A record attempt before the road car
In September 1985 a supercharged Polo prototype ran for 24 hours at Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessien test track. It averaged 208 km/h and broke the existing record for the 1.3-litre class. The experiment demonstrated that Volkswagen’s new scroll supercharger could deliver sustained performance, not simply a short publicity burst.
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The limited GT G40
The first production Polo Coupé GT G40 arrived in 1987 as a run of 500 cars, powered by a 1,272cc engine producing 115 PS. Demand led to a further 1,500 examples by 1989. Lower suspension, ventilated front discs, BBS wheels and performance tyres gave the small shell hardware proportionate to its engine.
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The 2F Polo G40
After the facelift, the model returned as the Polo G40 in the normal range. A catalytic converter reduced output slightly to 113 PS, but the combination of low mass and immediate supercharger response remained. Red bumper strips, G40 badges, checked sports seats and a 240 km/h speedometer identified it without excessive bodywork.
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Understanding the G-Lader
The supercharger’s internal spiral gave the car its name: the scroll geometry resembles the letter G and its working width was about 40 mm. Correct lubricant, warm-up, intake cleanliness and documented specialist rebuilding are central to preservation. A failed or deleted G-Lader changes both the value and the historical point of the car.
Why it still feels unusual
Many rivals used turbochargers or larger naturally aspirated engines. The G40 combined strong low-speed response with an unassuming, narrow-bodied Polo. Its rarity, modification history and specialist mechanical needs make a complete original example much harder to recreate than the simple exterior suggests.
Versions at a glance
| Version | Years | Output | Production status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polo Coupé GT G40 | 1987–1989 | 115 PS | 2,000 limited cars stated |
| Polo G40 2F | 1990/91–1994 | 113 PS | Regular-range model |
| Polo GT | Contemporary range | Up to 75 PS | Naturally aspirated |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Polo G40 turbocharged?
No. It uses Volkswagen’s mechanically driven G-Lader scroll supercharger.
What does G40 mean?
G refers to the scroll shape inside the charger; 40 indicates its approximate working width in millimetres.
How many early GT G40s were built?
Volkswagen records 500 initial cars followed by another 1,500, giving approximately 2,000 before the later regular-production G40.
Is every modified Mk2 Polo a G40?
No. Genuine identity depends on factory records, VIN, engine and shell details. Many ordinary Polos received engines, badges or body parts later.
Continue the Volkswagen story
Browse the Rare & Performance Volkswagens hub, compare it with the Lupo GTI, or explore the Corrado G60.
