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Old 10-31-2007, 02:18 PM   #1
NYCshopper
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Default Road Test: 2008 Volkswagen R32 (Road & Track)

Road Test: 2008 Volkswagen R32 (Road & Track)

http://www.roadandtrack.com/ar...=6059



Quote:
R&T's Doug Kott recently drove an R32 in Italy and praised its civility. Now we've driven the 250-bhp all-wheel-drive Rabbit on home turf, and you know what? We're similarly impressed, even after testing it on a speed-sapping 95-degree day.

That's when the VR6-powered R32 hit 60 mph in 6 seconds flat and the quarter mile in 14.6 sec. at 95.0 mph - bettering a standard GTI by three-tenths in each instance. With the R32 having 50 more bhp than the GTI and all-wheel drive, we thought the gap might be wider, but the car is 300 lb. heavier owing to its iron-block engine and awd hardware. This heft also took its toll in the slalom, skidpad and braking, where the standard GTI posts slightly better numbers.

But the R32 is a delight to drive. Its chassis is tight and nimble, and although some prefer a manual over the standard DSG, we agreed that the interior is rich, befitting a more expensive car. Then again, at $35,430, the R32 is an expensive car. Regardless, all 5000 R32s for 2008 will be snapped up, for exclusivity alone.

Volkswagen R32List price
$32,990
Price as tested
$35,430
Curb weight
3720 lb
Engine, transmission
3.2-liter V-6, 6-sp DSG
Horsepower, bhp @ rpm
250 @ 6300
Torque, lb-ft @ rpm
236 @ 2500-3000
0-60 mph
6.0 sec
0-100 mph
16.3 sec
0-1320 ft (1/4 mile)
14.6 sec @ 95.0 mph
Top speed
130 mph*
Braking, 60-0 mph
134 ft
Braking, 80-0 mph
237 ft
Lateral accel (200-ft skidpad)
0.85g
Speed thru 700-ft slalom
65.9 mph
Our mileage, EPA city/highway
18.2, 18/23 mpg
*Electronically limited.






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