Report - Volkswagen considering new 'R' variant for Polo

12/10/2014 - 16:53 | ,   | Aravind Jayachandran

To have turbocharged engine, 7-speed gearbox and AWD.

Volkswagen is considering to produce a more-powerful "R" variant for the compact Polo as well as the midsize Passat sedan.

Basking on the success of the 300hp+ Golf R, Volkswagen's head of powertrain development, Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser, told Motoring Australia in an interview that "R" variants for other models in the range are being considered for production.

VW Polo R WRC road car
The R version would be a step further than the GTI.

This is not the first time however that VW have tried introducing the R badge on its other models. Earlier this year, Volkswagen announced a limited edition 217-bhp Polo R WRC Street Edition to celebrate their success at WRC. But, despite the model's positive reaction, only 2,500 units were made, while the previous generation Passat was available in an "R36" variant that was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine taken straight out of the Touareg's engine line-up.

Other models in the pipeline include an estate variant of the Golf R, which was recently spotted testing around the Nürburgring. All R models are expected to come with Volkswagen's 4-MOTION all-wheel-drive system and a slick 7-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox.

Also Read: VW Golf R-400 Concept unveiled at Auto China 2014

The Polo R might feature a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine whereas the Passat R could be powered by a turbocharged V6 engine.

[Source - Motoring.com.au]

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