ALL NEW 2009 VOLKSWAGON TIGUAN SEL 4MOTION – ‘THE FIRST COMPACT SUV FROM VW’

Sales of small, compact sport utility and crossover vehicles continues to grow, while sales of full-size and mid-size models continue to fall. With VW’s experience engineering and building the superb mid-size Touareg sport utility, the time seemed right for VW to introduce the all-new 2009 Tiguan compact sport utility vehicle.

The Tiguan has been under development for several years and was not put together hurriedly to grab a piece of the expanding new segment, but the competition will be tough from the likes of the BMW X3, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Saturn Vue.

Once inside and on the road, or off-road, you will agree that this is one of the best compact sport utility vehicles on the market. VW’s prowess in styling, engineering, performance, manufacturing, quality and safety is easily seen.

VW offers two styles of Tiguan-the Sport & Style comes to the US, and is a more on-road tuned vehicle with a deeper front airdam, while the European only Track & Field models features a higher front end to give it more off-road manners and a better 28-degree approach angle.

None the less, the all-new Tiguan brings news levels of design, driving dynamics, safety features, plus a long list of luxury and conveniences that are sure to win over many consumers.

It is fun-to-drive with excellent handling and performance characteristics. It is also the first compact sport utility to offer a standard 6-speed manual, or an optional 6-speed automatic, and is built on the proven VW GTI and Rabbit chassis.

The unique styling of the front fascia is highlighted with a deep front airdam, crisp lines and brightwork around the new two-stage grille. Jewel-like bi-xenon headlamps lead into a clam-shell styled hood. The tall greenhouse, also comes with a chrome strip surround, and gives a feeling of space. At the rear, large shoulders blend into the flared fenders below the D-pillars giving it the look of strength. The rear fascia features a tall and wide liftgate, step-up bumper, large, wraparound lamp clusters, and two round exhaust pipes peering out from under the left side of the bumper. Even the bright silver roof rails seem to be an integral part of the vehicle. It also expands the cargo-carrying capacity.

From the side is a wedge shape from the low front end all the way to the end of the roof.
Its curving lines create a feeling of motion, even when parked. The flared fenders are stuffed with 18X8in. alloy wheels and wrapped with 235/50R18in. all-season radial tires. The unique styling shows both toughness and elegance, with just the right amount of elements from each.

Under the skin are VW’s proven powertrain, fully independent suspension, powerful 4-wheel disc brakes and stability control systems.

All Tiguan model receive the 2.0 liter turbo-charged inline 4-cylinder engine. It generates a healthy 200hp at 5,00rpm and 207lb.ft. of torque between 1,700 and 5,000rpm. It is one of the best engines for a quick launch, driving at cruising speeds during long trips, and when encountering stop and go rush-hour traffic. This potent engine is mated to either the standard 6-speed manual front-wheel-drive transmission, or VW’s proven 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. On the highway the automatic returns 24mpg, and 18mpg in the city. The 4Motion AWD system is by Haldex and comes with an electronic differential lock with 90% of the torque channeled to the front wheels in normal driving conditions but with the ability to channel torque to any of the wheels that have traction, instantly.

Underpinning the steel monocoque chassis is a fully independent suspension to smooth out the bumps and to give you precise reaction to your inputs whether driving straight-ahead or when encountering curving roads. Up front are wheel-locating MacPherson struts, an axle assembly with triangular lower wishbones, steel coil springs, anti-roll bar, and a single piece aluminum subframe. The rear setup features 4-links, steel coil springs, gas-charged shocks and an anti-roll bar. The ride was impressive when going over poorly paved road surfaces, and with the new electro-mechanical rack & pinion steering system, even faster reaction with more precise feedback from the road. Turn-in was very good and it built up my confidence to push for more speed.

Part of that confidence building was due to the strong stopping power of the all-new Tiguan. These 4-wheel disc brakes really felt like I was stopping on a dime. Up front are 12.2in. vented discs clamped with dual-piston calipers, while the rear features 11.2in solid discs clamped with single-piston calipers. Further enhancing the stopping power and control during severe maneuvers is standard ABS, traction control, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, and engine brake assist. The standard electronic stabilization program helps to keep you in control of the direction that you want to be headed in.

