Autoblog

What does a world-class downhill skateboarder drive? Something very cool

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Nissan, Canada

Kevin Reimer has an interesting career and a fascinating car. The resident of Vancouver, BC is a professional downhill skateboarder - which we now know is a thing you can be - who sees a lot of commonality between his extreme occupation and his cherry 1991 Nissan Skyline GT-R.

The subjects of the latest Petrolicious joint, Racing Champions, Reimer waxes philosophical about skateboarding and driving down some of the same routes. You'll not be surprised to hear that riding the curves of a mountain slope, be it on a deck or in a bucket seat, both rely on grip and nerve in various measure. Scroll down to see for yourself, and don't miss the rest of our Petrolicious library when you're done.

Continue reading What does a world-class downhill skateboarder drive? Something very cool

What does a world-class downhill skateboarder drive? Something very cool originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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256-hp Volkswagen Golf R priced from $33,990*

Zach Bowman — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has finally released official U.S. pricing and specs on the 2012 Golf R. The meanest hatch in the company's stable will set you back $33,990 (*plus destination). That's a sizeable chunk of change, to be sure, but it will net you the most powerful Golf production engine to be sold in the States. At 256 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, the turbocharged 2.0-liter turns out six more horsepower than the 2008 Golf R32 VR6 while sucking down less fuel. Volkswagen says that the company's internal estimates put the 2012 Golf R at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. That's an impressive jump compared to Environmental Protection Agency estimates of 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway for 2008 R32.

The 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder engine is bolted to a six-speed manual transmission and a Haldex all-wheel drive system, and the car will be offered in both two- and four-door bodystyles. Volkswagen has also taken the time to sharpen the vehicle's suspension even beyond what the already lithe GTI has to offer. Changes include a larger, tubular anti-roll bar up front and a four-link rear with three lateral control arms. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading 256-hp Volkswagen Golf R priced from $33,990*

256-hp Volkswagen Golf R priced from $33,990* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, First Drives

A Hotter GTI Is Hatched

2012 Volkswagen Golf R - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're slumming through traffic in downtown Geneva, Switzerland, making our way towards the French border where we're about to spend a few hours flogging the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R along the twisty, narrow roads of the Alps. Right now, we're focused on the Golf's comfortable, well-appointed interior, and how its good visibility and relatively small stature make it a pleasant drive through heavy city traffic. It's just like every other GTI - or Golf, for that matter - in this regard. But as soon as we approach the entrance to highway A40, we find out exactly what that R badge is for.

We speed towards the sharp, right-hand on-ramp with a furious growl coming from the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, and as we throw the wheel to the right, the Golf R hunkers down, digs its claws into the pavement, clips the apex of the ramp and sends us blasting onto the A40 with tremendous force.

"A GTI would have fallen all over itself right there," our co-driver states, matter-of-factly. He's right, too. Even with Volkswagen's nifty new XDS active differential, the GTI is prone to understeer when coming into a turn at high speed, and there's a decent amount of torque steer that makes the exit a bit more skittish than you'd prefer. But in the Golf R, with its fourth-generation 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and more powerful engine, every step of the high-speed cornering dance is executed perfectly.

You can imagine, then, that the rest of our drive through the French Alps was nothing short of bliss. The Golf R is Volkswagen's new poster child for hot hatchery, and if you've ever fallen in love with a GTI, be prepared to be absolutely smitten with this little number.

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R...

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R

First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Volkswagen Golf R headed to U.S. for 2012

Chris Paukert — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2010 Volkswagen Golf R20 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a couple of years since Volkswagen's heavyweight hot hatch, the R32, graced America's shores, but now we have official word of a successor. Tuned by the in-house R team at Volkswagen, the Golf R should be a good bit more exciting than its already entertaining forebear, and hopefully, it will shave a few pounds off, too.

Unlike the R32, which was powered by VW's popular VR6, the new model will be powered by Volkswagen's ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. And while Volkswagen isn't quoting power output for the new U.S. model, the European version currently on sale conjures up 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. All of that gumption will be routed through VW's fourth generation Haldex 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which means the VW should once again be a good foil for cars like the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.

Along with the power increase, VW is promising bigger brakes, an uprated suspension, 18-inch wheels, center-exit dual exhaust and a more liberally tuned ESP. Perhaps most interestingly, the Golf R will be available in both two and four doors and be paired exclusively with a manual transmission. That's right, we said it.

Although the press release after the jump doesn't mention when it will debut (our money's on Detroit), additional R accoutrements include model-specific aero bits and badging, along with upgrated trim and a new steering wheel, shift knob, and so on.

