2008 Volkswagen R32 Preview

2008 Volkswagen R32 -- 2007 Chicago Auto Show Preview: To the average Joe, R32 means nothing, but to a Volkswagen enthusiast, that’s Racing with a 3.2-liter engine. If you’re one of those people, and you’ve always dreamed of owning a new R32, now’s your chance. But you’ve got to hurry. Only 5,000 examples will be made available for U.S. customers, and VW expects 3,000 of those to go in 2007 and the remainder in 2008. Knowing that there are thousands more of you out there who long for this hot hatch, the one with 250 horsepower, 4MOTION all-wheel-drive, and that DSG tranny, they’ve created 5000R32.com to make your long-awaited purchase more likely. Now, go. 4,999. Seriously. 4,998…

Why it Matters

There are a couple of areas that point to the 2008 R32’s significance. It’s a limited production model (5,000), and VW has set up a special website (5000R32.com) to offer loyalists their best chance at owning one of the world’s ultimate hot hatches. There are enthusiasts out there who have longed for the reincarnation of the R32 for years, and they’ll likely kneel down and thank the VW gods for answering their prayers. That ties into the other point here, and that’s VW’s renewed focus on performance. Nothing proves the company is serious more than unveiling a hot-rodded rendition of its sportiest model.

What’s Under the Hood

Given the R32’s position above the immensely impressive 200-horsepower GTI, it stands to reason that the powertrain would boast at least a few extra ponies. That’d be fifty, to be exact, for a total of 250 horsepower, which is backed up by 236 lb.-ft. of torque. It all comes from a 3.2-liter, naturally-aspirated V6. All 2008 Volkswagen R32s feature the brand’s DSG manually-interactive six-speed automatic transmission as well as 4MOTION all-wheel-drive, which pushes up to 75 percent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels. All told, this potent little package, one that rides on a fully independent rear suspension, produces a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.4 seconds.

What it Looks Like

Rather than lathering the R32 in gaudy accoutrement, Volkswagen designers took the subtle approach when crafting the GTI’s big brother. The front fascia has been massaged for a more aggressive appearance, the headlights are bi-xenon, and the grille features an aluminum surround. As expected, strategically-placed R32 badges are found around the car; unique rocker panels, 18-inch alloys, and center-mounted twin chrome exhaust tips round out the R32’s visual updates. Buyers can choose between Candy White, Tornado Red, United Gray, and Deep Blue paint colors. Inside, the R32 features seriously bolstered bucket seats up front along with generous use of aluminum trim.

What’s Inside

In addition to the sport bucket seats, the 2008 Volkswagen R32 features faux alloy foot pedals, heated front seats, a climate control system, heated washers, a trip computer, cruise control, and a ten-speaker sound system. When the weather gets a bit foul, drivers might find useful the rain-sensing wipers, the electronic stability control system, and antilock brakes with electronic brake assistance and electronic brake-force distribution. Visually, the R32 looks much like the GTI, with a sporty steering wheel that’s been squared off on the bottom, alloy-ringed gauges, and a center instrument panel with large climate controls mixed in with some small audio buttons.

What We Think

There’s little doubt that the 2008 Volkswagen R32 handles like it’s on rails, and there’s no denying that VW designers have put together a good looking little pocket rocket. That being said, 6.4 seconds to 60 mph fails to really get the blood pumping, as do those lonely 250 horses. Surely, the corral could accommodate more hooves – in this automotive era, an iconic sports car like the R32 with only 250 horsepower is like Chevy offering the Z06 with a 4.3-liter V6. And a four-speed automatic. This is the ultimate of Volkswagen streetable performance, but for it to truly be impressive it’ll have to first rest in the hands of some crafty and eager aftermarket folks.

Photos courtesy of Brian Chee and Thom Blackett