During a simulated (virtual) race, the all-electric Volkswagen ID. R piloted by Romain Dumas has managed to finish the entire North Loop of the Nürburgring 40 seconds faster than the previous record holder, the NIO EP9, did. If the French professional racing driver does as good a job on the actual North Loop, he will earn the car the title of the fastest-going EV in the history of the Nordschleife.
The ID. R comes powered by dual electric motors each linked to its own traction battery for around 680 hp / 507 kW total output. The VW team hopes that Romain Dumas manages to complete the lap with the average speed of 185 km/h (115 mph).
The absolute record of the North Loop still belongs to the Porsche 919 Hybrid EVO, which managed to maintain an average speed of just under 234 km/h (145 mph).
Volkswagen had to make substantial improvements in the ID. R for the upcoming race, including various optimizations to its powertrain and aerodynamic kit.
Photos: carscoops.com