PoloDriver

GAZ has released a height-adjustable suspension kit for the 1990-1994 Polo G40 (we presume that the kit is also suitable for earlier pre-facelift Mk 2 cars). Suitable for ‘fast road’ and track use, the GAZ damper units allow damping adjustment while in situ, courtesy of easily-accessible adjuster knobs. Ride height can be adjusted by -25 to +65mm. The coilovers are provided for all four corners of the car, but donor front struts are required as axle components are reconditions and then transferred to the new kit.

The units boast a coarse acme form thread, and each one is plated in black zinc to minimise corrosion. High-quality springs are also included, and rates can be altered on request to suit customers requirements. Chrome silicone springs are also available as an option. Before leaving the factory, all units are individually tested and are covered by a 2-year warranty. The recommended retail price for the GAZ GHA coilover kit is £723.45 plus VAT. Visit the GAZ website for more detailed information.

Now here’s an extreme take on the latest-generation Polo, propelling the model from its humdrum roots to the echelons of custom off-road vehicles. Crafted by DC Designs of India, this hot-rodded Polo mixes the looks of Volkswagen’s own Polo R WRC car and ratchets them up to 11, with a blend of extreme modification. As well as extended wheel arches, there is also a much slimmer front grille (framing squinty headlights), beefed-up side skirts, and a rear lighting strip (which we quite like) reminiscent of those fitted to early ‘90s Audis, such as the RS2 estate.

With every panel bar the roof looking altered to some degree, the Polo Midnight (yes, the customary silly name is present) is without doubt one of the most dramatically-changed Polo we’ve ever seen. DC Design hasn’t released any pictures of the Polo Midnight’s interior, so we’re guessing that – for now – it’s standard Polo fayre. The engine certainly is, with the 1.6-litre, 104bhp TDI unit being left untouched. An on-sale date is unlikely, but as some of DC Design’s creations have sold to ‘automotive connoisseurs’, if this wild Polo appeals to you, then who knows?

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Now that the waters of the lake on which the 31st Wörthersee GTI Treffen sits have settled, the dry ice has cleared, and the Polo R WRC and Polo WRC Street stars of the Volkswagen stand have been packed into their trailers, here are three official VW-sanctioned videos of the three-day Austrian event, which manages to attract enthusiasts, tuners and the might of the mammoth Volkswagen Group itself. What surprises does 2013 hold?

The current Polo GTI isn’t known for its lack of power. Yes, it may not develop quite as much go as the Renaultsport Clio 200, but its 178bhp serves it well. Now, though, if you want more, you can have more, with Volkswagen Racing UK official tuning partner Superchips’ ECU remap. The Buckinghamshire company’s software tweak sees the Polo GTI’s 1.4-litre ‘twincharged’ engine 27bhp more powerful (the 204bhp Superchips Polo GTI is only 3bhp down on a Mk 6 Golf GTI), with an additional 26lb ft (35Nm) of torque.

Both evo and Volkswagen Driver magazines have tested Superchips’ demo car, and while the extra power takes the GTI over the 200bhp threshold, it does have to pump the extra power to the road through the front wheels. The Superchips remap has to be carried out at one of the company’s outlets, and can be removed and reinstalled with the supplied Bluefin handheld device. The Superchips remap costs £455.

[Source: German Car Scene]

As if being new and distinctive wasn’t enough, renowned Volkswagen Group tuner ABT has focused its attention to the smallest member of the VW family, the Up, releasing details of a very bright styling kit. The Kempten, German-based company says that the red, white and black kit ‘draws upon the extravagant designs of the “Swinging Sixties” with which the power versions of plain mass-consumption cars – from “Herbie” the Beetle to Renault Gordinis and Mini Coopers – showed that sensible can also be cool.’

The father of ABT Sportline’s managing director was very much into his motorsports and was successful, too, both inspirations which the tuner has used to embellish the small Volkswagen. Still ecological and economic, the graphics lend an aggressive air, with the champfered window line, front and rear bumper ‘smiles’, and side skirts being picked out in contrasting red on this white car. A black roof and bonnet matches the glass tailgate, while the white stripes evoke those classic white lines of blue Renault Gordinis.

Lowered suspension springs and a fruitier twin-pipe exhaust with red-trimmed tunnel help the sporty looks, too, while mirror caps and ABT-branded red hub covers complete the makeover. The car will debut at the Geneva motor show next month, where we expect ABT Sportsline GmbH to release final and official pricing details.