RE: VW confirms Polo R
Discussion
I've always bemoaned the fact that since the WRC spec took over from Group A, manufacturers were no longer obliged to make road-going versions of the competition cars. And with this Supermini phase that the WRC is going through, that meant just selling any bog-standard version of the model, not even with a 4WD offering to comply with regulations.
With that in mind, VW should be praised for making this. When was the last proper WRC-inspired road missile? Apart from the Focus RS, which is no longer in the WRC, I can't think of many.
With that in mind, VW should be praised for making this. When was the last proper WRC-inspired road missile? Apart from the Focus RS, which is no longer in the WRC, I can't think of many.
Crow555 said:
I've always bemoaned the fact that since the WRC spec took over from Group A, manufacturers were no longer obliged to make road-going versions of the competition cars. And with this Supermini phase that the WRC is going through, that meant just selling any bog-standard version of the model, not even with a 4WD offering to comply with regulations.
With that in mind, VW should be praised for making this. When was the last proper WRC-inspired road missile? Apart from the Focus RS, which is no longer in the WRC, I can't think of many.
+1With that in mind, VW should be praised for making this. When was the last proper WRC-inspired road missile? Apart from the Focus RS, which is no longer in the WRC, I can't think of many.
Those bemoaning the weight, it's a similar weight and power output to the early Evos and that didn't do them any harm in terms of outright speed and handling.
OK, VW don't have the best reputation for making delicious driving weapons, but they can do it so maybe this'll see them on a good day?
Edited by loudlashadjuster on Thursday 23 January 13:10
)Axionknight said:
I wonder what it weights and how the 4WD is set up? I bet it's a proper porker and if the 4WD is 50/50 split then to me it's just another fat, ugly VAG pudding.
Pass.
Makes you laugh this place doesnt it.Pass.
Ford to make Focus RS with 300 BHP and FWD. PH says it will be rubbish, should have made it 4WD.
VAG to make Polo R with 250 BHP and 4WD. PH says it will be lardy and rubbish and the 4WD will be pants.
hondansx said:
Well, it's interesting to note that the Polo GTI weighs 200kg less than the new Golf GTI and 300kg less than the new Golf R. Considering the drivetrain change will be more substantial (bigger engine as well as the haldex and associated parts), i would say you're looking at the weight of the Golf GTI all up.
When you take into consideration drivetrain losses, i'd therefore say it is about neck and neck performance-wise with the Golf GTI. The temptation of course is that the Golf R runs the same engine at 300bhp...
So the sensible option is to buy a polo R, map it to 300bhp, and you've got the lighter 4wd hatch the golf R should have been!When you take into consideration drivetrain losses, i'd therefore say it is about neck and neck performance-wise with the Golf GTI. The temptation of course is that the Golf R runs the same engine at 300bhp...
Props to VW to building something that at least 'resembles' a current WRC car, but the 2.0 engine confuses me 
Yes it would be a fairly simple parts bin exercise to shoehorn/re-engineer Golf R S3 running gear, but it does not reflect what the rest of the market are doing with their superminis and the tentative link to WRC... If indeed Autocar are right (and as we know they have been known to get the wrong end of the stick sometimes), then it should be a little monster with the 2.0 motor!
Yes it would be a fairly simple parts bin exercise to shoehorn/re-engineer Golf R S3 running gear, but it does not reflect what the rest of the market are doing with their superminis and the tentative link to WRC... If indeed Autocar are right (and as we know they have been known to get the wrong end of the stick sometimes), then it should be a little monster with the 2.0 motor!
Krikkit said:
Axionknight said:
I wonder what it weights and how the 4WD is set up? I bet it's a proper porker and if the 4WD is 50/50 split then to me it's just another fat, ugly VAG pudding.
Pass.
It'll be the usual Haldex system like all the transverse AWD VAG cars. Sounds like it could be a riot though, 250hp in a Polo? Yum.Pass.
Not saying it won't be an ok car, but can't really see what the fuss is. If you want this kind of end package just pick up an older Golf R32/4Motion now and save a packet.
300bhp/ton said:
Well 250hp in a Polo that is now the size and weight of Golfs of the past.
Not saying it won't be an ok car, but can't really see what the fuss is. If you want this kind of end package just pick up an older Golf R32/4Motion now and save a packet.
Mk4 R32 weighs 200kg more than this and has less powerNot saying it won't be an ok car, but can't really see what the fuss is. If you want this kind of end package just pick up an older Golf R32/4Motion now and save a packet.
Mk5 300kg more and same power, but less torque
Not really the same package at all... And the engine in the Polo R will be much more tuneable. You won't need a £5000 supercharger kit to see the good side of 300hp.
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