Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Volkswagen
Chicago Auto Show: VW reveals 2nd generation R32 for U.S. market
Click on the image for a high-res gallery of the new R32
Volkswagen announced the second generation of its performance flagship, the R32, based on the newest generation Rabbit platform. Like the original 2004 iteration, the new R32 is powered by 250-hp, 3.2L VR6 engine with 236 lb-ft of twisting force. The VR6 is mated up to a six speed DSG dual clutch gearbox that allows for lightning quick sequential shifting without having to work a clutch pedal. The gearbox transmits the motive force to all four wheels through a Haldex differential system with a rear torque bias for optimum handling.
Also like the 2004 model, only 5,000 examples will made available for sale in the US market, each one having a number plate on the lower spoke of the steering wheel indicating the serial number. The cars will be available starting in August and VW has set up a micro-site at VW.com where prospective buyers can sign up to get on the reservation list. The VW press release is after the jump, and VIDEO of the car's unveiling is below.
Update: Although VW announced the R32 micro-site would be live the day of the presentation, the link still hasn't appeared on the home page. However, a quick search revealed the url at http://www.5000r32.com. So run over and place your pre-order now.
[Source: Volkswagen]
Gallery: 2008 Volkswagen R32
PRESS RELEASE:
HOT NEW R32 WARMS UP THE WINDY CITY WITH ITS NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT
CHICAGO – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the return of its motorsports-inspired R32 at the Chicago Auto Show. First introduced in 2004 to an enthusiastic reception, the R32 delivers the ultimate in Volkswagen sports performance with dynamic handling and refined road manners.
The R32's power comes from a 3.2 L naturally aspirated 15-degree narrow angle V6 engine. With 250 horsepower and 236 ft. lbs. of torque, the R32 is all muscle. The standard 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system transfers at least 75 percent of available torque to the rear wheels. Volkswagen's acclaimed DSG® transmission allows for seamless gear changes and accelerates from 0-60 in approximately 6.4 seconds.
With a fully independent multi-link rear suspension that sits wider and lower than its GTI sibling, the R32 flaunts its authority both inside and out. Twin chrome exhausts, 18-inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights, a uniquely shaped front grille and R32 badging distinguish this car from anything else on the road. A rear roof spoiler and deep front spoiler, coupled with body-colored bumpers, side bump strips, door handles and door mirrors, add to the streamlined, sporty look.
The R32 boasts a long list of safety features, including Electronic Stabilization Program that reacts to critical driving situations in milliseconds by controlling the speed of individual wheels; and a confidence-inspiring Anti-Lock Braking System that helps to prevent wheels from locking under heavy braking. Brake Assist boosts brake pressure in emergency braking situations and the state-of-the-art Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's brakes based on road and driving conditions.
Inside, the R32 takes it cues from racing with aluminum-look foot pedals and deep front sports seats. Features such as automatic climate control (Climatronic™), ten-speaker premium CD stereo system, rain sensing wipers, automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror, heatable front seats and heated washer nozzles, anti-theft alarm, cruise control and trip computer are standard luxuries that complement this performance-driven champ.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
ruggels 4:02PM (2/07/2007)
yesss first to comment now that i've got a billion in on the 'tex.
SNORE. The .:R32 was a wonderful car that slotted between the A3/S3 on release and didn't cost A4 money. Now it does, now it's an A3 with two doors and a little more aggressive suspension, now I'm no longer excited. I guess veedub sought not to do a 3.6l version for us as that would have taken away sales from the forthcoming iroc? pitty, the old MKIV R32 was such a tempting/validating upgrade for 1.8 GTI owners, this new one, not so much.
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Steve 4:18PM (2/07/2007)
The DSG is nice and so is the AWD but it’s really not that impressive since you can get a Mazda3 for 22k with more HP/Torque. Granted it’s only FWD but still. If you are going to spend that much better off with the Evo X or 2008 STI.
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ruggels 4:29PM (2/07/2007)
yup and most likely 2 less econds to sixty (in the case of the EVO X)
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Eric D-J 4:32PM (2/07/2007)
I'll still take it. But where is the microsite you refer it. I don't see it.
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Richard Warren 4:33PM (2/07/2007)
I'm in.
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why not the LS2LS7? 4:34PM (2/07/2007)
It is impossible for the VW/Audi Haldex system to have a rear torque bias.
The system is a FWD system, with a power take off heading to the rear of the car. Then there is a Haldex clutch and a driveshaft to the rear diff and out to the wheels.
In normal operation, the Haldex clutch is disengaged and no power flows to the rear, it is a FWD car. When the front wheels slip, the Haldex is engaged, and the rear wheels receive some of the power going to the front wheels. However, even at full engage, the rear wheels are driven no faster than the front ones. The front wheels cannot be disengaged at all.
Since the front wheels are driven at least as fast as the rears at all times, that means it's difficult for the vehicle to behave anything like a RWD car. If the fronts slip, the rears can do more driving, and in turns there the fronts take a longer path, the rears can do some driving.
All in all, given how rarely AWD is actually needed on a car, this system is a good one. It is light and has low rotating mass.
But it is also decidedly FWD biased at all times.
Unless VW wants to talk about a new system like Honda's SH-AWD, which uses gearing in the clutch to drive the rears faster than the fronts (when engaged). To be honest, this system is pretty much unnecessarily complex, amongst other problems.
250HP, DSG and 0-60 in 6.4 secs? How heavy is this car? A 250HP A6 2.7T did 0-60 in 6.0 seconds with a manual and 6.7 with a slushbox. And it weighs 4,000 lbs.
