Golf GTI

Make
Volkswagen
Segment
Hatchback

Last month Volkswagen showed off a teaser image of its then upcoming Polo GTI R5 for global rallying. Only three weeks later and that teaser has morphed into official images. Meet the WRC-bound Polo GTI R5, a 272-hp, four-wheel drive little demon of a thing. Of course, the road legal Polo GTI it's based on is not sold in the US, which is kind of a shame. Powering the R5 is the familiar turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with direct fuel injection.

Total torque is rated at 295 lb-ft while the sole gearbox offering is a close-stepped, sequential, five-speed racing unit. VW claims a 0-62 mph time of just 4.1 seconds. Total weight: 2,910 lbs. While the four-door, steel chassis continues to serve as the assembly basis, it's been strengthened, in accordance with FIA regulations, with a role cage and other safety components. VW claims it's been testing prototypes since the beginning of the year, on both asphalt and gravel surfaces. FIA homologation will take place next summer and the first deliveries to customer sports teams, as well as the first competitive outings, will happen in the second half of 2018.