PoloDriver » Events and shows

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2012 to all our readers and followers!

admin — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 08:08:25 +0000

AutoTweetUp, December 2011: event photo report

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:28:18 +0000

We first heard about AutoTweetUp in September. Founded by editor of Racing and Waiting magazine, Tim Hutton, the #AutoTweetUp series of events aims to bring together influential tweeters in and around the automotive industry for manufacturer tours, networking, social events and anything else that gets like-minded car people together. Tim’s first event was at the 7 Hotel Diner in Kent back in September, and it was there we returned to yesterday, for the December 2011 AutoTweetUp, just in time for Christmas. As well as motoring journalists, car bloggers like us were in attendance, too, and as before, a diverse range of cars attended. Below are a few of our favourites from the afternoon (if there’s a caption missing then email rich@polodriver.com for one to be added). If you’d like to get involved with the AutoTweetUp scene, check out the AutoTweetUp website, or follow @autotweetup on Twitter.

AutoTweetUp, December 2011

AutoTweetUp, December 2011: @popbangcolour's Chevrolet SpART

AutoTweetUp, December 2011: @anthonyingram's Fiat Panda 100HP

AutoTweetUp, December 2011: Ford Mustang

AutoTweetUp, December 2011: @A1GOY's Lotus Elise

AutoTweetUp, December 2011: @TheCarGuru's (David Hayes) Mercedes SL

AutoTweetUp, December 2011: @evoStephenDobie's Renault Clio Williams

AutoTweetUp, December 2011: @autotweetup / @toyotapr's Toyota AE86

AutoTweetUp, December 2011: @alexgrantuk's Polo G40

AutoTweetUp, December 2011: @polodrivercom's Polo GTI

AutoTweetUp, December 2011: our Polo GTI dwarfs @alexgrantuk's Polo G40!

Event photo report: Polo Show 2011

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:30:19 +0000

OK, hands up, we’re fearsomely late with this one. As the winter takes the country in its damp, dark grasp, cast your mind back to the end of July, and the Polo Show 2011. An informal gathering organised by the UK’s Club Polo at Billing Aquadrome, Northamptonshire, the three-day event ran from 29-31 July, and blue skies on the day that we visited ensured a good turn out of Polos of all shapes and ages, and in all states of tune. As well as a field full of cars to pour over, Novatech were there with a rolling road, so owners could get an accurate reading of their performance figures. In addition to these activities, a self-judged Show ‘n’ Shine also took place, with the following results:

1 J815 JKM, 1992 Polo G40, 62 points
2 OTF 403R, 1977 Polo N, 61 points
3 H656 ERP, 1991 Polo G40, 49 points
4 G3 URO, 1991 Polo G40 custom, 42 points
5 J520 FCD, 1992 Polo G40, 32 points

Click through the gallery below to see highlights from the show. If you see you car and would like it cpationed, drop us a line at info@polodriver.com and let us know. Pictures: Martin Buck, Jon Gallant, and Rich Gooding.

Polo Show 2011: Show 'n' Shine winners

Polo Show 2011

Polo Show 2011: Andy Wolves' 1977 Polo N

Polo Show 2011: Vic Marshall's 1979 Derby

Polo Show 2011

Polo Show 2011: Mark Croxford's 1990 Polo GT 'Lefty'

Polo Show 2011: Alex Grant's 1991 Polo GT-G40

Polo Show 2011

Polo Show 2011: Martin Buck's 1991 Polo GT

Polo Show 2011

Polo Show 2011: Steve Morris' 1992 Polo G40

Polo Show 2011

Polo Show 2011: Rich Gooding's 1994 Polo GT

Polo Show 2011: Elizabeth Lyne's 1994 Polo Fox

Polo Show 2011

Polo Show 2011: Christian Lümmer's 1996 Polo Colour Concept

Polo Show 2011

AutoMuseum Volkswagen searches for the ‘Super-VW’ – 1977 Polo in contention

admin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:18:55 +0000

Remember Michael Dreisbach’s immaculate Riad Yellow 1977 Polo L that we featured recently? Well, now we’ve got a little more information about the exhibition in which it features. In cooperation with German motoring magazine Auto Bild Klassik and 14 car clubs, AutoMuseum Volkswagen is looking for the ‘Super-VW’, a car which is deemed the best out of 14 historic Volkswagens. And Michael’s stunning early Polo is one of the cars in contention.

From 19 November 2011 until 29 February 2012, visitors to the Dieselstrasse museum can choose their favourite ‘Super-VW’, and the readers of Auto Bild Klassik are also eligible to vote – the 14 competition entrants will be profiled in the 01/2012 issue of the magazine, on sale on 2 December. Both air and water-cooled models are represented and are the most orginal examples of their kind, hand-picked from the clubs taking part in the competition.

