Photo: Volkswagen
Over the past year or so, one car stole the spotlight when it comes to setting records. From Pikes Peak to the Nürburgring, the Volkswagen ID R showed the world that electric power is at times better than conventional fuel-powered cars, no matter how challenging the task. And now a new dare looms over the horizon.
In September, the car will take on a task no other four-wheeled vehicle took before: conquer the Tianmen Shan Big Gate Road in China, a road that is usually closed to public traffic.
The Tianmen Road is also known as the Road to Heaven. It starts in a valley at about 200 meters above sea level (656 feet) and then climbs to an altitude of 1,519 meters (4,900 feet). The road is 11 km (7 miles) long, and it comprises exactly 99 turns.
The new challenge will be the car’s fifth record-breaking attempt in a little over a year.
This special type of test requires special preparations, but since the car’s powertrain has proven to be unbeatable, it only means a change in appearance: for the Tianmen attempt, the vehicle has been painted bright red.
Changing face is a habit for the Germans, who used light-grey livery for the Pikes Peak and Goodwood Festival of Speed runs, and blue for the Nürburgring one.
“I think we have come up with a spectacular livery for the ID.R for its ‘China Challenge’ in September,” said in a statement Stephan Wöllenstein, Volkswagen member of the board responsible for China.
“The ID.R’s records have allowed us at Volkswagen to demonstrate our passion for e-mobility and its potential in a diverse range of conditions. The ID.R is the rst member of the ID. family to take to the roads of China.”
The Volkswagen ID R is powered by an electric powertrain that comprises two electric motors that develop 680 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque.
The Tianmen Road is also known as the Road to Heaven. It starts in a valley at about 200 meters above sea level (656 feet) and then climbs to an altitude of 1,519 meters (4,900 feet). The road is 11 km (7 miles) long, and it comprises exactly 99 turns.
The new challenge will be the car’s fifth record-breaking attempt in a little over a year.
This special type of test requires special preparations, but since the car’s powertrain has proven to be unbeatable, it only means a change in appearance: for the Tianmen attempt, the vehicle has been painted bright red.
Changing face is a habit for the Germans, who used light-grey livery for the Pikes Peak and Goodwood Festival of Speed runs, and blue for the Nürburgring one.
“I think we have come up with a spectacular livery for the ID.R for its ‘China Challenge’ in September,” said in a statement Stephan Wöllenstein, Volkswagen member of the board responsible for China.
“The ID.R’s records have allowed us at Volkswagen to demonstrate our passion for e-mobility and its potential in a diverse range of conditions. The ID.R is the rst member of the ID. family to take to the roads of China.”
The Volkswagen ID R is powered by an electric powertrain that comprises two electric motors that develop 680 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque.
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