Volkswagen’s 2017 WRC Contender To Be Dubbed Polo GTi

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.

By comparison, the next road-going Polo GTi, which is expected to debut next year, will have front-wheel drive and a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 189 hp.

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