Volkswagen may have revealed its all-electric prototype race car a few weeks ago, but we’ve only been shown renders of the I.D. R Pikes Peak so far. However, come April 22, the German automaker will reveal the real-life version that is set to tackle the famous hillclimb.
As seen in official photos, the futuristic-looking race car features plenty of smooth surfaces which Volkswagen says helps it achieve “aerodynamic perfection.” The car itself will be built using lightweight materials as well, and should be bolted onto the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) platform that is used by other I.D. concepts.
There’s still no word on the electric powertrain that will proper it, with the brand merely saying there will be “powerful electric power unit.” A four-wheel drive setup with two electric motors should be the best setup for the hillclimb attempt, with Volkswagen aiming to set a new record for electric racing cars.
To do so, the I.D. R Pikes Peak will need to complete the “Race to the Clouds” in less than 8 minutes 57.118 seconds, a record set by Rhys Millen in an e0 PP100 in 2016. It won’t be easy as the route stretches 19.96 km, and starts at just above 9,000 feet before reaching 14,115 feet above sea level at the finish line.
Before the record attempt on June 24, the prototype will make its first public debut at a racetrack in Alés, France, which is the home of Romain Dumas, who will be the person attempting to beat the record.
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