You may think of the Volkswagen Caddy as a workhouse van or a people carrier, but the German company believes the compact-sized model is also great for racing. In fact, the Caddy Racer has been competing in the Volkswagen Racing Cup since 2004. The introduction of the redesigned Caddy series last year brought a newer competition version that was unveiled today at the Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s NEC in the UK.
The latest addition to the 2011 Volkswagen Racing Cup grid features the same exterior changes as the rest of the Caddy models such as the new front fascia. However, the most important upgrades are hidden under the body with the most significant change over the previous model being the replacement of the 2.0-liter diesel with a 2.0-litre petrol engine that develops 270-horsepower.
All that power is channeled to the front wheels through a six-speed Volkswagen Racing quick shift gearbox. Furthermore, the rear axle has been uprated to the multi-link system found in the road-going Golf to improve the racing van’s handling characteristics.
The latest iteration of the Caddy Racer will hit the tarmac for the first time at the season opener of the 2011 Volkswagen Racing Cup on April 25 at Oulton Park. The championship includes numerous circuits around the UK, such as Snetterton, Brands Hatch, and Donington Park, while it also incorporates a trip to Zandvoort in the Netherlands, before the season finale at Silverstone in October.
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