Volkswagen AG has revealed a video showing its 680-horsepower battery supercar covering a short distance on a racing track and then being tested in a wind tunnel. The vehicle will participate in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, USA.
The unique Volkswagen I.D.R possesses a characteristic endurance race car design. Among other things, it sports a massive splitter in front and an enormous rear wing in the back.
It comes equipped with two electric engines jointly capable of 680 hp (507 kW) and 650 (480 lb·ft) Nm of torque. It also weighs in at just 1,100 kg (2,425 lb), owing to a unique body frame and the extensive application of light materials. It needs barely more than two seconds to get going at 100 km/h (60 mph) from a standstill.
For this year’s Pikes Peak race, the Volkswagen vehicle will be piloted by Romain Dumas, twice champion of the 24 Hours Le Mans. The company clearly states its intention to establish a new record in the ‘Electric Vehicle’ category by climbing to the top in under 8 minutes 57 seconds.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, also known as the Race to the Clouds, has a history spanning more than 100 years. The 20 km (12.42 mi) long track lies in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA. Altitude variations exceed 1,500 meters (almost 5,000 ft.), with the race starting at around 2,800 meters (9,186 ft.) above sea level to finish at 4,302 m (14,114 ft.).
Photo: motor1.com