New Polo R is VW’s WRC

Volkswagen has finally decided to enter the World Rally Championship. Its contender will be the factory-backed Polo R WRC, which was on display at the 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt.

What drew VW to the WRC was the change of rules by FIA for the 2011 season and onwards, which demand 1.6-liter turbocharged engines with direct injection, in order to keep up with the downsizing trend in road-going cars and lessen the development costs for the teams, thus drawing more competitors to the series.

The Polo-based rally car is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged TSI engine that delivers a maximum output of about 300 HP and 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft) of torque. Weight is limited to 1,200 kg (2,645 pounds) and power is transmitted to all four wheels via a racing sequential gearbox.

Of course, apart from the FIA-mandated safety features such as a roll cage the Polo R WRC also gets a modified body with wide wheel arches and aero bits.