2008 Volkswagen R32

By Chris Jackson, www.car-data.com

The Volkswagen R32 doesn’t look like the big, bad flagship performers from the Other Guys. Itlacks the aggressive, spoilers-vents-and- flares look of cars like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutionand Subaru WRX STi, and there isn’t a distinctive exhaust roar to rattle the windows as itapproaches.

Looks can be deceiving, however; this is definitely the big dog in Volkswagen’s performancekennel. The first R32, introduced to the U.S. as a limited edition in 2004, was the brilliantmarriage of the subcompact Golf body, a V6 engine and VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive, and was aninstant success. After a four-year hiatus, the R32 is back. The formula is the same, from thesubtle design cues to the torquey V6 engine shoehorned under the hood, and VW plans to build 5000examples this time around.

So what is the engine story? Simple. The R32 is equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.2 literV6 making 250 horsepower. With the standard all-wheel drive and awesome Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)manumatic, the R32 is good for a 6.5-second 0-60 run. The numbers don’t tell the whole story,though; it’s true that there are several other performance cars that would happily trounce this $32,000 glorified Rabbit. Very few of them, however, can return the R32′s brand of torquey poise.There’s no turbocharger under the hood; the R32 makes its power through the old-fashioned method ofdisplacement.

The 3.2 liter V6 is a DOHC, 24-valve unit with variable valve timing. At idle, a menacingburble from the centered dual exhaust is the only clue that the R32 has something special going on. Out on the road, there’s serious acceleration available at just about any engine speed. Itlacks the visceral punch of the turbocharged Japanese all-wheel drivers, as well as giving up ameasure of horsepower to them, but the tradeoff is a high performance car that’s easier to livewith. The R32 is manageable when you want it to be, and a high-performance demon when the needarises. The DSG’s instantaneous twin-clutch engagement allows for selective gear- changes as quickas a manual transmissions–the only thing missing is the fun of manipulating a clutch pedal.

A wider track and lowered suspension give the R32 a more intense ride than the rest of theRabbit line. The setup is the same–MacPherson struts up front and a multilink independentrear–but tuned to reduce body roll.

The R32 offers a firm ride with tenacious grip. It doesn’t like rough roads, but the all-wheeldrive improves stability if not ride comfort. The weather offered up some very un-sportscar-friendly black ice during the week I spent with the R32, and the dangerous roads proved to be noproblem for the hot Volkswagen. When things finally warmed up so that it was merely damp, theR32′s flat cornering and brake force distribution made it possible to play on some of my favoriteroads without fear. The Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) stability control works with theall-wheel drive to ensure sure-footed performance.

It may have the familiar combination of big horsepower and all-wheel drive, but the R32 issomething quite different from the other compact performers out there. This is reflected in thedesign, which at a glance isn’t that different from the Rabbit on which the R32 is based. Thefamiliar one-box design is upgraded with a central dual exhaust at the rear and a chrome grille upfront. A body-colored roof spoiler and bumpers are accented with R32 badges and xenon headlamps.Unique 18-inch, 20-spoke wheels and brakes with distinctive blue calipers round out the R32appearance package. It doesn’t stand out much on the road, especially when compared to the bigspoilers and wings found on other compact performance flagships.

The R32 trades on its reputation rather than its looks.

The interior is equally subtle. The R32 gets a flat-bottomed racing- style steering wheel andbody-hugging sport seats, but then so does the GTI. Only “R” badges and special hand-turned styledash trim set it apart visually.

This isn’t a bad thing however, as the standard Rabbit’s interior is already comfortable andwell-trimmed as it is.

The R32 difference is mainly in the equipment; automatic climate control, a six-disc CD changer,rain-sensing wipers, and heated seats are standard equipment. A navigation system is available,though the controls are challenging to master.

Critics will be quick to point out that the R32 is less powerful and has a lower ultimateperformance limit than a number of cars which cost significantly less. This is true, but this isalso one of those cars about which the numbers can’t tell the whole story. The R32 offersexceptional performance in a more reserved package, one that doesn’t constantly leave you feelingas though you’re driving a special stage in a World Rally competition. The R32 can be driven likea normal car, if you’d like, and the subtle design modifications mean that it only shows off whenit really wants to. For some drivers, that will be enough to justify the price premium. The costis a significant thing, too; R32 pricing starts at $32,990, and as a limited-edition model it’s notgoing to be common on the dealer lots, either. Odds are that a significant percentage of theproduction run has already been snapped up by eager Volkswagen loyalists.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2008 Volkswagen R32.

Length: 167.2 in.

Width: 69.2 in.

Height: 57.7. in.

Wheelbase: 101.5 in.

Curb weight: 3547 lb.

Cargo space: 9.7 cu.ft. (seats up); 43.4 cu.ft. (seats folded) Base price:

$32,990 Price as tested: $35,430

Engine: 3.2 liter DOHC V6

Drivetrain: six-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive

Horsepower: 250 @ 6300

Torque: 236 @ 2500-3000

Fuel capacity: 14.5 gal.

Est. mileage: 18/23