Soon after the announcement of the new supercharged Polo GT G40 model, the Volkswagen factory decided to make an attempt on the international 1300cc class records for speed over 24 hours and speed over a distance of 5000km. In September 1985 three specially prepared G40 Polos were taken to the Volkswagen Ehra test track, together with three teams of drivers made up of motoring journalists, Volkswagen engineers, and racing drivers. These cars were based on the intended production version with the following modifications:

Engine

• Hand built engine using specially selected parts.
• Compression ratio reduced to 7.5:1 (standard 8.0:1).
• Smaller charger pulley to give a maximum boost pressure of 0.8 bar (standard 0.72 bar).
• Oil cooler fitted.
• Twin exhaust system using catalytic convertors.

Transmission and running gear

• 5 speed gearbox incorporating an oil cooler and stronger 5th gear.
• 155/13 tyres running at high pressure to reduce rolling resistance.

Body

• Front and rear bumper spoilers and other aerodynamic aids reducing Cd (drag) by 10%.
• Roll cage.
• Racing seats and harnesses.
• Safety fuel tanks holding 22 gallons (100 litres) with twin quick fill fuel caps in the rear screen.
• Fire extinguisher system.
• 63kg of spares and tools as required by the regulations for repairs during the run.

Running on Esso Super Unleaded (95 RON), the modifications gave the cars a peak power of 129bhp (DIN) at 6000rpm (standard 115bhp (DIN) at 6000rpm) and a peak torque of 160Nm at 4000rpm (standard 148Nm at 3600rpm). They were capable of a maximum speed of 133mph (215kph) at which fuel consumption fell to 15mpg (18.8l/100km).

In the attempt the fastest car averaged 130.08mph (208.14kph) for 24 hours and covered the 5000km at an average speed of 127.75mph (204.41kph), easily breaking the existing records. Often these types of record attempt are made with cars using special bodies and engines that have little in common with the production car. Most manufacturers would certainly not include a catalytic convertor! Despite the modifications described above, the record breaking Polos were very close to the production models that later became available. This was a delibrate policy by Volkswagen to demonstrate the performance potential and reliability of the new power plant.

It is interesting to note that a production Polo G40 can easily be tuned beyond the power levels of the world record cars; all that is needed for your own world record attempt is a track where you feel comfortable taking the corners at 130mph!

Nick Dilley