The I.D. R’s Coming Back to Break Records at Goodwood

Fresh off its stunning performance at Pikes Peak, the I.D. R–VW’s electric performance showcase–will look to smash another motorsport record: the Goodwood Hillclimb.

“I still get goosebumps when I think about the magnificent success on Pikes Peak. However, that race is history now,” said Sven Smeets, Volkswagen Motorsports Director. “We are looking ahead and looking forward to showing European fans the I.D. R Pikes Peak.”

Despite setting the all-time record at the Colorado Hillclimb, VW is again setting its sights on an electric record. In this case, the record was set by a Lola-Drayson B12 69/EV. In 2012 Johnny Cocker ran up the Lord March’s driveway in just 47.43 seconds.

The all out record, meanwhile, was set by Nick Heidfeld in a McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13 Formula 1 car. In 1999, he ran the Hillclimb in just 41.6 seconds.

“I am really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the I.D. R Pikes Peak at the Goodwood Festival of Speed,” says Romain Dumas, who drove at Pikes Peak. “The race in Duke of Richmond’s estate is a very special event that is steeped in tradition.”

Dumas, though, was careful to check expectations, saying that the Formula record would be extremely difficult to match in a car that weighs at least twice as much as an F1 car and made 200 hp less horsepower at Pikes Peak.

Intriguingly, though, VW engineers indicated to us at Pikes Peak, that the power output of the electric motors that power the I.D. R is not set. Rather, VW chose its 600 hp figure because it meant Dumas could be on maximum attack the whole 12 miles up. On a 1.6 mile track, though, the need to manage the battery’s charge will be less present, though the team will have even less time to set up the car for the event.

Whatever the case, the I.D. R won’t be VW’s only twin-motor car at Goodwood. Also on hand will be the 1988 Twin-Golf Pikes Peak, which ran but did not finish Pikes Peak with two engines.

Both will be at the historic event between July 12 and 15.

The post The I.D. R’s Coming Back to Break Records at Goodwood appeared first on VWVortex.

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