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| Volkswagen reveals 151mph Polo R WRC Posted: 09 Dec 2012 07:02 AM PST  Limited-edition version of Volkswagen's small hatch is the fastest Polo ever, capable of 151mph and covering 0-62mph in 6.4sec Volkswagen has revealed the production version of its fastest-ever Polo – the 151mph, 217bhp Volkswagen Polo R WRC. It has been built to tie-in with Volkswagen's entry into the 2013 World Rally Championship, and the Polo R WRC was officially unveiled at the launch of the rally team in Monte Carlo. The Volkswagen Polo R WRC was previewed by the Polo WRC Street concept shown at the VW Group-organised GTI Treffen event in Worthersee, Austria, in May. The high-performance, front-wheel drive hatch has hardly been changed for production. Under the bonnet is the turbocharged and supercharged 2.0 TSI petrol engine found in the Golf GTI. In this Polo, the powerplant produces 217bhp and 258lb ft torque. The car's weight hasn't been confirmed, although Volkswagen's development boss Ulrich Hackenberg – who has driven the car during hot weather testing in South America – said that the Polo R WRC made use of some lightweight materials. Hackenberg also confirmed that the Polo R WRC was built to assist with the homologation of the rally machine. The design of the competition Polo must be follow the road car version in certain key areas. Equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, the Polo R WRC can sprint from 0-62mph in 6.4sec, and hit a top speed beyond 150mph. The performance of the Polo R WRC should surpass that of its hot supermini rivals, such as the forthcoming Ford Fiesta ST and the class-leading Renaultsport Clio. The car rides on 18in alloys and 215/35 R 18 rubber. The motorsport-inspired interior features WRC-badge seat covers, an Alcantara steering wheel, black roof liner and racing-style pedals. The exterior gets 'WRC' badging on the rear and 'R' logos front and rear, while the white and blue/grey livery ties in with the Polo WRC competition car. Just 2500 examples of the Polo R WRC will be built, and the car will only be available in left-hand drive. Advance orders will start on 11 December, with deliveries scheduled to start in September 2013. The car will cost €33,900. Volkswagen UK hasn't decided whether it will officially import a limited number of cars, although it is assessing potential interest. |
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