Currently reading: Volkswagen primes hardcore ID 4 for 2021 Mexican 1000 rally

Tanner Foust will pilot jacked-up EV for 1141-mile rally, with no modifications to 201bhp rear-drive powertrain

American racer Tanner Foust will pilot a heavily modified version of the new Volkswagen ID 4 EV in the formidable Mexican 1000 rally this year. 

Modified by Rhys Millen Racing, the race-prepped version of the ID 4 is based on the rear-wheel-drive production car and equipped with the top-rung 77kWh (net) battery pack. The 201bhp powertrain, Volkswagen said, is completely unmodified. 

However, the suspension and interior have been substantially modified for the 1141-mile race, in which the ID 4 is planned to "show the capabilities and performance of an EV in an extreme environment". Protective plates have been fitted to prevent damage to the batteries, and the heating and air conditioning systems have made way for a full roll cage, racing seats and racing telemetry display. 

Rally-spec shocks feature at each corner, the radiator has been raised for enhanced ground clearance, and the standard 19in wheels have been swapped for 18in items wrapped in hardcore off-road tyres. The racer sits two inches higher than the production ID 4. 

Volkswagen has a storied history of racing at Baja - a Beetle-based Meyers Manx buggy won the inaugural event in 1967 - although this will be its first all-electric entry.

The car will be charged using a portable, biofuel-fed device that tops up a 50kW fast charger. Tanner Foust Racing - the eponymous outfit behind the effort - plans to cover 98% of the stages without stopping to charge. 

Rhys Millen, responsible for the modifications, said: “It takes great confidence and preparation to present a stock-based vehicle to the starting line of a race like this, especially an electric one like the ID 4.

"We’ve been pleasantly surprised at how well the ID 4 has taken to the terrain.”

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Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: Deputy editor

Felix is Autocar's deputy editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

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spare tyre 25 April 2021

Surprised they haven't gone for a four wheel drive system for rallying.

Hughbl 23 April 2021

Interesting they can add 'a portable, biofuel-fed device that tops up a 50kW fast charger – to cover 98% of the stages without stopping to charge'. They should just add that to the regular car.

Alternatively, shove a load of batteries in the roll cage.