By Bill C.
Coming Our Way
VW R32 Getting BIGGER? – It will likely be 2006, but word on the street is that plans are in the works for something bigger than the 3.2 liter, 240-HP V6 that currently powers the 2004 R32. You know how these things go… maybe 2007?
Evo RS - R32 Shootout
R32 Selected – In a recent magazine head-to-head shootout, the VW R32 beat out the Mitsubishi Evolution RS. Why? After all, the Mitsu beats it in most of the speed challenges. But, in the interest of performance, the Mitstu comes without A/C, radio, power windows or sound insulation. So, it seems that the testers felt the R32 was the one they would want to live with, day in and day out; a fun car that is practical and relatively inexpensive.
Going, Going
VW Finished With W8? – Volkswagen may have had it with its W8 engine, according to a recent report, that says slow sales have led to VW stopping production of the unique engine; sales of a Passat with the power plant have fallen short of the 5,000-unit annual projection. VW may decide to revive the engine in the new version of the Passat due next year, but that is not thought to be likely. A W12 engine is used in several models, like the Audi A8 and VW Phaeton; a 16-cylinder version is expected to appear in VW's long-awaited Bugatti Veyron sports car.