Performance braking systems manufacturer Tarox has released details of its ‘Motorsport’ kit for the 6R Polo GTI, which will also fit SEAT Ibiza Cupra and Skoda Fabia vRS models from 2010 onwards. The company states that each kit is manufactured in the company’s Italian factory, and is based around race-proven B30 six-piston billet calipers, and uses two 323mm heat-drilled discs which come in either ‘F2000’ (grooved) or ‘Sport Japan’ (drilled and grooved) options. The rotors are made from European high carbon casts, meaning the disc will withstand much greater heat without distortion.

All the Tarox kit’s components bolt onto Volkswagen’s OEM mounting points, and also integrate with the car’s original ABS system. The Tarox conversion also has a weight saving of over 1kg per corner, and ‘Strada’ street, or ‘Corsa’ circuit pads can be specified. Everything is included in the B30 6 550×366 kit, which comprises of all fittings, all-braided stainless steel race-quality lines and fluids. All are covered under a lifetime guarantee. For more information on the Tarox range, visit http://en.tarox.com/.

Leading performance exhaust supplier Jetex now offers a cat-back system for the latest 6R Polo GTI 1.4 TSI (2010 onwards). Costing £460 including VAT, the half-system is made from 2.5-inch (63mm) T304 stainless steel with twin 80mm round pipes, providing an enchanced, but not intrusive, exhaust note. The 6R GTI performance system also features reduced back pressure to complement the supercharged and turbocharged TSI engine’s performance. Interested? Contact Jetex on 01789 298989 (quoting part number 27-HADR) or visit the company’s website for more details and to find out about its products for older Polo models.

Want imposing daytime running lights for your 6R Polo, but don’t want to pay official Volkswagen prices? If so, then German tuning company Dectane may well have something you might be interested in. Replacement whole front lamp units in black or silver are available for €249,00 (plus shipping costs) for the latest Polo, and these also include a strip of daytime running lights, so that you can bear down on other drivers in true menacing Audi fashion. The black units have a code of **SWV24GXB, while the silver fitments’ product number is **SWV24GX. We believe that the price is for one, single unit only. Dectane also offer LED brake lights and licence plate lamps for Polo 6Rs, too, as well as a whole host of custom light clusters for older Polos from 1994. Click here for more details.

Performance software specialist and Volkswagen tuner Revo Technik has recently introduced replacement performance air filters for selected fifth-generation Polo 6R models built from 2009 onwards. Constructed from specifically-developed polyurethane foam, and resulting in higher performance and improved life expectancy, the filters start at £42.49 plus VAT. Available for Polo 1.6 TDI, 1.2 TSI and 1.4 GTI models, there’s even a fitment for the 1.2 TDI BlueMotion, somewhat going against the eco-car’s ethos we feel. Revo Technik also offers a Stage 1 Performance ECU Tuning Software upgrade package, which the company says, ‘is designed to work on vehicles with standard components. Power, torque, responsiveness and flexibility are all improved while maintaining factory levels of smoothness, reliability and fuel economy.’ A Supersprint cat-back exhaust system for the 1.2 TSI is also available. Visit the Revo website for more information and to order.

This caught our eye. We’re used to modified Polos gracing the pages of UK tuned Volkswagen magazine Performance VW, but maybe none like this. Richard Vale’s modified Polo is no tuning parts special. An early version of the blown coupé, Vale’s white G40 has been built with the sole purpose of taking on hill climbs. Harewood Hill Climb near Leeds being one of them. Competing in class 1B for modified production cars up to 2.0-litres, the 750kg, near-200bhp ex-Polo G40 Cup racer regularly takes on its larger rivals and emerges victorious. Find out what raft of modifications make Vale’s Polo a stripped-out special by grabbing a copy of the latest (July 2010) issue of Performance VW magazine, on sale now from all good stockists. UK readers who prefer to get their modded Volkswagen kicks digitally can read the magazine on their Apple i-devices by visiting the iTunes App Store and downloading the Performance VW app.

[Image: Performance VW]

German tuner Oettinger has recently released details of its upgrade to the Audi A1’s 1.6-litre TDI engine, which in standard form develops 89 and 104bhp. Now, as these engines are fitted to the Polo (104bhp is continental-specification only, though), we presume the same upgrades are applicable to the 6R. Oettinger takes the 89bhp TDI up to 109, while the 104bhp gains another 20 ponies to play with. With both upgrades, performance is improved lower down the rev range, with an additional 33lb ft of torque. Acceleration is improved, too, with the 0-62mph dash taking 0.6 seconds less time.

