VW Sets Eyes On Breaking The Nurburgring Lap Record For EVs

Volkswagen wants to set a new record at the Nurburgring for electric vehicles with the I.D. R. The run will take place this summer with Romain Dumas behind the wheel.

Before testing begins, the automaker will be enhancing some of the features of the zero-emission racer, such as the aerodynamics, in order to better cope with the geographical and technical conditions of the German racetrack.

The output of the electric racer is expected to remain unchanged, with the two electric motors still producing 680 PS (670 hp / 500 kW) and 881 Nm (650 lb-ft) of torque. Tipping the scales at under 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs), the I.D. R needs just a little over 2 seconds to sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill.

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

To post a new record, the I.D. R will have to lap the 20.8-kilometer (12.9-mile) long track, with its 75 corners, faster than the NIO EP9, which posted a 6:45.90 lap in 2017, with Peter Dumbreck at the helm. Pro racing driver Romain Dumas is confident that the run will be successful, although very challenging to achieve.

“The thought of driving the I.D. R on the Nordschleife is already enough to give me goosebumps”, said Dumas. “I know the track very well, but the I.D. R will be a completely different challenge, with its extreme acceleration and cornering speeds. I can hardly wait for the first tests. Breaking the existing electric record will certainly not be a stroll in the park.”

The Frenchman already set a record in the I.D. R last June at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, with a 7:57.148 time, becoming the first driver to drop under 8 minutes. He’s also familiar with the Nurburgring, having nabbed four victories in the 24-Hour Race.