It seems more and more manufacturers are being attracted to the new WRC formula like the proverbial, ‘moths to a flame’. After three consecutive victories at the Dakar Rally and the introduction of the Mini Countryman WRC by BMW this year, Volkswagen has decided to join the show starting in 2013 with its Polo R based rally car.

Given that the racer is still two years from competing, VW offered only the broadest description of what we’ll see in the Polo R WRC: an all-wheel-driver racer with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder, putting down nearly 220 kW. VW campaigned rally cars through the 1980s and says new WRC rules limiting engine displacement to 1.6-litres and allowing turbochargers and direct injection encouraged its return.

“We can draw on an experienced and proven squad which has done an outstanding job in top-calibre sport in the past few years,” Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen said. “Even though the WRC is new territory for us and involves learning in many areas the team already meets some important prerequisites now as it brings an unwavering professional attitude and resolve to deliver absolute perfection to this commitment.”