Toyota EV sets Nürburgring record (w/video)

Posted by Julien Fruchier on Aug 31, 2011 in Tech

Toyota Motorsport knocked over a minute off the previous electric vehicle (EV) record at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife on August 29. Considered by many to be the world’s most challenging track, the Toyota TMG EV P001 set a time of 7 minutes, 47.794 seconds on street-legal tires and dry weather but with low track temperatures.

The aim of the project was not only to set a new EV lap record but also to continue learning about the operation of their electric powertrain in extreme circumstances. The company claims its electric powertrain is now ready for a full EV racing series and will begin commercial sales of the technology in 2012.

The Toyota TMG EV P001 puts out 590 lb-ft of torque available at zero rpm and has a top speed of 161 mph. Commercial sales of their EV technology are expected to commence in 2012.