Electric Cars

Embracing the Pace: Ligier's Unconventional Quest for a Nürburgring Record

The Unprecedented Challenge: Pursuing the Slowest Lap Record on the Legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife

While most automotive companies vie for the fastest lap times on the demanding Nürburgring Nordschleife, French automaker Ligier has deliberately charted a different course. They set their sights on an unparalleled achievement: securing the record for the circuit's most leisurely completion. Their chosen vehicle for this endeavor was the JS50 Revo D+, a microcar specifically engineered for efficiency rather than outright speed. This bold strategy has piqued the curiosity of automotive enthusiasts and critics alike, demonstrating that records can be set in more ways than one.

Ligier's Transformation: From Formula 1 Pedigree to Microcar Innovation

Ligier boasts a rich heritage, having once competed in the prestigious world of Formula 1. However, the company has since pivoted its focus to manufacturing compact, low-power microcars, which are gaining popularity in Europe. These vehicles offer the unique advantage of being driven without a traditional license in many regions, making them accessible to a broader demographic. The JS50 Revo D+, with its humble 8-horsepower diesel engine, embodies this shift, providing practical and fuel-efficient transportation.

The Daring Expedition: French Journalists Tackle the Nürburgring in a Ligier JS50

A dedicated team of French journalists, led by Nicolas Meunier and Martin Coulomb, embarked on an extraordinary journey from Paris to Germany with the explicit mission of conquering the Nürburgring. Their weapon of choice: the 8-horsepower Ligier JS50. Despite the vehicle's legal speed limit of 28 mph, the duo successfully navigated the formidable Nordschleife, demonstrating the microcar's surprising resilience and the drivers' unwavering determination. This remarkable expedition highlights the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of unconventional challenges.

The JS50's European Classification: More Than Just a Car

In Europe, the Ligier JS50 Revo D+ is not classified as a conventional automobile. Instead, it falls under the category of a "diesel-powered quadricycle." This designation is crucial, as it allows individuals as young as 14 years old to operate the vehicle without a full driver's license. Powered by a 0.5-liter engine, the JS50 generates 8 horsepower and 20 pound-feet of torque, enabling it to reach its legally mandated maximum speed of 28 mph. The European Union's perspective is that these quadricycles offer a safer alternative to mopeds, providing a practical and accessible mode of personal transport.

Efficiency on Wheels: The Ligier JS50's Impressive Fuel Economy

Beyond its unique classification and Nürburgring exploits, the Ligier JS50 is also celebrated for its exceptional fuel efficiency. During their journey from Paris, the French journalists achieved an impressive 78 miles per gallon. This outstanding fuel economy underscores the JS50's practical appeal as an economical choice for urban and short-distance travel, aligning with growing demands for more sustainable and cost-effective personal mobility solutions.

A Trio of Challengers: Ligier's Multi-Vehicle Attack on the Nürburgring

For this unprecedented record attempt, Ligier brought not one, but three distinct vehicles to Germany. In addition to the diesel-powered JS50, the lineup included an electric variant and a second electric model with a slightly higher top speed of 47 mph. This diverse selection allowed Ligier to explore the limits of its microcar range on the challenging track, showcasing the different performance characteristics of each power train.

Lap Times Revealed: Diesel vs. Electric on the Iconic Green Hell

The diesel JS50 completed its Nürburgring lap in 28 minutes and 25.8 seconds, setting a benchmark for leisurely motoring. The electric version demonstrated a quicker pace, crossing the finish line in 27 minutes and 55.6 seconds, likely benefiting from improved uphill performance. The JS50 Electric 75 KM/H, with its increased governed speed, managed to dip under the 20-minute mark, recording a time of 19 minutes and 53.4 seconds. These times, achieved on Nankang RC semi-slick tires, have sparked discussions among enthusiasts regarding the impact of tire choice on such an unconventional record attempt.

The Enduring Legacy: A Record That Will Stand the Test of Time

Ligier's accomplishment on the Nürburgring is not merely a fleeting moment; it is a record that is unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon. The sheer dedication and patience required to achieve such a deliberately slow lap time mean that few others will be inclined to challenge it. This unique feat cements Ligier's place in automotive history, not for speed, but for its audacious and memorable embrace of slowness.

