WRC : New Polo unveiled

VOLKSWAGEN TODAY (THURSDAY) LAUNCHED A SPORTY-LOOKING SECOND GENERATION OF ITS POLO R WRC WITH WHICH IT WILL CHALLENGE FOR A HAT-TRICK OF DRIVERS’ AND MANUFACTURERS’ TITLES IN THE 2015 FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP.

The German squad is the last of the major teams to unveil the car with which it will launch its campaign at Rallye Monte-Carlo (22 - 25 January).

The most noticeable aspect is its revised livery. The front half has changed from white to dark blue, while white and light blue stripes merge into a white rear, which sports a new wing.

The biggest technical innovation is the hydraulic gearbox, which new regulations mean can be operated by a paddle shift on the steering column.

Many of the carryover components from the 2014 car have been fine-tuned with the aim of making the package simpler, lighter and stronger.

Sébastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala completed their final testing for Monte-Carlo this week and double world champion Ogier is confident the new Polo R will be as successful as its predecessor.

“We have done a lot of testing and we drivers have worked very closely with the engineers,” he said. “We put a lot of effort into developing the new paddle shift, which represents real progress.

“It will be exciting to see how we fare against other teams. The tests have gone well so far, our engineers have done a good job,” said Ogier.

Andreas Mikkelsen will remain in the 2014 car for the first four rounds. His first appearance in the 2015 version will be at Vodafone Rally de Portugal (21 - 21 May).

Source - www.wrc.com

Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE Concept

Volkswagen ‘Cross Coupe GTE’ concept was showcased at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)

The two row five-seater uses a V6 plug-in hybrid drive-train which combines the 3.6 litre FSI engine with two electric motors to produce a maximum output of 355 horsepower. These dual electric generators which source from a compact lithium-ion battery, each power a wheel set – the front or rear and can fuel the car exclusively as an EV for 20 miles when in the e-mode drive type. 

The four other modes are hybrid, GTE, off-road and battery hold/charge, work in sync with the selected driving profiles: snow, sport, on-road and off-road.

The Cross Coupe GTE’s powerful exterior design is characterized by a clear and logical line structure and is 190.9 inches long, 79.9 wide and 68.3 high. This upscaled appearance gives the SUV a confident stance, which is increased by the precise edges of the long hood and the lowered wheelarches. The car’s physical presence is complemented by features such as the neat air inlet and radiator grille, as well as the LED dual headlights that generate a low beam.

The interior reflects strong influences from the german bauhaus movement. The combination of gloss black applications with the seamlessly integrated displays and chrome elements, complement with the elegant bi-color and ink blue nappa leather seats and borders. by enhancing technology, the 10.1 inch infotainment touchscreen that governs most of the car’s features, can also be controlled to make a more intuitive driving experience.

WRC : Ogier tests Volkswagen Polo R WRC for Rallye Monte-Carlo 2015

SEBASTIEN OGIER TESTING VOLKSWAGEN POLO R WRC FOR RALLYE MONTE-CARLO 2015

Ogier tests the new Polo R WRC for the 2015 season

Watch Sebastien Ogier testing Volkswagen Polo R WRC for WRC Rallye Monte-Carlo 2015.

2015 FIA WRC Calender

All rallies in the 2014 schedule were confirmed for next year by the FIA World Motor Sport Council at its meeting in Beijing, with some significant date changes in the first part of the season.

“We’re delighted to confirm the 2015 calendar and to retain all 13 rounds for next season. The breadth of events geographically ensures a truly global championship,” said WRC Promoter’s managing director, Oliver Ciesla.

“We’ve again blended a mix of classic events that date back to the championship’s origins with newer, but firmly established, rallies. All will offer a challenging variety of roads and conditions to ensure that WRC will provide the ultimate all-round test of driving ability,” Ciesla added.

Here is the schedule for the 2015 FIA World Rally Championship

Round	Rally	Dates
1	Monte-Carlo	22 - 25 January
2	Sweden	12 - 15 February
3	Mexico	05 - 08 March
4	Argentina	16 - 19 April
5	Portugal	21 - 24 May
6	Italy	11 - 15 June
7	Poland	02 - 05 July
8	Finland	30 July - 02 August
9	Germany	20 - 23 August
10	Australia	10 - 13 September
11	France	01 - 04 October
12	Spain	22 - 25 October
13	Great Britain	12 - 15 November

Ogier wins Wales Rally...And its Goodbye Hirvonen!!

