Volkswagen Motorsport has always remained our favorite, now we learnt that the Indian wing of the said has developed “Polo R2”, a specially developed rally car, and will begin its testing during the upcoming IMS K-1000 Rally at Bangalore. Behind the wheels on test, it will be the Multi-APRC title holder Karamjit Singh, who has been driving for Team Slideways Industries. The Polo R2 will compete in a new category that will be introduced by FMSCI in the ‘Indian Rally Championship (IRC) 2014’.
More about the Polo R2, the vehicle is powered by a four cylinder 1.6-litre MPI petrol engine of 130 PS, mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. Other technical modifications to it include Reiger Suspension and uprated Alcon brakes (285mm front disc and 255mm rear disc). Meanwhile, the cosmetic changes conclude the Polo R2 package with aerodynamic body kit, rear spoiler, a roof vent and stripped interiors. On the safety front, FIA-spec roll-cage, fire extinguisher system and OMP rally seats with six-point harness for the driver and navigator added to work at the worst. And the 15-inch alloy wheels shoed with JK Rally tyres are one of the best pair in competition.
Commenting on this note, Prithviraj Siddappa, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport India, said “The first running in of the car has been done and the feedback has been good so far. Karamjit Singh has been driving the Group N Polo this season for which we have been providing technical and spares support at the rally stages. He will now move up to the R2 which is a more powerful car. His inputs are crucial for us in developing the car further and we hope to see some positive steps after the K-1000 Rally.”
Mahesh Kodumudi, President and Managing Director, Volkswagen India Private Limited, commented, “The Volkswagen Polo is a perfect example of German engineering. And when the engineering is right, it is always possible to extract more out of the car. Pushing the performance of the car to the limits and putting it through extreme driving will only bring out the Polo’s real potential. I believe that the Polo R2 is our next step in showcasing the capabilities of the car.”
