Volkswagen ID R eyes Nurburgring EV record

The Pikes Peak Hill Climb race car has been further refined to tackle the Green Hell.

Volkswagen has announced plans to bring its ID R race car to the Nurburgring, aiming to set a new record for electric vehicles.

The ID R was purpose-built for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, setting a new overall record last year with driver Romain Dumas behind the wheel. The car is now being further optimized for the Green Hell.

"After the record on Pikes Peak, the fastest time for electric cars on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife is the next big challenge for the ID R," said Volkswagen motorsports director Sven Smeets. "A lap record on the Nordschleife is a great accolade for any car, whether a race car or a production car."

The ID R is powered by dual electric motors with a total system power of 670 horsepower and a weight of just 2,500 pounds including the driver.

Volkswagen must modify the car's aerodynamics to better suit the particular characteristics and lower altitude of the Nurburgring circuit. The racer will travel to several racetracks this spring before heading to the 'Ring for a record attempt this summer.

The ID R will have to beat a time of 6:45.90, set in 2017 by Peter Dumbreck in a Nio EP9 at an average speed of nearly 115 mph.