Volkswagen has announced that it will enter the World Rally Championship starting in 2013 with the Polo R WRC. The rally car was unveiled in Sardinia this week (5 May).
Company management described the decision as a new challenge for the firm. The championship covers a variety of surfaces and climates across four continents, from desert to snow. Attracting media coverage around the world is another advantage of WRC participation...
Powering the VW Polo R WRC is a 1.6-litre TSI engine, which will develop about 300hp. The power plant conforms to the latest technical regulations permitting turbocharging and direct injection. Volkswagen's management describes the rules as an 'ideal fit' for developing production vehicles. The rally car will feature four-wheel drive.
The VW team, based at the company's Wolfsburg factory, will draw on the experience gained from competing in the Dakar Rally including three consecutive wins.
It is possible that this signals the introduction of a new high-end hot hatch called the VW Polo R, but there is no official word on that as yet.