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VW Golf R32 - READ ONLY
245 messages, Last post on Jul 07, 2011 at 6:50 AM
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What is this discussion about? Volkswagen R32, Volkswagen Golf, Hatchback
#18 of 245 R32 #'s by rickrover
Nov 18, 2002 (2:08 pm)
Autoweek reports that VW will import 10,000 to 15,000 R32's to the U.S. - more if the demand is there.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.
#19 of 245 waiting and hoping by menu1
Nov 18, 2002 (5:21 pm)
i just got off the phone with my vw dealer and he said they have no clue if or when the R32 will be here. he said they have no paperwork indicating specs, price, arrival or anything. here's hoping anyway. also i read where probably next year they will be coming out with a 4 door R32. hmmmmm#20 of 245 by revdrluv
Nov 19, 2002 (1:19 pm)
If it comes out closer 25k I will be interested. 30k is a little much for VW to be asking for a Golf in the states IMO. Looks like fun though. Much nicer inside than the low rent Impreza.#21 of 245 Another R32 Update by rickrover
Nov 19, 2002 (7:01 pm)
Here's another R32 update from VWvortexR32 Update - 11.19.02 7:03 AM 11-19-2002
It has been a little while since we've given an update on the R32 and here is the current scoop...
While there is nothing official from VWoA yet, we have heard that the R32 is basically going to be coming for sure (99% sure). Board members at VWAG want the car here and barring some huge cost issue it should arrive late next summer/early fall.
Expect pricing to start below $30,000 and at least 4 colors to be available including the unique Metallic Blue seen in all the press photos. Other colors are likely to be silver, black and one other alternate to be determined.
Only the 2-door coupe will be offered here. Most all of the equipment from the German model will be offered here except for the Navigation system. There has been some talk of changing to final gear ratios for the North American market cars to help low end performance (better 0-60 mph times). In Europe the press really didn't care for the standard seats and found them uncomfortable. There is a possibility that we may get Recaros instead, but all stitching and embroidery would be the same as the German R32. No word on leather vs. cloth or interior color choices at this point. We're guessing leather and only one interior color choice.
Final production numbers are still being determined with dealers here wanting as few as possible and VWAG wanting as many as possible. Our guess is somewhere between 1,500 and 4,000 units.
Chances are good that VWoA will show the car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit come January even though it won't be available till late summer.
That's all the information we have at this point.
#22 of 245 Alfa by nedzel
Nov 25, 2002 (3:30 pm)
GM owns a portion of Fiat, which owns Alfa. Fiat is losing huge amounts of money, which could result in GM owning the rest of that millstone.#23 of 245 R32 Gets DSG Gearbox by rickrover
Nov 30, 2002 (10:20 am)
The R32 will be the first VW to get the new DSG sequential shift transmission, appears to be more sophisicated than BMW's SMG...Wolfsburg. Volkswagen presents a world-wide technical innovation: the sporty and economical direct-shifting 6-speed automatic gearbox "DSG”. This especially dynamic form of power transmission with integrated dual clutch will be used for the first time in the Golf R32 in the first quarter of next year. Its use will be extended to other production series in the course of the year 2003.
Full article:
www.movin2fast.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=61&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
#24 of 245 Want 4 Door R32!!! by o2h2o
Nov 30, 2002 (1:02 pm)
OK, finally Germany sends us something more than just a VR-6 this time. OK, so how can we get more appreciation from VW-DE, like more available options! It's not like America hasn't bought enough of there cars?! I really would like to see a 4 door R32 with Navigation here by next year. I don't think I'm asking for much, at least give us the option to order the extras that they have available in Germany!!! But seriously, I love the fact they've finally given us the AWD V6 Golf! $28K for a fully loaded 2 door sounds pretty practical. To go over that price they may as well keep it, like Germany always have...#25 of 245 Alfa 174 by mariner7
Dec 04, 2002 (7:50 am)
If its available here, I'd much rather have it over the R32. Also 3.2L, AWD. Being Italian, the engine would sing more, the suspension more responsive. And it has a body to die for. Dont start talking Teutonic reliability, we in the States know thats just a rumor!#27 of 245 more info plus other choices by inigoco
Dec 04, 2002 (2:21 pm)
Seems the R32 will most likely be coming to the US, but we will probably not see the 4-door version, at least at first. I don't know why, but that's what I'm hearing. Plus, the car will not be available with the navigation system either, again, at least initially.
As for other choices potentially coming to market. The R32 will not compete with the STi WRX or the Evo, both pricier and much more powerful than the R32, look for the R32 to compete against the base WRX and the version of the Lancer expected to be slotted between the base model and the Evo, meant to compete with the WRX.
As for cars from other makers which may make it to our shores. The Alfa looks ugly to me, plus it's FWD meant to compete with these other AWD vehicles. See a link to pics here http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/lancia/58/gallery/alfa/147.htm
What I'd like to see offered here in the US is the Audi S3. The S3 looks great, in my opinion better than the Golf/GTI much sleeker. It offers the 1.8T engine 6-speed trans and AWD. Basically it's an Audi TT with a different body shell. It could fit into this price range as well and with 225HP plus AWD it will compete well. Pictures available here http://stefans3.tripod.com/index.html
I don't expect VW AG to offer the S3 here, however, especially with the R32 on it's way. They are too similar power-wise and likely price-wise, plus Audi would have a hard time selling TT's if there were a car availible with the same powertrain and of similar size available for less money.
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