The Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak was unveiled in France, showcasing the automobile manufacturer's latest efforts in the electric vehicle industry.
The prototype, however, already has weight on its shoulders, as it was purposely built to beat the electric car record at the upcoming 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in June.
Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak: Built To Break Records
Volkswagen wants to claim the electric car record of the famous Pikes Peak course, and it is planning to do so with the Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak.
The electric vehicle, which is powered by two electric motors, was created specifically to take on the 19.99-kilometer, 156-corner hill climb in Colorado. The Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak goes from zero to 62 miles per hour in just 2.25 seconds, which the company claims makes it faster than a Formula One racer.
The electric car record that the Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak is looking to smash was set two years ago by Rhys Millen. The time to beat is 8 minutes and 57 seconds, but because testing at Pikes Peak is limited, Volkswagen will not say for sure that it will break the record. To prepare for the record attempt, the Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak will perform its test runs in different race tracks.
Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak With Only 670 HP
The Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak comes with 670 horsepower, which is definitely more than your regular electric vehicle but much less compared to the 1,595 horsepower in the car that Millen used to set the record. How does Volkswagen plan to set the record then?
It should be noted that the Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak weighs only about 2,400 pounds. In comparison with the Aston Martin DB11 with 600 horsepower and weighing 3,800 pounds, the Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak is capable of getting more power out with a lighter frame.
Breaking the record will not be all about horsepower, but it will require a delicate balance of power and weight.
Electric Supercars In The News
The Tesla Roadster is the poster child for electric supercars, and an updated model was described to be "the fastest production car ever made."
There are a few electric car companies that are looking to take the throne, though. The Japanese electric supercar named the Aspark Owl went from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than two seconds earlier in the year, while the Lucid Air reached a top speed of 235 miles per hour last year. A Ferrari electric supercar is also reportedly in the works.