Michael Dreisbach’s Polo has provided wedding transport for Michael and his bride Heike (they met while at a Polo show in 2001), and the front passenger seat was removed in order to get the bride’s dress inside comfortably. A short friend then drove the pair to the church! The car was owned by the same lady owner for 30 years, and has never been restored. The full list of ‘Super-VW’s includes: 1945 W Porsche Eigenbau, 1955 Beetle 1200 Cabriolet, 1963 Karmann Ghia Cabriolet, 1971 411 E, 1972 Type 2 ‘Fire’ van, 1972 K70 L, 1974 Passat Variant, 1976 Rabbit, 1976 Beetle 1303 Cabriolet, 1977 ‘Black-White’ Scirocco, 1977 Polo L, 1984 Santana CX, and 2003 Beetle 1600i. We’re heading off to Wolfsburg soon, and so hope to see Michael and Heike’s stunning car for ourselves.

Club Polo show report in the November 2011 issue of Performance VW

admin — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 11:20:45 +0000

We’ve got the photos, but we’ve yet to publish a report. Performance VW magazine obviously haven’t been so busy, though, as within its pages in the latest issue is a report on the Club Polo show held back at the end of July. With words and pictures by leading light and journo Alex Grant (with help from long-standing Club Polo-er Martin Buck), the two-page write-up features lots of snaps of the best cars at the event (our Polo GT coupé gets half a wheel in, too!), and makes for a good quick read. Blessed with good weather, we went to Billing Aquadrome for the Sunday and had a good, Polo-filled day. One for the diaries next year. Look out for our photo report on PoloDriver.com.

[Image: Performance VW]

Polo R WRC to sire 2012 Polo S2000; South African rally car to debut next year

admin — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:47:53 +0000

The Polo R WRC is being shown at the Johannesburg International Motor Show – which runs from 6-16 October – by Volkswagen South Africa, which is celebrating its 60th birthday in 2011. The 2013 rally challenger being displayed at the Johannesburg Expo Centre event is the styling mock-up, unveiled by Volkswagen Motorsport on the eve of the Rally d’Italia Sardegna back in May. And, excitingly, it has been revealed that the new Polo S2000 rally car will debut in 2012, and will share most of its visual cues with the Polo R WRC. From 2013, Volkswagen will contest the World Rally Championship with the Polo R WRC.

‘The new technical regulations of the World Rally Championship (WRC) perfectly suits Volkswagen’s philosophy with respect to the development of production vehicles,’ said Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Brand, Development Division. The new set of rules determines 1.6-litre turbo engines with direct injection. This is in line with Volkswagen’s strategy of downsizing engines – a philosophy that has been pioneered with small-volume, turbocharged but highly efficient powertrains. ‘The timing of the WRC debut is ideal for Volkswagen. The task of engineering a vehicle that is competitive and capable of winning at a large number of challenges holds great appeal,’ Dr Hackenberg continued.

The centrepiece of the Volkswagen Polo R WRC will be a 1.6-litre TSI engine with direct injection and turbo-charging that will achieve a power output of 220kW (295bhp) with a maximum torque of 350Nm (258lb ft). In accordance with the regulations, the four-cylinder powerplant will have its air intake reduced by a 33-millimetre air restrictor. To transmit the engine’s power to the wheels a sequential gearbox is planned, but substantial driving assistance systems are prohibited by WRC rules. The aim is to reasonably cap development costs.

The Polo R WRC will be fitted with a safety cage, four-wheel drive and an aerodynamically-optimised exterior. According to the regulations the minimum dry weight will be 1200kg. In the World Rally Championship the technical concept of a world rally car has to be based on the body shell of a production vehicle. At Volkswagen, ‘R’ is associated with models with superior dynamics, compelling performance data and sportiness. The entire ‘R’ model package is offered at outstanding value for money. Other new VWs being displayed in Johannesburg include the eco BlueMotion range, which has a Polo-based variant.

2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show: Polo R WRC

[Source: Volkswagen South Africa]

IAA 2011 – drivable Volkswagen Polo R WRC revealed at Frankfurt motor show

admin — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:20:06 +0000

Another surprise unveil at the IAA 2011 in Frankfurt was the unveiling of the first drivable prototype of the Polo R WRC, Volkswagen’s 2013 World Rally Championship (WRC) contender. At first glance the latest version looks little different to the styling prototype which appeared in Sardinia back in May, but closer inspection reveals actual windows you can press you nose against and see into the car (which we’re sure many rally fanciers will do in Frankfurt), a slightly louder Volkswagen ‘R’ corporate-coloured livery, and a meaner front bumper, with a larger air intake in which to suck all that gravel and snow. It’s full of visual swagger, and not so much of the sensible stuff that Polo has partly built its reputation on. Powered by a 1.6-litre TSI engine developing around 298bhp mated to four-wheel drive, rumour has it that the first test outing of the car will be at the French round of the 2011 WRC on 2 October. The full Volkswagen Motorsport press release and more pictures follow.

IAA 2011 – Polo R WRC
2013 racing start in the World Rally Championship: Volkswagen Motorsport shows Polo R WRC at the IAA 2011
Wolfsburg / Frankfurt, September 2011

The abbreviation R at Volkswagen combines the properties of commanding handling performance and uncompromising powertrain agility with a maximum of safety. The R ennobles Volkswagen models as vehicles with superior dynamics, compelling performance data and sportiness, at a price that offers outstanding value for money. From 2013 on, Volkswagen will contest the World Rally Championship with the Polo R WRC.

