Volkswagen's ID.R Hillclimber Smashes Another Record

Records are made to be broken, but some last longer than others. Like the outright hillclimb record at Goodwood. That was set 20 years ago byNick Heidfeldin a McLaren MP4/13 grand-prix racer. But after two decades, the record has finally fallen – to an electricVolkswagen, of all things.

Not just any electric Volkswagen, mind you, butthe ID. R– the same purpose-built hillclimb machine thattook the outright record at Pikes Peaklast year, and theelectric lap record at the Nürburgring. And now it can add another feather in its cap.

The VW didn't break the record by much, mind you, crossing the line after 41.18 seconds – less than half a second ahead of Heidfeld's previous record. But that's still more than enough for the ID. R to take the crown.

Handling the wheel was no less talented a hot-shoe than Romain Dumas. The 41-year-old Frenchman has twice won the 24 Hours of Le Mans – in other Volkswagen Group machinery no less: once with Audi and once with Porsche. He also won at Pikes Peak three times before winning again (and taking the record) in this same VW last year.