Ligier has made automotive history by setting the record for the slowest lap at the Nürburgring Nordschleife with its 8-HP diesel JS50 Revo D+. Unlike other records focused on speed, Ligier aimed for a fun and unique milestone. The JS50 Revo D+ completed the 12.9-mile lap in 28 minutes, 25.8 seconds, showing that even a tiny microcar can leave a mark on the Green Hell.
JS50 Revo D+ Focuses On Fun Over Speed
The Ligier JS50 Revo D+ is a diesel-powered quadricycle with a 0.5-liter engine producing 8 HP and 20 LB-FT of torque. It is legally limited to a top speed of 28 MPH in Europe. Young drivers can operate it without a license from age 14, making it an accessible and quirky city car. Ligier designed the JS50 for efficiency and safety, but its Nürburgring attempt proves it can handle challenging tracks, even if very slowly.
Nürburgring Lap Details
For the record attempt, Ligier brought three vehicles to Germany: the diesel JS50, a standard electric JS50, and an electric JS50 with a 47 MPH governed speed. The diesel Revo D+ completed the lap in 28:25.8. The electric JS50 was slightly faster at 27:55.6, while the JS50 Electric 75 KM/H managed 19:53.4. All three cars ran on Nankang RC semi-slick tires, sparking discussions about potential lap times on stock tires.
Efficient And Lightweight Microcar
The JS50 Revo D+ is highly efficient and easy to drive. Journalists Nicolas Meunier and Martin Coulomb achieved 78 MPG on their drive from Paris to the Nürburgring. Its small size, light weight, and minimal power make it ideal for urban commuting. At the same time, the car shows Ligier’s playful approach to engineering, turning a microcar into a record-setting machine.
Ligier’s Motorsport Heritage
Ligier has a strong motorsport history, including a Formula 1 team from 1976 to 1996. While the JS50 Revo D+ is far from an F1 car, it carries the same spirit of innovation and creativity. Taking a microcar to the Nürburgring highlights Ligier’s bold and unconventional engineering approach.
Tires And Track Considerations
The record attempts were completed on Nankang RC semi-slick tires. These tires helped the JS50 maintain stability on the track. While some debate whether slower times would be possible on stock tires, the achievement remains a fun and memorable record for Ligier.
Prices In The Middle East
Ligier microcars, including the JS50 Revo D+, are available in limited numbers in the Middle East. The diesel model starts at approximately AED 55,000, while electric variants may reach AED 75,000 depending on specifications. These cars are designed as compact, city-friendly vehicles rather than high-performance machines.
Middle East Market Relevance
The JS50 is ideal for young urban drivers in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. License-free driving, high efficiency, and small dimensions make it perfect for congested streets. Its Nürburgring record adds a fun story that makes the microcar appealing to enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Conclusion
Ligier’s JS50 Revo D+ proves that even the smallest cars can make history. With diesel and electric variants, high efficiency, and playful engineering, the JS50 is more than a microcar; it is a unique urban mobility solution. In the Middle East, it offers practicality, fun, and a memorable record that sets it apart from ordinary city cars.
