On the heels of Evolution

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Under the Hood

With a price and appearance that suggest the R32 is packing more heat than the already-impressive GTI, Volkswagen had no choice but to deliver on the goods. At the core of this racy VeeDub is a 3.2-liter V-6 engine that cranks out 250 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 236 lb.-ft. of torque at only 2,500 rpm. (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission accented by a manual shift feature on the center knob and paddle shifters on the steering wheel. This dual-clutch transmission, also used in Audi products, lets the driver cruise in normal Drive mode like a traditional automatic; however, with a flick of the gear knob Juan Pablo-wannabes can hold low gears for aggressive driving, or use the paddles that execute immediate shifts with rev-matching blips of the throttle. A manual transmission is not available.

Behind the scenes is the brand’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, capable of transferring up to 100 percent of the engine’s output to the rear wheels when necessary. Those wheels, by the way, are 18-inch, 20-spoke alloys wrapped in standard 225/40 performance rubber; all-season tires carrying the same measurements are a no-charge option and would likely be preferred by R32 buyers who find themselves traveling in inclement weather.

Other hardware bits include a MacPherson strut front suspension, an independent multi-link rear suspension, and the safety of antilock vented disc brakes and an electronic brake-pressure distribution system.