CHICAGO AUTO SHOW: VW R32 Warms Up The Windy City

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.

d1sinfo - 2/7/2007 4:35:35 PM

0 Boost

*Borg Warners acclaimed transmission

Fixed.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/7/2007 6:04:55 PM

+1 Boost

Nice!

chewy - 2/7/2007 8:17:52 PM

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Finally the R32 gets here. But I am sure it is definitely worth the wait.

SixxFive - 2/8/2007 12:29:11 AM

+2 Boost

Numerous road tests have all said the same thing: the R32 is a good car but it's heavy engine and weight from the 4 Motion make the GTI much more responsive and fun to drive and less expensive. The GTI is the better option.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/8/2007 10:07:04 PM

+1 Boost

I agree. It's exactly the same as A3 2.0T vs. 3.2 quattro. I drove both, and 2.0T was the clear choice. The AWD adds so much weight that it just doesn't feel like the same car as the FWD version. I believe the 3.2 is slightly quicker to 60, but the 2.0T is quicker in the quarter mile, and it feels faster than the V6.

I just like the R32's bodykit. But GTI and R32 are both cool.

ElSparquito - 2/8/2007 8:58:26 AM

+1 Boost

I liked the '04 R32, because it was a terrific car compared to other cars on '04. But it is now 3 years later and Subaru & Mitsu have some pretty impressive AWD's on the horizon. Shouldn't this one should come with a more potent engine in a lighter package. Isn't this the same 3.2L from the '04?
It looks good. I'm certain it drives well. But it's not as exciting as it once was - maybe it's the Rabbit stigma.