The aborted Polo "R25"

[dxg]

Ok, so this is something interesting I've dug up.

Backstory is:

1)
Some guy visting the "VW Museum" (don't know what this is) at Wolfsburg - so presumably it's part of VW itself. Visit took place at the end of July.

2)
Spots this kitted Polo in the corner and asks what it is.

3)
Is told it was "shown to the VW bosses a week ago" who didn't like it and cancelled it there and then.

Apparently it was called the Polo R25 (might have been R23). Supposed to have just been a body kit on the car on display, but the mechanics were planned to be something new. Part of the rationale for aborting its development was the late stage of the current Polo design anyway. So maybe the pics can cast hints towards bumper mouldings, skirts, wheels (off the Dune) and wheel arch extensions for the GTI (if the the headlights and radiator grille are the main focus of the facelift)...




Anyone want to head out to Wolfsburg to check it out?!

(But what could the 25 represent? - I can't think of a current VW engine that could support that designation)...

Deek.

[des_pd_ tdi]

(But what could the 25 represent? - I can't think of a current VW engine that could support that designation)...

Deek.

I have an idea. When VW first developed the 9n they tested it with the 2.3 V5, essentially a VR6 with one cylinder lopped off. Basically they could have re-bored the engine block and increased it's capacity to 2.5 litres. Essentially the same engine job they did to the V6 2.9 > R32.

Now VW pulled the plug on this engine ever making it into production because it was too heavy for the 9n chassis.

Hope this helps.

Des

Derek where do you get this information? I amazed

[Speedlaw]

Looks good! Sad to hear it's been cancelled...

The location would be Autostadt, the VW museum @ Wolfsburg. Definitely part of VW, right next to the headquarters, test tracks and assembly plants.

It's actually about 400 km away from me but I don't feel like driving that far by myself. Perhaps we should organise a trip next year? Anyway. Good find!

[KarlM]

They have allsorts at that museum - theres even a R32 powered mk5 there as well as a stretch mk2 Golf. I think its used as a store house for one of all the concepts

I would definatly be interested in a trip there if someone was organising it. I think VW Wolfsburg may be quite accomadating as well (like they were to Golf+ mag when they went) because of our new affiliation with VW UK.

on a seperate note - how cool is that front bumper! I hope we see some replicas..

Also the R25 tag could just be a concept name, not related to anything in particular (we could be reading too far into it) the Pheaton was refered to as the D1 before that was released.