Volkswagen has unveiled a hardcore ID.4, which will compete in the NORRA Mexican 1000 race on April 2021. in the Baja peninsula.
While the model is the first production-based electric vehicle to enter the race, it has been extensively modified by Rhys Millen Racing.
In particular, the ID.4 1st Edition has been equipped with an off-road focused suspension that features “rally-style coil-over struts at all wheels and tubular lower control arms in the front and boxed lower rear links.” This car has also been lifted approximately 2 inches (51 mm), while its 19-inch alloy wheels have been replaced by 18-inch OZ Racing wheels wrapped in Yokohama Geolandar A/T tires.
The vehicle has been equipped with additional skid plates, rear window intakes, and a raised radiator to improve approach angles and cooling capacity. The cabin has also been stripped and outfitted with better (racing) seats, a roll cage and supplemental displays for showing key vehicle information.
The thing which hasn’t changed is the vehicle’s powertrain, which features an 82 kWh lithium-ion battery pack as well as an electric motor that develops 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque. This setup enables the standard model to have an EPA-estimated range of 250 miles (402 km), but EV charging stations aren’t exactly plentiful in the Baja peninsula. To make up for that, Volkswagen will be using a biofuel generator and a portable 50 kW fast charger.
The ID.4 will be driven by Tanner Foust, who remarked “It’s exciting to be part of an ambitious challenge like this that pushes the limits of electric cars.” Foust will be joined by Emme Hall and Volkswagen noted their participation aims to “show the capabilities and performance of an EV in an extreme environment.”