Oettinger has offered Volkswagen tuning parts for over 50 years, and offers two years’ guarantee on engine, gearbox and drivetrain upgrades. Until 30 June, the price of the 1.6 TDI upgrades is €990.00 plus fitting (list price €1090.00). This rate is valid for all Oettinger 1.6 TDI upgrades for Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT and Skoda vehicles. Continental Polo owners can take their car to any one of Oettinger’s Performance Centres, located in 150 Audi and Volkswagen retailers in Germany and Austria.

We can exclusively reveal that Milltek Sport is currently in the final stages of testing a full turbo-back exhaust system for the new Polo GTI. Although it’s still in testing, Milltek confirms it sounds fantastic and really suits the mini-Golf GTI character of the car perfectly.

While the Polo GTI is closely related to the SEAT Ibiza Cupra and Bocanegra 1.4 TSI, the exhaust design still required some subtle changes to suit the slightly different aesthetics of the Volkswagen variant. As you can see from the photos, the tailpipes really add a bit of glamour to the rear of the car and let other drivers know the GTI in front is a little bit special. Not that they won’t be able to tell that from new sound coming from the enlarged twin tailpipes.

The Milltek exhaust system will be available in cat-back form (which does not require ECU tuning), or for those wishing to take full advantage of the engine’s tuning potential, a full turbo-back option featuring a large-bore downpipe and hi-flow sports catalyst. Milltek only uses the highest quality German HJS catalysts to ensure that the car will remain emission-legal and pass the UK MOT test – even with an ECU remap and a full exhaust system. Through an extensive development process, Milltek engineers have been able to develop an exhaust that is rich in its depth of sound with an aggressive undertone but have also been able to ensure that the Polo GTI’s everyday cruising integrity within the cabin is preserved intact.

The Milltek performance exhaust packages for the Polo GTI will be available from your nearest Milltek stockist very soon. Visit www.millteksport.com/dealers to find your nearest Milltek dealer or contact Milltek Sport for further details on +44 1332 227 280. We’ll bring you more details on the performance exhaust packages available and pricing when they are released.

German tuning company H&R has released a lowered suspension kit for the new 6R, fifth-generation Polo GTI. With a lowering height of 20 millimetres at the front of the car and 30mm at the rear, H&R says that ‘the sporty characteristics of the small car are improved.’ Additional lowering heights from the adjustable H&R Monotube coilover kits can be set at 30mm at the front of the car with a 45-millimetre drop at the rear. Optional H&R stabilisers (for use with the kit) will be available soon.

TRAK+ wheel spacers made of high tensile aluminum alloy can also be specified, regardless of whether they are combined with OE or aftermarket wheels, immediately removing the often unsightly gap between the wheel arch and tyre shoulder. The complete H&R product range – available for over 1350 different vehicles – can be found at specialist dealers and along with the usual H&R quality, components come with a model approval certificate or a TÜV certificate of conformity for parts.

Despite the new Polo GTI only just ramping up to production levels, German tuner ABT Sportsline has announced power upgrades for the 178bhp 1.4-litre engine, along with similar packages available for the Polo’s 1.2-litre TSI and 1.6 TDI units. Outputs jump quite considerably, with the 1.4 TSI boosted to a Series 6 Golf GTI-rivalling 208bhp; its smaller 1.2 sibling sees a similar increase from 104 to 124bhp. The 1.6 TDI boost is available on both the 89 and 104bhp engines (the latter not sold in the UK), taking them to 115 and 129bhp respectively. Faster pull away, more torque, more engine power and improved acceleration are also key benefits of ABT’s engine upgrades.

The Bavarian company claims that fuel consumption is unchanged on all the small engine power boosts, too, and that the chip upgrades are long-lasting, reliable and fully compatible with everyday use. Of course, the upgrades aren’t just limited to the Polo; any Volkswagen group car which has one fitted can benefit. ABT Sportline also offers cosmetic, exhaust and suspension upgrades for the 6R Polo. A carbon look rear spoiler and double-pipe exhaust add bold styling flourishes, while the titanium-coloured ‘Type Z’ 18-inch ABT alloy rims offer further visual enhancement. Visit the ABT Sportline website for more information and prices on the company’s engine upgrades and tuning parts for the new Polo.

