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VW Golf R32 - READ ONLY

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What is this discussion about? Volkswagen R32, Volkswagen Golf, Hatchback

Messages Page 1 of 25

#1 of 245 Golf R32 by rickrover

Oct 22, 2002 (6:56 pm)

I've been following the progress of VW bringing the R32 version of the Golf to the U.S. By all accounts it appears to be a done deal. The "R" to VW is what the "S" is to Audi or "M" is to BMW. We should start seeing R versions of other VW models.

Enough of all that - The R32 is a 241 HP all wheel drive Golf hatchback with many performance upgrades here are some links:

The German R32 website (turn your speakers up):

http://www.vw-online.de/golf/popup_r32_flash.htm

Here is one I ran accross today:

http://www.city-net.com/~bcasey/R32_Front_2_Back.swf
 
Here is an article from Autoweek about the U.S. release of the R32:

Volkswagen chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder confirmed to AutoWeek the performance-oriented R32 Golf is indeed coming to the U.S. market. We last reported a decision on whether to sell the car stateside was dependent on whether it could meet U.S. crash standards.
Apparently, the car passed the tests because now Pischetsrieder is saying the R32 will arrive within the next year as a 2004 model.

The R32’s launch date depends upon how quickly the car can be adapted to meet U.S. certification standards, he says.

Expect 5000 to 10,000 R32s priced somewhere between $25,000 and $30,000 to be earmarked for the United States, although Pischetsrieder left the door open for more if demand exists. Technical changes from the 237-hp European R32 will be limited only to those required under U.S. standards.

5,000 to 10,000!!! starting at $25k!!! Sign me up!!! Seriously - I called my dealer to inquire and they have gotten word from VW that the R32 will be here around next summer. I dropped my GTI off at my dealer for service today, I'm writing a deposit check for an R32 when I pick it up. All I want is a base R32 with Xenons - no leather, no climatronic, no sunroof

#2 of 245 Hi rickrover- by revka

Oct 23, 2002 (6:50 am)

Thanks for the news and links!

Revka
Hatchbacks & Wagons Host

#3 of 245 Link to AutoWeek Article by rickrover

Nov 03, 2002 (7:27 am)

Here is a link to the AutoWeek article on the R32:

Performance-oriented R32 Golf is U.S.-bound, Volkswagen chief says

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=vw&cat_code=v_home&loc_code=index&content_code=04359659

#4 of 245 2004 Volkswagen Golf R32 by revka

Nov 03, 2002 (7:48 am)

Here's some more information from Edmunds' Future Vehicles: Volkswagen Golf R32 Sport Hatchback. Let us know what you think.


 
Thanks for your comments!
 
Revka
Hatchbacks & Wagons Host

#5 of 245 Can they sell 10,000 R32? by zhd

Nov 03, 2002 (10:48 am)

A strong competition will come from the new Nissan 350Z, even though they are not that similar, they are both for the enthusiasts. I am not sure whether they could find so many VW/GTI fans who's willing to pay more than $25k for this car. I wish they could improve the interior design so as to add more value to this new pocket rocket.
 
Don't take me wrong, I am driving a '02 Golf and willing to trade it in for R32 if the dealer won't rip me off.

#6 of 245 350Z??? by revdrluv

Nov 03, 2002 (5:04 pm)

The competition is from Subaru. If they price it in direct competition with the WRX it will be OK. I read it is not nearly as sharp of a driving tool, but the more luxurious ride will win out plenty of buyers.

#7 of 245 R32 Competition by rickrover

Nov 03, 2002 (5:58 pm)

I'd say the main competition for the R32 will be the WRX STi and the Lancer Evo VII. For me the R32 has lots of advantages - mainly the hatchback configuration. I have a fairly heavily modified 02 GTI 1.8t with 230 HP and 235 lb ft of torque, plus quite a few suspension mods - this car needs all wheel drive. My 02 is as powerful as I'm going to make it with front wheel drive, it is a challenge to launch it without laying rubber for several feet. The other advantage the R32 has over my 02 is the independent rear suspension and Konig sport seats.
 
I'd seriously look at taking the R32 to 300 HP with a supercharger - I'll bet Z engineering is developing an R32 supercharger as I write this.
 
I really like my modified 02 GTI 1.8t - it would take something like the R32 to get me to trade it. I take my GTI to SCCA track events, that's mainly what it's modified for.
 
My dealer is taking deposits on the R32, I plan to get on the waiting list before the year is out.

#8 of 245 The waiting is finally over!!! by vanocode

Nov 09, 2002 (8:00 am)

I'm a German sports car enthusiast and welcome the great news with delight! I'm currently shopping for a new vehicle but I'll wait until the R32 comes to the US next year. I'm glad that VW took this step with the R32 in the US next year. The sports compact market is a very competitive market but people will love the R32! People will be amazed to see this tricked out Golf. There is nothing like it! Believe me, I lived in Germany for 17 years and a tricked out Golf will turn lots of heads. This car will be successful as long as the pricing will be reasonable. I think that $30K would be too much money and would border the 3-series BMW line. On that topic, I think that VW followed BMW very successful concept off bringing a M3 spec to the US.

#9 of 245 Check this out by rickrover

Nov 09, 2002 (10:16 am)

My dealer is telling me they've heard from VW that the R32 may be here as early as March of next year. I was expecting more like next summer or fall.

Here is an interesting read, it's the UK's R32 sales brochure scanned into a PDF - lots of interesting info in here - can't wait to see what the U.S. specification R32 will be like. This will give us some idea of what may be available over here.

 http://members.lycos.co.uk/dumbworkers/Golf%20R32%20Lo-Res.pdf

#10 of 245 BMW/ R32 by rickrover

Nov 10, 2002 (5:13 pm)

I don't think the R32 is anywhere near BMW territory at $30k. Granted you can get a very basic 325i for $30k - vinyl seats etc - an R32 would blow a $30k BMW's doors right off in every respect. The R32 doesn't have M3 performance - more like a 330is with a sport package, premium package, Xenon's etc - you're talking low to mid $40's for a 3 series that compares to the R32 in performance and content. I'd think the R32 would beat a 330 with 225 HP compared to the lighter (not by much) 240 HP all wheel drive R32.
 
I'm thinking a base R32 (cloth sport seats no sunroof or climatronic or rain sensing wipers will come in around the mid to upper $20's range and if you option it out with leather, sunroof, climatronic, navigation, etc. you'll be looking at the low $30's - just a guess.

Messages Page 1 of 25

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