VW took its very cool electric race car to Pikes Peak last year and walked away with the EV record for racing up the mountain. This achievement was a significant milestone in the world of electric vehicles, showcasing the potential of electric powertrains in high-performance scenarios. VW has now taken the ID.R racer to the famous Green Hell of the Nurburgring and destroyed another EV record.
Record-Breaking Performance at Nurburgring
Romain Dumas, a seasoned driver with a history of success in endurance racing, drove the car at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, and he set a record of 6:05.336. The ID.R had an average speed of a bit more than 128 mph. This remarkable feat not only highlights the capabilities of the ID.R but also underscores the advancements in electric vehicle technology. VW crushed the second place EV around the Nurburgring, the Nio EP9, which was 40-seconds slower.
The Nio EP9, while an impressive machine in its own right, is a road car, and the ID.R is a pure racing machine. This distinction is crucial as it highlights the different design philosophies and intended uses of the two vehicles. The ID.R’s purpose-built nature for racing gives it a significant edge in performance metrics. Another impressive factoid about the ID.R’s run is that it is now officially the second fastest car to ever lap the ‘Ring. The only car faster was the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo LMP1 racing car that did the deed in 5:19.55.
Technological Innovations and Future Implications
The ID.R’s success is not just about breaking records; it represents a broader trend in the automotive industry towards electrification and sustainability. The car is powered by two electric motors that provide a combined output of 680 horsepower. This setup allows for incredible acceleration and top speeds, rivaling traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The use of lightweight materials and advanced aerodynamics further enhances the car’s performance, making it a formidable competitor on any track.
Moreover, the ID.R’s achievements have significant implications for the future of electric vehicles. It demonstrates that EVs can not only match but exceed the performance of their ICE counterparts in certain scenarios. This could lead to increased investment in electric vehicle technology and more widespread adoption of EVs in various forms of motorsport. The lessons learned from the ID.R’s development and racing success can trickle down to consumer vehicles, leading to better performance, efficiency, and overall driving experience for everyday electric cars.
The ID.R’s record-breaking runs also serve as a powerful marketing tool for VW, showcasing their commitment to innovation and sustainability. It helps to shift public perception of electric vehicles from being merely eco-friendly alternatives to being high-performance machines capable of competing at the highest levels of motorsport.
The VW ID.R’s achievements at Pikes Peak and the Nurburgring are more than just impressive statistics. They represent a significant step forward in the evolution of electric vehicles, highlighting their potential to revolutionize the automotive industry. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more remarkable feats from electric vehicles, both on the track and on the road.
via Autoblog
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