World Champion Sebastien Ogier comfortably scored his eighth win of the season in the Wales Rally GB. Ogier in his Volkswagen Polo R remained unchallenged after his team mate Jari Matti Latvala, who looked promising on the opening day before he crashed mid way in the opening stage.

Mikko Hirvonen had an emotional end to his career after he finished in the second place.

Here are the Top five timings in the Wales Rally GB after the Power Stage.

1. Ogier (VW): 3:03:08.2

2. Hirvonen (Ford): 37.6

3. Ostberg (Citroen): 1m03.6s

4. Neuville (Hyundai): 1m14.9s

5. Evans (Ford): 1m24.3s

Ogier after winning:

"The win is the best way to finish the year - that was the target. We wanted to enjoy it here. We started flat-out and we made a great difference, but after Jari-Matti had his problem my race changed and I had to control it. Not the best fun but I had to do it. When the conditions are like this it's not too bad. I'm so happy for Mikko to finish on the podium. It's a great achievement."

Hirvonen after finished on the podium in his last Rally:

"I'm so happy! I couldn't have a better end to my career. A great fight. For sure I am going to miss things. There are so many people to thank. To you all - thank you!"

Jari-Matti Latvala won the rally-closing Power Stage in a Polo R to take maximum bonus points. Thierry Neuville claimed two points for second in a Hyundai i20, with Østberg taking one point for third.

VW will bring the 2015 Golf R 400 Concept to the L.A. Auto Show

Volkswagen unveiled the Golf R 400 Concept at the Beijing auto show earlier this year. And from news, it is clear that Volkswagen are bringing their famous hatch to the Los Angeles Auto Show.

To refresh the new version of the legendary car, the R 400 features a Haldex 5 AWD system  and a turbo-boosted 2.0-litre engine. The standard Golf R makes a healthy 292 horsepower. The extra hundred ponies on the R 400 are able to push the German icon to 60 mph in under four seconds.

VW claims 3.9 seconds, which puts it on terms with a 2014 Corvette Stingray. The Vette makes more power than the R 400, but the Golf uses all four wheels to move the much lesser weighted body.

The gearbox is a seven-speed DSG , the interior is laced with carbon, and two center-exit pipes protrude from the rear. In terms of looks, the Golf R 400 is aces, resplendent in silver with lemon-yellow accents.

All about the Volkswagen Cross Polo

The Cross Polo has the same sheet metal similar to that of its earlier version but you will see a matte black band of plastic tightly holding the lower section of this car. Also you will see new front and rear bumpers, 5 spoke alloy wheels, stylish silver roof rails, new chrome grill, silver painted mirrors, moulded covers for wheel arches, halogen headlamps with a black finish and 'Cross Polo' decals on the rear doors in the new Cross Polo. All these upgrades give a much cooler look to the Cross Polo. Length is increased 17mm, width by 16mm and height by 21mm and also it has put on 10kg of weight.

The interiors of the Cross Polo get a titanium black upholstery. The steering wheel, handbrake lever and the gear shift knob are all wrapped in leather. There is a sunglass holder in the glove box and also it has front door storage compartments.

The Cross Polo has a 'Climatronic' automatic air conditioning system with dust and pollen filter. It has a multifunction display (MFD) , an adjustable steering wheel, a music system with USB, auxiliary input, sd card, bluetooth and 4 speakers.

It will be available in three colours: flash red, reflex silver and deep pearl black.

Passenger safety has been given more importance in the Cross Polo. It has ABS, dual air bags, high mounted third brake light, fog lamps and front and rear emergency exits.

Specs:

Engine:

Fuel :      Diesel
Installation :  Front, transverse
Type :     3cyls, 1199cc, common-rail, turbo diesel
Power :   74bhp at 4200rpm
Torque :   18.3kgm at 2000rpm
Transmission
Gearbox :    5-speed manual

Dimensions:

Length :     3987mm
Width  :     1698mm
Height :     1474mm
Wheel base :    2456mm
Ground clearance :   168mm

Chassis & Body:

Wheels :    15-inch alloy
Tyres  :      185/60R15

Fuel:

Tank size :   45 litres
Economy : 13.5 kmpl

Price: Rs 7.75 lakhs (ex showroom Delhi )