2011 Volkswagen Polo R WRC

2011 Volkswagen Polo WRC

2011 Volkswagen Polo R WRC

Thanks to the Technical Regulations that have been revised in 2011 the WRC offers optimum prerequisites for the fielding of the Polo. The new set of rules prescribes 1.6-litre turbo engines with direct injection, in line with the trend to downsize engines – a discipline in which Volkswagen has been a pioneer with small-volume, turbo charged, and thus highly efficient, powertrains. Combined with clever rules that also stand for cost efficiency, the World Rally Championship offers a very attractive global stage for Volkswagen.

Four-cylinder turbo engine with direct injection and 300PS
The centrepiece of the Volkswagen Polo R WRC will be a 1.6-litre TSI engine with direct injection and turbo-charging that will achieve a power output of about 300PS and maximum torque of 350Nm. In accordance with the regulations the four-cylinder powerplant will have its air intake reduced by a 33-millimetre air restrictor at high engine speeds. The new WRC engine regulations introduced in 2011 thus fit the Volkswagen philosophy of clever downsizing for high efficiency while delivering sporty performance to a T.

To transmit the engine’s power to the wheels a sequential gearbox is planned. In addition, the Polo R WRC will naturally be fitted with a safety cage, four-wheel drive and, last but not least, an aerodynamically optimised exterior. According to the regulations the minimum dry weight will be 1200kg. In the World Rally Championship the technical concept of a world rally car has to be based on the body shell of a production vehicle. Substantial driving assistance systems are prohibited. The aim is to put a reasonable cap on development costs.

The new Polo R WRC was unveiled in Frankfurt on Monday evening to an audience of about 2000 international media representatives and will be showcased on the Volkswagen stand for the duration of the motor show (15-25 September 2011).

‘In February we started designing the vehicle concept for the Polo R WRC. Now we’re already in a position to present the first ready-to-run vehicle that will subsequently be used in extensive tests – an important step in our preparations for the WRC entry in 2013,’ says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. ‘I’m pleased about our team having managed to get this car off the ground in such a short time. And I’m very proud about the opportunity to present it to the public on the occasion of the IAA 2011 in Frankfurt.’

The Polo R WRC is based on the Volkswagen Polo that is successfully sold around the world. The FIA World Rally Championship is the most diverse technological challenge in worldwide car racing. The concept design of a WRC vehicle has to consider various types of ground: gravel, scree, tarmac, ice, snow and mud of any description. In this season, for example, 13 World Rally Championship rounds on four different continents are on the calendar. Consequently, a World Rally Car has to function in extremely different climatic conditions – from the blazing heat of South America to the icy ride in Scandinavia. Volkswagen is carefully preparing for the new sporting challenge with an extensive testing programme that includes WRC commitments with vehicles of the Group’s Škoda brand and the evaluation of young drivers.

[Source: Volkswagen Motorsport]

IAA 2011 – Volkswagen launches Polo R-Line at Frankfurt motor show

admin — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:39:18 +0000

Although all the hype was around the new Up! city car and the Beetle R Concept, Volkswagen had a surprise for Polo fans at the IAA 2011 in Frankfurt. Unveiling both the first drivable of the Polo R WRC rally car (see our seperate story) and the first-ever Polo R-Line, the company made sure its smaller car followers weren’t left out of the fun. The best-selling car in its class in Germany, the Polo now joins the Golf, Scirocco, Passat CC and Touareg in having an R-branded model in its range. Now, don’t get too excited, the Polo R-Line isn’t a fire-breathing 300bhp road-going version of the Polo R WRC rally car, but rather a stylised model to show what such a car might look like. Think of it as a Polo GTI with a bit more visual punch.

Available at the end of the year, the Polo R-Line shares a more jutting chin with the Golf and Scirocco Rs, has a gloss black radiator grille with ‘R-Line’ badge, deeper side sills, revised front and rear bumpers, a larger than standard rear spoiler and 16-inch ‘Mallory’ alloys (the IAA show car is fitted with 17-inch versions), which for all the world look like the larger 19” ‘Talledega’ versions fitted to the proper R cars. Inside, there’s microfibre front sports seats (in optional Alcantara and leather), embossed head restraints, black roofliner á la Polo GTI, leather steering wheel with ‘R-Line’ badge, gloss black accents and racing-style pedals. Nine colours including the new ‘Fire Spark’ will be available. Volkswagen’s full press release follows.

IAA 2011 – Polo R-Line
First Polo with R-Line features: new bumpers and sport seat system
Wolfsburg / Frankfurt, 13 September 2011

In 2011, the Polo continues to be the bestselling car in its class in Germany. In the overall ranking of all new car registrations in Germany, it holds 3rd place after the Golf (1st) and the Passat (2nd). It should be noted that this is not just a Volkswagen list, rather it is a ranking covering all cars sold in Germany. Across Europe the Polo holds 3rd place in new car registrations. A genuine bestseller, which has long been on roads across the globe – in China as well as in Russia, Japan and Australia.

