Volkswagen ID. Buzz R electric racing van imagined

Volkswagen has committed to introducing a new sporty version of its 2022 Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric people mover, set to wear the GTX badge.

But if Volkswagen's current GTX electric cars are any guide, expect little more than a second electric motor, mild styling tweaks, and some black and red accents – hardly maximising the visual potential of the ID. Buzz's retro shape.

The van's use of the GTX badge does leave room for the flag-bearing R brand above it. But on the performance-car spectrum, even VW's R cars look relatively tame – so what if Volkswagen built an ID. Buzz with a little more 'sting' in its step?

Imagined by digital artist @avarvarii, our performance ID. Buzz wears the R badge – but rather than a road-oriented special, it follows in the tracks of the 1990s Renault Espace F1 and newly-revealed Ford Electric SuperVan concepts in targeting race track performance.

Finished in the R brand's signature Lapiz Blue paint, the ID. Buzz R shares the Espace F1 and Ford SuperVan's key design traits: much wider wheel arches, a more aggressive front air dam, aerodynamics-focused side skirts, a lower ride height, and various splitters.

The towering rear wing proves this is no road car – though Australian licence plates have been added for effect – while the arches are filled by 22-inch centre-locking alloys from a 2014 Volkswagen concept car.

While the production ID. Buzz GTX is slated to receive dual motors and 220kW, the use of the R badge in the renders – and the fact a production version is unlikely to ever exist – means we can let our imagination run wild.

The electric running gear from Volkswagen's ID.R electric race car would work very well in the ID. Buzz R, with two electric motors sending 500kW and 650Nm to all four wheels, powered by a 45kWh battery pack.

While the ID.R can cover the 0-100km/h sprint in under 2.5 seconds, the ID. Buzz R would need closer to three seconds, given it's likely to weigh more than 1700kg, compared to the ID.R's sub-1100kg.

A larger battery than the ID.R's 45kWh would also be needed – possibly closer to 65kWh – given to set its lap record for electric cars around Germany's Nurburgring circuit, the lighter and more aerodynamic ID.R consumed 24.7kWh of energy, or 55 per cent of its battery.

However, the ID.R's powertrain would still be no match for the new Ford Electric SuperVan's four electric motors and 50kWh battery, which together develop 1471kW (or 2000 horsepower).

As keen as enthusiasts might be for a track-bred Volkswagen ID. Buzz, there's no sign of one on the horizon – either as a road car, or a motor show concept. Instead, they'll need to make do with the ID. Buzz GTX, due as soon as next year.