Volkswagen Motorsport India to start testing of Rally-Spec Polo R2

The Polo R2, a specially developed rally car by Volkswagen Motorsport India, will be tested at the IMS K-1000 Rally at Bangalore with the help of Karamjit Singh. Volkswagen Motorsport India has developed the first prototype of the rally-spec version with the aim of promoting their association with Indian motorsport.

The 2014 Indian Rally Championship will see Karamjit, who has been a multi-APRC title holder and a driver for Team Slideways Industries, compete in a new category that will be introduced by the FMSCI in IRC. The rally spec car will first be put to the test at the Chikmanglur rally, scheduled to happen in December 2013 but only after proving its mettle at the upcoming IMS K-1000 rally.

Powered by a four cylinder 1.6-litre MPI petrol engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission, the Polo R2 produces about 130bhp of power. There are many other modifications made to the car which includes Reiger Suspension and 285mm front disc and 255mm rear disc Alcon brakes. The car boasts of 15-inch alloys with JK rally tyres. The other features include an aerodynamic body kit, rear spoiler, a roof vent and stripped interiors. The car is also packed with a host of safety features like FIA-spec roll-cage, fire extinguisher system and OMP rally seats with six-point harness for the driver and navigator.

Mahesh Kodumudi, President and Managing Director, Volkswagen India Private Limited, said about the development, “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 Polo R2 is our next step in showcasing the capabilities of the car.”