Volkswagen AG has started the final series of tests of its all-electric ID.R Concept. The company wants its latest sports car to set a new absolute record on the North Loop of Nürburgring.
While preparing the vehicle to the race, the engineer team had to optimize power consumption and aerodynamics, reshape the undercarriage, and add a DRS-enabled rear wing the likes of which are routinely used on F1 racecars.
The car comes equipped with two traction batteries, each powering its own engine (one on the front axle, the other on the rear axle). The powertrain outputs ca. 680 horsepower, which roughly translates into 500 kilowatts. The car goes from stanstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.3 seconds and up to 230 km/h (141 mph).
Back in 2018, the concept vehicle scored a few records during the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Race, not only beating the entire competition to the finish line, but also completing the track in the shortest time ever: 7:57.10.
For the Nordschleife, the ID.R will be piloted by Romain Dumas, who will attempt to best the current record time of 6:45.90.
Photos: Volkswagen