Volkswagen Unveils Polo R WRC and R-Line at Frankfurt
Volkswagen introduced the Polo R WRC rally car and a new Polo R-Line trim at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, signalling fresh performance and styling directions for the popular supermini.
Volkswagen pulled the covers off two new Polo variants at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show: the Polo R WRC, a full-blooded rally car set for the 2013 World Rally Championship, and the Polo R-Line, a factory styling package for road-going models. Both made their public debut as part of Volkswagen’s renewed focus on performance and motorsport credentials in the supermini segment.
Polo R WRC: Volkswagen’s 300hp Rally Challenger
The Polo R WRC is Volkswagen’s entry for the 2013 World Rally Championship. Built to comply with FIA regulations, it features a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower, with power sent to all four wheels via a rally-spec transmission. This marks a substantial leap over the Polo GTI, which at the time offered 180hp from a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine and front-wheel drive.
Volkswagen’s decision to enter the WRC with the Polo R WRC follows the company’s previous success in cross-country rallying, notably with the Touareg in the Dakar Rally. The Polo R WRC signals a move to the top tier of international rallying, where it would compete against established rivals such as Ford and Citroën.
Polo R-Line: Sporty Looks for the Road
Alongside the WRC car, Volkswagen introduced the Polo R-Line trim. Unlike the GTI, the R-Line is a styling package available across a range of Polo engines. It includes 16-inch Mallory alloy wheels, unique bumpers, side sills, a roof spoiler, chrome tailpipes, R-Line badging, and LED licence plate lighting. Fog lights and daytime running lamps are also standard.
- Sports seats with Kyalami fabric or optional Alcantara/leather combination
- R-Line logos on headrests and door sills
- Aluminium-look pedals
Volkswagen confirmed the R-Line package would be offered with any engine in the Polo range for overseas markets from late 2011, though a European launch date was not announced at Frankfurt. The package targets buyers seeking the GTI’s visual appeal with broader engine choice and lower running costs.
Motorsport and Market Impact
The Polo R WRC’s unveiling marked Volkswagen’s commitment to factory-backed rallying, with the car set to debut in the 2013 season. For road car buyers, the R-Line trim expands the Polo’s appeal to those wanting a sportier look without the expense or insurance load of the GTI. The two launches together reinforced Volkswagen’s intent to blend motorsport pedigree with showroom offerings, a strategy echoed by rivals at the Frankfurt show.
For more on Volkswagen’s technology launches at Frankfurt, see the update on Volkswagen RNS 510 navigation gains voice control at Frankfurt.