Suspension kings Bilstein have recently launched a new sports performance suspension kit for the fifth-generation 6R Polo. According to the German company, the B14 kit brings motorsport technology to the small Volkswagen, and transforms ‘every Polo into a sports car, with perfect roadholding and optimum handling and steering.’ It also claims that the new kits offers the ‘perfect blend of dynamics and comfort,’ as well as improved safety and handling. The mono-tube gas pressure shock absorbers with upside-down technology and a flexible height control system also ensure increased lane-holding and braking stability.

A lowering range of around 35-50 mm on the front axle and around 30-45 mm on the rear axle is available. Made in Germany, the surface of the B14 kit is finished in Triple-C-Technology®, with spring plate and lock nuts of special aluminium alloy and high quality sports performance springs, making, the company claims, the suspension extremely strong, hardwearing and durable. Each sports and coilover suspension made by Bilstein is tuned and tested exhaustively by its engineers on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring or at the company’s own test center in Papenburg. Download the company’s latest catalogue to find out more.

[Image: Bilstein]

Timed while it is showing the latest accessories for the Polo at the AMI Leipzig 2010 motor show – which ends this week – Volkswagen has recently introduced a promotion for German customers who want to add that little extra style to their new Polo, Golf and Scirocco. From 1 April to 30 June 2010, the ‘Enter low, get out large’ promotion (yes, the English translation seems to make little sense, we know, but all will become clear) enables customers who drive three of VW’s most popular models to get ‘attractive discounts’ on styling products and lowered suspension kits.

Official products for the Polo which qualify include front and rear aprons, side skirts, roof spoilers, racing pedals and lowered suspension springs. In addition, Motorsport-style multi-spoke 17” alloy wheels and carbon fibre-effect interior trim panels are also available. From what we can translate from the German press release, there is also an online ‘backwards’ auction, from which the winner with the lowest bid will receive a full body kit, a complete set of alloy wheels and a lowered suspension package, all to be fitted by a Volkswagen retailer. The promotion runs both in retailers’ showrooms and online. Visit Volkswagen Accessories’ German-language ‘Stylingaktion’ microsite for further details of the incentive.

Volkswagen will be showing its official accessories and lifestyle ranges as part of its stand at the AMI Leipzig motor show from 10 to 18 April. The Polo will be a major star at the event, with lowered suspension and aerodynamic body kits promoted, all of which enhance the fifth-generation model’s sporty looks. As well as the official accessories for the Polo, visitors to the Lifestyle part of the stand will be able to look at the clothing and home accessories available with the model’s branding.

Among the Polo products on offer are T-shirts, iPods and model cars. Other brands promoted will be GTI, Scirocco and T5. Model car collectors can also grab miniature versions of the new Touareg, Sharan and Amarok pick-up. Volkswagen Accessories GmbH is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG and develops accessories for the company’s passenger car and commercial vehicle ranges. There are over 8000 accessory products available in Sport & Design, Wheels & Tyres, Communication, Transport, Comfort & Protection, Service & Care and Lifestyle ranges, all sold through official Volkswagen retailers.

Click here for more information on the official Volkswagen accessory range or download the latest Polo accessory brochure (European specification).

German modifying firm Rieger Tuning has taken the latest 6R Polo under its wing and launched a styling kit for Volkswagen’s award-winning newcomer. Visual enhancements include a front spoiler with a carbon-look lip and a rear apron with carbon-look diffuser. There are also new sill extensions and 18-inch matt black/polished Barracuda Racing ‘Karizzma’ multi-spoke alloy wheels with 215/35-18 tyres. A suspension kit is also on offer. Want to know more? Download the PDF here.

Following their announcement last October that multi-spoke 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels and lowering springs will be available for the new Polo, German tuners JE Design have gone one better and built a tuned version of Volkswagen’s new baby. Primarily to promote the company’s new programme for the car, to our eyes, the striking JE Design striking fifth-generation Polo is similar in style to the Volkswagen Polo Cup India race cars.

The chaps from Leingarten have manufactured their own parts for the body kit from high quality ABS plastic to an original equipment specification. A unique CNC-milling process ensures a perfect fit and the carbon-look bumper inserts, together with the headlamp eyebrows, add a touch of menace. The body kit (which also includes deeper side skirts) is priced at €1528 including VAT, while the twin sports exhausts which poke out of the carbon-look rear lip are €599.

LED daytime running lights can be added for €399 and are fitted in the standard front bumper air inlets. JE Design state that they have two uses; when dipped headlights are turned on, the LEDs become parking lights while when main headlamps are engaged, traffic safety is improved as the LEDs are much brighter, like most modern-day Audis. At the moment, it appears to be more show than go, with no engine upgrades listed. Contact official JE Design UK importers Prestige Styling or JE Design direct for more details.

