Volkswagen will try to conquer the sky with its I.D. R Pikes Peak prototype

One of the motorsport events that generates the most anticipation throughout the competition calendar is the climb to the Pikes Peak, a very tough race held in June in Colorado. It involves ascending this mountain over a course of 19.99 kilometres, with a total elevation gain of 1,440 metres and a road that hides 154 bends. A demanding route that requires not only experienced drivers, but also vehicle technology that is up to the task. The Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak is fully electric and will take on this challenge to showcase the technology of the German brand.

The car’s design recalls the prototypes that have competed at Le Mans from brands within the Volkswagen Group, but in this case it is fully electric, offering a preview of Volkswagen’s technology. The I.D. R Pikes Peak has been built with ultra-lightweight materials, an aerodynamic package designed for efficiency on the course, and a powerful, functional electric drivetrain. That said, the specific power output of this electric traction system remains a secret yet to be revealed.

The presentation of the electric model from Volkswagen for the Pikes Peak climb will take place on 22 April at the Ales racecourse, in France. The venue was not chosen at random: it is the town where Romain Dumas lives, the driver who will be behind the wheel of the prototype and who will try to claim the title of fastest electric vehicle in the event. That will be the moment we see a physical model of a car that, for now, we only know through conceptual images.

On 23 April the testing programme begins, which will prepare the car for its run up to the start of the Pikes Peak climb on 24 June. It is not the only Group Volkswagen model taking on the challenge, although the other car competing is the Bentley Bentayga, which will try to win the title of production SUV. We will see whether both, or at least one of them, manages to beat its rivals. For now, let’s enjoy the images of this model and soon we will see what it is capable of.