Volkswagen Is Optimizing The Electric ID. R For Its Nurburgring Assault

Volkswagen is hard at work refining the design of its all-electric ID. R race car prior to its outing in the Nordschleife.

The German giant debuted the racing prototype last year and demolished the record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. This year, the ID. R will tackle the most famous racetrack in the world in an attempt to set a new record for an electric vehicle. While the I.D R could probably set a scorching lap time around the ‘Ring in Pikes Peak-configuration, Volkswagen is developing a selection of new parts for it.

One of the big changes made to the car is the fitment of a new rear wing that incorporates a Formula 1-inspired Drag Reduction System (DRS). At the touch of a button, the driver will be able to open up an element of the rear wing which will reduce downforce by approximately 20 per cent and lower the car’s drag. Additionally, the DRS will allow the ID. R to reach its top speed faster and by using less energy.

Volkswagen has been testing the new aerodynamic elements for the ID. R in the wind tunnel and even 3D-printed a number of exterior parts.

One of the biggest differences between the Nurburgring and Pikes Peak is that the former is situated at about 600 meters (1968 ft) above sea level, while Pikes Peak tops out at 4,302 meters (14,114 feet). Volkswagen has adapted the vehicle’s floor and developed a new front splitter to better deal with the denser air at the Nurburgring.

The ID R will be driven by Romain Dumas, who will try to beat the NIO EP9’s 6:45.90 time, which is currently the best lap ever recorded by an EV. The outright fastest lap stands at 5:19.55, and was posted last June by a Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo with Timo Bernhard behind the wheel.