The interior cabin is roomy and very comfortable. Luxury, convenience and high-tech features abound throughout the cabin, more to the levels found in the BMW X3. Soft-to-the-touch quality material lines the dashboard and shelf for a high-quality look.
The interior is designed for you and your passenger’s convenience with flexible seating including reclining rear seats with 6in. of fore-aft travel, including a front-passenger seat that folds flat to increase the length of cargo that you can easily load. The optional panoramic sunroof lets in lots of air and sunlight that gives a feeling of added space because it is now so much more light and airy.

The doors open wide to make entering and exiting safe and easy. The front bucket seats are very comfortable, supportive and heated. The convenient center console holds storage slots, dual cup-holders, and a storage bin with padded armrest. In front of the cupholders is a shift gate surrounded with aluminum trim. There are more aluminum trim pieces on the dashboard, door handles, audio, navigation, climate control dials and steering wheel.

Visibility is excellent from inside and the privacy glass cuts down on heat and damaging sun rays as well as keeping the interior more secure.

The new instrument panel has big dials for the speedometer and tachometer with smaller gauges for the fuel on board and engine temperature coolant, all surrounded by aluminum bezels. Inside, the center screen gives you vital information about how the systems are doing, plus outside temperature, odometer, trip computer, etc.

The 60/40 split 2nd row also features a drop-down center armrest with dual cup-holders, coat hanger clips and reading lamps at each back door… In the rear of the center console are air-ducts to help channel air to the seat, and pop-out dual cup-holders.

Above each door is a grab handle for easy entry and exit. The rear cargo hold features chrome tie-downs, storage bins, cargo cover, light, and an under-floor storage area.
The loaded Tiguan SEL 4Motion model that I tested came with these standard features: dual-zone climate control with pollen filter, intermittent wipers with rain sensor speed control, DynAudio 300-watt audio system with 9-speakers and a subwoofer, 3-spoke, leather wrapped/tilt/telescope steering wheel with redundant buttons for the audio system and trip computer, leather wrapped shift knob, 12-way power driver seat, map pockets behind the front seats, express up/down power windows, power door locks, anti-theft deterrent system, self-dimming rearview mirror, power, heated rear-view mirrors with heated washer nozzles, privacy glass rear side and tailgate windows, thick-cut pile carpeting with front/rear/cargo floor mats, dual map lamps, and sunglass holder in the overhead console.

Options include DVD navigation system with rear backup camera, and a large, power panoramic sunroof.

Standard safety features include driver/front passenger airbags, driver/front passenger side airbags, front/rear side curtain head impact airbags, 3-point safety belts for all seating areas, LATCH child seat anchors, front/rear crush zones, side impact beams in each door, child safety rear door locks, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The all-new VW Tiguan compact sport utility or crossover, whichever you want to label it, maybe late to the party, but the party has really just begun as this segment needs high-quality vehicles, like the Tiguan, and is growing in popularity with consumers every month. The base price for a nicely equipped Tiguan is $23,200.00, while my fully loaded SEL 4Motion model stickered at $37,230.00, including $699.00 destination charges.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

Price: MSRP $32,940 Invoice $30,668
Type: Compact SUV
EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicles

Dimensions

Exterior

Length: 174.3 in.
Width: 71.2 in.
Height: 66.4 in.
Wheel Base: 102.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 6.9 in.
Curb Weight: 3631 lbs.

Interior

Front Head Room: 39.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 56.2 in.
Rear Head Room: 39 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 54.8 in.
Front Leg Room: 40.1 in.
Rear Leg Room: 35.8 in.
Luggage Capacity: 23.8 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance

Base Number of Cylinders: 4
Base Engine Size: 2 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4
Horsepower: 200 hp
Max Horsepower: 5100 rpm
Torque: 206 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 1700 rpm
Maximum Payload: 1330 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 2200 lbs.
Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 39.4 ft.

