In a bold endeavor to establish a new lap record for an electric vehicle, a unique iteration of the Lotus Evija electric hypercar, tailored as a time attack special, was sighted at the renowned Nürburgring on Tuesday.
As reported by the photographer on the scene, Lotus had exclusively reserved the racetrack for the entire day, even enlisting a notary to officially time the attempts. Furthermore, the automaker had deployed a helicopter to capture aerial footage of the record-breaking run.
Regrettably, during one of the laps, the car unexpectedly halted and had to be transported away on a flatbed truck. The precise cause of the breakdown remains undisclosed.
Dubbed the Evija X, this one-off vehicle represents Lotus’ pinnacle interpretation of the Evija. Although it does not intend to enter production, the Evija X was meticulously crafted to exhibit the extraordinary possibilities achievable when pushing the boundaries of the Evija and its electric powertrain, as stated by the automaker.
The standard Evija already holds the distinction of being the most powerful production car globally, boasting a four-motor powertrain that peaks at 2,011 horsepower. To further enhance its performance, the Evija X incorporates a high-downforce aerodynamics package and a stripped-down cabin. Additionally, the car seems to be equipped with bespoke racing slicks provided by Pirelli.
The current lap record for an electric vehicle at the ‘Ring stands at 6 minutes and 5.33 seconds, established by the Volkswagen ID.R time attack special in 2019. Remarkably, this ranks as the second-fastest time ever recorded on the circuit, surpassed only by the astonishing 5 minutes and 19.55 seconds achieved in 2018 by the Porsche 919 Evo Hybrid, a time attack special based on the 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car.
Regarding production electric vehicles, the current lap record at the ‘Ring belongs to a Tesla Model S Plaid equipped with the optional Track Package, completing the lap in 7 minutes, 25.231 seconds, accomplished earlier this month.
Deliveries of the Lotus Evija are scheduled to commence later this year, with a limited production run of just 130 units planned, including eight special Evija Fittipaldi editions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lotus Evija X, breakdown, Nürburgring, electric hypercar, record attempt
What is the Lotus Evija X?
The Lotus Evija X is a one-off example of the Lotus Evija electric hypercar, built as a time attack special to push the limits of the Evija and its electric powertrain.
What happened during the Nürburgring record attempt?
During the Nürburgring record attempt, the Lotus Evija X encountered a breakdown and had to be transported on a flatbed truck. The exact cause of the breakdown is unknown.
How powerful is the Lotus Evija X?
The Lotus Evija X is an incredibly powerful car. The standard Evija already holds the title of the most powerful production car, with a four-motor powertrain rated at a peak 2,011 horsepower. The Evija X further boosts performance with a high-downforce aerodynamics package and stripped-out cabin.
What are the current lap records at the Nürburgring for electric vehicles?
The current lap record for an electric vehicle at the Nürburgring is 6 minutes and 5.33 seconds, set by the Volkswagen ID.R time attack special in 2019. The lap record for a production electric vehicle is 7 minutes, 25.231 seconds, achieved by a Tesla Model S Plaid with the Track Package.
Will the Lotus Evija X go into production?
No, the Lotus Evija X is not intended for production. It was specifically built as a one-off vehicle to demonstrate the extreme capabilities of the Evija and its electric powertrain.
How many Lotus Evija cars will be built?
Lotus plans to build a total of 130 examples of the Evija, including eight special Evija Fittipaldi editions. Deliveries of the Evija are scheduled to begin later this year.
More about Lotus Evija X, breakdown, Nürburgring, electric hypercar, record attempt
- Lotus Evija Official Website
- Volkswagen ID.R Sets Electric Vehicle Lap Record at Nürburgring
- Tesla Model S Plaid Track Package Lap Record at Nürburgring
- Porsche 919 Evo Hybrid Lap Record at Nürburgring