Volkswagen
Polo GT G40

Why it matters

The Polo Coupé GT G40 was the most powerful Polo to date and the first Volkswagen to use the new G-Lader supercharger.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

Volkswagen launched the Polo Coupé GT G40 in May 1987 as a limited series of initially 500 cars, finished only in black. A further 1,500 followed by 1989, now also in Tornado Red, Helios Blue Metallic and Alpine White, 500 of them for export to France.

After around 2,000 GT G40s, a second series called simply Polo G40 started in January 1991 with 113 PS and a catalytic converter as standard.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Identification guide

How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.

Factory-listed features: 1,300 cc engine with a mechanical spiral G-Lader supercharger, lowered suspension, internally ventilated front disc brakes and 5½J x 13 BBS alloy wheels with 175/60 R13 H tyres. Early cars were only available in black. The 1991 follow-up G40 added red bumper trim strips, G40 emblems on grille and tailgate, Le Mans-check sports seats and a 240 km/h speedometer.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   Polo II (1981–1994) Level A Volkswagen Newsroom (Volkswagen AG)

   • A total of 2,000 Polo GT G40s were produced by 1989
   • power output of its 1,300cc engine was increased to 115 PS
   • mechanical spiral supercharger
   • 115 PS with a mechanical spiral supercharger without catalytic converter
   • internally ventilated disk brakes at the front

   Accessed 2026-11-12
2. 2
   Polo II (1981–1994) | Volkswagen Newsroom Level A

   • 2000 Polo GT G40 produced by 1989

   Accessed 2026-11-12