The VW Virtus is a sedan variant of the VW Polo, created specifically for South America. This convertible sedan was a special project developed for the visit of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to VW's factory in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo. Apart from removing the roof and certain pillars, the car has undergone additional modifications.
VW's Brazilian team made the car longer by extending the wheelbase, creating a roomier rear compartment. This change required adjusting the fuel tank size. Additionally, the body was reinforced after removing the roof. A transversal bar was also installed between the front and rear seats, providing passengers in the back a stable handhold while standing up.
Volkswagen Virtus convertible
The quirky open-top Virtus is the fifth vehicle modified by Volkswagen Brazil for presidential visits. It follows the Fusca/Beetle (1959, 1993), Polo Sedan (2003), and Fox (2005). During the president's visit to the plant, they toured the facility while riding in the back of this sedan-turned-convertible contraption. The car will now be displayed in a museum of historic vehicles located within the factory.
Source: VW do Brasil
