Volkswagen Unveils Angry Rally-Going Version Of The Polo GTI

Volkswagen has unveiled an extreme version of the Polo GTI called the Polo GTI R5.

The four-wheel drive rally car, which is based on the sixth and latest generation of the new Polo, is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine kicking out 272 hp and 400 Nm of torque, paired to a close-ratio 5-speed sequential racing gearbox.

Weighing at 1,320 kg, the Polo GTI R5, which is also fitted with a permanent four-wheel drive system, is capable of sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds.  

According to Volkswagen, the four-door steel chassis which serves as the basis for the assembly, is manufactured at the production plant in Pamplona, Spain and comes strengthened with a roll cage and other safety components.

Yet to be homologated, the first deliveries of the Polo GTI R5 to customer sports teams and first competitive outings are planned for the second half of 2018.

"Presenting the new Polo GTI R5 to the public was a magnificent moment," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets.

"Over the coming months, the Polo GTI R5 must prove itself in a series of tough scenarios, in order to ensure that it can build on the success of its predecessor in the customers' hands," he said.