On the surface the U.S.-spec 2008 Volkswagen R32 introduced today in Chicago doesn't look much different than the previous R32 sold in 2004. It has 250 horsepower, all-wheel drive and a bunch of cosmetic upgrades. When we dug a little deeper with Volkswagen Product Specialist Andres Valbuena, however, the 2008 R32 sounded a little better. Turns out this R32 is tuned to the exact specifications of the European model...
This might not sound like much, but the previous R32 in the U.S. had a different ride height, cheaper dampers and softer springs than its European counterpart according to Valbuena.
When pressed about the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), Valbuena admitted that some enthusiasts might not be too happy about the lack of a manual transmission. He did tell us, however, that the DSG setup was tuned specifically for the U.S.-spec engine so it would deliver the fastest shifts possible. The FSI engine used in Europe works a little differently, so the U.S. arm asked to try a couple different shift programs to make our version shift just right. Combined with the now standard launch control, the R32 should be a slick package when it arrives this summer. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line
When pressed about the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), Valbuena admitted that some enthusiasts might not be too happy about the lack of a manual transmission. He did tell us, however, that the DSG setup was tuned specifically for the U.S.-spec engine so it would deliver the fastest shifts possible. The FSI engine used in Europe works a little differently, so the U.S. arm asked to try a couple different shift programs to make our version shift just right. Combined with the now standard launch control, the R32 should be a slick package when it arrives this summer. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line
estreka says:
04:59 PM, 02/ 7/07
I'm old fashioned. I love my manual gearbox. I don't care how much faster an auto is.
jschaffer180 says:
05:05 PM, 02/ 7/07
The press info says this thing will do 0-60 in 6.4 sec. Can't the GTI already do that? With AWD and 250hp I would think this thing breaks 6 seconds. I hope VW is being conservative, real conservative.
frank908 says:
06:22 PM, 02/ 7/07
It seems so uneventful, like it slowly rolled into the US. Oh wait, it did and an automatic transmision it brought with it. I knew they were offering it this way, but that's why it seems like no big deal. There's a unique crowd that would yearn for sports cars that were limited like this because they were faster, they had beefier handling and not every Joe-Shmoe would drive one because of the main ingredient: a there's-only-one-way-to-drive-a-car-manual-tranny attached to it. Now, soccer moms can drive R32's.
blueguydotcom says:
09:41 AM, 02/ 8/07
Swing and a miss.
R32 with AWD and that 3.2 is significantly heavier than a base GTI, while only offering a slight power bump. Plus lacks 4 doors.
4 gti is 23k, add a better suspension and a chip, you've got more power in a lighter car and save about 8k.
rsholland says:
10:10 AM, 02/ 8/07
Also, no 4-door version. :(
demoncleaner says:
12:19 PM, 02/ 8/07
Bit of a let down.... Not because of the motor.
Obivously, no manual tranny offered. DSG may be nice (& faster), but not what I want... Looks like they are shooting for luxury sports car buyer, but they already have a car for that! The Audi A3 S-line...
I could care less about the luxury items that add weight and plenty of $ to the sticker...Sunroof, DSG, Xeon headlamps, 6 disc changers, heated/powerseats. Only stereo you need is the sound of that sweet motor...
This driver wanted, but will look elsewhere...
ateixeira says:
01:49 PM, 02/ 8/07
No 5 door model, and no manual? No thanks.
This can't keep up with a base WRX TR, never mind an STI. MazdaSpeed also has nothing to worry about.
What happened to rumors of an R36?
hola_dan says:
02:47 PM, 02/ 8/07
I think it is great VW has brought this car to the US.
There is a great video from Top Gear comparing the bmw 130i and the VW R32 on:
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-VFiJW-014>
I think that more than being a direct competitor to the WRX and STI, it is a different alternative, more European.
Too bad they are only going to offer 5000 of them... :'(
navigator89 says:
03:48 PM, 02/ 8/07
Nice looking car, but way too expensive for what you get. I've heard it's around $32000. I'd much rather get a Mazdaspeed3, or Caliber SRT-4, both which have more power and four doors with a lower price. The 0-60 time also seems painfully slow for a small car with 250hp. I'd expect mid 5s.
estreka says:
09:03 PM, 02/ 8/07
$32K!?! Geez, my S2000 cost that brand new, and is way more playful than this GTi. Much like the GTi's of old were. Ironic, huh?
ftrr32 says:
02:21 PM, 03/24/07
I read the comments posted about how the GTI is a superior buy over the R32 and am wondering what is the fuss? if anyone went to the web site and built a similar equipped GTI they would find that the R32 is only 4k above in pricing. Let us also look at the specifications for each motor: GTI 2.0 with turbo listed at 200hp @209lbs/ft , R32 3.2 normally aspirated 250hp@236lb/ft. However the R32 is equipped with AWD and 18in wheels, 13.6in brakes F and 13.0 R. I think that for the price alone the R32 gives more bang for the buck. I would like to have had the choice of a manual gearbox over the DSG gearbox. But will not let that stop me from buying the car. If I need more power I am sure that EIP or ABD will gladly supply the parts. Make mine Blue!!!!!