Next Volkswagen R32 not coming to the U.S.

The 2009 Volkswagen Golf, or better known as Rabbit on the stateside, will be headed to the U.S. in spring 2009 followed by the 207-hp 2010 Golf GTI. Unfortunately, according to Thomas Wegehaupt, spokesman for Volkswagen, the U.S. will not get a 2009/2010 version of the R32.

Yes that means no 250 horsepower V6 all-wheel-drive for all you R32 fans. Nonetheless, it’s been less than a year since the redesigned R32 has been on sale. High-performance V-dub will have to make do with...
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SHOWTIME - 10/29/2008 10:45:01 AM

+2 Boost

Good! If it doesn't have more than 300HP don't bother bringing it here. Even the V6 Camry will will blow the doors off of this on the highway.

Agent63 - 10/29/2008 2:56:54 PM

+1 Boost

Is it always about the speed? what about the experience? surely you can't have a good experience rolling all over the place in that Toyota Supersedan :D

gooch - 10/30/2008 5:47:19 PM

+1 Boost

No stock V-6 Camry will outrun a stock R32. What are you doing, looking at horsepower ratings and figuring what's quicker by the bigger number?

SHOWTIME - 10/30/2008 7:40:17 PM

+1 Boost

Agent63, no it's not all about speed but would it hurt to have more of it if I'm paying 10k extra? If it was just about handling then I'd just get a regular GTI and add coilovers to it.

Gooch, I know all about hp to weight ratio, gearing, Drag Coef, how AWD affects wheel HP, etc. I actually have raced both R32 and Camry V6. R32 was slower. I'm speaking from experience aside from what I know.

gooch - 10/29/2008 12:14:37 PM

+1 Boost

Didn't they say the same thing about the R32 that's currently on sale? I'll believe it when I don't see it.

LexSucks - 10/29/2008 12:37:28 PM

-1 Boost

Who cares the R32 is an under performer.

jpighetti - 10/29/2008 1:24:43 PM

+2 Boost

Plus we're getting a Scirocco. I don't think the R32 will be missed much...

mini22 - 10/29/2008 1:45:36 PM

+2 Boost

You just hit the nail on the head. VW wants to bring in the Scirocco to replace the R32. VW is finally using their head. It makes total sense that the best handling,best looking platform should be their halo vehicle. I suspect we'll get AWD and 250HP and a price tag of $32 grand. That way it does not compete directly with the GTI.I hope they will bring in the 6 speed manual in addition to the paddle box.

SteedPub - 10/29/2008 2:02:07 PM

+1 Boost

Problem with the R32 is and always has been the fact that it is not all that fast when you consider the premium over the GTI.

Americans love performance, but expect it when you buy the top-tier models. Like the previous posts say, it needs to be in the 300+hp bracket to really get people's attention and money for what it is.

Audiphile - 10/29/2008 5:31:17 PM

+2 Boost

There is some consolation for frustrated R32 fans.

They can buy either the new VW Scirocco, or they can buy an Audi A3 with quattro and the V-6 engine.

mini22 - 10/29/2008 6:42:59 PM

+1 Boost

The Scirocco we will get is a turbo 4 with about 250 to 260 HP and FWD.It will sport revised sport suspension and will probably take some elements of the Scirocco race car VW raced at the Nurburgring.

rxh8me1 - 10/29/2008 8:18:22 PM

+2 Boost

After Driving the last body style r32 i can say the driving experience is much better than the regular golf. Its pretty quick,not the fastest car out but by no means is it "slow". Plus I love the exhaust note.The Scirocco is a nice car but personally i'd take the r32.