Since entering the sport in 2013, the Polo R WRC has won an incredible 34 times from just 39 rallies, taking all three championships in the process.
In spite of owning the series, though, Volkswagen has just announced a number of updates for 2016.
To improve on greatness, the German automaker has focused on improving its chassis. To do this, the front subframe has been strengthened as have the rear-axle wishbones for the gravel-spec Polo R WRC. Alongside these changes, VW has modified the pistons to ensure greater reliability of the high-revving, four-cylinder 318 hp powerhouse.
According to Volkswagen Motorsport director Jost Capito, “The opposition has not been sleeping and has modified its cars for the new season. So have we, of course: the changes to the Polo R WRC are basically fine-tuning and detailed improvements to make the world championship-winning car even better.”
A number of visual changes also distinguish the new car from the previous year's version.. For example, the front fascia has been changed with reshaped air intakes and a new livery combining bright blue with white accents.
For 2016, following the addition of a race in China, the calendar consists of 14 events and it kicks off on January 21-24 in Monte Carlo.