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Michael Karesh 4:55PM (2/07/2007)
So, what are opinions about the unavailability of a conventional manual transmission?
They stressed that they expected the car to sell out quickly, with 3000 of the 5000 total to be gone by the end of the calendar year. Supposedly this is why they have an online ordering process, so the R32 faithful won't miss out.
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ruggels 5:00PM (2/07/2007)
So, what are opinions about the unavailability of a conventional manual transmission?
according to vw.co.uk:
DSG GTI 0-60 in 6.9 seconds
Manual R32 0-60 in 6.5 seconds
DSG R32 0-60 in 6.2 seconds
yes the numbers aren't jiving with the quoted US numbers but you get the picture. Asking for an additional $10,000 for something barely faster then the DSG GTI is a bit problematic, at least with DSG they can flaunt the vertues of DSG, cost, etc. This just isn't four years ago, we don't have just MKIV cars, and the manual R32, on paper, isn't that impressive... especially when you bring up a chipped GTI.
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Vetmstr 5:06PM (2/07/2007)
I am willing to bet that it will cost the same as a Pontiac G8 GT. There is no way I personally would chose this over a G8 GT
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ruggels 5:18PM (2/07/2007)
Well hell, if you want to talk four door cars (not hatches) then we're also talking the EVO X which should hit sixty well under 5 and smoke the R32 or the G8 GT without problems.
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Matt Dell 5:33PM (2/07/2007)
No MT, not interested. Sorry, VW, your DSG IS really cool, but it's just not as fun to drive! Give drivers the option of what they want. :o
-Matt
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lzaffuto 5:36PM (2/07/2007)
Nice looking car, except VW forgot to paint the front bumper again. I can't understand how such blantant defects in the painting process constantly get overlooked. They need to review their quality control processes.
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James 6:42PM (2/07/2007)
I'd still buy one despite the lack of a stick option. It's HOT. And I love the front bumper.
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PJ 7:01PM (2/07/2007)
The prev-gen R32 was among the most rewarding, well-integrated, all-around-capable cars I've ever driven. I'd love to own one.
Nixing the six-speed manual, Toyotafying the prev-gen's classy styling, and compromising accelerative performance (the prev-gen model got to 60 in 6 seconds flat, or thereabouts) means I'm not the least bit moved by this new iteration. The taller seating position and annoying "wall" at the base of the windshield don't help.
Good thing this isn't a high-stakes volume seller.
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MikeW 7:05PM (2/07/2007)
No, it is possible for it to be rear biased.
But in doing so, it becomes an even more part-time of a system.
Change the 'effective' rear axle ratio (make the overdrive and underdrive ring and pinions different) so there is a rotational speed difference at all vehicle speeds. This will limit full lockup to ~5mph, and from there there will need to be a continous slip in the clutch coupling to transfer power.
What a turd of a system, the previous haldex system was 100% front drive by 100mph, where will this one cut out at? 75mph.
This was mentioned in the the Avenger RT 'awd' release: used between 25-65mph on dry pavement
Here is another:' At speeds greater than 53 mph, the control strategy provides minimal torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions to provide better fuel economy.'
How much will the new A4 with 55/45 weight distribution and torsen3 center differential and Audi VTEC (Audi ValveLift system) V6 cost? $35K
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bgdc 7:44PM (2/07/2007)
VW should wake up. A 2.0T Quat would be a much better idea. You can chip a 2.0 to get much more power than the 3.2 in the R32/A3 3.2. And it will be lighter.
Really, just give us an AWD GTI 2.0 and we'll be happy. And a 4 door obviously. This 2 door only R32 crap is for the birds.
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FrankTheCrank 8:57PM (2/07/2007)
Am I the only one???
This car, from the side, reminds me of a 92' Honda Civic Hatchback. I swear they look exactly the same from the side. The same soft lines around the windows.
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verdegrrl 9:20PM (2/07/2007)
#6.
Up to 100% of power can flow to the rear wheels if front traction is lost. Under normal conditions when there is no loss of front wheel traction, or the traction control/stability computer does not detect imminent need for rear wheel power, then yes, the car proceeds as a fwd car for less driveline loss.
With a widely available Haldex controller from EIP, performance characteristics can be adjusted for an even more sporting slant with lower thresholds for engagement. These units usually apply 50/50 power distribution the moment full throttle is applied, even if no slip occurs, and then adjust from there. People have bypassed some safety valves to run 50/50 full time, but that is not advisable.
http://www.haldex-traction.com/technical_information/performance_info/enlarge/PreX%20graph%20large.gif
While it's not as sophisticated as Honda's SH system (which is more like Alfa's old 164 Q4 system designed by Steyr-Puch), it is also far less complex and ammenable to individuals tuning their cars to their own liking.
http://www.autozine.org/technical_school/traction/tech_traction_4wd_21.htm
The Audi A6 2.7t had a different torque curve that favoured hard launches - as did the longer wheelbase. It would also be interesting to see the gearing differences.
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Richard 9:28PM (2/07/2007)
You know,
A Subaru has a dial so YOU can decide where the torque goes.
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Sammy B 9:47PM (2/07/2007)
As #8 pointed out, there really isn't a huge gap here in performance. CAR, a UK magazine, has written that overall the GTI is a better buy because of its ability to involve the driver in a way the R32 can't. The fact that the GTI is only marginally slower and much cheaper is what sealed the deal for CAR.
If we were talking R36 and 300 HP we'd be in business. But that would cost BMW money.
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