VW: This is how the ID.R is made faster 🎥
F1 TECHNOLOGY Volkswagen Motorsport attacks the electric lap record at the Nürburgring with its ID.R. A video shows the importance of aerodynamics for this objective. Because the speed on the Nordschleife will be higher than in last year's record drive at the Pikes Peak hill climb, the aerodynamic configuration of the ID. R for the most efficient use of the [...]
Because the speed on the Nordschleife will be higher than in last year's record drive at the Pikes Peak hill climb, the aerodynamic configuration of the ID. R takes on increased importance for the most efficient use of the battery charge. In addition to a modified underbody and new spoilers at the front of the vehicle, the complex electric prototype therefore received a redesigned rear wing.
Conservation of energy reserves
To reduce drag, this features a technology familiar from Formula 1 and the DTM - the so-called drag reduction system (DRS). While the DRS is used in races to facilitate overtaking at higher top speeds, the fold-down element of the rear wing is used when the ID. R on the Nordschleife to conserve the available energy reserves.
Between maximum setting and completely flat position, the difference in downforce is around 20 percent. On the almost three-kilometer-long Döttinger Höhe, the ID. R reaches its top speed faster and can maintain it over the entire length with less energy input.
Computers coordinate energy management
Computers on board the ID. R take over optimum control of power output and brake energy regeneration. The two electric motors provide 500 kW (680 hp) of power to drive all four wheels. The unit on the rear axle is slightly more powerful to give the front axle and front tires reserves for steering forces.
How close does the ID-R come to the Porsche record?
The lap record for electric vehicles on the 20.832-kilometer Nordschleife stands at 6 minutes and 45.90 seconds. There is no question that the ID.R, which has now been specially modified for this purpose, will break this record and possibly bring it under six minutes. As at Pikes Peak, the driver is Frenchman Romain Dumas, who lives in Arzier VD.
On April 25, the team began the first test drives on the Nordschleife. The record attempt will take place in the summer.
The absolute lap record holder is Group sister Porsche: in June 2018, works driver Timo Bernhard covered the track in the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo in 5'19.55 and an average of 234 km/h.
