VW ID.R Sets Record With 7:38.585 In Heaven’s Gate Run

It was only a few weeks ago that we learned about VW unleashing its fully-electric ID.R onto the Tianmen Mountain Big Gate Road and its 99 hairpin corners. Well, now the results are in and the time is 7 minutes and 38.585 seconds.

Behind the wheel was Romain Dumas, who expertly guided the ID.R around the 11 km (6.83 mile) long road towards ‘Heaven’s Gate’ – a high arch in the cliffs. The ID.R also holds records on Pikes Peak, at Goodwood and on the Nurburgring-Nordschleife.

“A new record on a truly spectacular road – Volkswagen and the ID.R have once again shown what the electromobility of the future is already capable of today,” stated VW COO, Ralf Brandstätter. “Not only has it proven that electric cars like the ID.R can break established records and set new benchmarks, but the ID.R also shows how emotive and exciting the mobility of the future is.”

Since an official time for race cars on this road didn’t exist prior to the ID.R’s attempt, it allowed for it to walk straight into the record books. In order to conquer the 10.906 km route which climbs about 1,100 meters (3,608 feet) in elevation, the racer needed to put down its power with a lot of careful consideration.

Also read: Range Rover Sport PHEV Drives Up The Dragon Road To Heaven’s Gate

“I will certainly remember this record run on Tianmen Mountain for ever as my most spectacular outing. I am proud to have set a record with the electric Volkswagen ID.R in China,” said Dumas after his run. “The little information and testing we had beforehand made it a huge challenge. The road is incredibly narrow and winding, but the drive was unbelievable fun with the electric power of the ID.R. The huge torque was a big advantage on the short straights, while the aerodynamics provided additional traction in the fast sections.”

The Volkswagen ID.R currently serves as the “racing ambassador” of the future ID. product family, and is powered by to electric motors with a combined 680 PS (670 HP).