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The motorsport division at Volkswagen is using feedback from teams and drivers all over the world to improve its Polo GTI R5.
Based on findings from customer teams competing in a series of events ranging from the Arctic Circle, Africa, Europe and North and South America, VW has collected and analyzed data to further develop and update the vehicles current componentry to help maintain the success that the car has so far enjoyed. The 272PS four-wheel-drive hatchback will begin to receive modified and improved suspension parts in spring, with other new components to be introduced over the coming year.
Some customer teams are already using new chassis components, while a larger package of detailed improvements and parts will be delivered by VW in the coming months, all of which will be homologated for use in the FIA World Rally Championship, FIA European Rally Championship and other national competitions.
Francois-Xavier Demaison, technical director at Volkswagen Motorsport, commented, “If you are not moving forward, you are always moving backward in the world of motorsport. As such, it is hugely important to be constantly working on ideas and solutions for improved performance and durability.”
Sven Smeets, director of Volkswagen Motorsport, went on to say, “The success story of the Polo GTI R5 is overwhelming. In customer hands, it had already claimed more than 75 victories and 125 podium finishes by the end of 2019. It is not only the success of our customers that is important to us, but also their experience in a wide range of conditions – whether on asphalt, gravel, or ice and snow. Our engineers use this feedback to make detailed improvements and to ensure that the Polo GTI R5 remains successful.”
