If the upcoming demise of the Ford Fiesta ST in the US is any indication, then quit dreaming right now about Volkswagen bringing its Polo GTI stateside. It's just not going to happen. Never. But there's still a chance for Polo GTI wannabe owners to get behind the wheel of one, and it's called the Polo GTI R5. Volkswagen has just released this sneak preview of its upcoming rally racer, which is based on the new Polo GTI. Only this mere teaser sketch image was sent out, but FIA World Rally Championship-approved hatch looks wicked cool.

Power will more than like come courtesy of VW's familiar turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with direct fuel injection, and will produce an impressive 270 hp. VW claims it's been working on the car for the past year and it'll debut sometime later in 2018. "With the Polo GTI R5 we are hoping to transfer our expertise from four WRC titles to customer racing successfully, and offer a first-class racing machine for countless rally championships from national series to the WRC," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets. "Before the first race outing next year, we will subject the Polo GTI R5 to rigorous testing to make sure it is prepared for the extremely varied track conditions around the world."

Other notable Polo GTI R5 features will include four-wheel drive, sequential five-speed racing transmission and a comprehensive safety package. VW adds that the GTI R5 will provide racing teams the opportunity to compete in national, regional and international championships with a cost-effective and powerful little rally car.