Volkswagen I.D R set to take Nürburgring lap record

Volkswagen is looking to take the electric lap record at the Nürburgring using its Volkswagen I.D R racer.

The current record of 6:45.90 is the target, set by the Nio EP9, meaning the I.D R has been redeveloped to suit the conditions of the Green Hell as opposed to the lofty heights of Pikes Peak, where it found success last year.

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François-Xavier Demaison, Technical Director of Volkswagen Motorsport, says the changes made to the I.D R are heavily focused on downforce, though is power systems also needed retuning.

“Last year, the number of turns and the thin air at Pikes Peak demanded maximum downforce,” says Demaison.

“On the Nordschleife lap, the I.D R will reach an average speed of more than 112mph (180.2km/h), with a top speed on the straight of up to 168mph.

“We have therefore developed a completely new aerodynamic package using DRS, the drag reduction system known from Formula 1, as well as optimising the energy management, which controls the power output of the two electric motors and energy recovery under braking.

“In contrast to Formula 1, the DRS on the I.D R serves not to overtake, but to improve efficiency.

“The I.D R has a very powerful drivetrain. The DRS helps to use this performance with lower energy consumption, so that it can continue being deployed for the entire lap of the Nordschleife.”

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With approximately 500kW and 650Nm at its disposal, the 1100kg I.D R is capable of running to 100km/h in just 2.25 seconds.

Last year at Pikes Peak, it used this capablility to set a new 7:57.148 record with Romain Dumas behind the wheel, lending his skills as a three-time (now four) outright winner at the Race to the Clouds.

Dumas will again pilot the I.D R, now utilising his four wins at the 24-hours of Nürburgring race.

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“I have already driven the Nordschleife with the ID. R on the simulator countless times,” says Dumas

“But you only get the true feeling from the incredibly high cornering speeds when you’re on the actual track.

“The extent to which the ID. R has been continuously developed compared to 2018 is impressive. I can’t wait to finally drive the ID. R on the Nordschleife.”

Volkswagen also says it will make the I.D R available to drive in the free-to-play racing simulator RaceRoom.