Dumas and the VW ID. R will set a record on the Road to Heaven

The Volkswagen ID. R will not immediately return to Pikes Peak (Colorado) after setting the record last year, but the German brand has other plans for its electric prototype.

Still with Romain Dumas, the people's builder will set a first record in September on the Road to Heaven, a mountainous track providing access to Mount Tianmen in China, closed to traffic and reserved for tourist buses. This 10km long road with 99 turns climbs to an altitude of 1300m above sea level.

“Tianmen has a mythical status in China being known as “the Road to Heaven”, explains VW Motosport director Sven Smeets. It is one of the most extraordinary and difficult roads in the world. This is a particular new challenge for the ID. A. Our goal is to establish a new mark in the history of electric vehicles and at the same time support the electric strategy for Volkswagen in China which will really gain ground this year. »

Before establishing the first benchmark time, Volkswagen China will organize a virtual competition where participants will be able to set times that must be beaten by Romain Dumas.

“I only know this road in photos or videos, adds the Pikes Peak record holder. The environment is remarkable, it's like a movie set. The road is very windy and particularly narrow at times. It will clearly be a special experience. »