A New R32 Promises Porsche Levels of Performance
When Volkswagen launched the original Golf R32 in August of 2002, it had concocted a recipe for success. Body kit, sports suspension, big wheels, and most importantly a 241-horsepower narrow-angle V6 engine made it a hit even bigger than VW imagined. More than three times the number of R32s originally intended were built, a sure sign that Volkswagen would return down the ultra-performance Golf road.
Once production of the Mk.IV R32 had ended, there was much speculation to the following model, and in particular what engine would be used. It
was thought that to ensure total domination of the high-performance hot hatch market, VW would opt for a 280-horsepower narrow-angle 3.6-liter V6 (see Mk.VI Passat for details). Complete with permanent all-wheel drive, and the globally-acclaimed DSG six-speed twin-clutch sequential manual gearbox, the proposed R36 would elevate the Golf nameplate to the level of Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution and Subaru's Impreza WRX STi.
However, we were wrong - for Europe, at least. The new range-topping Golf, to be available in both three and five-door body styles has caught most off guard by retaining the R32 name, designating that the engine will continue to be 3.2 liters in displacement. The same narrow-angle V(R)6
engine is used, but it gains FSI direct injection, the same fuel-delivery technology used in many new VW and Audi engines. The performance and economy boosting fuel delivery system adds 10-horsepower to the engine, for a class-leading total of 250.
Unlike its European rivals, the 250-horsepower Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, the 237-horsepower Opel Astra OPC, and the upcoming Mazda3 MPS (MazdaSpeed3), the Golf features all-wheel drive, with power directed through VW's Haldex-based 4Motion system. Drivers have a choice between two gearboxes: a short-throw six-speed manual, or as an option, the aforementioned six-speed twin-clutch actuated DSG sequential manual gearbox. With more power, more traction and more advanced transmissions, the new R32 is also one of the quickest Golfs ever, posting a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of just 6.1 seconds for DSG-equipped cars. Top speed is slightly higher at 155 mph.
When Volkswagen launched the original Golf R32 in August of 2002, it had concocted a recipe for success. Body kit, sports suspension, big wheels, and most importantly a 241-horsepower narrow-angle V6 engine made it a hit even bigger than VW imagined. More than three times the number of R32s originally intended were built, a sure sign that Volkswagen would return down the ultra-performance Golf road.
Once production of the Mk.IV R32 had ended, there was much speculation to the following model, and in particular what engine would be used. It
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| The new range-topping Golf will be available in both three and five-door body styles. (Photo: Volkswagen of America) |
However, we were wrong - for Europe, at least. The new range-topping Golf, to be available in both three and five-door body styles has caught most off guard by retaining the R32 name, designating that the engine will continue to be 3.2 liters in displacement. The same narrow-angle V(R)6
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| The R32's engine will continue to be 3.2 liters in displacement. (Photo: Volkswagen of America) |
Unlike its European rivals, the 250-horsepower Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, the 237-horsepower Opel Astra OPC, and the upcoming Mazda3 MPS (MazdaSpeed3), the Golf features all-wheel drive, with power directed through VW's Haldex-based 4Motion system. Drivers have a choice between two gearboxes: a short-throw six-speed manual, or as an option, the aforementioned six-speed twin-clutch actuated DSG sequential manual gearbox. With more power, more traction and more advanced transmissions, the new R32 is also one of the quickest Golfs ever, posting a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of just 6.1 seconds for DSG-equipped cars. Top speed is slightly higher at 155 mph.