VW R32 Coming Stateside!!
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Evolving Member
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: is everything
VW R32 Coming Stateside!!
I saw pics of the R32 in the L.A. Auto Show pics, so I wondered. Went to www.vwvortex.com , and they had this:
I am in love with this car! Call me a traitor, but even more so that the EVO... 
Copied from www.vwvortex.com
As we predicted months ago, Volkswagen formally, but briefly announced today at the 2003 North American Auto Show that the R32 will be coming this year to the United States. Little details were offered publicly, but VWvortex has learned several things:
- It will be sold as the "R32" here in the U.S. No Golf badge. No GTI badge.
- Volkswagen is looking to sell around 5,000 units
- Price is expected to be below $30k, but not by much
- All the cars shown at the L.A. and Detroit Auto Shows are German specification models
- Expect the R32 to go on sale late summer
- Equipment should remain consistent with the European versions with the exception of the Navigation system
- The R32 is selling very well in Europe with waiting lists in many countries.
Volkswagen has a metallic blue R32 on display here in Detroit and at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Both will be viewable during the public days of the shows as well.
Below is the press release issued by Volkswagen of America:
Volkswagen R32
The most powerful Golf ever is coming to America: Its name: R32. Its output: 177 kW / 241 hp: Its engine: An extremely agile 3.2 liter V6 - which is also installed in the new Phaeton. This compact four-wheel drive sports car from Volkswagen accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds and allows a top speed of 247 km/h (153 mph) wherever this is permitted. However, this value only reveals one of the Golf R32's dynamic sides. The manner in which this sports car exhibits a high level of agility, superiority and safety in all speed ranges and in all conceivable situations is equally as fascinating.
V6 with an output of 177 kW / 241 hp: In technical terms, the compact six-cylinder engine is characterized, amongst other aspects, by the continuously adjustable inlet and exhaust camshaft, cylinder-selective knock control and variable intake manifold geometry. The engine's power (a maximum of 320 Newtonmeters) is transferred to the standard 4MOTION four-wheel drive via a six-speed gearbox with tightly graduated shifting travel. A twin-branch exhaust system with two chrome-plated tailpipes ensures that the R32 emits an appropriately throaty roar.
Exterior: The optical appearance of this new, top Golf model is characterized by its sports running gear which - in comparison with the standard model - has been lowered by 20 millimeters, 18" alloy wheels with 225/40 ZR 18 tires and extensive modifications at the front and rear.
Interior: In the passenger compartment, brushed aluminum trim (pedals, center console, gearshift lever, etc.) underlines the dynamic orientation of the most successful car ever built in Germany. The newly-designed front sports seats with integrated headrests and a leather-covered steering wheel exclusive to the R32 have been designed for sporty driving.
Further equipment: The extensive standard equipment fitted in the R32, which will initially be available as a two-door model, includes: Electronically-controlled automatic air conditioner, a high-quality radio system with eight loudspeakers, multi-function display, rain sensor, a rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle setting, heated seats and xenon headlights including a headlight washer system.
Potential: As the new top model in the Golf model series, all of the R32's drive characteristics impressively demonstrate the dynamic potential of this compact class best-seller. However, the R32 also shows what is possible when luxury class technology is transferred to another, smaller vehicle class. Because the combination of such a powerful, naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engine with standard four-wheel drive is currently unique in this segment.
As we predicted months ago, Volkswagen formally, but briefly announced today at the 2003 North American Auto Show that the R32 will be coming this year to the United States. Little details were offered publicly, but VWvortex has learned several things:
- It will be sold as the "R32" here in the U.S. No Golf badge. No GTI badge.
- Volkswagen is looking to sell around 5,000 units
- Price is expected to be below $30k, but not by much
- All the cars shown at the L.A. and Detroit Auto Shows are German specification models
- Expect the R32 to go on sale late summer
- Equipment should remain consistent with the European versions with the exception of the Navigation system
- The R32 is selling very well in Europe with waiting lists in many countries.
Volkswagen has a metallic blue R32 on display here in Detroit and at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Both will be viewable during the public days of the shows as well.