Now Volkswagen is presenting the new Polo R-Line in a world debut, extending the R-line family of cars (Golf, Scirocco, Passat CC and Touareg). This is the first time that Volkswagen has designed such a version of the Polo. Yet, it is fully in keeping with the agile character of the current generation of the Polo model. The Polo R-Line can be ordered with nearly any engine variant. Market launch of the Polo with the new equipment pack will be at the end of this year.

Exterior offers new bumpers and roof edge spoiler
Outside, the extended standard equipment of the Polo R-Line includes 16-inch ‘Mallory’ alloy wheels, a radiator grille painted in high-gloss black (with R-Line badge), a specially designed sporty R-line bumper (in the specific body colour; rear bumper has a distinctive diffuser), chrome tailpipes for the exhaust system, body-coloured roof edge spoiler, R-line side sills also in body colour, daytime running lights (integrated under a chrome band in the main headlights), fog lights (in the front spoiler) and LED licence plate illumination. Available upon request: a sports chassis, which lowers the car into the dampers by 15 mm.

Interior has sport seats and black roofliner
Inside, the Polo R-Line resembles the GTI with its sport seats. The rear and front seats are upholstered with high-end ‘Kyalami’ fabric (or optional Alcantara/leather look); the inner surfaces of the lateral seat supports (front) are made of ‘San Remo’ microfibre fabric. Worked into the front head restraints is the R-Line logo. Also standard: the black roofliner, leather steering wheel with aluminium decor and R-Line badge (chrome signature on black background), accents in high-gloss black, pedal caps with aluminium look and door sill plates with R-Line signature.

IAA vehicle with special body colour and 17-inch wheels
Incidentally, the Polo R-Line being presented at the IAA is equipped with the 17-inch version of the ‘Mallory’ alloy wheels and is painted in a special colour that is not yet offered: Fire Spark. The Polo R-Line can be ordered in the following colours: Deep Black Pearl Effect, Reflex Silver Metallic, Pepper Grey Metallic, Shadow Blue Metallic, Hot Orange Metallic, Candy White and Flash Red.

Volkswagen at the IAA 2011 in Frankfurt: 8893-square metre stand, 54 show cars

admin — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:46:36 +0000

Traditionally an impressive home motor show for German car manufacturers, Volkswagen is pulling out all the stops at 2011’s IAA in Frankfurt. With 54 show cars on it 8893m² Hall 3 exhibition stand, the company’s largest (not literally) launch is its all-new up! city car. The new Golf Cabriolet and Tiguan will also be Volkswagen’s stars of the show. In addition, there will also be a fleet of 74 test vehicles – the largest at the event – including nine electric-powered Golf blue e-motions. 1000 workers are on site turning the vision of 14 architects into reality, while 2870m² of carpeting will be laid along with 6400m² of glass flooring. Four hundred lamps and a similar number of moving lights will illuminate the two-floor stand, and 80 Volkswagen employees and 228 hosts and hostesses will welcome visitors. The 2011 IAA Frankfurt opens it doors on 15 September. Read more for the full official Volkswagen press release.

Volkswagen at the IAA: up!solutely innovative
World premiere of the up! at the IAA in Frankfurt; largest fleet of test vehicles with 74 models; 54 show cars at 8,893m² exhibition stand

Wolfsburg, 01 September 2011

When the International Motor Show (IAA) opens its doors for the 64th time in Frankfurt on September 15, the Volkswagen brand will be present with a 9000 square metre exhibition stand in Hall 3. The brand will be showcasing 54 vehicles and numerous technical exhibits. Highlights include the world premiere of the brand’s new small car called the up!, innovative studies and a 30-metre ‘Innovation Wall’ – a giant-size tablet PC. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a driving experience in a test fleet of 74 cars including nine electric-powered Golf blue-e-motions.

‘The innovative and emotional side to Volkswagen will be on show at IAA 2011,’ said Tillmann Stauske, head of fairs and congresses at Volkswagen. Construction of the Volkswagen exhibition stand is currently at the crucial phase. Planning began ten months ago. A team of 1000 is now on site, working hard over a 25-day period to turn the visions of 14 architects into reality.

Volkswagen is showcasing 54 vehicles at the 8893 square metre stand shaped like a cloud. The main attraction is Volkswagen’s new up! (above) which has its own multimedia showroom. Further models of the city specialist are on show on the shiny white ‘carwalks’ that crisscross the stand. A DJ is in action right next to the exhibits at the 500 square metre Beetle showroom which has been designed with a lounge feeling in mind. The new Golf Cabriolet and the Tiguan are also on show for visitors to take a look. The interactive ‘Innovation Wall’ is at the heart of the technology section of the exhibition stand. The 30-metre wall gives visitors a taste of tomorrow’s mobility as well as presenting innovative studies and alternative technologies. The giant-sized tablet PC will create virtual presentations around the real exhibits.

Innovative and appealing – these are the common themes of the multi-media stand concept. A web special for smart phones (download via www.volkswagen.de) provides visitors with information on the hall plan, the Driving Experience test fleet schedule and also has sight-seeing tips for Frankfurt. In addition, the web special functions as an audio guide – in English and German – for the up! and Beetle showrooms and for the technology section. The hosts and hostesses will be distributing around 400 headsets to visitors at the VW stand each day so that they can enjoy the benefits of the mobile motor show and travel guide.

