Finally Volkswagen’s new World Rally Championship (WRC) contender is ready to see some action. Introduced in Monaco, the new Polo R WRC is now gearing up for its first official event in January next year to take on the new generation of small, 1.6 liter WRC cars.

Developed in collaboration with rally legend Carlos Sainz, Polo R WRC is powered by a 1.6 liter Turbocharged engine, like other world rally machines, developing 300 horsepower and mated to a six-speed sequential transmission. Such power in such small package makes for blistering performance.

Compared to the production Polo R, the WRC car is not only more powerful, it is wider and sports a fully rally body kit with front spoiler and big rear wing, among other bits and bobs. Despite the fact that it is a stripped-out racing car, Polo R WRC still weighs 1,200 kg because of the weapons-grade rally engine and powertrain.