In other words, it's time to get excited.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf R

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Officially Official: Volkswagen Golf R headed to U.S. for 2012

Officially Official: Volkswagen Golf R headed to U.S. for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MTE rolls out 785-hp Volkswagen Golf R32 [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

MTE Volkswagen Golf R32 BiTurbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volkswagen scientists at MTE recently decided that their Golf R32 BiTurbo just wasn't quite up to snuff. While the company had already managed to drag staggering amounts of power out of the little German hatch, the project simply lacked that certain muchness that a true tuner purebred needs in order to stand out of the crowd. The solution? Yank 785 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque from the car - a 55 horse jump over the previous iteration of the project.

Yeah, we think that'll do just fine.

How'd they do it? For starters, there's a pair of mammoth Garrett G28/71 turbos under the hood pushing on forged internals. The team also reworked the cylinder heads, bolted on a water/methanol-injection intake manifold and unique cast-iron exhaust manifold. The whole kit breathes through an up-sized stainless steel exhaust system, and MTE says that it has limited the wicked little Golf at 193 mph. In order to cope with that kind of speed, the VW wears Brembo six-piston calipers and KW Variant 3 coilovers along with semi-slick tires. Hit the jump for a look at the car back when it was in its lowly 730-horsepower guise.

Gallery: MTE Volkswagen Golf R32 BiTurbo

[Source: MTE via Inside Line]

Continue reading MTE rolls out 785-hp Volkswagen Golf R32 [w/video]

MTE rolls out 785-hp Volkswagen Golf R32 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New VW Golf R20 (GTI-R) may come to America

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2010 Volkswagen Golf R20 - click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen unveiled the new high-zoot R version of the MK VI Golf at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, but it declined to say whether Americans would ever get a chance to buy one. Fans of the R32 will likely be clamoring for the new R20 if does make it to our shores, in part because of the 400 pounds it has shed.

While we are here in Wolfsburg today to drive VW's more pedestrian Golf varietals, we had a chance to follow up on the R20 possibility for America. First, we asked VW of America CEO Stefan Jacoby, who told us it was being studied and that no decision had yet been reached about the R20 for America. A little later, we talked with Andres Valbuena who happens to be the U.S. product planner for the Golf, GTI and New Beetle. That means he guides the direction of the Golf in this country. To give you some perspective on where Andres stands on this subject, his personal ride back home in Virginia is a 2004 edition R32 with an added blower, so word that Valbuena is pushing hard to get the R20 should come as no surprise. Further, if it does cross the Pond, he wants it available in both two- and four-door bodystyles with a choice of manual or DSG transmissions.

If the R20 does make it here, odds are VW won't be able to justify two powertrains given the expected low volumes. In that event, Valbuena tells us he prefers the manual, but regardless, all R20s would be equipped with all-wheel drive. Working in the R20's favor is the fact that this is essentially the powertrain from the Audi TT-S which has both gearbox options. Hopefully, we'll have a decision from Wolfsburg within a year. If you want the R20 in your local VW showroom, make your voice heard in the comments because the automaker is listening.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf R

New VW Golf R20 (GTI-R) may come to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Skyline GT-Rs seized in California over possible illegal importation

Merritt Johnson — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:06:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Government/Legal, Nissan

The importation of the Nissan Skyline GT-R to the United States has been a Hollywood-sized epic spanning ten years. For a while, the only game in town was to go through Motorex for a crash-tested, USDOT and EPA-approved Godzilla. Unfortunately, the company owner let his fondness of Japanese hostess clubs take precedence over delivering cars. Since Motorex shut its doors in 2005, enthusiasts have been scouring each and every loophole in US Customs laws to keep the supplies flowing. In 2006 ,a company called Kaizo began taking orders. Their model, vastly different from Motorex's expensive methods, involved the importation of specialty-constructed Nissan Skyline GT-R bodies from Japan to be mated with customer-supplied powertrains upon delivery to the United States, thus creating a kit car (to put it simply).

Following the tradition that is the GT-R saga, Kaizo's actions have recently been called into question by pretty much every acronymed authority -- DOT, EPA, ICE, CARB, DOJ and FBI. Charges against Kaizo have yet to be filed, but along with a raid on company headquarters, various customers have been delivered letters suggesting exportation and some have even lost their rides. To date, five R34s and one R32 GT-R have been seized by kevlar-clad armed officers. Exasperated customers have banded together in an attempt to find some salvation in this mess, and it isn't only hardcore enthusiasts left out in the cold by the scandal either. Recently, rather high-profile operation utilized Kaizo resources to create a valuable franchise, and if the drama keeps up at this rate, perhaps the Nissan Skyline GT-R story could be their next project.

[Source: GTR USA Blog]

Nissan Skyline GT-Rs seized in California over possible illegal importation originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: VW recalls all 5,000 2008 R32 hot hatches, some CC sedans

Dan Roth — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has two unrelated recalls underway, both for issues that pose safety risks. All 5,000 2008 R32s are being called home to replace a valve in the evaporative system. Left unchanged, the fuel tank vent valve may creep open when ambient temperatures are high, and driving conditions are just right. The misbehaving valve could lead to fuel winding up in the evaporative emissions system, possibly even getting into the charcoal canister, which could lead to driveability issues. The fix is a new valve, available at the VW dealer, free of charge.

The other recall involves nearly 6,000 CC models. A misrouted wiring harness related to the right front seat's seatbelt buckle could lead to wire damage. If the harness suffers damage, it will disable the passenger's airbag, while also lighting a warning lamp in the dash cluster. With a disabled airbag, crashes are potentially more injurious, so buyers are encouraged to head to the dealer, where they'll look for the problem and replace whatever parts are needed. Thanks for the tip, Oliver.

[Source: usrecallnews]

Gallery: Review: 2008 VW R32

REPORT: VW recalls all 5,000 2008 R32 hot hatches, some CC sedans originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Volkswagen Golf R20 snapped on the 'Ring

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf G20 - Click above for a high-res gallery

Spy shooters have managed to snap a few pictures of Volkswagen's upcoming Golf R20 lapping the Nürburgring in Germany, in this case disguised as a mild-mannered 2.0 TDI.

The new hot hatchback will reportedly be available in both three- and five-door styles, and it will take the place of the now-departed R32. As the name suggests, the R20 will feature a four-cylinder engine displacing just 2.0 liters. Fortunately, that little engine looks to be direct-injected and pressurized by a big 'ol turbocharger, boosting output to an estimated 270 horsepower. Those ponies should be funneled to the front tires (not through all four contact patches as with the R32) through either a standard six-speed manual or VW's excellent DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Expect 0-60 mph times of around five seconds.

Besides the influx of power, VW's new R20 is expected to arrive equipped with a set of upsized brakes cribbed from the Audi A3. We're hoping that rumors of the new VeeDub R20's entrance into the States as a 2010 model come true, but in the meantime, it seems that the car will make its debut at the 24-hour Nürburgring race in May.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Volkswagen Golf R20

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Volkswagen Golf R20 snapped on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen dropping Scirocco R32 in favor of Scirocco R20T

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco

It's just a matter of time before Volkswagen begins offering a hotter, harder version of the new Scirocco, and according to CAR, the range-topping three-door will be packing the same 265-hp, 2.0-liter turbo as the Audi S3. The VW Scirocco R20T will be heavily influenced by the Scirocco GT24 racer that campaigned at the Nurburgring earlier this year, but without the vented hood, massive rear wing and aggressive front splitter. The sprint to 60 should be easily dispatched in under six seconds and a top speed of 155 mph is almost assured. Grippier seats and a stiffer ride that makes use of V-Dub's active suspension system are likely part of the package, and sales are expected to begin abroad in January for around £25,000. An R32 variant packing the VR6 is likely off the drawing board due to emissions and fuel economy, and if VW is actually considering bringing the Scirocco to the U.S., the R20T would be the perfect variant to distance itself from the equally competent GTI.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco

Gallery: Volkswagen Scirocco GT24

[Source: CAR]

Volkswagen dropping Scirocco R32 in favor of Scirocco R20T originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No 2009 Volkswagen R32 for the U.S.

Chris Shunk — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen R32

The Volkswagen R32 has a die-hard following here in the States. Unfortunately for the sprightly hatchback's groupies, you'll have to head overseas if you want a 2009 model. Volkswagen spokesman Thomas Wegehaupt confirmed the R32's early exit out of the U.S., which means the original 5,000-unit allotment of hot hatches will be the only current-generation R32s to make it Stateside. Part of the reason for the discontinued R32 could have something to do with next year's arrival of the MK VI ~~Golf~~ Rabbit, which will be followed by a new GTI and possibly another R32.

The folks over at Kicking Tires say there are still 276 '08 models left in the US, so there are a few chances left to pick an R32 up. The remaining copies of the $32,995 hatch has $2,000 on the hood, too, so those last examples come at a discount. Is a 250-hp Golf with AWD worth a $31,000 entry price when the GTI is almost as fast for nearly $10,000 less? That may have something to do with the fact that we won't have an '09 R32 in the first place.

Gallery: Review: 2008 VW R32

[Source: Kicking Tires]

No 2009 Volkswagen R32 for the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Volkswagen R32

Chris Tutor — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Specialty

2008 VW R32 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The scraping as I pulled into the church parking lot worried me. I'd only had one of the rarest of VeeDubs for a few hours and I might have already nicked it. An unholy shame for sure, since for two weeks I had looked forward to blasting down I-20 at the wheel of an R32. For two weeks I had wondered how loud a redlined VR6 could wail. But for the last two hours I'd done nothing but get lost in Atlanta gridlock trying to set my destination on the car's in-dash nav.

Pulling in the First Pentecostal parking lot's steep entrance was a decision made in frustration and impatience, one made easier with the R32's light, quick steering and massive acceleration. But shelter from the kamikaze traffic I expected, undercarriage damage I did not. A quick inspection revealed nothing of importance had suffered trauma. The 18-inch wheels and their low-profile Continentals looked fine. The rear differential seemed unscathed. The bumper's plastic valance was unharmed and couldn't have made the metal-on-concrete sound I'd heard anyway.

Gallery: Review: 2008 VW R32

Continue reading Review: 2008 Volkswagen R32

Review: 2008 Volkswagen R32 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rabbit on 'roids: Abt tunes the Volkswagen R32

Drew Phillips — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:34:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for a high resolution version

It was only a matter of time before Abt got its hands on a Volkswagen R32. The hot hatch is no slouch in stock form with 250 horsepower, but Abt has boosted output to 370 bhp via a supercharger complete with a water-cooled intercooler. This knocks the 0-60 mph time down to 5.0 seconds flat and raises the top speed to 167 mph. Abt has also fitted the R32 with an adjustable sport suspension, as well as 19-inch BR wheels. Follow the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Abt Volkswagen R32

[Source: Abt Sportline]

Continue reading Rabbit on 'roids: Abt tunes the Volkswagen R32

Rabbit on 'roids: Abt tunes the Volkswagen R32 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Noodle vs. Strudel: WebRidesTV pits MS3 against R32

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:17:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Mazda, Volkswagen

Everyone loves a good shootout and it's even better when the two vehicles duking it out are actually attainable. Enter the WebRidesTV crew who setup shop at our new favorite road course, the Horse Thief Mile at Willow Springs, to run the Mazdaspeed3 and Volkswagen R32 through their paces to see which vehicle provides the best bang for the buck in the hotter-than-hot hatch segment. While the performance and price discrepancy is rather high - the R32 is packing fewer ponies but comes in with a higher sticker - the reviewer is keen to point out that both models have their high and low points. The MS3 may put down better lap times, but the R32 might have it beat on interior accoutrements and a more Grand Touring demeanor -- as with any review, it comes down to what you value more.

You can view this newest review from WebRidesTV after the jump and check out their last shootout between the Roush and Saleen from last month.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Mazdaspeed3

Gallery: 2008 Volkswagen R32

Continue reading Noodle vs. Strudel: WebRidesTV pits MS3 against R32

Noodle vs. Strudel: WebRidesTV pits MS3 against R32 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW R32: So fast you'll need shorter songs

Siddharth Raja — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 20:04:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Volkswagen

To emphasize just how quick its new Golf R32 hot-hatch really is, Volkswagen has mailed out a CD to potential customers and dealers containing some very short road-trip songs. The album, simply titled 'Short Car Songs,' contains three short classics, such as 'One Green Bottle,' 'It's a long way to Tip,' and 'She'll be coming around the mountain,' and is aimed at grabbing attention for the new car and getting people into showrooms to check it out.

Don't write this concept off as a waste perfectly good plastic just yet. Results on previous launches using this promotion have shown test drives going up 75% and sales up 25% on initial forecasts. All from simply mailing out a CD? Perhaps next time the songs should be distributed digitally via the iTunes Music Store.

[Source: Ads of the World via German Car Blog]

VW R32: So fast you'll need shorter songs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2007 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Snatched! VW R32s selling quickly before hitting dealerships

Chris Shunk — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:53:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Volkswagen

The last R32 was a favorite of tuners and VW enthusiasts alike, and from the looks of the early orders, the 2008 MK V R32 is going to be in hot demand. The kind folks over at Volkswagen gave current GTI and R32 owners first dibs at the 2008 model, and the VW loyalists didn't disappoint. Of the 5,000 R32s destined for the US, nearly 1,000 have already been spoken for.

The 2008 R32 will retain its 3.2l engine with 250hp, and 4Motion permanent AWD will be standard. The starting price of the hot hatch will be a breath-taking $32,990, putting it in 3-Series territory, but we don't think this will be much of an obstacle for those who covet the R32. After seeing the souped-up Golf in person in Chicago, it's difficult to foresee the R32s hanging out on dealer lots for long. The R32 roles out in the fall.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Gallery: 2008 Volkswagen R32

Snatched! VW R32s selling quickly before hitting dealerships originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: VW Golf R36

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 10:06:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Volkswagen

For those following the development of Volkswagen's hottest of hot hatches, it's common knowledge that the automaker has been hard at work adapting the engine from the R36 Passat to fit within the confines of the new Golf. Hans Lehmann and his clandestine photogs were able to catch this new breed of hatch undergoing cold weather testing, but according to the shooters, those R32 badges on the deck lid don't tell the truth about what lies beneath.

The Golf R36 prototype benefits from the aforementioned engine upgrade, producing power somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 HP and sending it to all four wheels via a DSG gearbox. Although the exterior hasn't benefited from any extensive modifications, those gaping air intakes in the front fascia certainly speak to the R36's sporting creds.

If we ever see this thing Stateside, we hope that those roof-mounted driving lamps are offered as a factory accessory.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: VW Golf R36 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bad brakes lights lead VW to recall 790,000 vehicles

John Neff — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has discovered that a previous recall of 362,000 vehicles (1999-2002 Jettas and 1998-2002 New Beetles) for a defective brake light switch actually affects a much larger range of vehicles. The German automaker is extending the recall to an additional 790,000 vehicles that include 1999-2006 Golf and GTI models, 2001-2005 Jettas, 2001-2007 New Beetles and the 2004 R32. The possibility exists that brake light switches in these vehicles may have been installed wrong, which could lead to their remaining on all the time or not working at all. In an extreme possibility, some vehicles with automatic transmissions might be immobilized if the brake light switch can't be activated so that the transmission can be shifted out of Park. When the new recall begins in April, VW dealers will install a new brake light switch free of charge for owners of the affected vehicles. If you think your vehicle is included in the recall or have any questions, you call VW at 1-800-822-8987.

Thanks for the tip, Judd!

[Source: USA Today]

Bad brakes lights lead VW to recall 790,000 vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Feb 2007 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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High performance R-badged Touareg on its way

John Neff — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Volkswagen

According to AutoTelegraaf, a loose-lipped V-dub employee spilled the beans that the German automaker is developing an R-badged high-performance version of the Touareg SUV. Unlike current gas-powered R variants such as the R32 Golf and upcoming R36 Passat, the R-badged Touareg will likely be based on the 4.9L V10 TDI model. Motor Authority reports that aftermarket tuners have gotten this engine to produce upwards of 625 ft-lbs. of torque and 365bhp, which bodes well for this SUV's potential. According to VW's naming convention, the new model will likely be called the R50. In terms of appearance, it's thought the R50 will resemble the R-line Touareg (shown) that can be built by outfitting your SUV with parts from the VW Individual customization program. Unfortunately, there's no word on whether this speculation includes the U.S. as a possible market for the R50. Currently, we're only promised the presence of the R32, which isn't even here yet (you can preorder one of the 5,000 earmarked for the States here), so chances are the R50 is not in our immediate future.

[Source: AutoTelegraaf via Motor Authority]

High performance R-badged Touareg on its way originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog reader finds the VW R32 microsite

Alex Nunez — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen hasn't published the link to the new R32's microsite on its homepage yet, but industrious AB reader Curt thought to punch "R32" into VW.com's site search and presto: here it is.

The site features a preorder form (essentially a lead generator for your local dealer), features & specs and a tell-a-friend feature. This week's been pretty active in terms of web sleuthing, with Ford fans digging up the Oval's official details on its trio of renamed cars, Scion fans unraveling Car & Driver's URL naming scheme to get the jump on the new xB and xD details, and now a VW fan finding the as-yet-unpromoted R32 site by simply using VW's existing search engine.

The moral of the story: if your page is published and it's not behind a layer of real security, people are gonna find it. Speaking of finding things, you can find Autoblog's on-the-scene coverage of the US-spec R32's unveiling here.

Thanks for the heads-up, Curt!

Autoblog reader finds the VW R32 microsite originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Feb 2007 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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