Polo R2 evaluated by Volkswagen Motorsport India ahead of rally debut
Reports are coming in that Volkswagen Motorsport India are to start testing an R2 rally version of the Polo 6R. The car will be evaluated at the IMS K-1000 Rally in Bangalore, driven by Karamjit Singh. It is believed that the first prototype has been built, with Volkswagen Motorsport India aiming to promote its association with the country’s rallying series. The new car will compete in a new R2 category, which is to be introduced by the FMSCI in IRC. The car’s first full competitive event will be the Chikmanglur Rally next month.
The mechanical specification of the Indian Polo R2 will be similar to that of cars running in the South African National Rally Championship. A 1.6-litre engine will develop 130bhp and will be driven through a five-speed manual gearbox. Other modifications include Reiger suspension, 285mm front- and 255mm rear-disc brakes, 15-inch alloy wheels and JK rally tyres. An aerodynamic body kit, rear spoiler and roof vent mark out the exterior, while an FIA-specification roll cage, fire extinguisher and OMP rally-spec seats with six-point safety harnesses protect the driver and co-driver.
Singh, a driver for Slideways Industries – who already rally Polo 6Rs – will campaign the Indian Polo R2 in the 2014 Indian Rally Championship. ‘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 2014 Polo R2 is our next step in showcasing the real capabilities of the car,’ said Mahesh Kodumudi, President and Managing Director of Volkswagen India Private Limited.
[Source: CarWale.com]