Volkswagen’s all-electric racing car I.D. R Pikes Peak set for world premiere

Wolfsburg: Volkswagen is set to electrify the motoring world when its first fully-electric racing car I.D. R Pikes Peak is presented to the public on 22 April 2018.

The finished prototype promises lightweight construction, aerodynamic perfection and an exciting design, with a powerful electric power unit. The I.D. R Pikes Peak will first be presented to the international media at the racetrack in Alès, France, home of world-class driver Romain Dumas (F), who will be at the wheel for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. It will then head for the official test programme one day later. On 24 June 2018 it will embarks on a record breaking journey for electric racing cars at Pikes Peak, Coloado, attempting to cover 19.99 kms and 1,440 metres in altitude in just under nine minutes.

The event on Pikes Peak, known as the ‘Race to the Clouds’, starts at 2,862 metres and finishes at 4,302 metres above sea level. The vehicle would have just one attempt, with hardly any crash barriers on the steep slopes falling up to several hundred metres. For more than 100 years, it has been the most spectacular hill climb in the world of motor racing. Volkswagen took part with an iconic twin-engine Golf in 1987 but came up just short of victory. The goal is now to settle that score by setting a new record for electric cars.

The event will live stream from 17:00 on 22 April on www.facebook.com/volkswagenmotorsport and www.volkswagen-motorsport.com.