Volkswagen ID.3 R to debut in 2024
Volkswagen bosses are close to signing off plans for the forthcoming ID.3 electric hatchback, a sweet, R-badged version. It is expected to launch the efficiency machine in 2024.
The hot-hatch electrical is the brainchild of the R efficiency division of the German company. It’s intended to reinforce the links between the successful ID. Record-breaking prototype R and the crucial new road car range from Volkswagen to ID.
Volkswagen Engineering Chief Frank Welsch said the ID.3 R is “we ‘re looking at it” He added: “I like the idea but we must determine if the market can consider such a concept.”
Welsch said that the proposed R model would sit at the top of the ID.3 line-up and could be the only pure variant of efficiency.
The proposed electric-specific output badge of Volkswagen, GTX, will not be used on the Volkswagen ID.3 R as it is intended for twin-engined, four-wheel-drive vehicles. Although this would fit into the larger ID.4 SUV, the ID.3 will only be launched with a single-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration.
The Volkswagen ID.3 R can accept four-wheel drive, though the first generation is unlikely to receive it. “There won’t be a GTX version, but we still have to settle on an R rear-wheel-drive model.” Welsch said such a car last year “would require an e-motor and four-wheel drive output.”
204hp offers the most powerful of the Volkswagen ID.3 R launch models, although the planned R model is expected to have at least 304hp. However, the performance necessary for a Volkswagen ID.3 R could be made possible by likely developments in EV technology by 2024.
Software problems have badly hit the late stages of the production of the Volkswagen ID.3 R , but new Volkswagen CEO Ralf Brandstätter confirmed deliveries will start in Europe and the UK early September.
The original limited-edition First versions, however, will arrive without certain device apps. These include the Augmented Reality functions for the head-up display of the car, and some of the features of App-Connect, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A free software update will be offered once the systems are available. Early buyers can also choose to delay receipt of their Volkswagen ID.3 R until the systems are fully ready.
Finally, Volkswagen ID.3 R is sold with three battery capacity and two power outputs. The First Edition, which was sold to people who had pre-booked a vehicle, will use the 58kWh mid-size battery for an estimated 420 km range. They’ll have 204hp, 310Nm, and a top speed of 160kph.
The next VW ID model is going to be the ID4 that will debut late August this year. The electric SUV will mirror the outer dimensions of the soon-to-be-facelifted Tiguan second-generation and offer up to five seats.
There will be two models available: a regular model with an upright tailgate and a focus on flexibility and a more sporty variant with a coupé-like design, possibly using the Cross suffix.
The ID.4 will be solely rear-wheel drive at launch, with a single electric motor delivering up to 204hp and 310Nm. In the first 12 months of sales, a more powerful, four-wheel-drive GTX model running two engines with a combined 306hp and 450Nm will join the lineup.
The ID 4 will be equipped with up to 83kWh of batteries, offering a range of as much as 500 km. Both models will also offer up to 125kW in charging.
Sources have also disclosed that the development of the production version of the prototypes for ID Roomz, ID Buzz, and ID Vizzion is already well advanced with all three expected to make their debuts by the end of 2022.
Work on the ‘ID Entry’ small car is also advanced, scheduled to be called ID.1. Positioned as a successor to the Volkswagen e-Up, Seat Mii Electric, and Skoda Citigo-e iV, it is expected to be launched into service by 2023.
It was initially intended to have its low-cost platform and electric drivetrain developed by Seat and the Chinese affiliate of the Volkswagen Group, JAC Automobile, but production at Volkswagen was conducted in-house.
A production version of the mysterious Ruggdzz ID is also under development but is yet to be confirmed. The off-roader Land Rover Defender-esque is part of what reports call a ‘brand initiative’ to create ‘a line of ID models with the same timeless and classless qualities as the original Beetle.’
Designed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz EQB, rugged styling indicators and an option of five or seven seats are said to feature. Leaks say the Ruggdzz range-topping ID model would have a four-wheel-drive twin-motor powertrain.
As part of a 30-strong Volkswagen SUV line-up scheduled for 2025, the Ruggdzz ID is expected to enter production in 2023.
The ID all-electric range is expected to come to India with the launch of the ID.4 SUV sometime next year. The EV was presented as the ID in the pre-production form. Crozz demonstrated at Auto Expo 2020.