Fuel

Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.8 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 18 mpg / 24 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 302.4 mi. / 403.2 mi.

2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTSWAGON S Test Drive – ‘A GREAT SPORT UTILITY ALTERNATIVE’

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportswagon S is one of the best small, sporty wagons with an emphasis on flexibility and versatility. It is also an easy car to drive and returns a good MPG rating of 21mpg/city and 29mpg/highway. It is also the lowest priced, $18,999.00, European-made sport wagon, and is perfect for active singles and young, growing families.

The car sits wide and low enhancing its handling and gives it a more contemporary look. The exterior styling is what you expect from today’s Volkswagen designers-a large, signature chrome grille up front with intakes on the side and headlamp clusters nicely cut behind clear lens. The sleek silhouette features a low front end, swept-back windshield pillar, aero-styled, power-remote, side mirrors, pull-out door handles, large side windows for better visibility all-around for safer driving and for passengers to watch the scenery pass by. The black-matte roof rails blend into the sleek look and add even more cargo capacity for long journeys. The unique rear fascia features dark-tined glass, a roof-mounted spoiler, large lift gate for easy loading and unloading, rear wiper/washer, large wrap-around taillight clusters, and two, 2in. round, exhaust tips peering out from under the left side of the rear bumper.

Inside is roomy and comfortable with a flexible cargo hold that can be further expanded when you option for the front-passenger folding seatback. The front bucket seats are comfortable and supportive for long rides. The T-shaped dashboard is well laid out with easy-to-use dials, buttons and switches. The instrument cluster is easy to see and understand with a large speedometer and tachometer. The steering wheel feature standard tilt and telescopic ability for the perfect angle and reach for more comfort.

The second-row features two-air inlets to bring cool or heated air to the rear.seats that are split 60/40 so you can arrange easily arrange both seating and cargo-carrying flexibility. The rear cargo hold features thick carpeting, four-chrome tie-downs, pull-out security cover and cargo net. With the second-row seats up you have 32.8cu.ft. of space and 66.9cu.ft. of cargo space with the seats folded. Grab handles at each door help with entry and exit.

Standard comfort and convenience features include Climatic AC/heating with CFC-free with pollen filter, power/heated outside mirrors, adjustable, intermittent front wipers/washers, AM-FM-MP3 audio system with 10-speakers and single-CD disc player, auxiliary input jack, cruise-control, front/rear/side defrosters, rear wiper/washer, 12-volt power outlet, anti-theft alarm with immobilizer theft-deterrent system, remote keyless entry, power windows all express up/down, central locking system, thick pile carpeting, dual, illuminated vanity mirrors, interior ambient footwell lighting, front/rear reading lamps, front dual cup holders, padded armrest console with storage, seatback with map pockets, and a self-dimming rearview mirror.

Power comes from three available engines and two transmissions. The standard engine is the 2.5 liter 5-cylinder DOHC all-aluminum engine that generates 170hp and 177lb.ft. of torque that can take care of any hauling needs. The optional engine is the high-output, 2.0 liter, turbo-charged 4-cylinder engine that makes 200hp and 207lb.ft. of torque.

New this year is the TDI 2.0 liter diesel engine that is turbo-charged and generates 140hp but 236lb.ft. of torque. These excellent engines are mated to a standard smooth-shifting, 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.

Underpinning the steel unitized body is a unique, all independent suspension that features MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup in the rear. The independent suspension gives a more comfortable and precise riding experience.
The electro-mechanical, rack & pinion steering is weighted nicely and reacts quickly to your inputs.

Large steel disc brakes at all four corners quickly and safely brings the VW Jetta Sportwagon S to a stop. Up front are 12.2in. vented discs clamped by dual-piston calipers and in the rear are 11.6in. solid discs clamped with single-piston calipers.

