A modified Volkswagen ID.4 is racing within the NORRA Mexican 1000 this week. VW claims it is the primary production-based EV to compete within the off-road race, which began April 25 and wraps up April 29.

VW despatched a inventory ID.4 First Edition to Rhys Millen Racing, which modified the suspension with rally-style coilovers, tubular decrease management arms in entrance, and boxed decrease hyperlinks within the rear. The trip top was raised by 2.0 inches, skid plates have been added, and the radiator was moved to enhance method angles and cooling capability, a VW press launch stated. The inventory 19-inch wheels have been swapped for 18-inch rims, with Yokohama Geolander A/T 255/70R18 tires.

Typical for a racing conversion, the inside was stripped of all comfort options and fitted with a roll cage and racing seats. VW saved the first Version’s white steering wheel nevertheless, which is able to in all probability be totally different a coloration on the finish of the race.

No powertrain modifications have been made, so the ID.4 off-road racer nonetheless makes use of an 82-kwh battery pack, with a single 201-hp electrical motor. That motor is mounted behind the automobile and drives the rear wheels, not not like the Beetles and Meyers Manx dune buggies which have been a fixture of off-road racing for many years. A Manx received the inaugural Mexican 1000 in 1967.

Whereas the title suggests a 1,000-mile race, the 2021 NORRA Mexican 1000 is definitely 1,141 miles lengthy, with 893 miles off-road, based on VW. To cost the ID.4, the race workforce is utilizing a transportable 50-kw DC fast-charging station, powered by a biofuel generator. The race may even be run in loops, fairly than point-to-point, as a result of coronavirus restrictions, and the workforce will try to finish about 98% of the phases in every loop with out charging, based on VW.