And so it goes in the world of gearheads, and especially Volkswagen, rally and sportscar lovers everywhere.
Most already know about the limited edition R32, the halo model of the GTI/Rabbit line -- that it has a 3.2 liter V6 under the hood, that it produces 250 horsepower, and most important, that only 5,000 of them are being produced for the North American market.
Even non-enthusiasts can take a quick look at the photo and understand what the R32 is -- the ultimate fantasy edition of the venerable VW sporty hatch, with plenty of goodies beside the big powerplant.
On the tech side, the R32 comes equipped with the 6-speed DSG automatic transmission, and front and rear independent suspension that both enable you to get the most out of the engine. The 18-inch wheels keep you firmly in contact with the asphalt, and the vented front and rear brake rotors give you pinpoint stopping ability. Should you be pushing the R32 to its speed limit.
The enthusiast response to the R32, which has a list price of $32,990, has been so overwhelming that VW pre-sold over 20% of the stock to current GTI and R32 owners.
A word about the DSG, or Direct Shift Gearbox on the R32 -- while manual drivers might bemoan the lack of a clutch, I have to say the paddle shifters on the R32 are the most responsive I have tested on any vehicle, giving the true impression that you are driving a manual tranny automobile, except faster, and without, as VW says "the power lost during a traditional, clutched-shift."
In terms of pure performance, the R32 delivers everything you want -- almost begging you to go out and buy an expensive pair of driving gloves. But one of the things that might surprise those in the know and those who want to be, is the luxury feel the vehicle confers. Quite frankly, it has more in common with an Audi vehicle, VW's luxe-sibling, than what most people might think of when they hear the term, "Volkswagen."
Inside the cabin, the seats themselves look and feel as if they belong on a more expensive luxury model, as does the fit and finish of the entire interior. Rather than thinking the R32 is an expensive GTI, you'd be forgiven for saying instead that it's an affordable luxury sportcar.
But if you're interested, you'd better hurry -- there's less than 4,000 left.
The R32 is available in the exclusive Deep Blue Pearl Effect, Candy White, United Grey and Tornado Red. A chrome, dual-exhaust is centered in the rear bumper with a uniquely shaped front grille, flanked by Bi-Xenon headlights. R32 badging and a rear roof spoiler and deep front spoiler are coupled with body-colored bumpers, side bump strips, door handles and door mirrors.
The R32 boasts a long list of safety features, including front and side driver and passenger airbags; Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) that reacts to critical driving situations in milliseconds by controlling the speed of individual wheels; 4Motion™ All3 Wheel-Drive system, which can transfer up to 100 percent of the torque to the rear wheels.
Inside, the R32 features race-inspired style – three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel, brushed chrome accents, and alloy foot pedals and sports seats with integrated “R” logo. Features such as automatic climate control (Climatronic™), ten-speaker premium CD stereo system (with in-dash six-disc changer), rain sensing wipers, automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror, heated front seats and heated washer nozzles, antitheft alarm, cruise control and trip computer are standard luxuries that complement this performance-driven champ.
The R32 is backed by a five-year/60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) powertrain warranty and four-year/50,000 mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper coverage. All Volkswagen products come with a 12-year/unlimited-distance, limited warranty against corrosion, as well as a four-year/50,000 mile roadside assistance program.