Braking control and power are enhanced with standard ABS and brake assist.
My Jetta Sporwagon S rides on standard 205/55R16in. Continental Contact tires wrapped around 16X7in. alloy wheels which was the only option on my test vehicle. The standard package is 16X7in. steel wheels with covers.

VW puts safety to the extreme with a host of standard features including electronic stability control, traction control, driver/front passenger front airbag, driver/front passenger side airbags, side curtain protection for front and rear, emergency locking retractors for all seating positions, lower anchors for LATCH child seat, daytime running lamps, directional signal lights on side-mirrors, side protection door beams, front/rear crush zones, and a tire pressure monitor system.

The 2009 Jetta Sportswagon S is a fine German made wagon that is fun to drive, comfortable for 5-passengers, and flexible enough for all active lifestyle and growing family needs. It tested the base S trim level and was very satisfied with my test drive.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

Type: Compact Wagon
Where Built: Not Available
EPA Class: Small Station Wagons

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 179.4 in. Width: 70.1 in.
Height: 59.2 in. Wheel Base: 101.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.4 in. Curb Weight: 3285 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 38.4 in. Front Shoulder Room: 54.8 in.
Rear Head Room: 38.1 in. Rear Shoulder Room: 53.1 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.1 in. Rear Leg Room: 35.5 in.
Luggage Capacity: 32.8 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 67 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 5 Base Engine Size: 2.5 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 5 Horsepower: 170 hp
Max Horsepower: 5700 rpm Torque: 177 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4250 rpm Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 35.8 ft.
0-60mph: 8.5 seconds

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 21 mpg / 29 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 304.5 mi. / 420.5 mi.

Sponsored Link: Jettas for sale

The internet is known for “INFORMATION” and sometimes that “INFO” is leaked out a bit early such as in the case of the next upcoming Volkswagen Golf “dubbed” the Golf VI. Some sources online will tell you that the new Golf VI will sport a 1.4L TSI, 1.8L TFSI and of course the ever-so-popular 2.0L TFSI engine. Also, they should include the same diesel 1.9L and 2.0L TDI engines as well.

We should expect this new model out late next year for the US. More updates should arise as the official specs and information is released from VW.

For now you can view the images and video that is currently circulating over the internet.

With its new ‘candy white’ custom paint, VW’s ultimate sedan is looking more sleek and stylish than ever. The Passat VR6 4Motion is the most accessible German-made near-luxury sedan on the market. It features segment-leading room, comfort, sophisticated technology, and yes, great performance on the pavement.

The styling is clean and smooth with a deep, black aero kit running from front to rear that lowers the appearance and stance of the car. Up front is the VW signature chrome grille with three black intakes at the flanks with integrated fog lamps. The lamp clusters are cut into the top of the fascia and feature adaptive Bi-Xenon head lamps with projector beam turning lamps and Daytime Running Lamps. The silhouette shows the swept-back windshield pillars, aero-styled remote/heated side mirrors, pull-out door handles, a wide chrome strip running around the greenhouse, thick B-pillar, and a ‘sling-shot’ rear side glass treatment. The roof quickly falls to the top of the short trunk lid with a lip spoiler at the edge. The rear fascia features wrap-around lamps clusters, a chrome strip that starts behind the front fenders, and two, round exhaust tips.

Powering the Passat VR6 4Motion is a potent 3.6 liter, DOHC VVT Direct Gasoline Injection V6 engine featuring a cast iron block and aluminum heads. This engine generates 280hp and 265lb.ft. of toque and is mated to a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic with paddle shifters on the steering wheel and a ‘Sport’ gear that quickens shift times and gear ratios. The VW 4Motion all-wheel-drive system comes standard is from Sweden’s Haldex. It features a locking center differential that ensures grip and traction in all weather conditions, also enhancing its handling prowess.

The fully galvanized steel unitized body and frame is very stiff and doesn’t allow any noise, vibration or harshness to seep into the car when you are driving. You’ll also have to thank VW for the unique, fully independent suspension that under-pins the chassis and gives back such comfortable and controlled ride.