Anyone who follows the web special route to downtown Frankfurt encounters the up! all along the way. Volkswagen’s smallest model makes a big appearance on giant banner ads and a digital screen at Frankfurt central station. For those interested in finding out more, lots of information on the latest model is available via an integrated USB interface at the up! display at Frankfurt airport.

A total of 228 hosts and hostesses and around 80 Volkswagen employees will be looking after visitors, either at the IAA 2011 stand or at the driving experience and offroad track. As Stauske says: ‘Volkswagen has the largest test fleet of any automaker at the IAA – 74 vehicles are lined up outside Hall 3. That means our guests can experience the entire Volkswagen product range – from the Polo and Golf blue-e-motion to the Touareg Hybrid.’

The Volkswagen team performed a logistical masterpiece in the run-up to the motor show: From setting up the stand architecture, through cabling up the IT system for the multi-media technology world to the light installations. Around 2,100 lamps and roughly 80 kilometres of cables were installed to create a perfect light setting for the exhibits and over 100 show elements. The Volkswagen stand has been a popular feature at the IAA in recent years, and large crowds of automobile fans are expected this year, too. 150,000 catalogs and flyers as well as roughly 10 pallets of give-aways are ready and waiting for the visitors. There will be plenty of replenishments, too: a further five deliveries, each with 7.5 tons of material, are already scheduled.

Volkswagen stand – facts and figures
8,893 sq m total exhibition space (of which 4,436 sq m built-up stand designed on two floors), 54 show cars at the stand, 74 Driving Experience vehicles (test drives and off road), 25-day stand erection period, 9-week production period, 10-month preparation period, 14 architects, 8m-high three-dimensional supporting structure, 2,870 sq m carpeting, 6,400 sq m glass floors, 300 tons of steel, 13,550 sq m chipboard, 5 turntables, 35,000 carrier bags, 10 km IT cables, 155 sq m LED area light sources, 5 km audio cables, 440 moving lights, 400 lamps and vehicle lighting (total 2,100 lamps), 2 megawatt total power output, 80 km lighting cables, 48 up! shows, 56 Beetle shows (total of 104 shows on 8 show days), 228 hosts/hostesses, 80 Volkswagen employees.

British Volkswagen Festival 2011: event photo report

admin — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 10:00:57 +0000

Traditionally held on the first weekend in July, the British Volkswagen Festival (BVF) is one of the oldest fixtures in the VW show season calendar. Staged at the Three Counties Showground in the Malvern Hills, we have fond memories of driving our Manila Green 1978 Mk 1 Polo N to the event and back in one day back in 1992. One of the longest drives we’d undertaken at that time – from Lowestoft on the east coast to Malvern – it took around six hours to go one way in a 40bhp, 14 year-old car! It didn’t take our special correspondent Alex Grant (follow him on Twitter at @alexgrantuk) that long to get to this year’s event on 2-3 July, though, and just as at GTI International the weekend before, he snapped the best Polos at the show for us. Scroll through the slideshow below to enjoy some of the Polo-shaped BVF 2011 action.

British Volkswagen Festival 2011

British Volkswagen Festival 2011: 'Lefty'

British Volkswagen Festival 2011: Alex Grant's GT-G40

British Volkswagen Festival 2011

British Volkswagen Festival 2011: Club Polo

British Volkswagen Festival 2011

British Volkswagen Festival 2011: Club G40

British Volkswagen Festival 2011

Stonor Park 2011: event photo report

admin — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:50:21 +0000

Stonor Park has been a long-time fixture on the Volkswagen enthusiast’s calendar. Similar to Stanford Hall in style and atmosphere (large country house, quiet, grassy grounds), the 2011 event took place once again at Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames on 5 June. Organised by the Association of British Volkswagen Clubs, a mostly sunny day with a few showers didn’t dampen owners’ spirits, and a wide range of Polos were spotted, from a very basic Olive Green military model to GTIs. Engine transplants were very much in eveidence, too; G40s and VR6 units into later 6N cars were popular. Long-time Polo enthusiast Simon Kimber took a few photos for us at the event – see his small slideshow below.

Stonor Park 2011

GTI International 2011: event photo report

admin — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:19:46 +0000

GTI International is arguably the UK’s largest water-cooled Volkswagen event, and in 2011 celebrates its 24th birthday. Held last weekend (25-26 June) at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire and despite damp weather on Saturday, a record turnout was recorded according to organisers Autometrix Publications (publishers of independent Volkswagen Driver and Audi Driver magazines). Warm weather on Sunday brought out Polos of all styles and generations to rub tyres with the Mk 1, Mk 2, Mk 3, Mk 4, Mk 5, and Mk 6 Golf GTIs from which the event takes it name. If you’re a genuine water-pumper Volkswagen enthusiast, then the event will need no introduction. But, for those who have never been before, serial Polo/car enthusiast and journalist Alex Grant was there for us on Sunday to record the best Polos in attendance. Click the slideshow below to see which Polos caught Alex’s eye.

