2008 Volkswagen R32 in Murfreesboro, TN - $0

It is back. The Volkswagen R32 makes it highly anticipated return to the United States for 2008. Boasting more horsepower and new styling cues, the R32 retains its responsive driving and dynamic performance characteristics.

First introduced to the American marketplace in 2004, the R32 quickly sold its allotment of 5,000 limited edition vehicles. An exclusive pre-sale to current GTI and R32 owners announced at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show resulted in the pre-sale of more than 1,000 of the 5,000 vehicles in the current US allotment.

The R32 is available in Deep Blue Pearl Effect, Candy White, United Grey and Tornado Red. Exterior styling cues include a chrome dual-exhaust centered in the rear bumper; the uniquely shaped front grille is flanked by Bi-Xenon headlights and R32 badging; 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 accentuate the streamlined, sporty look, which distinguishes this car from anything else on the road.

Power for the new R32 is generated by 3.2L V6 engine and channeled through the automaker's legendary Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission. Torque is communicated to the wheels via Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

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 the 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. 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 is 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.

Inside the cabin, 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, ten-speaker 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, anti-theft alarm, cruise control and trip computer are standard.

The 60/40 split rear seat back folds flat to maximize available cargo space and includes an integrated center armrest.

2008 Volkswagen R32

Body style: three-door performance hatchback

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 101.5; overall length: 167.2; width: 69.2; height: 57.7 -- all vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 3.2L VR 6 -- 250 hp at 6,300 rpm and 236 lbs-ft of torque at 2,500-3,000 rpm.

Transmission: DSG six-speed automatic.

Cargo capacity: 43.4 cu. ft.

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