Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen ID.R sets world record in China

Volkswagen’s all-electric ID.R has set a new world record on the Tianmen Shan Big Gate Road mountain pass in China

The all-electric Volkswagen ID.R prototype has set a new benchmark time on the Tianmen Shan “Big Gate Road” mountain pass in China, covering the 10.906km (6.77 miles) route in 7:38.585 minutes at the hands of French racing driver Romain Dumas. The road winds through 99 hairpin corners and climbs to a maximum altitude of 1,110 metres (around 3,600 feet).

Advertisement - Article continues below

Volkswagen’s ID.R is the first racing car to set an official time on the Tianmen Shan pass. Official start and finish points were defined as part of the attempt, with the latter set at ‘Heaven’s Gate’, a 131.5-metre natural arch at the mountain’s summit. During the run, Dumas averaged 53.2mph and reached a top speed of 143mph.

Volkswagen ID.R: a year of record breaking

Apart from a new livery and a fresh set of Bridgestone Potenza tyres, the Volkswagen ID.R remained unchanged from its Nurburgring and Goodwood record attempts. It wore its standard aero package (rather than the more aggressive package fitted to the ID.R Pikes Peak), while power and torque figures remained the same for the run at 670bhp and 650Nm respectively.

Dumas commented: “The little information and testing we had beforehand made it a huge challenge. The road is incredibly narrow and winding, but the drive was unbelievable fun with the electric power of the ID.R. The huge torque was a big advantage on the short straights, while the aerodynamics provided additional traction in the fast sections.”

The ID.R is the halo car for Volkswagen’s forthcoming range of all-electric “ID” models, based on the brand’s latest MEB platform, the first of which will appear at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in the shape of the ID.3 hatch. The hatch will then be joined by a range of 27 pure-electric models from across the Volkswagen Group by the end of 2022.

What do you make of the Volkswagen ID.R’s latest record? Let us know in the comments section below…

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Extra-hot electric Volkswagen GTI Clubsport models are on their way
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport - cornering

Extra-hot electric Volkswagen GTI Clubsport models are on their way

Electric hot hatches are front and centre in Volkswagen’s electric future
News
30 Jun 2025
Volkswagen leasing deals 2025
Volkswagen Golf facelift 2024 UK - front tracking

Volkswagen leasing deals 2025

The best Volkswagen leasing deals available right now
Best cars & vans
27 Jun 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
New Volkswagen ID.2 to keep concept car looks
VW ID2 spy shots - front 3/4

New Volkswagen ID.2 to keep concept car looks

The crucial new Volkswagen ID.2All, or ID.Polo, has finally been spotted up close at VW’s design centre
News
11 Jun 2025

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025