Up front is a MacPherson design with triangular wishbones, coil springs, self-leveling, telescopic shocks and a stabilizer bar. The rear features a 4-link design with self-leveling telescopic shocks; weight optimized anti-roll bar and axle acoustically decoupled from the body.

Quick reaction to your inputs is via the electromechanical power rack & pinion steering system. The wheel did feel a little light but always kept me going where is wanted the car to go. A standard electronic stabilization program is combined with anti-slip regulation (traction control), and electronic differential locking for even great handling ability. The VR6 4Motion Passat has its engine mounted transversely rather longitudinally because it frees up cabin space and allows for enhanced balance and smoother powertrain operation.

The new Passat VR6 4Motion can blast out to 60mph from a standstill in just 6.2sec. and return 26mpg/highway and 16mpg/city.

Big, 18X8in. aluminum alloy wheels are wrapped with Pirelli 235/40R P6 performance tires that stuff the fenders and enhance traction and grip.

The big brakes fitted to the VR6 4Motion enabled me to go into a turn deeper, knowing that these large, 4-wheel discs will quickly and safely slow the car down. Up front are 13.5in. vented discs clamped with big, dual-piston calipers while the rear features 12in. solid discs clamped with large, single-piston calipers. Standard ABS and Brake Assist enhance braking control and power.

The first class interior is both comfortable and sporty. The doors open very wide to reveal deeply cut, leather trimmed, 12-way adjustable front bucket seats with an
‘old-school’ ribbed design. These seats are very comfortable and very supportive, perfect for spirited driving. The standard leather-wrapped steering wheel features tilt-telescoping for the perfect angle and reach. A red backlit information display is positioned between the tachometer and speedometer for easy reading. The display includes a compass, odometer, and indicators for the radio station, gear selector and outside temperature.

The T-shaped dashboard features a ‘floating’ top design that is very refreshing to see.
The interior is beautifully trimmed in aluminum and chrome showing the old-world craftsmanship found in the finest German automobiles. A Danish-built Dynaudio AM-FM-CD/MP3 with six-disc in-dash CD changer comes with eight speakers and steering wheel audio controls. Optional is a DVD-based navigation system, SIRIUS satellite radio, adaptive cruise-control and power sunroof.

Standard features include dual-zone climate control with pollen filter, cruise-control, all windows express up/down with central locking, 4-person memory, front center armrest with storage, dual cup holders/front and rear, remote release for trunk and fuel door, press-start ignition switch, front and rear carpeted floor mats, cargo net, grab handles above each door, electronic parking brake, heated windshield washer nozzles, intermittent front wipers with rain sensor speed control, dual map lamps, lighted vanity mirrors, rear reading lights and 40/60 split-folding rear seats that can help with large cargo items.

Standard safety features include driver/front passenger airbag supplemental restraint system, driver/front passenger side airbags, side-curtain protection front/rear, 3-point safety belts for all five places with front pretensioners/load limiters, lower anchors for LATCH, child safety rear doors, daytime running lamps, tire pressure monitoring, front/rear crush zones and steel beams in each door.

The 2008 Volkswagon Passat VR6 4Motion is one of the best bargains out there for a very well made German four-door sedan, just a hair short of the Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series but priced thousands less than any comparably-equipped model.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Type: Midsize Sedan
Where Built: Germany
EPA Class: Midsize Cars

Price

MSRP: $38,000
Invoice: $35,556

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 188.2 in. Width: 71.7 in.
Height: 58 in. Wheel Base: 106.7 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.2 in. Curb Weight: 3696 lbs.
Gross Weight: 4765 lbs.
Interior
Front Shoulder Room: 55.7 in. Rear Shoulder Room: 54.6 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.4 in. Rear Leg Room: 37.7 in.
Luggage Capacity: 14.2 cu. ft. Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 6 Base Engine Size: 3.6 liters
Base Engine Type: V6 Horsepower: 280 hp
Max Horsepower: 6200 rpm Torque: 265 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 2750 rpm Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 35.8 ft.

