Volkswagen has achieved the fastest ever lap for an EV around the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany.

Using a re-developed version of the ID.R racer that took victory at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb last year, French racing stalwart Romain Dumas lapped the 12.93-mile circuit in just six minutes and five seconds.

This is quicker than all but one lap in the history of the circuit; the exception being a 5:19.546 set by Porsche’s 919 Hybrid Evo last year. The previous fastest pure electric lap was a 6:45.9, set by the Chinese electric car firm NIO and British driver Peter Dumbreck.

https://youtu.be/9nNfNjH_rAE

The Volkswagen ID.R was extensively altered for the attempt at the Nürburgring electric record, with a new aerodynamic kit produced to lower the car’s drag and increase its speed down the famous high-speed sections of the track.

Producing some 671bhp, the ID.R is perhaps the fastest electric car on earth today and serves as the flagship of Volkswagen’s upcoming range of ‘ID’ cars; though of course, as a one-off racing machine, this car is not for sale.

However, Volkswagen has already launched electric for the mass market; check out the full Volkswagen range – including the e-Up! and e-Golf – here on Motors.co.uk.