Did you know ? There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes at \every round of the World Rally Championship (WRC). Having spent some time with Volkswagen Motorsport in Trier at Rally Germany, we got some insights into the goings-on on a Rally weekend.
1. The Polo R WRC makes 318 PS and 430 Nm from a turbocharged 1.6-litre four cylinder petrol engine.
2. To save weight, the sponsor logos are now the stick-on adhesive kind and are not painted on
3. A six-speed sequential racing gearbox drives all four wheels via a ZF double disc sintered metal clutch.
4. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h can be achieved in as low as 3.9 seconds; top speed is just 200 km/h — agility is top priority
5. With a minimum weight of 1,200 kg, the power to weight ratio is 265 PS/tonne
6. Cars are packed in containers, minus the tyres, when travelling between rounds to make for easier logistics
7. Quick service? Team mechanics can replace suspension units in four minutes and a gearbox in just 11 minutes
8. Safety note teams drive the stages before the competitors to ascertain the type of tarmac and any changes in terrain or even weather.
9. Asphalt rally tyres are hard compound and run an asymmetrical tread pattern to off‰er maximum traction and durability.
10. The stick shift lever has made way for steering mounted paddle shiftˆers
Engine
TypeStraight-four engine with turbocharger and intercooling, transversally mounted in front of the front axle
Displacement 1,600 cc
Power output 234 kW (318 hp) at 6,250 rpm
Torque 430 Nm at 5,000 rpm
Bore / stroke 83,0 mm / 73,8 mm
Air restrictor 33 mm (FIA regulation)
Power transmission
GearboxSequential, six-speed racing gear box, transversally mounted, hydraulicallyactivated, paddle on the steering
Gearbox Final drivePermanent four-wheel drive with equal torque split between the front andrear axles, multi-plate limited-slip differentials, front and rear
ClutchHydraulically actuated double-disk sintered metal clutch from ZF
Chassis/suspension
Front/rearMcPherson struts, dampers from ZF
Suspension travelapprox. 180 mm on tarmac, approx. 275 mm on gravel
SteeringServo-assisted rack and pinion steering
Braking systemVentilated disc brakes (front Ø 355 mm and rear Ø 350 mm on asphalt,front and rear Ø 300 mm on gravel),aluminium brake callipers (four callipers, front and rear)
Dimensions and weight
Length / width / height 3,998 / 1,820 / 1,356 mm
Track width1,610 mm
Wheelbase2,480 mm
Minimum weight1,200 kg
Performance
Acceleration 0–100 km/h in approx. 3.9 seconds
Top speed200 km/h
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