Relating Moore’s law to the evolution of technology and it’s a case of when not if the current Pikes Peak hill climb record of 8:13.878min held by Sebastian Loeb is beaten.
I predict 2018 to be that year, by a battery powered car.
The Volkswagen entry (one of only two electric vehicles) is at the pinnacle of preparation – and placed to take the win while setting fastest outright time.
Piloted by 2017, 2016 and 2014 winner Romain Dumas, is another reason why.
Click here for a Youtube video (10 sec) of the car in action
Everything about the car and team is victory. The sheer number of Volkswagen branded personnel in the pits when most management would be tucked up in bed speaks to their dedication.
Then there are the practice times.
The event is structured that groups of cars/bikes test on a sector of the 19.99km course each day. Tuesday through Friday.
The Volkswagen has been dominant, posting times quicker than that of Loeb’s record setting 2013 run.
It all counts for zero though. Sunday’s single and continuous run to the 14,115ft summit is all that matters. Finishing is one thing, being fast is something else. Rolling the dice on the weather conditions is the key to a result. Snow is common in the middle of summer – there have been overnight dustings during the practice week. More common are thunderstorms, hail or rain.
Aware of the odds and in favourable conditions during practice, Volkswagen have the posted times to stamp their authority at being the new record holder.
Yes, I am a fan of the car and its future. The technology is in its infancy, much the same as the early combustion engine automobiles, before exhaust emission controls and the myriad of other ‘green’ schemes. And for those who require exhaust noise for it to matter – this car dusts that stance. Aside from the mechanical noise, the aero sounds emphasise how fast this car is – at how far technology has come and it has a lot further to go.
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