Volkswagen Eyeing Nürburging Lap Record Run with I.D.R

Photo: Volkswagen

Volkswagen could mount a second record-breaking attempt in as many years with its all-electric prototype, with the German manufacturer reportedly eyeing the electric and potential outright lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Autocar reports that the Pikes Peak-winning Volkswagen I.D.R prototype is set to take on a series of preliminary runs at the legendary German circuit in May ahead of a possible record-breaking attempt later in the year.

It could coincide with the launch of the automaker’s first all-electric car in the third quarter of 2019.

Romain Dumas, who took the I.D.R to victory in this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in a new outright record, has been tipped to again serve as driver, with the Frenchman a four-time Nürburging 24 winner.

The program is understood to have been given the green light after this year’s Pikes Peak event, which as Dumas revealed to e-racing365, was originally scheduled to be a two-year effort.

The current Nürburgring electric vehicle lap record is held by the NIO EP9 at 6:45.459, although early simulation data from an Autocar source shows the possibility of a 5:30 lap time in the I.D.R., indicating that an outright lap record could be in the cards for the car.

Ironically, Dumas’ longtime co-driver and ex-Porsche LMP1 teammate Timo Bernhard currently holds that record at a 5:19.550 in the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo.

Volkswagen has yet to officially comment on reports of the potential attempt.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John