New R32

[TheIntrepid]

Not sure if this is fast enough for "The Fast Lane"

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.[/I]

Autoblog

[Eye of the Tiger]

Not sure if this is fast enough for "The Fast Lane"

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.[/I]

Autoblog

R32's aren't exactly Mainstream, but I understand you not putting it in the Fastlane, since it could barely keep up with your Camry. 

[Raza]

"Instead of the GTI?s 200-hp turbo four-cylinder, the R32 gets Volkswagen?s 3.2-liter narrow-angle V-6, good for 250 horsepower and 236 lb-ft, same as found in the Audi A3 3.2. Coupled to a six-speed DSG, it should shuffle the R32 to sixty in less than six seconds."

I'm excited, though this news comes too late for Volkswagen to ensnare me. 

[SJ_GTI]

"Instead of the GTI?s 200-hp turbo four-cylinder, the R32 gets Volkswagen?s 3.2-liter narrow-angle V-6, good for 250 horsepower and 236 lb-ft, same as found in the Audi A3 3.2. Coupled to a six-speed DSG, it should shuffle the R32 to sixty in less than six seconds."

I'm excited, though this news comes too late for Volkswagen to ensnare me.?

FYI, it will be auto only in the US.

[TheIntrepid]

and Canada. I bet stick will be optional up here.

[Catman]

Someone should tell the photographer to take off the friggen zoom lens.  Can we see the whole car please?

[TheIntrepid]

Am I the only one who sees a whole bunch of red Xs now?

[thewizard16]

Someone should tell the photographer to take off the friggen zoom lens. Can we see the whole car please?

On Autoblog if you click on the picture, it uncrops it. 

[sandertheshark]

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.

Excuse me while I laugh myself to edge of asphyxiation.

[Eye of the Tiger]

FYI, it will be auto only in the US.

Auto DSG, or auto auto?

[S204STi]

Excuse me while I laugh myself to edge of asphyxiation.

No kidding.  Too little power to play seriously in the AWD rocket game.  WRX is at least as quick for lots less dough, and for the same price as an R32 you can have yourself a giant slayer in the form of the Evo X or the STI.

[S204STi]

Am I the only one who sees a whole bunch of red Xs now?

No, I too see a bunch of red-Xs.

[Soup DeVille]

Bahhh...

Add a pair of turbos to it and then we'll justify the price...

[SJ_GTI]

Auto DSG, or auto auto?

dsg

[Raza]

FYI, it will be auto only in the US.

Well, if it is DSG only, then they'd lost me before I got the Box.

[nickdrinkwater]

It's actually been out for a while now, thought I've only seen a few.  It's a nice car, though I actually think the GTI looks better.

[JYODER240]

So the old one weighed less, was just as quick, looked better, and came with a stick.

[The Pirate]

Didn't the last R32 have an N/A VR6 as well?  IIRC, it had a very nice exhaust note.  I really like the looks of the new one, but alas, I miss the clutch as well.

[JYODER240]

Didn't the last R32 have an N/A VR6 as well?? IIRC, it had a very nice exhaust note.? I really like the looks of the new one, but alas, I miss the clutch as well.

Yeah with 240hp IIRC. I like the look of the new one as well, just not as much as the old one.

[SJ_GTI]

So the old one weighed less, was just as quick, looked better, and came with a stick.

FYI, the new one "comes with a stick" in practically every market other than the US.

The MKV R32 is no slouch:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=09s8eMLHIUM

The MKV platform, despite its weight, its generally considered better all around than the MK4. Many people on VWVortex have traded in their MK4 R32's for MK5 GTI's, even though they are losing AWD and about ~40 HP (stock anyway, those are the guys that go get the 2.0T reflashed and end up with just as much or more power anyway...).

One interesting thing I've heard is that the 2.0T will be bumped in the GTI/GLI to 230 HP starting in 2008. I am not sure I believe it, but if its true I would wager that a GTI would be as fast or faster than an R32 in a straight line (though I suspect the R32 would have an edge on a track).

[SJ_GTI]

Here's another review of the same cars:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=i2hd_LSwkZc&mode=related&search=

[TheIntrepid]

I love the look of the Mk5 Golf/Rabbit/GTI/R32 so I'm not complaining. I'd buy one for sure if it was roomy enough.

[Raza]

Didn't the last R32 have an N/A VR6 as well?  IIRC, it had a very nice exhaust note.  I really like the looks of the new one, but alas, I miss the clutch as well.

It had an amazing exhaust, with butterfly valves, I believe they're called.

[Raza]

I love the look of the Mk5 Golf/Rabbit/GTI/R32 so I'm not complaining. I'd buy one for sure if it was roomy enough.

[omicron]

Naughty Raza. Theft is a crime.

[Raza]

So the old one weighed less, was just as quick, looked better, and came with a stick.

The current R32 beat the old one by 3 seconds around the Top Gear track.

[LonghornTX]

Well, if it is DSG only, then they'd lost me before I got the Box.

My thoughts exactly.  I will wait for the 2-series personally.

[SJ_GTI]

The current R32 beat the old one by 3 seconds around the Top Gear track.

Not to mention the current 130i. 

Still won't be buying one, but I respect its performance.

[Raza]

Not to mention the current 130i. 

Still won't be buying one, but I respect its performance.

And that's not even mentioning that it was the 5 door, which is slightly heavier than the 3 door.

[omicron]

I'd find myself purchasing a GTI far more quickly than an R32.