2017 Polo Gti WRC
Volkswagen is expected to rename its 2017 WRC
contender to make it more relevant to its road cars. Autocar reports that an
official close to VW chairman Herbert Diess says the new rally car will be
dubbed the Polo GTi, rather than the Polo R WRC used during the 2013, 2014,
2015 and 2016 seasons.
In this way, the brand will be able to draw clear
parallels between it and the upcoming next-generation Polo GTi street car, even
though the two will share very few parts.
Beyond its new name, the 2017 racer will boast a
host of performance improvements in line with updated FIA regulations for the
sport. Power from the 2.0-liter turbo four will rise to around 380 hp, weight
will drop and numerous aero parts, including flared arches and a towering rear
wing, will adorn the vehicle's exterior.