GTI International 2011: Tommi Healey's Mk 1 Polo

GTI International 2011: Alex Grant's Polo GT-G40

GTI International 2011: Rich Nichols' Polo G40

GTI International 2011

GTI International 2011: no, that's not a Polo...

Stanford Hall 2011

admin — Sun, 15 May 2011 06:21:46 +0000

2011 marks 35 years of the Stanford Hall Volkswagen event, and this year saw the return of fine, sunny and warm weather, absent from 2010’s proceedings. Held on the traditional May Day Bank Holiday weekend, more than a few handfuls of Volkswagens descended upon Swinford-on-Avon (borne out by the fact that getting out of the venue took us at least 30 minutes), to kick-off the VW show season proper. Leicestershire and Warwickshire VW Owners Club once again put on a fantastic show, although if we were nit-picking, the lack of water-cooled trade stands was disappointing, as was the lack of entries in the Polo concours class, but the blame for either point shouldn’t be laid at the organisers’ door.

Overall, the Concours d’Elegance was well-stocked, with ‘classic’ Volkswagens of all classes, shapes and sizes, and it’s traditionally been one of the draws of the event. One of our favourite classes was the Mk 1 Scirocco peg, with a stunningly immaculate 1978 TS model in Viper Green rubbing shoulders with an equally pristine 1979 Storm. Now few and far between, this pair represented the absolute best of the breed. Moving onto Class 18, Polos and Saloons (Derby, Polo Classic), the sole two cars entered were notable not only because of their fantastic condition, but also by the lack of compatriots. The 1980 GLS of classic Polo stalwart Dan Higgins was once again vying for honours, fighting it out with the 2001 Polo GTI of Gianni Ciarciaglini. Ciarciaglini won with 119 points, and we can see why, but after years as a runner-up, it would have nice to have seen Higgins walk away with the top prize. Especially as we thought comparative age was supposed to have come into the judge’s score of 113.

There was a good sprinkling of Polos elsewhere. In the outer reaches of the car park, there were several interesting examples, and along with our editorial GT (no stand for us this year), made walking the formation-parked aisles worthwhile. Inside the show area, Club Polo represented the Polo brand, with a varied display of 10 cars, stretching from Dan Higgins’ other Mk 1 – a 1981 N model with a 100bhp 16V engine – to Jon Gallant’s 2000 Polo TDI. Away from the club stands, a solitary Polo Dune on the Volkswagen Owner’s Club GB caught our eye, as did a mid-1980s ‘rat-look’ Polo C hatchback representing the same organisation. Meanwhile, a Polo trailer made from a rear end of a coupé sold for £450, while numerous Mk 2 Polo coupés seemed to have been brought out of the woodwork to bask in the glorious sunshine. Click on the gallery below to see some of our favourites from Sunday 1 May’s event.

Stanford Hall 2011: historic Beetle line-up

Stanford Hall 2011

Stanford Hall 2011: Dan Higgins' 1980 Polo GLS

Stanford Hall 2011: Gianni Ciarciaglini's 2001 Polo GTI

Stanford Hall 2011: Club Polo stand

Stanford Hall 2011: Dan Higgins' 100bhp I6V Polo I

Stanford Hall 2011: Vic Marshall's Derby

Stanford Hall 2011: Gareth Williams' Polo Saloon

Stanford Hall 2011: Club Polo stand

Stanford Hall 2011: Mark Croxford's Polo GT (LHD)

Stanford Hall 2011: Brett Cooper's Polo G40

Stanford Hall 2011: VWOC (GB) stand

Stanford Hall 2011: so do we!

Stanford Hall 2011

Stanford Hall 2011: another sentiment we agree with!

Stanford Hall 2011: Steve Morris' Polo G40

Stanford Hall 2011: PoloDriver Polo GT

Stanford Hall 2011: Polo trailer

Stanford Hall 2011: Polo Dune (VWOC (GB) stand)

Stanford Hall 2011: 1978 Scirocco TS

Motorsport Polos in focus at Techno Classica Essen 2011

admin — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:15:35 +0000

The mammoth annual classic car event that is Techno Classica Essen, takes place over five days in Essen (no!) in Germany, and 2011’s event from 30 March to 3 April saw, as in previous years, a predictably large Volkswagen Group attendance. As well as official stands from Volkswagen Classic – showing Karmann-based prototypes and vehicles from Osnabrück, including a 1973 Passat, 1974 Scirocco, Series 1 Golf Cabriolet prototype and the premiere of the new Series 6 Golf Cabriolet – Hall 8.1 offered a smattering of VW-brand clubs, and among them, IG Typ 86, and a trio of motorsport Polos. Sebastian Winkler of www.g-lader.info has kindly given us permission to use these photos of the Series 1 Polo track-based wide-arch Polos, and a rally-spec Group H Series 2 Polo G60. More pictures and Sebastian’s HD video of the Techno Classica Essen 2011 event can be found here.

