Volkswagen is aiming for the Nordschleife electric record with the ID. R

In 6'45"90, the NIO EP9 has held the Nürburgring Nordschleife record for an electric car since 2017. But this brand could well be threatened by the announced attempt to Volkswagen motorsport, who wishes to launch his ID. R 100% electric for the 20 km northern loop of the legendary German route.

Volkswagen Motorsport indicated at the end of the 2018 season that its prototype, winner at Pikes Peak with Romain Dumas, want to keep your car in action on different challenges. The Nürburgring therefore becomes the first made official by the Wolfsburg firm.

Volkswagen Motorsport will have to work on its prototype to adapt it to conditions significantly different from those of Pikes Peak. “First and foremost, we are going to change the aerodynamics of the ID. R, underlines François-Xavier Demaison, technical director of VW Motorsport.

As part of our preparations for the record attempt, we will perform with the ID. R an intensive testing and development program on various tracks in the spring. »

Romain Dumas, winner of the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring and with solid experience on the track, will logically be requisitioned for the occasion, the time trial having to be completed during the summer.

“The idea of ​​driving the ID. R on the Nordschleife is already enough to give me goosebumps, admits the Gardois. I know the track very well, but the ID. R will offer a completely different challenge, with its extreme acceleration and enormous cornering speeds. Breaking the existing electric record certainly won't be a cakewalk. »

Rappelons que l’année dernière, dans le cadre du 919 Tribute Tour, Porsche avait atomisé le record de la piste en 5’19″546 avec sa 919 Hybrid Evo, spécialement préparée.