Volkswagen offers us a glimpse of things to come in the next WRC season, releasing a teaser sketch of its new weapon.
The company has been working on the new Polo R WRC since 2015, with the new FIA regulations allowing them to increase the output of the turbocharged engine up to 380hp, around 60hp more than before.
The new contender will also be 50 mm wider and 2 5kg lighter thanks to the greater freedom granted by the FIA in a bid to reignite the interest for the highest class of rallying in the world.
“The 2017 regulations include many spectacular technical innovations for the World Rally Championship,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. “(The cars) will be considerably more dynamic, whilst at the same time being safer. The key between now and the start of next season is to achieve the best possible prerequisites to allow the 2017 Polo R WRC to be as successful as its two predecessors.”
The teams are allowed to use an electronic center differential for the power transmission of the rally cars. One of the most prominent visual changes for the 2017 VW Polo R WRC will be the larger rear wing and the broader front spoiler, courtesy of the bigger aerodynamic freedom the teams now enjoy.
Are these changes going to be enough? We only have to wait until 2017 to find out.
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