Volkswagen's Scorching Hot Polo R with 2.0-liter Turbo Confirmed for a Geneva Show Premiere

The people at Volkswagen see Renault’s and Peugeot’s bet with their new Clio RS and 208 GTi respectively, both of which are powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four with 197hp, and raise them by another 20-horsepower for a grand total of 217hp with the brand’s upcoming Polo R.

VW had previewed the car with the Polo R WRC Street concept at this year’s Wörthersee Tour in Austria back in May, confirming the launch of a production model in late 2013.

Now, the automaker’s R&D chief Ulrich Hackenberg has told Autocar magazine that the Polo R will make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2013.

Hackenberg added that while the ‘R’ wasn’t in VW’s original plans, the company decided to build it to support and promote the Polo’s entry in the World Rally Championship starting in 2013.

The Polo R will be powered by the 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine found in the outgoing Golf GTI Mk6 (among other cars, that is), rated in this application at 217-horsepower (220PS), or 10-horsepower more than the compact hatch.

An upgraded chassis that will include a mechanical limited-slip differential, along with the usual aero and styling parts, will round out the package.

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