Video Post: VW Polo R WRC teaser trailer

Add another to the 'Can not have' list...

As a rule of thumb I don't post very often with information about new models from VW, Audi or Porsche as told by press release, as I feel there are plenty of other places that do that and I don't need to stick my hat into that ring, so to speak. (is that a saying? I feel like I'm getting that wrong) I will however, break this slightly unofficial rule with the following letter to Volkswagen of America, regarding the new Polo GTI*.

* Not destined for the USA.



Dear Volkswagen of America,

Hey, how's it going? Been a while huh, what's new? Me, not too much, just sitting here thinking about how few new cars there are worth buying. Sure there's the Mk6 GTI, which is fantastic looking (aside from the Touareg rear tail lights), but it's a little big, expensive, you know, adult. I have to say...I've heard about the new Polo GTI, and as you may have guessed, I'm a little upset. What? Did you think we wouldn't hear about it? You think the internet would simply not report about the 7-speed DSG gearbox, the 177hp 1.4 twin-charged engine? Or the fact that it has the XDS limited slip differential from its big brother, the Mk6 GTI?

Don't even write back about how you're going to come out with some sort of special edition Jetta coupe for the suckers here in the states. It's going to suck, and suck hard. It will be large, heavy, boring, and probably offered with a lot of chrome trim. It'll be just like a GTi, but not as attractive, slower, and won't handle as well. I can hear the excuses for not selling the Polo already.

' Americans don't buy small cars, especially small hatch backs, and bringing the Polo would be too much of a risk. Look at the Rabbit Golf Rabbit Golf. It doesn't sell nearly as well as the sedans. Money Money money, etc etc etc...'

Well perhaps Americans don't buy lots of smaller cars, or at least not the smallest VWs in large quantities because Volkswagen hasn't SOLD a small car here since 1992. Sure the Mk3 isn't huge, but don't even come at me with saying that the Mk4 or any of the newer models are anything other than mid-sized. Not EVERYONE wants one of those heaps in the driveway. And in case you hadn't noticed, Toyota has moved a pretty good number of those Scion things, which are all pretty damn small compared to the Cadillacs you've been selling as compacts. I also hate to break it to you, but I see way more Honda Fits than I do Rabbits or Jettas. Don't get me started on the Yaris or Prius.

In closing, why don't you grow a pair and see the light like Ford has with their Fiesta? Maybe even throw one into the Rally America series with some serious bank behind and it and get some kids interested in the brand, you know, get them hooked early and all that. Trust me, you should bring it here. You can contact me directly at wolfsburgrs@gmail.com when you want to give me one for evaluation here in NYC. Maybe we can be friends after that.

Signed,

_WRS

P.S. - This car looks way more like the spiritual successor to the beloved Mk2 GTI 16v than the Mk6 GTI. It's a seriously handsome car, and you should sell it in the states.

A correction: That ain't no R32 drive train

You know how your mom told you not to believe everything you read? Well I should have not believed the Youtube info I read, and I now have to admit a mistake. That insane AME Polo? It does not, in fact, have an R32 motor stuffed under the hood. It is a 1.9 16v turbo. And it makes 1047hp. Let me repeat that. One point nine liters. With a turbo, four valves per cylinder. One thousand and forty seven horsepower.



I suppose I could have caught this had I read the specs listed on AME's website (they're a tuning / race shop in Berlin) or paid closer attention, but well, I didn't. (and the AME site does mention specs on the Polo with an R32 engine, and it certainly sounds like a VR6 in at least one of those clips) But regardless, thanks to helpful reader Marcus, from Germany, I am now fully informed about the tiny little Polo Mk1. I have to hand it to AME Rennsporttechnik. This has got to be one of the most impressive build specs I've ever seen when it comes to pure power in a tiny package.



The engine is based around a reinforced 1.9 TDI block, 86.4mm crank, AME 82.5mm pistons, longer H-beam high strength 160mm rods, cams, mechanical followers, a GT40R Garrett turbo, AME stand alone management and THIRTEEN fuel injectors. Plus the kitchen sink. That all adds up to 1047hp and 950Nm at 7734rpm, with 2.75 BAR boost. (40psi)



The shift point is all the way up at 9400rpm, and in 6th gear the tiny tin can will be going 300kph, at 9000rpm. So theoretically this car could easily top 300kph, which means it's bascially a 200mph Polo. Curb weight is almost exactly 2000lbs with a driver, 0-62 happens in 2.3 seconds, and it will be above 150mph before it gets to 10 seconds. Low 9 second in the 1/4 mile. Etc. That is seriously fast. Power is out through a TT Quattro gearbox and drivetrain, and probably broken quite often.



At least I got one thing right the last time. This car IS pure insanity!

_WRS

Video Post: Polo S1600 On Board

I know, I know. I'm slacking. I have excuses I swear, but I think the dog ate them.

I have a pretty cool post in the works on the A59 story follow up, but I need to get off my arse to get the facts all finished up. In the meantime however, enjoy one of my more favorite in-car videos from a Volkswagen Rally car.




Polo Super 1600, fast tarmac stage. What more could you want?

_WRS