Filed under: Tuners, Euro, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen
Volkswagen R32 confirmed for U.S. consumption
An army of Rabbits is about to invade our shores and hot on its heels is word from Wolfsburg that the meanest of VW hatches, the R32, is coming back for an encore in fifth gen trim. The previous R32 was available in limited numbers in the U.S. and the new model will likely be capped at 5,000 units, as well. The company's 250-hp 3.2L V6 will power the new R32 and feature 4Motion all-wheel drive and a dual-clutch gearbox (DSG).
While rumors of an R36 are still just rumors, our appetite for a Golf faster than the current GTI can at least be sated in the meantime with the arrival of the R32.
[Source: Autoweek]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Alex 2:24PM (6/21/2006)
This thing is gonna' be sick. I recently drove an '04 R32, and I was blown away. I can only wait to see how sick the new one will be. I read an article about them saying the VW is trying to promote their "tiptronic" shifter for the R32, saying that its one of the fastest shifters in the world. But I think i'd still rather drive it with the manual transmission; much more fun.
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Richard Warren 2:39PM (6/21/2006)
Slick!
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Adam Singer 2:44PM (6/21/2006)
As if the already grossly overweight GTI (3,308lbs!!!) needed to pack on any more weight, the addition of a larger motor and 4 wheel drive will make this thing even porkier.
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Tim UF 3:10PM (6/21/2006)
its amazing how much better it looks when the nose.grill is broken up by the liscence plate and whatever other alterations were made for the R32... looks way better than the stock golf/rabbit/gti
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PJ 3:26PM (6/21/2006)
The previous-gen R32 was one of the most entertaining cars I've ever driven. Very quick and agile, but comfier and less hard-core than an Evo or STi... perfectly calibrated for fast street driving.
Will the new one be as much fun? Not without a true manual transmission, it won't. But if VW plans to offer a 6-speed on the new TT 3.2 and the revived Scirocco, it'd be pure stupidity on VW's part if it dosn't find its way into the R32 as well. I'm sure it will.
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Steve 3:43PM (6/21/2006)
Tim, I agree with you. All of the Audi/VWs with that huge grill look much better with a Euro plate in the middle to break it up. When they come to the States, they look like they have a huge hole in the front of the car. It's a cheap and easy fix to slap a Euro plate on the front of a US car and make it look twice as good.
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MikeUF 3:57PM (6/21/2006)
Now why cant they make a Jetta R32. I myself have never been a fan of hatchbacks. But a 250hp Jetta with AWD for about 30K (5K cheaper then an A4)...thats something I would seriously consider buying.
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CM 4:12PM (6/21/2006)
DSG is NOT an automatic. It eliminates the pedal, thats all. Like a Formula 1 car. It is NOT the same as a "Tiptronic", which is an automatic. Clutch = manual...torque converter = automatic. And, yes, it IS better, and much quicker shifting than a regular manual. I'll take it anyday over the traditional manual. Most companies would love for you to believe that their "manual shifting" automatics are the same thing. NOT. There are only a few that really are manuals. VW/Audi, BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, actually are manual. The rest of them? Well, put all the buttons & paddles you want on your automatic, its STILL an automatic.
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JZeke 4:14PM (6/21/2006)
While I'm a rapid Subie fan, I have to admit the overall slickness of the R32 package is very appealing. If VW customer service from point-of-purchase to (inevitable) service was much better, I'd strongly consider one... for a lease, not to buy. :-P
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Paulmon 4:17PM (6/21/2006)
Any word if Canada is getting this? We didn't the last time. :(
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chewy 4:28PM (6/21/2006)
This is an awesome car. Top Gear tested it, and it beat the BMW 1 series. Yes, this is better than a BMW. Here is the video
http://youtube.com/watch?v=09s8eMLHIUM&search=vw%20top%20gear
Car&Driver got the heavier and more luxurous Audi A3 3.2 to 0-60 in 5.8 seconds. The lighter and more aggresive R32 can proably do it in 5.5-5.6 seconds. As an overall package, the R32 is really good.
http://www.caranddriver.com/shortroadtests/10913/short-take-review-2006-audi-a3-32-quattro-s-line.html
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epp_b 4:56PM (6/21/2006)
"...and a dual-clutch gearbox (DSG)."
Ugh! Please tell me that this is an *option* that a real manual transmission is standard!
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ME 5:10PM (6/21/2006)
#4, the front of the standard Golf (Rabbit, I still can't believe VWOA is calling it that) is quite a bit different than the Jetta/GTI, and better looking in my opinion.
http://www.vwvortex.com/gallery/albums//Volkswagen/Golf%20-%20GTI%20-%20Rabbit/Golf%20V/Rabbit/001.jpg
As far as the Golf V R32, I am glad its DSG only, makes me want it less. :)
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Laura Lemay 6:28PM (6/21/2006)
Ooooooooh!
Please let it not be hugely expensive like the old R32 was.
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ME 7:01PM (6/21/2006)
#11, ha ha, we can dream, but it will be more expensive than the Golf IV R32.
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Mike 7:38PM (6/21/2006)
Semi-insiderish info via VWVortex says it's going to be DSG-only and it sure won't be cheaper than the last R32.
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linty 8:58PM (6/21/2006)
What about VW of Canada...are we going to get a shot at this or left out as usual. We cant even get a GLI, so im probably answering my own question.
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Art 11:03PM (6/21/2006)
will not be a penny cheaper. but I DO EXPECT cost reduction versus what it may have costed to make it last year (but still based off MKV design) because VW said they refined german golf/rabbit methods, ergo why the 07 Rabbit is nearly 2K less.
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Turbolook 11:13AM (6/22/2006)
I currently drive an '04 R32. Once you past the "aftermarket look", this is a great machine. The best thing about it is the sound of this VR6. Past 3,500 RPM it's magic! Almost as good as a 911 on Sport' exhausts.
As for the DSG, I tested it in the new GTI and it's definitely the best MANUAL in the industry.
Can't wait to trade the '04 for the '08 but why is VWoA always taking so long to get their cars over the pond?!?
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Paulmon 2:37PM (6/22/2006)
Have any of you that are complaining about the DSG ever driven it? It's nothing short of amazing. Sure, it doesn't have a clutch pedal so you can't show off your heal and toe prowess. However if you're looking for the fastest way to shift this is it.
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