The third-generation Volkswagen Polo is not an iconic car. It was an interesting utility, and at the time it was one of the most technically advanced. It did not stand out aesthetically, it shared a platform and mechanics with the second-generation SEAT Ibiza, and it received a facelift in 1999. Its most high-performance version was a 120 CV GTI, which passed unnoticed in the small sports car market. , loaded with much spicier options. Like is logic, We couldn’t blame you for thinking that the Polo in the photo is just another Polo.
In fact, you might think you’re seeing a slightly “brown” Volkswagen Polo. It is a three-door unit from the year 1995, and aesthetically it has a neglected appearance. Its paint is not in good condition and the matte appearance of its hood and front bumper is striking, clearly in keeping with the rest of the car. The grille is worn and is painted in red, while it mounts some wheels that are not standard, if not aftermarket. A simple-looking twin-tail exhaust pipe peeks out from under the bumper.
The car is for sale in New Zealand where it drives on the left. Hence its right-hand drive.
The front bumper isn’t stock, but the cabin is, featuring the classic “fun” patterned cloth upholstery found on many cars sold in 1995. However, the observant petrolhead would start to see things. … that don’t add up. For example, perforated brakes with four-piston calipers on the front axle, or large radiators under the front bumper. What surely no one would expect is find the engine of an Audi S4 under its hood.
It is not the first time that someone has swapped a VR6 engine in a Volkswagen Polo, and there are even conversions with eight-cylinder engines. But I promise you it’s the first time I’ve seen a Volkswagen Polo with a 4.2 liter V8 engine… in transverse front position. In silver: we are looking at a utility with 340 horsepower and front-wheel drive. Its five-speed manual gearbox comes from a Volkswagen Golf VR6 and, as is logical – and necessary – it has an OBX self-locking differential on the front axle.
The really amazing thing is that a huge V8 fits under the hood. The battery had to be relocated to the trunk.
The electronics is custom, like its flywheel or engine supports. The threaded suspension is adjustable and the car retains power steering.. Its gearbox is of short developments: at 100 km/h, the engine rotates at 2,100 rpm. The engine has a lot of torque and in addition to a sports air filter, it has an 81 mm diameter intake butterfly, compared to the original 65 mm. To the front wheels, the engine delivers 291 hp. Without friction losses, we would speak of about 340 CV at the output of the crankshaft.
Car weighs 1,080 kilos, has demonic performance, and is fully approved to drive on the road. If you want it, it’s for sale on the Trade Me platformit costs 10,000 New Zealand dollars, and you will have to go look for it on the other side of the world.
