Volkswagen has set the first speed record on China’s Tianmen Mountain with its ID.R electric motorsports vehicle. VW staged the record attempt to support its upcoming introduction of EVs to the Chinese market.

The ID.R is the motorsport ambassador for Volkswagen’s ID. family, its new range of EVs. It currently holds records on Pikes Peak and at the UK’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. It also holds the electric lap record on Germany’s Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

The ID.R is driven by two electric motors with a total system performance of 500 kW (680 PS), and rides on tailor-made Bridgestone Potenza tires.

Tianmen Mountain, near the city of Zhangjiajie, is home to the world-famous Tianmen Shan Big Gate Road. The 10.9 km route climbs about 1,100 meters in elevation with 99 hairpin turns.

“Volkswagen and the ID.R have once again shown what the electromobility of the future is already capable of today,” said VW COO Ralf Brandstätter. “Not only has it proven that electric cars like the ID.R can break established records and set new benchmarks, but the ID.R also shows how emotive and exciting the mobility of the future is.”

Source: Volkswagen