In a recent post entitled The 2008 Volkswagen R32 Review, yours truly ranted and raved not so much at the 2008 Volkswagen R32, but the review of said vehicle and author of said review in Autoweek.
My frustration with Volkswagen, as well as my incredulousness at people like Patrick Paternie of Autoweek Magazine who fail to “get” the 2004 R32, has only grown with the passing days and weeks.
Still, when it was brought to my attention that Flow Volkswagen, Mazda and Audi of Charlottesville would be getting their hands on a 2008 R32, I was excited. Not so much because I could finally see the new R32, but because I could finally validate my concerns, or adjust them accordingly.
I have been upbraided for judging the 2008 R32 before I ever saw it up close, so all my critics will be very happy to know that tomorrow I am going to get my first up close and personal look at the new VW R32. If I am pleased with the car, I will issue an apology and sing it’s praises far and wide. If I am not pleased with the car, I will be honest about it. Or, depending on how negative my feelings are I may just say nothing at all. It all depends on how I feel after wrapping my hands around the steering wheel tomorrow.
Godspeed.
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Seems that you are the one who doesn’t get it. As a long time VW nut, I’ve read all the printed & posted articles on the 08 R32. If you take the time to read what VoA said when launching the car, it’s all about creating a unique and more sophisticated alternative to the rice-rockets. Goggins describes it as “a GT” = not as fast or extreme as an EVO/WRX but better because it’s more rounded, more talented. Euro-cool & deliberately not tacky and covered in dorky stickers or spoilers. VW have also said that the single 2-door DSG tune was key to getting the business case approved to bring the car here. Geez. If VW read this crap I bet they wonder why they bother.
I appreciate the comments, and yes I hope VW does read the post. One thing I can gladly say is that I am no longer a VW nut. I think that the problem with many VW owners is that no one is allowed to have their own opinion about VW’s unless the opinion is a positive one. This is one of the primary reasons I no longer go to VW Vortex. And this blog will not become another Vortex.
As I see it, the problem with your comment is that the 2004 R32 WAS, in fact, sophisticated. It WAS and IS a terrific alternative to the rice rockets. In fact, the 2004 VW outclassed those cars and eclipsed them, leaving them in the dust. There was no need to change the 2004 model other than going to the MV chassis and maybe an independent rear suspension.
Your comments are appreciated, however. In the future, keep them clean and civil or I will delete them.
i would like to know what others think of the 2008 R32….is it a car for a kid or a person who enjoys driving…vague, i know.
the car increases the feeling of actually getting from one place to another, like a horse or horse and buggy, or maybe amotocycle…the passat w8 was a great car to drive…felt sporty and behaved well, since i am not an aggressive driver.
i own a 08 R32… i must say i’m very happy with it and i want to share with you that i had all of the GTI’s (mk1 1979 to mk5 2007 dsg 4 doors) in my life…that one is just my better one
i think R32 ”aura” goes to 04′ model make…if all agree, anyway !
but i couldn’t found a ”respectable 04” one, up here in canada (car fax ok – low accidented – lemon law etc etc) + low miles…
so i’m still happy or lucky to have a 14 000miles R32 2008 show room-pimp windows in my garage to eat roads somes mornings !
Salut