There are far too many reasons to list why so many people are addicted to the World Rally Championship, but if you insist, then maybe this video of Sebastien Ogier test driving the new Volkswagen Polo WRC in Finland will provide some answers.
The race-prepped Polo is currently undergoing development ahead of its WRC premiere in the 2013 season.
The Polo WRC packs a 1.6-liter turbocharged TSI engine that delivers a maximum output of about 300 HP and 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft) of torque. Weight is limited to 1,200 kg (2,645 pounds) and power is transferred to all four wheels via a racing sequential gearbox.
7 Comments:
Watching this i get even more mad at my beloved Lancia... instead of conquering the wolrd of rally once more they are too busy rebadging Chryslers...
Anyway, congrats VW!
But it is still wearing a Skoda badge!?!?!
Actually, at 1:32 you see the car with the Skoda badge which is a different car from some of the other takes.
Are we actually seeing the Fabia in some takes and the actual new Polo in others?
It would be hard to dispute that rally drivers are not the most skilled and fearless drivers in the racing world.
No, there are two cars seen in the video. The person that filmed the clip says Skoda was also in Finland testing the Fabia S2000 (group synergies...)
I don't really like to rule change that allowed them to modify the wheel wells with those big open arches. These cars are supposed to be based on the production model, with a whole host of rules and limitations designed to keep them as close as possible to the production cars. Opening up the wheel wells like that makes them look like a completely different car, the kind of thing you see on purpose built off-road racers. Doubtless it makes it easier for the engineers and mechanics to make their clearances with suspension and wheel changes during races, nevertheless it's moving away from the spirit of WRC.
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