VW eyes high-performance ID.2 R with in-wheel motors

VW is said to be toying with the idea of a particularly high-performance ID.2 R, which could become the brand’s first model to feature all-wheel drive using in-wheel motors. Should VW give the green light, the ID.2 R would sit above the already confirmed ID.2 GTI in the line-up.

The ID.2 is based on the MEB Small platform, which supports front-wheel drive. However, as the British publication Autocar reports, citing insider sources, VW is currently exploring the possibility of expanding the system to all-wheel drive thanks to rear in-wheel motors – specifically in conjunction with the ID.2 R. The ‘R’ refers to the Group’s performance sub-brand, positioned above the GTI line.

According to Autocar, the potential ID.2 R would thus be positioned above the ID.2 GTI not only in name, but also in performance – with the report mentioning an output of around 295 kW, compared to 210 kW for the GTI.

The R division is said to have launched a comprehensive initiative to explore the performance and torque vectoring potential of in-wheel motors. The drivetrain that is being considered for the ID.2 R would retain the GTI’s front electric motor and power electronics, Autocar notes, “but adds two independently controlled electric hub motors within the rear wheels”. This setup is intended to deliver a significant boost in performance – without compromising boot space.

A technical partnership with an in-wheel motor specialist from the Balkans is reportedly on the table. However, the use of in-wheel motors is still said to be under evaluation. VW is also looking into whether a more conventional concept could be viable.

Should VW ultimately introduce in-wheel motors, “the implications for the rest of the MEB Plus line-up are equally significant”, according to Autocar. The publication speculates that VW could roll out the all-wheel drive system with rear in-wheel motors across compact crossovers and SUVs – without compromising architecture.

autocar.co.uk