First Look: VW teases us from afar with next-gen Golf R32

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August-10th-2005, 10:44 AM

Mikeyb

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First Look: VW teases us from afar with next-gen Golf R32

First Look: VW teases us from afar with next-gen Golf R32
BOB GRITZINGER
Posted Date: 8/9/05
Take a long, loving look at Volkwagen’s latest rocket, the next R32 based on the fifth-generation Golf. Don’t get too excited, though, because the chance to buy one in the United States anytime soon falls between slim and none. VW’s North American arm says it has no official plans to bring the car here—so far.

VW takes the wraps off R32 at the coming Frankfurt motor show, and it goes on sale in Europe shortly thereafter. If timelines are consistent with the last R32 introduction, we might expect R32 (with some lobbying) in about a year or so from now. First VW has to bring in the Golf, which isn’t due here until later this year, though it has been on sale in Europe for nearly two years. The performance-minded GTi model went on sale in Europe last fall and has yet to bow here.

Even with all those big “ifs” in place, here’s what VW has in store for the next R32: A 250-hp version of the Golf’s 3.2-liter V6 linked to either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch direct sequential gearbox, sending power to all four wheels. VW says the DSG-equipped model goes from 0 to 62 mph in 6.2 seconds.

Exterior modifications include an aluminum-look grille, body-colored bumpers, dual exhaust outlets, an oversized spoiler, and 20-spoke 18-inch wheels backed by blue brake calipers. Its overall height is also lowered by nearly an inch.

Inside, R32 gets sport seats, aluminum-look pedals, leather-trimmed sport steering wheel and R32 shift ****.

VW brought 5000 copies of the last R32 to the U.S., and sold every one of them in no time flat. If the next R32 sells as well, we hear VW may consider shipping R versions of other models our way.