2006 Volkswagen Golf R32
Wolfsburg, 09 August 2005 – When first launched in 2002, the R32 was the fastest and most powerful Golf made by Volkswagen. Now comes a new R32 based on the Golf V generation. This time it packs 250 bhp (184 kw) under the bonnet and the permanent four-wheel drive, the same system that gave the orginal excellent roadholding.
The new model will see its world premiere at the 59th Frankfurt Motor Show (15 to 25 September). Presales in Germany start on 19 August. Market launch will be at the end of September. Prices for the new Golf R32 start at 32200 Euros.
From the outside, the best Golf is not only recognisable by the R32 logo, is has design and equipment all of its own. The Golf R32 has a top speed of 250 km/h and comes either with a 6-speed manual gearbox or the optional dual clutch gearbox (DSG). Equipped with the DSG the “R32” is even faster: 6.2 instead 6.5 seconds from 0-100 km/h.
From the front, the new R32 generation is immediately recognisable by its unique aluminium-effect shield-shaped radiator grille. Under the number plate there is another central air scoop for the powerful 3.2-litre V6 engine. As opposed to all other Golfs, there are air ducts at the bottom and on either side of the fully painted front bumper. At the rear of the Golf R32 is a fully painted bumper that has two round tailpipes integrated prominently its the center.
A glance at the outline of the Golf R32 reveals 18-inch light-alloy wheels wrapped in 225/40 tires. The wheels are fitted with 20 spokes and continue the design theme of the first generation R32 wheel. The spokes allow a glimpse of what lies behind them: large brake calipers painted blue that are exclusive to the R32.
The sporty concept of the Golf R32 is a theme that permeates the entire vehicle. There are distinctive instruments, sports seats, pedals in aluminium look and special controls that emphasise the sporty nature of the R32 interior.
As opposed to the more purist style of the Golf GTI, the R32 top model boasts a dazzling array of standard equipment at no extra price, such as automatic air conditioning (Climatronic), the RCD 300 audio system with ten loudspeakers, anti-theft alarm system plus, multifunction display, automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror, rain sensor, tyre pressure monitor and the complete safety programme comprising six airbags, ESP and brake assistant. The standard bi-xenon headlights light up the night like day.
Story by Volkswagen AG, edited by Supercars.net
In Detail
| price $ | $ 32 200 Euros |
| engine | V6 |
| position | Front Transverse |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Direct Petrol Injection |
| displacement | 3200 cc / 195.3 in³ |
| power | 186.4 kw / 250 bhp |
| specific output | 126.01 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 188.25 bhp per tonne |
| driven wheels | 4-Motion 4WD |
| front tires | 225/40-18 |
| rear tires | 225/40-18 |
| front brakes | Discs w/EPBD, ABS |
| f brake size | x 345 mm / x 13.6 in |
| rear brakes | Discs w/EPBD, ABS |
| r brake size | x 310 mm / x 12.2 in |
| steering | Electro-Mechanical servotronic steering with speed-dependent Pow |
| f suspension | MacPherson Struts w/Lower Wishbone, Coil-Over Shocks, Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | 4-Link w/Coil-Over Shocks, Anti-Roll Bar |
| curb weight | 1328 kg / 2928 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2578 mm / 101.5 in |
| length | 4196 mm / 166.0 in |
| width | 1759 mm / 69.3 in |
| height | 1466 mm / 57.7 in |
| transmission | 6-Speed Manual or 6-Speed DSC |
| gear ratios | 3.36:1, 2.09:1, 1.47:1, 0.87:1, 0.73:1, :1 |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~6.2 seconds |
