Dramatic new look for World Rally Cars
FIA approves outline technical rules for 2017
Volkswagen's vision of the future
Designers at Volkswagen Motorsport have produced a concept drawing of how the manufacturer’s Polo R World Rally Car could look when new technical regulations are introduced into WRC next year.
The German squad is the first to give an insight into its thinking about the design of the new-generation 2017 cars, which promise a more dramatic and assertive look as well as increased power.
Volkswagen has been testing key 2017 components in the current Polo R chassis since August last year. Much of that work has been done by former world champion Marcus Grönholm, but current drivers Sébastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala are shortly expected to get their hands on the development car.
‘‘The 2017 WRC regulations include many spectacular technical innovations for the World Rally Championship,’’ said Volkswagen Motorsport director Jost Capito. ‘‘The World Rally Cars of the future will incorporate all the experience that teams have gained in recent years.
“They will be considerably more dynamic, whilst at the same time being safer. As usual, we are working painstakingly on the development of the next generation of the Polo R WRC. 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.”
Among the new regulations announced by the FIA in July last year were a new aerodynamic package, which will see cars become wider by about 50mm, with larger rear wings and bigger front and rear bumpers providing a striking new look.
An increase in the size of the turbo restrictor from 33mm to 36mm will see power rise to about 380bhp, while a 25kg weight reduction to 1175kg will further improve acceleration and top speed.