Eibach is the latest company to offer suspension upgrades for the new Polo and just like the donor car itself, comfort, enhanced dynamism and safety are all key requirements for any offerings from the German tuner. Acquired racing know-how from motorsport activities is felt in the company’s products and Eibach says that even with the lowered centre of gravity offered by its Pro-Kit Performance springs, there is no loss of comfort. Other (predictable) advantages are that the new Polo becomes more sporty and the road-holding is improved.

Ride height can also be altered to an individual’s taste with Pro-Street-S coil overs and together with the Pro-Spacer wheel spacers, provides even better handling. Made of high-strength aluminium, the spacers push the wheels out to the corners of the car, giving it a wider stance and adding extra stability. All Eibach suspension components for the new Polo (6R) are available through authorised resellers and are provided with high quality anti-corrosion protection and are fully TÜV-certified.

Back in September, German Volkswagen and Audi tuners ABT unveiled its latest take on the Polo, but, of course, this is just the newest in a line of Polo ‘specials’ the engineers and stylists at Kempten have produced. We found this smart (and we should think, rare) Series 2F coupé at German Polo fan site PoloMagazin.

Primarily concerned with chassis tuning and body styling, this set of ABT modifications were designed for Polos from 1991 to 1994. The body was lowered by 40mm by way of shortened springs and dampers, while 7J x 15 ‘A5’ alloy wheels (with an ET of 35) got power down to the road, as well as providing more kerbside appeal.

Finally, a different-looking (and sometimes ill-fitting) front grille made the ABT Polo 2F stand out, if taking away some of its identity. Inside, a sporty ABT steering wheel takes centre stage. With no further body add-ons and no engine upgrades, it was clearly much simpler 18 years ago and ABT certainly took a more restrained approach, unlike today.

Would-be modders of the new Polo will be delighted. The car has only just gone on sale, and already KW Automotive GmbH is offering several different coilover suspension kits for the model. ‘Variant 1’ with solid damping control and lowering heights of between 35 to 65mm offers ‘an optimal balance between sportiness, comfort and safety,’ say the tuning firm. This most basic version is also zinc-plated, making it not only perfect for winter use but also durable.

Stepping up, ‘Variant 2’ features adjustable rebound damping – ideal for drivers who seek adjustments on the basic lowering set-up, enabling a tailored, personal feel. ‘Variant 3’ is harder still, derived from motorsport, and, once again, can be tailored to the personal preference of the driver, offering both high-performance and comfort. The separate and independently adjustable rebound and compression damping allows individual suspension adjustments.

The unique patented system with its each two-stage valves allows a rebound damping (for comfort) and a compression damping adjustment (for driving dynamics) in low speed ranges, while the more responsible and saftety-crucial high speed ranges are fixed. Like the other two kits for the new Polo, ‘Variant 3’ features in-line stainless steel technology and is TÜV-approved.

Available from €799, the KW coilover suspension kits for the new Polo come with a certificate for trouble-free registration with the Technical Control Board (TÜV) (should you be an owner in Germany), as well as detailed instructions for assembly and adjustment. No prices or details have yet been confirmed for the UK market, but for more information about the extensive suspension kit programme offered by KW Automotive GmbH and application lists for other Polo models, click here.

While Volkswagen is still deciding on the specification and power of the new Polo GTI, renowned German tuner ABT Sportsline has stepped in and announced its own take on the hot Polo. They say they’ve created a car with ‘character’, and although based on the five-door bodyshell, the result is certainly striking.

A carbon-look rear spoiler and apron insert give the ABT Polo a racy look, while the twin exhausts signal its intentions. Anthracite-coloured 8J x 18-inch alloy wheels add to the visual appeal, and in a throwback to 1970s styling motifs, the bottom of the doors have ABT-branded decals.

To go with the show, there’s also more go. Careful tuning of the new car’s petrol and diesel units has produced more power, but left the emissions and fuel economy the same as the standard model’s. The top-flight 1.2-litre TSI engine produces 128bhp in the Allgaeu tuner’s hands (up from 103), while the 1.6 TDI sees increases in all its forms (73bhp to 88bhp, 88bhp to 108bhp, 103bhp to 128bhp). The tuner also claims increased dynamism, too, with lowered springs to give improved handling.

ABT has yet to give prices or availability for the UK market.