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 16 mpg / 24 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 296 mi. / 444 mi.

video here

Article By CARversation.com

All vehicles listed are the newest 2009 or 2008 model – whichever is currently available (June 2008).

#1

Toyota Prius
Price: $21,100
Gas Mileage: 48 mpg city / 45 mpg highway
Link: Toyota.com

Notes: The new Toyota Prius may be very difficult to come by if you are not on one of the Toyota dealership’s waiting lists. Some of the current lists are upwards of 6 months long.

#2

Honda Civic Hybrid
Price: $22,600
Gas Mileage: 40 mpg city / 45 mpg highway
Link: Honda.com

#3

Smart for Two
Price: $11,590
Gas Mileage: 31 mpg city / 41 mpg highway
Link: Smart.com

Notes: This may be the smallest vehicle you can currently buy so it may not appeal to everyone especially guys over 6ft tall.

#4

Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Price: $20,000
Gas Mileage: 29 mpg city / 40 mpg highway
Link: VW.com

Note: The VW Jetta TDI runs on diesel fuel.

#5

Nissan Altima Hybrid
Price: $25,170
Gas Mileage: 35 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
Link: Nissanusa.com

#6

Toyota Camry Hybrid
Price: $25,350
Gas Mileage: 33 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
Link: Toyota.com

#7

Ford Escape Hybrid / Mazda Tribute Hybrid / Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Price: $26,640 / $25,310 / $26,955
Gas Mileage: 34 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
Link: Ford.com / Mazdausa.com / Ford.com

Note: The Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid all share the same basic components and are produced in the same factory.

#8

Toyota Yaris
Price: $11,350
Gas Mileage: 29 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
Link: Toyota.com

#9

Mini Cooper
Price: $18,700
Gas Mileage: 29 mpg city / 37 mpg highway
Link: Miniusa.com

#10

Toyota Corolla
Price: $15,250
Gas Mileage: 28 mpg city / 37 mpg highway
Link: Toyota.com

Runners up:

#11

Honda Fit
Price: $13,950
Gas Mileage: 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
Link: Honda.com

#12

Nissan Versa
Price: $12,710
Gas Mileage: 26 mpg city / 31 mpg highway – manual transmission
Link: Nissanusa.com

#13

Honda Accord LX
Price: $20,360
Gas Mileage: 21 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
Link: Honda.com

#14

Mazda Miata
Price: $21,220
Gas Mileage: 22 mpg city / 27 mpg highway – manual transmission
Link: Mazdausa.com

The VW R32 performance three-door hatchback returns to the U.S. market with more power, performance and racing styling cues while retaining its responsive driving and dynamic performance characteristics.

The R32’s muscle is generated by its namesake, a ‘Racing 3.2’liter naturally aspirated VR6 engine which pumps out 250hp and 236lb.ft. of torque. This potent engine is combined with VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) which allows for seamless gear changes and enables the R32 to accelerate to 60mph in just a hair over 6sec.

The R32 was first introduced into the U.S. market in 2004, and quickly sold its allotment of 5,000 limited edition vehicles. Again, VW is only making 5,000 units and they have already sold the first 2,000 units.

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

The incredibly quick-shifting and fun-to-use DSG transmission gives you a choice of fully-automatic operation or an automated manual shift with VW’s Tiptronic that lets you 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 with the power lost during traditional clutched shifts.

The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system can transfer up to 100% of the torque to the rear wheels for increased traction and grip that really comes into play during a hard launch, when cornering at high speeds, and when driving on slick pavement.
The unitized frame and chassis are very rigid and torsional using high-strength steel and aluminum.

Underpinning the chassis is a fully independent suspension that sits wider and lower than its GTI sibling for more precise handling. Never harsh, it gives a comfortable ride when traveling over poorly paved roads. Up front is a MacPherson strut setup with coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers and stabilizer bar, while the rear features a four-link setup with separate spring/shock absorber arrangement, subframe, and a tubular anti-roll bar to keep body lean to a minimum.

