World premiere of the new Volkswagen Polo GTI R5

The stage is set for the rally GTI: The four-wheel drive rally car for customer sports, which is based on the sixth and latest generation of the new Polo, was introduced to the public for the first time at the official driving presentation of the Polo GTI in Mallorca early this week.

The development of the new rally sports car incorporated the experience and know-how acquired whilst winning four world titles in the pinnacle of rallying, the WRC, from 2013 to 2016. Development of the Polo GTI R5 has been in full swing since the start of the year. Initial tests on asphalt and gravel took place in mid-November in Fontjoncouse, France, and will continue in the U.K. in December.

Responsibility for the entire project lies with Technical Director Francois-Xavier 'FX' Demaison, as well as Project Manager Jan de Jongh, who, as race engineer, looked after world champion Sebastien Ogier's Polo R WRC from 2013 to 2016.

Like the production model - the new Polo GTI - the Polo GTI R5 has a powerful straight four-cylinder turbo engine with direct fuel injection, which is mounted transversely in front of the front axle. The capacity of the rally car is limited to 1.6-litres, in accordance with regulations. This is sufficient to generate an impressive 272bhp and maximum torque of 400Nm. A close-stepped, sequential, five-speed racing gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive achieve outstanding acceleration on any surface - whether asphalt, gravel or snow. Weighing just 1,320kg, the rally GTI accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 4.1 seconds.

In accordance with FIA regulations, it is strengthened with a role cage and other safety components. The Polo GTI R5 will be homologated in the summer of 2018. The first deliveries to customer sports teams, and the first competitive outings, are planned for the second half of the year.