A DRS on the Volkswagen ID. R for the Nürburgring record

With first of all its legendary straight line of almost three kilometers Döttinger Höhe, the Nordschleife does not only offer the spectacular series of turns which have made the reputation of the North Loop of the Nürburgring.

Straight sections where top speed is essential for any attempt at a fast lap. Volkswagen motorsport made no mistake and will equip the prototype with 100% electric ID. R a movable rear wing, developed on the DRS model seen in F1, in preparation for the record attempt scheduled for this summer.

“Although its length is practically identical, at around twenty kilometers, the Nordschleife presents a completely different aerodynamic challenge than the climb of Pikes Peak, recalls François-Xavier Demaison, technical director of Volkswagen Motorsport.

In the USA everything was focused on maximum downforce, but since the speed is much higher on the Nordschleife, the most efficient use of the battery takes on much greater importance in connection with the aerodynamic setup. »

Volkswagen also explains that the difference in altitude between Pikes Peak and the Nordschleife remains a major factor to integrate into the equation of aero development and settings.

“This results in completely different basic data for aerodynamic aid measurements, explains Hervé Dechipre, engineer responsible for the aerodynamics of the ID. A.

Between the moment the rear wing is fully deployed and the moment the DRS activates, the difference in downforce is approximately 20%.

With DRS activated, the car requires less energy to maintain its top speed across the entire Döttinger Höhe straight. The ID. R reaches its maximum speed faster and consumes less energy. »

Development and testing continues towards the record that Romain Dumas will attempt to achieve, with recent wind tunnel sessions to test different aero parts, designed with the help of 3D printing.

The record for 100% electric cars on the Nordschleife remains the property of the NIO EP9 in 6'45″9. NIO is, let us remember, one of the competitors of the Formula E.