Romain Dumas said after the recent test.
Volkswagen aims to topple the existing electric car record of 8:57.118 with the I.D. R. Sebastien Loeb holds on to the outright record with an 8:13.878 in the Peugeot 208 T16.
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