The electromechanical power-assisted steering provides increased steering precision with good on-center feel, but seems a little bit over-boosted; but it does the job of going where you point the R32 to go.

Quickly slowing the R32 down from speed are large four-wheel disc brakes, 13.6in. vented discs up front, and 12.6in. vented discs in the rear. The dual-front calipers and rear single-piston calipers are powder-coated blue, and feature ABS to help control your direction on slick surfaces, Brake Assist to boost brake pressure in emergency braking situations, and Electronic Brake Force Distribution which automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of the R32’s brakes based on road and driving conditions. These big brakes help give you the confidence to go into corners at higher than posted speeds. The standard Electronic Stabilization Program also helps to keep you on your intended path by working with these high-tech braking systems.

The R32 rides on 18X7.5in., 20-spoke, aluminum alloy wheels that are wrapped with 225/40R18in. Summer performance tires enhancing grip and traction.

Sporty exterior design cues let other drivers know that the R32 means performance and they are highlighted with the uniquely shaped chrome center grille flanked by Bi-Xenon headlamps, deep front spoiler, lower rocker panels on the sides, body-colored bumpers, side bump strips, door handles and door mirrors. The rear shows the R32 badge, chrome, dual exhaust tips centered under the bumper, and the top mounted spoiler distinguishes the R32 from anything else on the road.

Inside, the R32 features race-inspired style-three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with a race-type blunt bottom, instrument panel with 180mph speedometer and 8,000rpm tachometer. dual climate control with air filtration, power up/down express windows, power door locks, floor mats, dual map lamps, grab handles, ten-speaker AM-FM-CD radio, rain-sensing wipers, self-dimming rearview mirrors, heated front seats and washer nozzles, anti-theft alarm, cruise control, trip computer, all standard. Race cues are further in evidence with the silver carbon fiber trim on the dashboard, doors, and center console.

The race-inspired foot pedals are aluminum alloy. The leather trimmed sport buckets seats are deeply cut to keep you in place during hard cornering. The rear seats are really intended for children and feature a pull-down center armrest, and the back is 60/40 split folding to add to the storage capacity. Options include power sunroof and VW Navigation system.

Standard safety features include front and side front airbags, side-curtain airbags, 3-point safety belts with pretensioners/load limiters up front, daytime running lamps, side protection steel beams, front/rear crush zones, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

I really enjoyed my seven-day test drive as the R32 showed to be very nimble when zipping around slower city traffic and when challenging tough curving mountain roads.
I would only ask for more power and torque to really get my heart pumping but that would only increase the base price of $32,990.00.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Name of vehicle: 2008 VW R32

Price: $32,990.00 base/$35.430.00 as tested

Engine type: 3.2 liter DOHC, VVT, V6

Horsepower: 250 at 6,300rpm

Torque: 236 ft-lbs. at 2,500rpm

0-60mph time: 5.8 seconds

Drive configuration: Front engine/all-wheel-drive

Transmission: 6-speed Tiptronic

Front suspension: Independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, telescopic shocks, stabilizer bar

Rear suspension: Independent, four-link with separate spring/shock absorber arrangement, subframe, tubular anti-roll bar

Wheels/tires: 18X7.5in. aluminum alloy wheels/225/40R18in. summer low-profile performance tires

Brakes: Front – 13.6in. vented rotors, dual-piston calipers
Rear – 12.6in. vented rotors, single-piston calipers
ABS, BA, EBFD

Overall length: 167.2in.

Overall width: 69.2in.

Overall height: 57.7in.

EPA mileage: 18mph/city, 23mpg/highway

Volkswagen has plans to produce new vehicles with iPhone/iPod friendly integration devices. These devices would sync up with an iPhone providing a seamless connection with your iPhone device with the car. A system such as this would allow the car to “talk” to your iPhone such as some built in Bluetooth systems allow only this will be on a higher integration scale with more built-in iPhone-like vehicle functions and connectivity.

Read more about how Steve Jobs and VW’s Chairman Talk about the future of “iCar”.