Volkswagen has concluded the first official testing at the Nurburgring with the ID. R. The electric racer was driven by Romain Dumas at full pace on the 20.8 km (12.9-mile) long track as part of an extensive testing program.
To better use the time they had at the German track, the Frenchman, who has four overall wins at the Nurburgring 24-hour race, drove two ID. Rs, giving the team precious information about the car.
“It was a great moment to drive the ID. R on my favorite track for the first time. The cornering speeds in the ID. R are much higher than I am used to in GT race cars. But I feel good in the cockpit and that is really important there”, said the two-time Le Mans winner. “The Nurburgring-Nordschleife has larger and more numerous bumps than the race tracks on which we have tested so far. So, we have concentrated on adapting the shock absorbers and the ride height to suit the unique characteristics of this track.”
Also Watch: Electric NIO EP9 Smashes Nurburgring Record With A Stunning 6:45.9
Volkswagen will try to set a new lap record for electric vehicles at the ‘Ring. The run will take place this summer and in order to succeed, the ID. R needs to cross the finish line in less than 6 minutes and 45.90 seconds, which is the time set by the NIO EP9 two years ago.
With an impressive aerodynamic package and electric powertrain that produces a maximum output of 680 PS (671 hp / 500 kW) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque, the racer needs only 2.25 seconds to go from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) and has a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).
You can watch it in action at the Nurburgring in the following video, which also provides some insights from the team present at the track.