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VOLKSWAGEN'S R SERIES LINE-UP

R series Golf

Volkswagen’s R series model line up welcomes its newest and fastest addition – the new Passat R36. Joining the commanding presence of the Touareg R50 and the dynamic Golf R32, the Passat R36 makes this performance range a force to be reckoned with.

Volkswagen introduced Australia to its first R model in 2004, with the 177kW Golf R32 (based on the fourth generation Golf), satisfying the need for an exclusively equipped top-end Golf with a very impressive powerplant. The success of this limited edition Golf, both locally and globally, generated the vision of developing an entire series of R models for the future.

In 2006, the second version Golf R32 (fifth generation Golf) made its Australian debut, equipped with a powerful 184 kW engine and standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

In October 2007, the Touareg also contributed to the R series range with the powerhouse Touareg R50, which had its world premiere at the Australian International Motor Show. Serving up a powerful 258 kW of power and an amazing 850 Nm of torque, this Volkswagen is one of the most powerful SUVs in the world.

2008 welcomes the third instalment to the R series performance range - the most powerful production Passat of all times - the R36. The effortless power is derived from a 3.6 litre V6 direct-injection petrol engine producing 220 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque.

All three vehicles are built to be true ambassadors of Vollkswagen’s performance line up with a host of premium features standard across the range, giving each model its own unique appearance and ensuring each model deserves to bear Volkswagen’s prestigious ‘R’ badge.

The Golf R32 - Overview

The Golf R32, with its individual looks, represents Volkswagen’s first model release within the R series line-up. The R32 was launched in 2004 with a limited run of the MK IV R32 and has now been established as an award-winning model within the Volkswagen range.

The R32 Engine

The heart of the flagship Golf is a four-valve six-cylinder engine.
Its sonorous sound realistically reflects its incredible development and performance. The engine powers the Golf forward with little resistance. Power to weight ratio: 8.21 kg/kW. Together all cylinders deliver 184 kW (at 6,300 rpm). The 3.2 V6 produces its maximum torque of 320 Newton metres between 2,500 to 3,000 rpm. The manual five-seater with a top speed of 250 km/h catapults its passengers from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. The engine’s prodigious output is transferred to all four wheels via a manual six speed gearbox and 4MOTION.


Volkswagen also offers the new Golf R32 with the DSG direct-shift dual-clutch gearbox as an option. This unique automatic shifts extremely fast and precisely. The DSG version of the Golf R32 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h three tenths of a second faster than the manual version, i.e. in 6.2 seconds. The Golf R32 races to the 1,000 metre line in 26.7 seconds with both gearboxes - these figures make this Volkswagen a top-class sports car.


In terms of design, the four-valve six-cylinder engine has a narrow V-angle of 15 degrees between the cylinder banks. The bore is 84.0 millimetres and the stroke 95.9 millimetres. Each of the two overhead camshafts use continuous timing adjustment. The adjustment angle is 52 degrees on the inlet side and 22 degrees on the outlet side. Roller rocker arms with hydraulic lash compensation operate the valves. Each of the six cylinders is assigned its own ignition coil.

R32 Exterior Features

The new model is greatly distinguished from the other derivatives in the Golf range. If we take the front, for example, like the current Golf GTI, a completely individual radiator grille was developed for the Golf R32. The design and aluminium look of the R32 grille also distinguish it from the GTI front. Particularly the lower part of the grille shows great modulation in the style of classic sports cars. Double aluminium-look bars in the upper section of the radiator form a further R32 styling element.

At the side of the radiator grille, two additional large intakes complete the air supply. Furthermore, in contrast to all other Golfs, the lower third of the front bumper on the R32 is painted completely in the body colour and there is an airflow element on each side that sweeps along the side skirting to the rear bumper.

The rear bumper on the new Golf R32 is also completely painted in the body colour. Only the centre segment, styled like a diffuser, is black. The twin round polished stainless steel tail pipes have been integrated next to each other to make a striking feature.