New York City's congestion pricing scheme, initiated in 2025, has profoundly transformed the urban landscape and daily commutes, as evidenced by a recent comprehensive report. This policy, targeting vehicles entering lower Manhattan, has successfully mitigated traffic density, consequently enhancing travel efficiency, reducing noise pollution from vehicles, and remarkably, lowering the incidence of severe traffic-related injuries. Furthermore, the program has bolstered the utilization of public transportation and generated significant financial resources, surpassing preliminary forecasts. While some residents have voiced concerns about lifestyle adjustments, the overall benefits underscore the policy's effectiveness in addressing metropolitan traffic issues, potentially serving as a blueprint for other bustling cities worldwide.

The congestion pricing system, which became operational on January 5, 2025, mandates a $9 fee for cars entering Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours, from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Motorcycles face a reduced toll of $4.50, while trucks and buses incur charges ranging from $14.40 to $21.60. Data gathered from city and state sources, independent studies, and a public survey involving over 600 participants reveal a substantial behavioral shift among commuters in the New York metropolitan area. This financial incentive has led many to reconsider their transportation choices, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined and less congested urban environment.

A primary outcome of this initiative is the noticeable decrease in the number of vehicles on the roads. According to the findings, approximately 73,000 fewer vehicles entered the central business district daily, accumulating to a staggering 27 million fewer vehicle trips over the course of the year. Interestingly, there's a discernible pattern where vehicle entries surge just before the morning congestion charge takes effect and again when the fee substantially decreases after 9 p.m., suggesting strategic adjustments by drivers to avoid peak charges. This reduction in traffic volume has directly contributed to the improved flow of remaining vehicles.

With fewer vehicles vying for road space, those that do travel within the congestion zone experience significantly faster transit times. Vehicle speeds within this area increased by 4.5 percent between 2024 and 2025. Commuters utilizing bridges and tunnels for their weekday morning journeys have seen dramatic improvements; for instance, the Holland Tunnel, notorious for its gridlock, became 51 percent faster, and the Williamsburg Bridge saw a 28 percent increase in speed. These enhanced speeds not only benefit drivers but also contribute to a more efficient overall urban transit system.

The impact of the congestion charge extends beyond the designated zone. Preliminary analysis indicates a slight increase in vehicle speeds across other parts of New York City. Residents in adjacent areas, such as Brooklyn and New Jersey, have also reported a reduction in local traffic. Collaborative research from institutions like Stanford, Yale, and Google further confirms that routes typically used by Manhattan-bound drivers outside the zone have also experienced improved flow, suggesting a broader positive ripple effect on regional traffic patterns.

The decreased reliance on private vehicles has directly correlated with a surge in public transit ridership. The revenue generated from the congestion charge, projected to be around $550 million in its inaugural year (exceeding initial MTA predictions by $50 million), is largely allocated to funding improvements in the bus and subway systems. The subway now accommodates approximately 300,000 additional daily riders, and buses within the zone are traveling about 2 percent faster, highlighting the positive feedback loop between reduced traffic and enhanced public transport efficiency.

New Yorkers are accustomed to a persistent urban soundtrack, often dominated by the blare of car horns. However, the congestion pricing program has brought a welcome change to this aspect of city life. A 17 percent reduction in vehicle noise complaints within the zone compared to the previous year signifies a quieter, more tranquil environment. Moreover, fewer vehicles on the road have also translated into a tangible improvement in public safety, with a 9 percent decrease in the number of serious injuries resulting from traffic accidents within the congestion zone.

While the benefits are substantial, the program hasn't been without its detractors. Some residents have expressed dissatisfaction, citing limitations on their daily routines, such as reduced visits to Manhattan doctors or fewer attendance at cultural events. Despite these concerns, the evidence strongly suggests that the advantages of congestion pricing largely outweigh the drawbacks. The area has seen a 2.4 percent increase in visits compared to 2024, indicating no adverse impact on local commerce. Ultimately, lower Manhattan has become more efficient, safer, and quieter, establishing a potential paradigm for other global cities aiming to alleviate their traffic woes.