VW Motorsport India reveals Polo RX racer on 10th anniversary

Volkswagen Motorsport India is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. To mark this occasion, it has revealed a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive Polo RX race car at the Madras Motor Race Track.

During the winter break, the Volkswagen Motorsport decided to build a 'Winter Project' car that was beyond all racing regulations. It has a rear-mounted 1.8-litre, turbocharged petrol engine from the Ameo Cup race car, which is paired with a sequential gearbox with paddle shifters with power being sent to the rear wheels. The intercooler for the engine is positioned under the rear seat, while the fuel tank is located in the front. The car also has custom designed cooling ducts and ancillaries as well as a revised suspension setup.

The Winter Project car is a one-off build for track use. However, since it does not comply with any racing regulations, it cannot be used for competitive purposes. Volkswagen could adapt the car to meet autocross, circuit racing or rally regulations in the future.

Volkswagen introduced the Polo Cup one-make series in 2010. In 2012, the Polo Cup cars were upgraded with 128 BHP diesel and 178 BHP 1.4-litre petrol (TSI) engines with manual and DSG transmissions respectively. In 2015, these cars made way for the Vento Cup cars. In 2017, Volkswagen Motorsport launched the Ameo Cup series powered by a 1.8-litre, TSI engines with 202 BHP and sequential gearboxes. In the same year, Volkswagen set up a completely localised race shop at its Chakan plant.