2002 Volkswagen R32 Pictures, Specifications, Information

No standard Golf had ever had such a powerful engine as the new R32. The power output of the R32's transverse six-cylinder engine is 241 hp (at 6250 rpm) and it can take Europe's best-selling car from 0 to 60 mph in well under 6.0 seconds. The new Volkswagen can cover a kilometre in 26.7 seconds from a standing start, and its top speed is 150 mph. The throttle control is designed in such a way that it responds in an extraordinarily instant and agile way to the slightest movement of the accelerator pedal.

Its very respectable maximum torque of 236 lb-ft (between 2800 and 3200 rpm) is distributed via a six-speed gearbox with reduced gear gates. In order for the R32 to make the most of this power on the roads, Volkswagen has equipped it with 4MOTION four wheel drive as standard. Like all Golf petrol engines, the six-cylinder model in the R32 also meets the EU 4 standard.

The 3.2 liter V6 in detail

The R32's four-valve six-cylinder engine is distinguished by its very acute 15-degree V angle. Two overhead camshafts with continuous intake and exhaust camshaft adjustment are used in the cylinder head. The adjustment angles are 52 degrees for the intake camshaft and 22 degrees for the exhaust camshaft. The valves are driven by roller rocker fingers with hydraulic clearance compensation. Each cylinder has its own ignition coil.

From a technical point of view, the 3.2-litre V6 engine, with its crankshaft with seven main bearings, is of a similar concept to the 2.8-litre engine which powers the Golf, Bora and Sharan V6. However, it has been improved in so many different aspects that it really ought to be regarded as a new generation of that engine. Its displacement is 3189 cm3, and its bore and stroke dimensions are 84.0 and 95.9 mm (as opposed to 81.0 x 90.3 in the 2.8-litre engine). The compression ratio of the V6 engine is 11.3:1.

The improvements in the specific performance characteristics are not all down to the increased displacement. In order to achieve the much improved torque and power characteristics, the entire intake system has been redesigned. This was done by perfecting the flow geometry of the plastic intake manifold and the ducts in the cylinder head. Not least, the cylinder head represents an entirely new development. The shape of the intake and outlet ducts, for example, has been significantly modified, with larger flow cross-sections to allow improved flow capacity. The entrance to the intake ducts in the cylinder head has been raised, so that the deflection of the flow towards the valves takes place with a minimum loss of flow. In addition to this, our engineers have increased the diameter of the intake valves and improved the shape of the valve seat inserts.

The twin pipe exhaust system has also been specially designed. Not only does it help the engine meet the EU 4 standard, but it also does just what sporty drivers expect from a car . it makes it sound right. Our acoustics specialists have tuned the R32 to make every tunnel an experience, but without the sound becoming oppressive over long distances.