Below is the press release issued by Volkswagen of America:
Volkswagen R32
The most powerful Golf ever is coming to America: Its name: R32. Its output: 177 kW / 241 hp: Its engine: An extremely agile 3.2 liter V6 - which is also installed in the new Phaeton. This compact four-wheel drive sports car from Volkswagen accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds and allows a top speed of 247 km/h (153 mph) wherever this is permitted. However, this value only reveals one of the Golf R32's dynamic sides. The manner in which this sports car exhibits a high level of agility, superiority and safety in all speed ranges and in all conceivable situations is equally as fascinating.
V6 with an output of 177 kW / 241 hp: In technical terms, the compact six-cylinder engine is characterized, amongst other aspects, by the continuously adjustable inlet and exhaust camshaft, cylinder-selective knock control and variable intake manifold geometry. The engine's power (a maximum of 320 Newtonmeters) is transferred to the standard 4MOTION four-wheel drive via a six-speed gearbox with tightly graduated shifting travel. A twin-branch exhaust system with two chrome-plated tailpipes ensures that the R32 emits an appropriately throaty roar.
Exterior: The optical appearance of this new, top Golf model is characterized by its sports running gear which - in comparison with the standard model - has been lowered by 20 millimeters, 18" alloy wheels with 225/40 ZR 18 tires and extensive modifications at the front and rear.
Interior: In the passenger compartment, brushed aluminum trim (pedals, center console, gearshift lever, etc.) underlines the dynamic orientation of the most successful car ever built in Germany. The newly-designed front sports seats with integrated headrests and a leather-covered steering wheel exclusive to the R32 have been designed for sporty driving.
Further equipment: The extensive standard equipment fitted in the R32, which will initially be available as a two-door model, includes: Electronically-controlled automatic air conditioner, a high-quality radio system with eight loudspeakers, multi-function display, rain sensor, a rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle setting, heated seats and xenon headlights including a headlight washer system.
Potential: As the new top model in the Golf model series, all of the R32's drive characteristics impressively demonstrate the dynamic potential of this compact class best-seller. However, the R32 also shows what is possible when luxury class technology is transferred to another, smaller vehicle class. Because the combination of such a powerful, naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engine with standard four-wheel drive is currently unique in this segment.
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Thread Starter
Evolving Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 106
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From: is everything
$25,000-$26,500
God, I wish... in the article they say "below $30,000, but not far" (or something to that extent). I think it'll be more around $27,000-$28,000... *sigh* I need to rob a bank. Anyone wanna be my lookout?
God, I wish... in the article they say "below $30,000, but not far" (or something to that extent). I think it'll be more around $27,000-$28,000... *sigh* I need to rob a bank. Anyone wanna be my lookout?
Evolved Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,088
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From: New Jersey, USA
Ferget that
I'll just let you get shot
This is only one of many cars stepping up in performance in the near future. So that's very good news.
I'll just let you get shot This is only one of many cars stepping up in performance in the near future. So that's very good news.
Last edited by LancerEvoMR; Jan 9, 2003 at 01:53 PM.
this car won't spank a Evo. it can only muster in a 0-60 time of 6.6 seconds, i believe and a 1/4 mile low to mid 14's. not to mention that this car weighs A LOT more than an evo, around 3400-3600lbs due to the AWD
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7
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not exactly 4WD
it has the same concept as Audi Quattros. It is basically RWD until it senses slippage and will transfer power to the front. Maybe I got it backward FWD to rear but this is how it goes for Audis and VWs.
Evolving Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 141
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From: Southern California
It is AWD
Actually the R32 and the Audi Quattros are full-time all wheel drive vehicles like the EVO & WRX. In fact Audi was the first to create the AWD rally cars for racing as well as street versions in the early 1980s. Everybody else followed suit, including Subaru and Mitsubishi. I have a VR6 GTI and love VWs, but the R32 is pretty slow for begin the ultimate GTI. They should have stuck to a turbocharged motor. I guess it will have an enermous tuning potential since even my motor has turbo kits that can go up to the 400-500hp range (EIP). Also, this will definitely be marked up about 3K-5K. The anniversary edition GTI that was out mid 2002 was marked up about 3K-5K since they brought only about 1500 units stateside. They are supposed to bring 5K unit of the R32 here, but it will attract enough Audi/BMW drivers with money for them to price gouge for the first few months without any problem.
