If you're a fan of endurance driving records, you've probably heard of the Cannonball Run. It's the infamous, illegal, and insanely dangerous cross-country race from New York to Los Angeles that has captivated generations of speed freaks. The current record stands at 25 hours and 39 minutes, set by Fred Ashmore in a rented Ford Mustang GT with a massive fuel tank in the trunk.
But what if I told you there's a new contender for the ultimate Cannonball Run machine? A car that combines speed, comfort, efficiency, and stealth in a way that no other vehicle can match? A car that could smash the existing record and make history?
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the 2023 Volkswagen ID.7 GTX.
The ID.7 GTX is the latest addition to Volkswagen's growing lineup of electric vehicles. It's a full-size SUV that can seat up to seven people and has a range of up to 310 miles on a single charge. But unlike most electric vehicles, it also has a secret weapon: a powerful electric motor on each axle that gives it four-wheel drive and a whopping 335 horsepower.
That means the 2023 Volkswagen ID.7 GTX can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 112 mph. Good for a family hauler that weighs over two tons. But more importantly, it means the ID.7 GTX can handle any road condition, weather, or terrain that might come it's way during a Cannonball Run.
Imagine blasting through the desert at night, with no need to stop for gas or worry about overheating. Imagine cruising along the highway at triple-digit speeds with no engine noise or exhaust fumes to attract attention. Imagine tackling twisty mountain roads with confidence, thanks to the instant torque and precise handling of the electric drivetrain.
The ID.7 GTX is not just a car; it's a weapon.
Of course, speed is not everything in a Cannonball Run. You also need comfort, reliability, and technology. And the ID.7 GTX delivers on all fronts.
The interior of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.7 GTX is spacious, luxurious, and futuristic. It features a large touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and ambient lighting. It also has plenty of storage space, cup holders, USB ports, and wireless charging pads for your gadgets.
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.7 GTX also comes with a host of advanced safety and driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and emergency braking. These features can help you avoid accidents, reduce fatigue, and stay alert during long hours behind the wheel.
The most impressive feature of the ID.7 GTX is its fast-charging capability. Thanks to its 77 kWh battery pack and 125 kW charging system, the ID.7 GTX can recharge from 5% to 80% in just 38 minutes at a compatible DC fast charger. That means you can add over 200 miles of range in less time than it takes to eat a burger and take a bathroom break.
That's a game-changer for any Cannonballer who wants to minimize their stops and maximize their average speed.
The ID.7 GTX is expected to hit the European market in late 2023, with a starting price of around €60,000 (about $68,000). There's no word yet on whether it will come to the US, but I hope it does because I want one.
And I want to drive it across the country as fast as possible.
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.7 GTX is not just another electric SUV. It's the ultimate Cannonball Run machine.
And I'm ready to prove it.
