Jalopnik
If you thought the story was over when Volkswagen announced its latest R32 hot hatch was coming to the US, you were wrong, dammed wrong. All that loose talk about an R36 model may be accurate. Spies say this prototype is the upcoming, 300-hp Golf R36, sporting VW's 3.6-liter VR6. Haldex four wheel drive and DSG-gearbox will complete the ground action. Of course, the odds that this monster is coming to the US aren't in our favor. But that won't stop the betting.
SPY PHOTOS: VW Golf R36 [World Car Fans]
Related:
Chicago Auto Show: US-Bound Volkswagen R32 [internal]
Comments
Those are some old spy photos I think, I recall seeing them some time ago back when there was all the nonsense about the "Golf Mk6". I doubt there'll be a Golf R36 simply because they can't get the 3.6 V6 to fit with the appropriate DSG unit - the DSG unit fitted to the Passat R36 is bigger (and can handle more power) than the unit that comes with the GTI and R32.
Awww poor little VW is afraid to come to the US because it'd have to compete with the Evos, and the STIs, with a car that I'd bet will cost 50% more than either of them, weigh quite a bit more, and perform no where near as well as either.
But hey, it'll have available leather seats, a moon roof, and far-from-thinkin'!
Prediction - If this came to the US, 2004 R32 resale values will finally drop below 85%.
it'd probably cost more because the interior would make you feel like you were sitting in a Le Car, like the evo does.
The US side marker lights kind of give it away - but where is the corporate chrome grille? Couldn't they one-up the R32 and blingify everything in front of the A-pillar?
wow if that is real.. 300hp... drool
If it is real lets hope they keep that grill. The grill on the R32 is the ugliest thing to be produced by VW, quite possibly ever.
300HP excitement?!?! Welcome to 2003. Will it have a flower vase also?
The rear license plate cut out on the rear bumper is also "USA" sized, which could be a clue, however I have also heard various stories about the larger / stronger DSG for the 3.6 not fitting under the Mk5 hood, and that pretty much killed the project. But who knows?
300hp might not give it a leg up on STi's and EVO's, but the torque will pound those two into the ground, Audi/VW-style. Not to mention better interior, no fugly wing, and fewer tickets. I doubt it will cost $45k, either...
And there is no reason they can't make the smaller DSG a little stronger internally.
torque?? have you not driven an STI?? 250ft-lbs at 2500rpm stock is no joke. The power curve is damn flat for any car, let alone a boosted one. Turn the boost up a couple PSI and it just get's better and better. Pretty hard to turn the boost up when there isn't any. All show and less Go.
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