Lotus Evija X Smashes Nurburgring Record By More Than 10 Seconds

The Nurburgring Nordschleife is the ultimate testing site for automakers competing to create the fastest car in the world. The all-electric hypercar Lotus Evija X just joined the competition, hoping to beat the Mercedes AMG-One at the iconic German racetrack.

The Nurburgring Nordschleife, a 12.9-mile (20.8-km) circuit with 154 corners, is famously known as the “Green Hell.” This treacherous track is celebrated for its fast, twisty, and hilly layout with numerous blind-entry corners. Its history, dating back to its construction in 1927, has seen drivers and car manufacturers compete fiercely to achieve top lap times. Initially, Mercedes set a 12-minute lap time averaging 60 mph (96.5 km/h). Fast forward to October 2023, Lotus brought its all-electric Evija X, a one-off race car based on the Evija street-legal EV platform, to the ‘Ring.

The Evija X retains the drivetrain and four electric motors of Lotus’ production model, maintaining its production-spec chassis classification. However, it boasts significantly enhanced suspension and aero packages, enabling it to handle bumps and maintain ground contact at speeds of up to 214 mph (345 km/h). These modifications also produce over 6,600 lb (2,994 kg) of downforce, aided by a front splitter, canards, and a massive rear wing.

The Evija X’s four electric motors generate a staggering 1,972 bhp (1,470 kW) and 1,323 lb-ft (1,794 nm) of torque, propelling it down the track with immense power. Its 70-kWh battery pack, slightly smaller than the Long Range Tesla Model 3’s 75-kWh battery, fuels this performance.

With Dirk Müller at the wheel, the Lotus Evija X set a remarkable lap time of 6:24.047. This achievement makes it the fourth fastest car to ever lap the ‘Green Hell’ and notably the second fastest all-electric vehicle to do so. More impressively, it is the fastest production-based chassis ever to tackle the Nordschleife, surpassing the Mercedes AMG-One’s 6:35.183 time set in 2022.

Observing the onboard telemetry during Müller’s high-speed lap revealed frequent lateral G-forces exceeding 2, while the electric motor’s whine and minimal tire protests indicated exceptional mechanical grip. The Evija X seemed capable of even faster lap times.

Priced at US$2.3 million and with only 130 units planned for production, the Lotus Evija X is a testament to Lotus’s engineering prowess. The company is investing heavily, reportedly spending $70,500 daily to rent the Nordschleife for clear track conditions, reflecting their commitment to achieving greatness.

In the context of Nordschleife lap records, the fastest EV title belongs to the Volkswagen ID.R, a purpose-built time-attack vehicle that set a 6:05.336 lap in June 2019. Despite its modest 670 hp and 44-kWh battery, driver Romain Dumas achieved this feat with a top speed of 152 mph (245 km/h). The outright record holder remains Timo Bernhard, who set a staggering 5:19.546 lap in a Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo prototype in June 2018.

Even fans of video games might find it difficult to match these incredible lap times in a virtual setting, highlighting the tremendous skill and ingenuity needed to overcome the “Green Hell.”