[Images: Sebastian Winkler]

Techno Classica Essen 2011: IG Type 86 stand

Celebration of the Polo G40 at the AutoMuseum Volkswagen

Rich — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 07:35:57 +0000

The Polo G40 celebrated its 25th birthday at the AutoMuseum Volkswagen over the weekend, with a gathering of early Polo G40 fans from all around the world. Around 40 Polo G40s from 1987 and 1989 and their owners were expected at the AutoMuseum Volkswagen on Saturday, coinciding with the first International Polo G40 meeting in Wolfsburg. Owners had their photos taken with their cars at Castle Wolfsburg, setting for the original 1985 Polo G40 press photo (above), before moving onto the AutoMuseum Volkswagen where their vehicles were presented to visitors in the evening. The museum itself presented two special Polos of its own: the 155bhp rear-engined Sprint, and the Ökopolo, an economically-minded study, and a precursor of the modern-day Polo BlueMotion.

Volkswagen developed the 40mm spiral-shaped G-Läder supercharger in 1985, and fitted it to a trio of pre-production G40s to set long-distance speed records. Driven by Volkswagen engineers, motoring journalists and racing drivers, the cars set new 1300cc class records for both speeds over 24 hours (130.08mph) and average speed over 5000km (127.75mph). A production version of the G40 was presented at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show and had the designation Polo GTG40. A limited run of 500 cars with 115bhp became available in 1987 and between 1988 and 1999 a further 1500 models were made, all left-hand drive, and all selling out immediately. The Polo G40 went mainstream in 1990 with the launch of the facelifted Series 2 Polo, available in coupé form only and with 113bhp. It was sold until 1994, when the third-generation Polo was launched.

Classic Polos take in the Auto Zeitung Youngtimer Tour 2010

Rich — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 07:58:54 +0000

On 3 July 2010, Volkswagen Classic (the company’s ‘heritage’ division) sent 12 teams to compete in the Youngtimer Tour 2010, a 220km-long road rally organised by German motor magazine Auto Zeitung. Seventy teams took part in the circular run to the Nürburgring from Euskirchen and among Volkswagen’s entries were an example of the stylish Porsche 914 (we’re big fans of the chunky 1970s VW/Porsche baby here at PoloDriver) and a 1973 Apal Buggy. The bulk of the company’s entires were made up of early VWs, though, with old Golfs, Passats and even a K70 joining a classic Polo. Nestled in the exhibits at the Volkswagen exhibition at the Euskirchen start and finish venue were the Eco Racer concept from 2005 and the Golf GTI W12 from 2007.

Only cars built between 1969 and 1990 were eligible to take part in the Youngtimer Tour 2010, and all of Volkswagen’s teams completed the event, the K70 of Volkswagen Executive Vice President Dr Rudolf Krebs, Plant Manager of Salzgitter (and Manager of the brand’s Future for Electric Vehicles division) crossing the line in third place overall. The more modern era of the Volkswagen Group was represented by a Lamborghini Jalpa, a Series 2 VW Scirocco, and a Škoda Fabia vRS. It’s not the first time Volkswagen has entered vintage Polos into road rally events; in 2005 it entered two older examples of its supermini on the Hamburg to Wolfsburg Creme 21 Youngtimer Rallye (pictured above), both of which were taken from the AutoMuseum Volkswagen.

Special exhibition celebrates 25 years of Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkswagen

Rich — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 22:19:59 +0000

Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkswagen is a special place for Volkswagen fans. Tucked away from the global headquarters of the German giant in a side street in Wolfsburg, its long been a mecca for Volkswagen enthusiasts. How long? 2010 marks 25 years since the innocent-looking building opened its doors to the public, and laid bare its secrets for all to see. Jam-packed to its industrial rafters are Volkswagen Group models of all shapes and sizes, most of them prototypes which have rarely been on public view. A sizable chunk are Beetles of the air-cooled variety, but there really is something for everyone. There’s now more than a handful of Polos, including a Series 1 of 1975, a pair of record-breaking G40 Polo coupés from 1985, and the very first Series 3 Polo from the production line in 1994.

To celebrate Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkswagen’s quarter of a century, its doors are open for a special ‘25 years AutoMuseum Volkswagen’ exhibition. Running until 19 September 2010, it worships the car’s ever-changing role in the culture, economic, social and technological arenas and celebrates its contribution since 1985. Twenty-five specially-selected exhibits tell the story, and to ensure that visitors can see all the jewels in Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkswagen’s crown, its opening hours have been extended. Now accepting visits from 10am to 6pm, if you find yourself visiting the ‘Volkswagen town’ of Wolfsburg, make sure you take a trip to Dieselstrasse. Although there’s a new, purpose built and brilliant car museum – the ‘Zeithaus’ – at nearby VW theme park AutoStadt, you just might uncover something extra special at Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkswagen…

Keep visiting PoloDriver for a series of features on the different Polo exhibits in Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkswagen

GTI International 2010

Rich — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 18:09:36 +0000

The three letters G, T and I have played an important part in Volkswagen’s history for the past 34 years, and have earned respect from critics and enthusiasts the world over. Huge armies of devoted fans across the globe follow the performance Volkswagens (us at PoloDriver.com included), and events such as GTI International cater for these specific interests. Beginning as a small meeting of Golf GTI enthusiasts in 1988 at Knebworth House, Hertfordshire, the ‘UK’s greatest gathering of of VW and Audi enthusiasts’ is now traditionally run at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, Leicestershire over the last weekend in June.

