Watch The VW I.D. R’s Record-Setting Run At Pikes Peak

The Volkswagen I.D. R demolished records at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb last month and now the company has released footage of the car’s record-setting run.

Shot from a helicopter, eight minute long clip shows the car’s entire journey as the sound of electric motors can be heard screaming in the background. The footage isn’t terribly exciting but it belies the impressive achievement the company managed to accomplish.

Driven by Romain Dumas, the I.D. R was able to complete the 12.42 mile (20 km) long course in 7 minutes and 57.148 seconds. This means the electric racer beat rivals powered by conventional engines as well as the previous all-time record which was set by Sébastien Loeb in 2013. Loeb completed the course in 8 minutes and 13.878 seconds and this means Dumas beat this time by over 16 seconds.

In order to achieve this feat, the I.D. R was equipped with two electric motors that produce a combined output of 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque. The car also has a carbon fiber/Kevlar composite chassis which enables it to weigh less than 2425 lbs (1,100 kg). Thanks to the combination of lightweight design and powerful electric motors, the I.D. R can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 2.25 seconds.

While the I.D. R successfully completed its mission of setting a new record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Volkswagen has previously suggested more electric race cars on the horizon. As Volkswagen Motorsport boss Sven Smeets stated earlier this year, “As with the Volkswagen brand’s production vehicles, fully-electric racing cars will also play an increasingly important role for us in the future.”

https://youtu.be/CwZbvPY_4aE