Looking at the Golf R32 from the side, the 18-inch “Omanyt” alloy wheels are striking. You can also see the blue-painted brake callipers through the spokes. At the front, these are combined with 345 millimetre discs and 310 millimetre discs at the rear. A prominent R32 logo replaces the Golf badge on the tailgate. The R32 is available in five colours: Deep Blue Pearl Effect (unique to Golf R32), Candy White, United Grey Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic, Black Magic Pearl Effect.

R32 Interior Features

The interior features numerous details only available in this sports star of the Golf series. They include the elegant “Engine Spin” trim as well as a specially designed gearstick knob and a perforated-leather sports steering wheel with the R logo that has a great feel.

Volkswagen offers sports bucket seats as an option for this model. Thanks to their special contours, these seats, which were specifically developed by Volkswagen together with Recaro, have even greater side support. They also bear an embossed ‘R’ logo. The backrests on the folding bucket seats with broad shoulder areas and integrated head restraints can be adjusted on both sides of the seat. The back rest is unlocked using the belt guide. The bucket seats have a very sporty look, but are still practical.

The cockpit pays tribute to the powerful temperament of the 184 kW Golf with a graphic adapted for the speedometer that goes up to 300 km/h. The characteristic ‘R’ logo also appears on the anti-slip rubber grips on the stainless steel-look pedals.

Safety and Technology

The Golf R32 converts its power reserves into continuous forward movement by means of 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The advantage is that there are no traction problems in the wet and there is not even a hint of torque steer. The first 4MOTION system made its debut in 1998 as a follow-up to the syncro drive.

Technically, the most important 4MOTION element is the wet (oil bath) plate clutch. Compared with a purely mechanical Torsen differential, the Haldex coupling has the decisive advantage that it can be controlled electronically. It therefore works in perfect harmony with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), the Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) Traction Control, the Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and the Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) - all of these driver assistance systems are standard in the Golf R32. Thanks to the electronic control, it now reacts even faster, more precisely and quieter.

The safety of this top performer is also increased by the extensive equipment. In addition to front and side airbags, the Golf R32 has a head airbag system for the front and rear passengers. Three-point automatic seat belts are provided on all five seats. The driver and front passenger are protected by belt pretensioners and belt force limiters.


A sophisticated sports car should brake just as well as it accelerates. The new Golf R32 certainly meets this requirement. Vented disc brakes with a generously dimensioned diameter of 345 millimetres at the front and 310 millimetres at the rear.

The blue painted brake callipers are also a striking feature. In combination with the standard dual-brake assist, braking values are achieved, which do indeed meet the demand for braking performance on the same level as the acceleration.

Recommended Retail Pricing
Golf R32 3 Door 6 speed manual $54,990* 
Golf R32 3 Door 6 speed DSG $57,290*
Golf R32 5 Door 6 speed manual $56,490*
Golf R32 5 Door 6 speed DSG $58,790*

 

* Prices quoted are Recommended Retail Prices (RRP). Excludes dealer delivery charges which may vary from dealer to dealer and stamp duty, compulsory third party insurance and registration charges which vary from state to state. Where the RRP shown is above the threshold of $57,180 it is inclusive of Luxury Car Tax (LCT) of 25%. Individual prices for factory and dealer fittet options quoted separately do not include LCT. If the total price of the vehicle including options exceeds the LCT thereshold, the total RRP is required to be recalculated with the LCT applied to the net costs of any amount above the LCT threshold. The Australian Government has legislated to increase the LCT retrospectively by 8% to 33% from 1 July, 2008. That legislation must be approved by the Senate which will not meet to consider the proposed increase until late August 2008. The prices therefore quoted may be subject to an increase in the LCT.

Contact Tweed European Volkwagen, 117-124 Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South or phone 07 5569 9730 for more information or to book a test drive.

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