Thursday 11th August 2005

New Golf R32 promises 247bhp

Out later this year with 4WD as before

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Second generation Golf R32

VW has unveiled first details and images of the next generation Golf R32. The four-wheel drive hatch will make its international debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, ahead of a UK launch in November.

The new model is powered by a development of Volkswagen’s 3.2-litre, narrow-angle V6 petrol engine, this time uprated to 247bhp from 238bhp. It drives through a VW-standard 4MOTION four-wheel drive using the Haldex system.

Externally, the R32 is visually differentiated by an aluminium full-length grille, centrally-positioned twin exhaust pipes, darkened rear lenses, new front spoiler with air scoops, plus a full-depth painted rear bumper with black middle section. It rides on 18-inch, 20-spoke alloy wheels behind which sit blue brake callipers, as seen on the first Golf R32.

Inside, the instruments, sports seats, aluminium pedals, gear knob and steering wheel are all different from the standard Golf or the GTi. Recaro bucket seats will be offered as an option. Standard equipment includes bi-xenon headlights, as well as Climatronic air conditioning, a ten-speaker audio system and rain sensor wipers with auto-dimming rear view mirror.

VW managed to sell 2,300 of the first-generation R32, and said that it expects this one to live up to expectations.

[m1spw]

It looks sh!te. The old R32 looks good because of the bigger front end and all round body kit. whereas this looks like someones painted the front end parts silver.

:yuck::vomit::hurl::hurl::vomit::yuck:

This needs bigger wheels, one colour front end (whats with the grill spacing???). In fact, just go away and re relase the old one please.

[anniesdad]

I agree! It does look a little poor doesn't it!

What a shame.

[shadowninja]

wot 'e sed.

[charlieromeo]

9 more bhp than the previous generation R32?

Goodness!

[wab172uk]

Agreed, they could have butched it up a bit. I also remember that when rumour's of a R32 replacement was being mutted, we were promised a few more ponies under the bonnet. They were hoping to go target STi & Evo driver's. Not with that power they won't.

[chris watton]

charlieromeo said:

9 more bhp than the previous generation R32? Goodness!

And more than likely heavier, cancelling out any hint of a performance gain! Why bother??

[marctwo]

What happened to the 3.6L R36? This new R32 is certainly disappointing compared to the looks of the old one. I'll save my money for the new Audi S3.

[andrew d]

Looks interesting, I imagine it will look more differentiated from the GTi in the flesh (or metal).

I'm glad VW didn't hang around developing the R of the new Golf, because whilst the new GTi is a very nice car, there's no way i'd have one with previous R32's available for the same money.

[AndyWoodall]

Only a couple of days since I posted the link to germancarfans

[alanc5]

It really is very cheap looking. There's nothing at all there to make it stand out from the crowd.

Crap, in fact!

[cgibson]

Is it me or is there a touch of FIAT Stilo in there?!

[/quote]

>> Edited by cgibson on Thursday 11th August 14:52

[agent006]

A striking likeness:

[CupraR]

247 bhp wow. Just remap the GTI and you'll have more power than that. The GTI looks much better as well.

[CRB1]

More like Golf R32 promises heavy weight driving. Get real VW get light.

[JonRB]

I wonder why in recent years they dropped the name "VR6" and started referring to the engine (and evolutions thereof) as the "narrow-angle V6"?

Incidentally, someone has dropped the engine from the original R32 into a Corrado. Nice.

>> Edited by JonRB on Thursday 11th August 15:44

[r988]

JonRB said:

I wonder why in recent years they dropped the name "VR6" and started referring to the engine (and evolutions thereof) as the "narrow-angle V6"? Incidentally, someone has dropped the engine from the original R32 into a Corrado. Nice. >> Edited by JonRB on Thursday 11th August 15:44

Most likely marketing reasons, Mr average hears VR6 and probably thinks its a typo.

But if he hears 'narrow angle V6' then he assumes its a V6 but with a narrow angle which must be good otherwise they wouldn't mention it in the ad.

[JonRB]

r988 said:

Most likely marketing reasons, Mr average hears VR6 and probably thinks its a typo. But if he hears 'narrow angle V6' then he assumes its a V6 but with a narrow angle which must be good otherwise they wouldn't mention it in the ad.

Probably right. VR6 sounds like a model name, V6 sounds like an engine.

Pity - I always thought 'VR6' was quite evocative.

[Mr Whippy]

Dull dull dull dull, dull dull dull dull.

You'd fall asleep driving this car, and looking at it, and being a passenger in it.

They wanna wang that W8 from the old Passat in it, then give it a proper 4wd setup and some PROPER butch looks, just like the old one.

I'd get the MKIV R32 and AMD Stage 2 setup. Go better, look better, sound better, probably as reliable, and more than likely better built too!

VW really have made a dull car to end all dull cars!

Such an opportunity to make a good car better, and they've ruined it! Spanners!

Dave

[mrdemon]

woops they have fooked it again

what happened to the 280 bhp R36 ???

[lap_time]

It looks too, well...girly. Bring back the big bulging guards and 18s that REALLY fill out the guards. Then again there is the option of buying a twin-turbo HPA Motorsports old R32. 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds? Mmmmmm (and it looks aggressive too).