WRC: Polo R Hits Road And Rally, Championship Sponsorship Shakeup
Volkswagen has revealed two Polo R WRC models; one for the road, and the other destined for the 2013 World Rally Championship (WRC). We already knew the race version was coming – to front VW’s entry to top-level rallying next year – but the G
Volkswagen has revealed two Polo R WRC models; one for the road, and the other destined for the 2013 World Rally Championship (WRC).
We already knew the race version was coming - to front VW’s entry to top-level rallying next year - but the German giant’s Monte Carlo launch event also marked the official unveiling of the competition-ready racer.
The road-going Polo R WRC was also finally confirmed for production at the event, having been previewed as the Polo R WRC Street concept at the Wörthersee GTI Treffen show in May.
Like the concept, the production Polo R WRC uses a version of the Golf GTI’s 2.0 litre TSI turbo four, producing a Mk VII Golf GTI-matching 162kW/350Nm.
Claimed acceleration is half a second ahead of the 132kW/250Nm twincharged 1.4 litre Polo GTI, at 6.4 seconds from 0-100km/h.
The sole transmission choice will be a six-speed H-pattern manual, unlike the lesser Polo GTI’s DSG auto, and the WRC racer’s six-speed sequential unit.
The racer uses a 232kW/425Nm 1.6 litre turbocharged four and permanent all-wheel drivetrain to deliver 0-100km/h acceleration in the vicinity of 3.9 seconds.
Power from the road-going model will be sent through the front wheels only, dashing hopes of an all-wheel drivetrain and independant rear suspension setup as used by the the Polo R WRC’s limited-build Audi A1 Quattro mate.
Road-going Polo R WRCs will feature subtle visual links to their racing stablemate, including unique front and rear fascias, hatch spoiler, multi-spoke 18 inch wheels and a competition-inspired decal package.
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