Volkswagen’s Golf performance range has been hugely successful for the company, but rumors that they're planning to expand it to include a top-of-the-line R36 model with a 3.6L V6 engine are unfounded. That’s the claim made by a VW spokesman, who said the Golf R32 is perfectly placed within the market. The Passat R36 model that has already been announced comes with a FSI engine churning out 300hp and this is the same engine that was tipped to power the new hot-hatch. The current R32 Golf model makes do with “only” 250hp but the more powerful engine would have pushed its performance very close to the five-second mark.
In other news, the Passat R36 was expected to go on sale around now, but the launch has been pushed back to November due to technical reasons, reports
Automobilwoche.
Having
reviewed the Golf R32 we can confirm the platform is definitely capable of handling more power, especially as it is put down through a 4Motion AWD system. Sadly, it looks like VW will keep the Golf at the mid-range performance level, and also dashes
hopes dreams that we'd one day see the
Golf GTI W12 on the streets.
Reader Comments
Mon Aug 27 2007 6:28 PM
NaBUru38 says
250 hp in a C-segment car means a "mid-range performance level"?
Another reason for the decision is that they may not want any rival to a RS3... or a Porsche.
Sat Sep 1 2007 11:07 AM
Spinnetti says
"Perfectly positioned"? no wonder VW is making so much money (in the US)... Not!
Its a "tweener" car.. not enough power to run with STI and EVO, and too expensive for such little power - they'd sell a lot more if it had competitive power or cost less.
Sun Sep 2 2007 6:59 PM
Sarge says
The GTi dances with the R32 so well, so what is the advantage... 4wd and a awesome sound emitting from the exhaust and extra 2 cylinders.... In Australia the price difference is about $15,000 and in my books that doesn't justifiy it at all.
Fri Jun 13 2008 5:39 AM
Hussam says
My future dream of buying this car has been dystroyed , hope that VW will step back from this disapoinnting decision.
Leave a Comment
Login or register to leave comments.
Please keep your comments on topic. Your involvement is governed by our Privacy Policy and Terms.