Motorsport is team sport – this frequently quoted statement applies to fielding the Race Touareg in the Dakar Rally as well as to pit stops in Formula 1.
But successful teamwork is of crucial importance at a much earlier stage, as the creation of the new racing version of the Polo GTI shows: It is being developed in Germany, built in Spain and fielded in Denmark.
“Volkswagen is represented around the globe with its cars. That’s why we’re pursuing an international strategy with our one-make cup as well,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. In line with this approach, not only the road-going Polo is being offered with variuous engines to suit customer wishes. In the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup, a 2-litre, 150-hp FSI engine is used as a powerplant, while in Turkey quick ladies rely on 130 hp delivered by a TDI unit.
A new addition to the programme: The powerful 180-hp turbo engine from the Polo GTI Cup Edition for the Danish series launched by the organisers of the Danish Touring Car Championship. “The 25 new Racing Polo cars are produced in Pamplona where the road cars are being built as well,” said Hans Marschall, Technical Project Manager at Volkswagen Motorsport. “Due to the close collaboration with the plant and suppliers a major portion of the car is already assembled on the line, where special parts for the racing version can be installed as well.” This simplifies the assembly process and reduces costs. “Entering professional racing has to remain an affordable proposition,” Kris Nissen stressed.
Technorati Tags: VW, Volkswagen, VW Polo, Polo Cup, Polo GTI, ADAC
