Any keen automotive enthusiast will tell you that motor sport is closely linked to the products automotive companies offer. At the heart of all the high performance cars we love is a deep seated heritage that can be traced back to the race track. Motorsport has not only served as a testing bed for future technologies but also as a proving ground for engineering ingenuity. However, motor sport also provides an avenue for manufacturers to showcase(market)their products.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is no different. Its all the above and so much more. Held in the city of Colorado Springs U.S.A. the challenge first took place in 1916. It features a near 20 km uphill climb that not only tests a vehicle’s handling prowess but also its endurance. It features 156 corners over its 19.9 km length and starts at 2,862 m and terminates at 4,302 m above sea level. The hill climb is special as it features competitors across all the automotive disciplines, from cars, trucks, quads and even bikes. The competitors race against the clock in their respective categories.
VW is set to make a historic return to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb after a near 31 year hiatus. Their last foray in the event was in 1987 with a 652 hp VW Golf which saw them narrowly missing a victory. VW’s motor sport director has vowed to settle the score this year with the I.D. R Pikes Peak set to take on the challenge this June. The electric prototype heralds VW’s electric ambitions and is the halo car of the all electric I.D. sub-brand.
The electric racing car prototype will be piloted by Pikes Peak International Hill Climb veteran Romain Dumas who incidentally has won the 24 h of Le Mans twice. VW will be gunning for the world record for electric prototypes which currently stands at 8 min 57.118 seconds. The world record for production electric cars is held by the Tesla Model S at 11 min 48.264 seconds.
The race and hopefully victory for VW will highlight VW’s e-mobility strategy to have a full electric range by 2025. The knowledge and technical know how from the race will also filter down into their main stream production models. The I.D. R Pikes Peak features all wheel drive and two electric motors with a combined output of 500kw(680hp)and 650 Nm of torque. The engineers opted to focus on performance rather than range. The car uses lithium ion batteries to store electric energy. The batteries can be topped up from the electric motors as the car features regenerative braking.
VW’s record attempt will take place on the 24th of June this year. There will be all sorts of festivities in Colorado Springs in the week during the event.
