VW chose not to return to Pikes Peak in 2019. No need, its record was safe. Instead it set its sights on the Nurburgring, and the Nio EP9’s 6:45:90 lap-time. After making some choice modifications – such as new slipperier aero package and DRS to improve top speed – Romain Dumas clocked an astonishing 6:05:336 to claim the EV record, and second-fastest lap overall behind only the Porsche 919 Evo.

During the lap Dumas was subjected to cornering forces of around 3.5g. He averaged 127mph and maxed-out at 170mph. DRS was open for almost a quarter of the lap, which used 24.7kWh of energy.