The Volkswagen R32 makes its highly anticipated return to the United States for 2008. It boasts increased horsepower and new styling cues while retaining its responsive driving and dynamic performance characteristics. The R32’s muscle is provided by its namesake, a “Racing 3.2” L naturally aspirated VR6 engine, which provides 250 horsepower and 236 ft. lbs. of torque. This potent engine is combined combined with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. Rounding out the drivetrain package is the acclaimed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG transmission), which allows for seamless gear changes and helps the R32 to accelerate from 0 to 60 in approximately 6.5 seconds.

First introduced in to the United States in 2004, the R32 quickly sold its allotment of 5,000 LIMITED EDITION vehicles. An exclusive pre-sale to current GTI and R32 owners of 832 vehicles, announced at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, has resulted in the pre-sale of more than 1,000 of the 5,000 coveted Volkswagen sport-hatches. The R32 officially goes on sale in the United States in early fall 2007 with an MSRP of $32,990.

The powerful VR6 engine and its unique 15-degree narrow angle design have a bore and stroke of 84 mm and 95.9 mm, respectively, and are capped with a single aluminum-alloy cylinder head. The engine features a chain-driven, dual-overhead cam, variable valve timing, four valves per cylinder, maintenance-free lifters and a compression ratio of 10.85:1.

The DSG transmission gives drivers a choice of fully-automatic operation or an automated manual shift with Volkswagen Tiptronic that lets drivers shift gears up and down with a tap of the gearshift selector or finger-operated shift-paddles mounted to the steering wheel. The dual-clutch transmission utilizes direct shifting that automatically engages and disengages gears without a clutch pedal. A computer engages one clutch on the next gear needed, just as it releases the other clutch from the previous gear. The shifts are seamless and happen without the power lost during a traditional, clutched-shift.

The R32 rides on a fully independent multi-link rear suspension that sits wider and lower than its GTI sibling and provides both excellent handling and superior comfort. Electromechanical steering provides increased steering precision, while the front strut suspension and anti-roll bar help to increase cornering agility while reducing body roll.

A state-of-the-art Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's brakes based on road and driving conditions, while brake assist helps to boost the brake pressure in emergency braking situations. Not only are the R32 brakes performance driven, but they also highlight the design aesthetic featuring blue calipers, visible behind the 18-inch alloy, 20-spoke wheels.

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. Eighteen-inch performance tires help to accentuate the streamlined, sporty look, which distinguishes this car from anything else on the road.

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 All Wheel-Drive system, which can transfer up to 100 percent of the torque to the rear wheels; and, a confidence-inspiring Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that helps to prevent wheels from locking under heavy braking.

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.