Volkswagen I.D. R sets new electric record at Nurburgring

The Volkswagen I.D. R has set a new record at the Nurburgring-Nordschleife, having lapped the circuit in 6:05.336 min, the fastest time for an electric vehicle at the track. The I.D. R, piloted by Romain Dumas, beat the previous electric record at the 'Ring, by 40.564 seconds. The previous record had been set by Peter Dumbreck in a Nio EP9 in 2017.

Romain Dumas in the Volkswagen I.D. R en route his electric lap record at the Nurburgring-Nordschleife

Dumas achieved the impressive time with an average speed of 206.96kmph, in the I.D. R, which is powered by two electric motors. The 680PS I.D. R, had set the overall lap record at Pikes Peak last year, also with Dumas behind the wheel. The machine is considered the "racing flagship of the future fully electric ID. product family from Volkswagen".

Romain Dumas has been the man behind the wheel of the I.D. R for three records over the past 12 months

Speaking of the record, Herbert Diess, chairman of the board of management of Volkswagen Group, stated, "The Nordschleife of the Nürburgring is not only the world's most demanding race track, it is also the ultimate test for production vehicles. The I.D. R has mastered this challenge with great distinction and has completed the fastest emission-free lap of all time. As further proof of its impressive performance capabilities, Volkswagen's e-mobility can now proudly call itself 'Nürburgring-approved'. I congratulate the team from Volkswagen Motorsport and driver Romain Dumas on the third record for the I.D. R."

Volkswagen breaking the e-record at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 6:05.336 min

In the span of 12 months, the VW I.D. R set three impressive records. The first being the overall record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with a time of 7:57.148 min, then the electric lap record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England - 43.86 sec, and finally the Nordschleife electric record. In order to achieve the lap record at the 'Ring, the I.D. R was extensively adapted to optimise it for top speed, as opposed to downforce. According to Francois-Xavier Demaison, technical director of the project, "With extensive test laps in the simulator and on the race track, we adapted the I.D. R to the unique conditions of the Nordschleife, focussing mainly on chassis tuning, energy management and optimal choice of tyres for the record attempt."

The VW I.D. R was optimised ahead of its Nurburgring run, with the focus being top-speed as opposed to downforce

Romain Dumas, who has won the Nürburgring 24-Hour four times, said of his record run, "To be a record-holder on the Nordschleife makes me unbelievably proud. For me, this is the best and most difficult race track in the world. I want to thank the team at Volkswagen Motorsport, who has once again done a fantastic job. The I.D. R was perfectly prepared for the Nordschleife and it was so much fun to experience the blistering acceleration and rapid cornering speeds."

Meanwhile, Volkswagen Motorsport director, Sven Smeets said, "This impressive success story is the result of meticulous preparation by our engineers, the flawless work by the whole team during testing and of course, a perfect driving performance by Romain Dumas."