Volkswagen Polo R to enter the WRC in 2013

The Polo R WRC rally car will be powered by a 1.6-litre TSI engine that produces about 296bhp, in line with the FIA’s new technical regulations for the sport, which dictates that engines will have a maximum engine capacity of 1600cc, and include direct injection and turbochargers. The car will also have an all-wheel drive system, a sport-tuned suspension and an aerodynamic body kit.

“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,” says Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Brand, Development Division. “Downsizing, high efficiency and reliability are top priorities for our customers. The timing of the WRC debut is optimal for Volkswagen. 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.”

Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen is enthusiastic about the team’s chances in rallying. “We look forward to this new challenge and are working on this project with the same passion with which we won the Dakar Rally in the past three years,” he said.

Source: Volkswagen