German Car Forum

Text and Photo's courtesy of VWOA, source from VWVortex.com

Thanks, Deutsch!

My fav VW of all time!

Same. I love this car!!! Probably in my top five for sure (along w/ the GTI), just too bad I can't afford one right now. I'm sure we'll get future R Golfs in the future, so all is not lost.

Maaybe a stupid question; was the R32 available in US before? Both current and previous generations...

EDIT: Nevermind, i've found out...

Mk.IV R32 was available in the US (not Canada though).


I hope we'll get the R32 this time around.

Sorry for bringing you the bad news, Martin...

February 8, 2007
VW R32 not coming to Canada



Chicago, Illinois - Volkswagen unveiled its sporty new R32 performance hatch at the Chicago Auto Show, but sources tell CanadianDriver that it won't be available in Canada. The R32 is a reprise of the 2004 edition, which sold out its entire United States allocation of 5,000 shortly after its market debut at that time.


The new edition, limited to a quantity of 5,000, is expected to appeal to previous and current R32 enthusiasts, owners of the sporty GTI who are looking for something more, and to the larger automotive enthusiast community, says the company.


Volkswagen has established an order reservation process. Current GTI and R32 owners will be notified of the opening of an R32 micro-site on www.vw.com. An R32 prospect will be referred to a Volkswagen dealer. The first 832 people who place a deposit with an authorized Volkswagen dealer, will be eligible to secure one of the first R32 vehicles to be delivered in August 2007.


The R32 features a narrow-angle 3.2-litre V6 producing 250 horsepower mated to a six-speed dual clutch DSG transmission, with steering wheel mounted shift controls. It features many comfort, convenience and performance features, as well as unique R32 interior and exterior design cues.



CanadianDriver.com

I don't get it. What's so hard for VW to sell this in Canada?

I had a ride in this car... Awesome stuff. Its acceleration feels meaty and strong, quite a different from the GTI I must say.

Nice rims, too. Are those exclusively US-spec only? They look a lot like Phaeton Omanyt rims:

GTI is nothing compared to R32... Those two cars, like they aren't from the same company. Mainly because of the sad fact that GTI is a FWD...

I don't get it too, James... Can be sold in US and not in Canada...

WHY?

And those rims look like the ones i got on my Golf 2.0 TDI...

Actually a lot of people will take the GTI over the R32 because it 'handles better' due to weight savings and weight distribution. It's a valid point, but I like both cars to death. I wouldn't mind either.

Yes, it does look a little similar, but the spokes on the Omanyt rims are designed differently and it's a huge rim: 19".

I'm not one of those...

Right! And mine are 8 spoke 16" and those are 10 spoke 19"...

You don't want to know the answer... bumpers. Yes bumpers.

Canada has different regulations concerning bumpers/turning lights/reflectors than the US. Considering we’re only 30+ million people, some manufacturers don’t see the point to make certain niche model compliant for such small market. And by some manufacturers I mean VAG. That’s why we didn’t have early Audi RS models (now they bother so I don’t complain anymore). Other intelligent manufacturers typically make dual compliant bumper/lights.

R32 microsite...

http://www.5000r32.com/

I loved the old R32 this one just isn't agressive enough and those wheels are just blaah. I like the performance but not the looks.

Quick question: was the Mk.IV R32 equipped with a rear-bias AWD ? (too lazy to check)

For that matter, are all 4motion systems rear-bias? (again too lazy to check)

It's kind of irritating that they're making this such a limited car. It's going to be the same exact scenario w/ the MKIV where every single car gets snapped up and not a one will be had for sometime second hand. If VW wants to step up it's image they need to make this car a permanent fixture in the U.S. Rabbit/Golf lineup, they can't expect to do much more than they did the first time round the second time. The R32 should be a national VW landmark, since it really has what it takes to be all things to all people and then some the way the EVO and STI have been for so many. Even if it is just a "hatchback", small is in stateside and VW needs to go for the ride.

Such a pity Martin... All of the special regulations in the US and Canada are driving me mad. Why can't they just be like the rest of the world?!

I was actually pretty peeved VW didn't do much to the engine. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the MkV R32 has the same output as the MkIV R32. But of course with the new chassis the car shines... Still, I'd have appreciated to see more power.

One thing though, I just love the looks of this new R32. Especially the twin central pipes at the back and the smoked tail lamps...

I'm not too sure Martin, but I believe the 4MOTION system as a 50:50 split.

I agree, I wanna see this car being available for every potential buyer.

That what I always thought too... but this R32 has 75% to the rear as article states. Just curious to know if its always been like that?!