Volkswagen plans to show off its electric powertrain tech via the I.D. R Pikes Peak race car this summer by taking a run at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The automaker previewed the race car this week via computer-generated images, giving a glimpse at the prototype that will take on the Colorado course June 24.
The I.D. R Pikes Peak is meant to showcase modern, all-wheel-drive electric powertrains as well as VW’s aerodynamic expertise ahead of the market launch of the I.D. lineup of battery-electric vehicles. The 12.4-mile “Race to the Clouds,” held in the Rocky Mountains near Colorado Springs, dates to 1916; the route starts just above the 9,000-foot mark and continues up to the 14,115-foot summit.
Volkswagen AG has some history at Pikes Peak: In 1985, Audi won with its Quattro technology with Michele Mouton behind the wheel of the Audi Sport Quattro S1, paving the way for wins by Bobby Unser in 1986 and Walter Rohrl in 1987.
“We want to be at the forefront of electromobility with Volkswagen and the I.D. family,” said VW brand development chief Frank Welsch in a statement. “Competing in the most famous hillclimb in the world with the I.D. R Pikes Peak is a valuable test for the general development of electric cars.”
VW said it will launch sales of the first I.D. models, the I.D. compact hatchback and the I.D. Crozz, next year.
