What's the news?
Volkswagen has used the 31st GTI Meeting at Wörthersee in Austria to unveil its most mental Polo model yet. Dubbed the Polo R WRC Street the new car has been built to coincide with Volkswagen's entry into the World Rally Championship. More than just a one-off concept though, the Street has actually been designed for the roads and will see a limited production run 'in late 2013'. Hurrah!
Exterior
To separate the Polo R WRC Street Volkswagen has fitted a body kit that gives the car a more impressive front end, a unique rear diffuser and rear spoiler. Larger alloys fill the arches while motorsport decals and R-WRC badges adorn the body work.
Interior
It may be named after a rally car but that does not mean the Street has been stripped of creature comforts. Occupants benefit from leather and Alcantara sports seats. The premium material also makes its way to the steering wheel.
Mechanicals
Engine wise the Polo R WRC Street uses a 2.0-litre version of Volkswagen's turbo- and supercharged TSI engine. The resulting 220hp is more than is currently offered in the Golf GTI although less than the Golf R. Still a 220hp Polo is not to be sniffed at.
Data
The Street Polo was displayed alongside the actual WRC Polo that Sébastien Ogier will pilot in 2013. The Polo WRC will have to make do with a 1.6-litre TSI engine to comply with regulations but the potent unit will output 300hp and rocket from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds.