First Look: VW teases us from afar with next-gen Golf R32



BOB GRITZINGER
Posted Date: 8/9/05

Take a long, loving look at Volkwagen’s latest rocket, the next R32 based on the fifth-generation Golf. Don’t get too excited, though, because the chance to buy one in the United States anytime soon falls between slim and none. VW’s North American arm says it has no official plans to bring the car here—so far.

VW takes the wraps off R32 at the coming Frankfurt motor show, and it goes on sale in Europe shortly thereafter. If timelines are consistent with the last R32 introduction, we might expect R32 (with some lobbying) in about a year or so from now. First VW has to bring in the Golf, which isn’t due here until later this year, though it has been on sale in Europe for nearly two years. The performance-minded GTi model went on sale in Europe last fall and has yet to bow here.

Even with all those big “ifs” in place, here’s what VW has in store for the next R32: A 250-hp version of the Golf’s 3.2-liter V6 linked to either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch direct sequential gearbox, sending power to all four wheels. VW says the DSG-equipped model goes from 0 to 62 mph in 6.2 seconds.

Exterior modifications include an aluminum-look grille, body-colored bumpers, dual exhaust outlets, an oversized spoiler, and 20-spoke 18-inch wheels backed by blue brake calipers. Its overall height is also lowered by nearly an inch.

Inside, R32 gets sport seats, aluminum-look pedals, leather-trimmed sport steering wheel and R32 shift ****.

VW brought 5000 copies of the last R32 to the U.S., and sold every one of them in no time flat. If the next R32 sells as well, we hear VW may consider shipping R versions of other models our way.



http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102961

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I liked the Golf, when it had the MK III attached to it. When did this little hot hatch become a fatty?

 

I've always wanted to know how much one of those engines weighs, fully dressed, in the R32 incarnation.

 

It's still a bit of a pig, but makes for a decent tuning platform. Plus the current R32 sounds so damn good with an aftermarket exhaust.

 

Looks the same to me. Dont like hatchbacks either!

 

If it can only pull a 6.2 to 60 with 250hp and AWD, then it's got to be pretty damn heavy.

 

?? It's uglier, with more curvey lines. The MKIV was much more sexier. This isn't.

It is, as the last gen was heavy but those are conservative times from VW, as with it's last model.

 

Thats about the same as the previous gen. My friend has one. It accelerates faster to 50 than the 8. The 60 time is misleading since you need to shift to 3rd at around 55.

 

Remix:

Jetta front end, civic EP body, Mazda3 rear.

 

never liked the golf....it just doesn't sit well for some reason

 

Supposedly, we'll get the R36, when that comes out.

I love the new R, it's one of the few cars I';d consider trading the RX for.... in a few years maybe.

They are sickeningly tunable. Just look at the HPA kits for the R32. For that reason alone it was VERY high on my list before the RX-8 snuck in and stole my heart.