AutoWeek reviews the upcoming R32: "Not everyone will get the Volkswagen R32. And we aren't saying that solely because availability of the all-wheel-drive, V6-powered Golf is limited to 5000 cars for the U.S. market. The boy-racer types expecting the ultimate WRC street racer won't get it--not enough horsepower and exterior styling ..." Read the original article here: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770706003
Well, I certainly don't "get" it. The article makes much ado about the quote "sophistication" of the R32. I really don't see any particular sophistication here... certainly not in the crude (and dated) Haldex-based AWD. What I do see is a corporate parts-bin approach and little-to-no real engineering - real meaning something that makes this car unique from the rest, such as a systematic approach to torque distribution and stability. Look over the numerous engineering features of the Evo that set it apart - like the Super-AYC for example - and you won't find an analogy on the R32. Those features are the result of dedicated engineering and hard work from the very start, as well as continuous improvement thru multiple generations. The Evo (and the STI) are not a product of simply reusing existing parts from some other car of the line.
That's why the R32 is nothing special. Multiple generations of the Golf/Rabbit have produced a car over 1500 pounds heavier than the promising 1st generation car. That's not a feat of engineering, it's certainly not something to be proud of, and that's why the R32 is of little interest to performance enthusiasts wishing to expand the boundaries and raise the limits.
My response below was posted on the AutoWeek site. I'm not sure they appreciate it... maybe it offended their potential advertiser?
What's more sophisticated?
1 out of 5
Pros: Form follows function
Cons: Crude AWD
Best Uses: Buyers who want a hatch
I fail to understand what is more sophisticated about this car. The AWD driveline is downright crude compared to the far more sophisticated torque-proportioning drivelines of the current STI and Evo - and even more so in the upcoming new generations of each.
And while I can appreciate the straightforward styling, it's in reality a tall hatchback designed to maximum carrying ability.
Reality: this is all VW can put up - a parts-bin special.
All in all, apples to oranges against the STI and Evo. But if you insist on comparing it, it's a distant third place.