[Click 'Read More' below for gallery of pictures at end of post.]

Over those 23 years it’s not been without its problems, but even with numerous changes of venue has managed to keep the GTI faithful largely happy. Organised by Volkswagen Driver and Audi Driver magazines – and therefore the publishers of both titles, Autometrix Publications – we’ve found the event to be lacking a certain something over the past few years. The heady days seemed to be when ‘Inters’ was staged at the Transport Research Laboratory in Crowthorne, Berkshire (yes, we’ve been attending for that long), and while the event is still worth the drive up to the Leicestershire airfield, we – regrettably – can’t help wondering if it holds the cache it once did.

Motorsport-themed activities have always formed the backbone of GTI International, and 2010’s event had the traditional quarter-mile sprint, as well as an autojumble, competition car display, concours, show ‘n’ shine and a trade stand area. Club stands have traditionally been a feature, too, and we were there with our two Polo GT Coupés. Other Polo clubs in attendance included Polo3 and uk-polos.net, although Polos were seemingly in the minority, with performance versions of the Golf still the most popular. With sunny skies and searing temperatures, GTI International was a good day out, but the bad organisation of club stands meant we didn’t get the pitch that we were promised, which has been something of a regular occurrence with recent runnings of the event.

We enjoyed seeing the plethora of Polos on display last weekend, though, with all tastes and most generations catered for. Series 1 cars were notable by their absence, but with standard models rubbing shoulders with modified cars, there was something for everyone, as you can see from our gallery below of metal which appeared on Sunday. If your car is featured and it’s not captioned as such, drop us a line at info@polodriver.com and we’ll do our best to credit the photo in question.

Battlesbridge VW Weekend 2010

Rich — Sun, 16 May 2010 18:39:13 +0000

The VW show scene is so diverse. One week there’s a national show, the next a local event, the next an international or continental gathering. Stanford Hall started our season this year, but this weekend we took in a more local event closer to home. The Essex Vee Dubbers club have organised the Battlesbridge VW Weekend Show for a while now, and as it was only 10 miles or so down the road, it would have been criminal if we hadn’t given it a look. With show ‘n’ shine and concours classes both days, we were hoping there would be some a good Polo turnout.

Staged in fields at the back of Battlesbridge Antiques Centre in Battlesbridge, Essex, the Essex Vee Dubbers show attracts cars and traders galore, if not quite on the same scale as Stanford Hall. With air-cooled and water-cooled Volkswagen of all types in attendance, there were a fair number of Polos on display both in the car park and the main show arena. Local club Renegade Dubs were there, as well as VW retailer Inchcape Chelmsford, who took along a smart-looking new Polo fitted with an optional body kit and large alloy wheels. Click on the gallery below for a small slideshow.

Stanford Hall 2010

Rich — Thu, 06 May 2010 11:02:47 +0000

The first Bank Holiday in May means only one thing to VW enthusiasts of a classic persuasion; Stanford Hall. The long-running Leicestershire and Warwickshire VW Owners Club show has kicked off many enthusiasts’ seasons for the last 34 years and is usually blessed with good weather. This year wasn’t quite so good on that front (in fact, at times it was very cold), but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the owners who brought their classic Volkswagens to the grounds of Stanford Hall itself, just outside Lutterworth.

Traditionally a show with an air-cooled bias, the water-cooled fraternity have been embraced in recent years and 2009’s event saw something of a Polo coming, with the forming of a dedicated single-model concours class. It was the same again this year. The field may have been a little down on 2009 with only four cars vying for points, but 2010’s competition threw up a few surprises. One of which, was Nathan Popple’s 1986 Polo C hatchback, which has appeared on the scene after being liberated by a selling elderly owner. Not the first choice for a concours car you may think, but for a first time out, the low-mileage ‘breadvan’ picked up a respectable 108 points out of 150.

The rest of the field was made up with previously-seen cars, but that doesn’t take away from how good they are. Dan Higgins’ 1980 Polo GLS was as spectacular as last year, and with bits and bobs renewed for the 2010 assault, he made up some marks, polling a podium finish with 123 points. The 1981 Derby GLS of Rachel Ingliss was also in attendance last year, and took 2010’s runner-up trophy with 126 points. All of that meant that old stager Andrew Dytham took the cup with his immaculate 1989 Polo Coupé S. Scoring 132 points, there was not a speck of dirt to be seen on G390 JWE, with even the tyre treads free of the dreaded – and plentiful – sheep dung that litters Stanford’s outer reaches.

A good day for Andrew then, and a good day for us, too. The PoloDriver stand had a few visitors and was positioned in something of a Polo area, with the Mk 1 Polo forum line-up just across the track. Stanford Hall’s always one of the best (if not the best) shows of the season, and cold wind notwithstanding, 2010’s event was no exception. Staunchly favouring standard as opposed to modified cars (points are docked in the concours if there’s a whiff of modification), it always turns up a few surprises. Click on the gallery below to see some of our favourites from Sunday’s event.

Watch out for forthcoming features on Dan Higgins’ 1980 Polo GLS and Rachel Ingliss’ 1981 Derby GLS on PoloDriver and in Volkswagen Driver magazine respectively.