Volkswagen has revealed its new-look 570-hp four-wheel drive powerhouse for the FIA World Rallycross Championship (WRX)
The car showcases a new strategic partnership between Volkswagen R, home of Volkswagen’s most powerful and sporty production models, the PSRX Volkswagen Sweden team, and Volkswagen Motorsport.
The new exterior makes this year’s Polo R Supercar easy to distinguish from its predecessor.
“The most important changes compared to last year’s model have been made at the front of the car,” explained Fabrice van Ertvelde, technical project manager for Volkswagen in the WRX.
The engine cooling has also been redesigned, with an emphasis on aerodynamics. This will make the 2018 Polo R Supercar far more efficient, Volkswagen believes. A new rear wing has been designed, creating more downforce and allowing a wide range of new setup options. According to Volkswagen, great attention to detail was also paid in developing what goes on under the bonnet of the Polo, making it ideally equipped for the short, close and spectacular races in the FIA World Rallycross Championship.
The Supercar was unveiled by Volkswagen Motorsport director Sven Smeets, PSRX team principal Pernilla Solberg and Jost Capito, managing director of Volkswagen R. Reigning Rallycross world champion Johan Kristoffersson and team owner and Rallycross superstar Petter Solberg were also present.
“There is no question about it, the new season promises to be very exciting. The opposition, particularly Audi and Peugeot, will do everything in their power to take our title,” said Smeets. “Our goal is obviously to provide Johan and Petter with a good car, which will allow them to challenge for the world title. I am confident that we will achieve this, and that the new partnership with Volkswagen R will give us even more power.”
Kristoffersson, who starts the season with the world champion’s number 1 on his car, added: “The initial tests with the new Polo R Supercar have been very good. The guys have done a magnificent job. As world champion, I am obviously particularly under pressure – but I don’t mind that. On the contrary, I am looking forward to some spectacular and hopefully exciting battles with the opposition.”
The new WRX season gets underway on April 14/15 in Barcelona.
