300-hp Volkswagen Polo R WRC to contest at FIA WRC in 2013

May 8, 2011May 8, 2011 Chris Chin Compact Cars, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen Polo, Volkswagen Polo R WRC

Volkswagen AG has just unveiled what it calls “the hottest Polo of all time.” Set to debut and contest at the FIA World Rally Championship in 2013, the Volkswagen Polo R WRC is the latest motorsports development following VAG’s victories in the famous Dakar Rally for the last three years.

“We are working on this project with the same passion with which we won the Dakar Rally in the past three years,” said VW Motorsport Director Kris Nissen.

Equipped with a four-wheel drive system and a racing derived 1.6L TSI four-banger good for 300-hp, the Polo R WRC is definitely a car that will give its competitors a run for the money.

“The timing of the WRC debut (of the Polo R) is optimal for Volkswagen,” said VW board member Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, adding, “The new technical regulations of the World Rally Championship are an ideal fit for Volkswagen’s philosophy with respect to the development of production vehicles. Downsizing, high efficiency and reliability are top priorities for our customers. The big task of engineering a vehicle that is competitive and capable of winning at a large number of challenges holds great appeal for us.”