2008 Volkswagen R32
(aka “Blue Bunny”)
The Blue Bunny accelerates through 90 mph exiting the chicane on the front straight of
Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA
What the heck is an R32?
It’s a highly modified version of the venerable Rabbit / Golf / GTI platform. Production is limited to just 5,000 in the USA (the “Blue Bunny” is #749 / 5,000). Powered by a normally aspirated (no turbo) 3.2 liter VR6 motor, the stock R32 develops 250 HP at the crank, with 236 ft lbs of torque at 2,800 RPM. The flat torque curve makes the car relatively easy to drive fast, as the power band is wide and “always there”.
The R32 is all wheel drive, which does a couple things over the stock GTI
- Reliably puts the power to the pavement with no drama / wheelspin
- Nicely takes care of the tendency of the platform to understeer
US 2008 R32s are only available with a six-speed automated dual-clutch manual transmission (VW's direct-shift gearbox, or DSG). True “manual” die-hard fans miss the 3rd pedal, but the DSG is the way of the future. This is no ordinary “slush box”, it very much relies on the clutches for engagement. At wide open throttle, the shifts are as quick as 8 mSec.
Front Brake Caliper – 13.6”
0-60 mph time – 5.8 seconds
Top speed – 130 mph (limited, stock). As modified, 160 mph
List of modifications from stock
Engine:
GIAC ECU Flash
VF Engineering Cold Air Intake
Suspension/Driveline:
Neuspeed 25mm Race Series Rear Swaybar w/ Billet End Links
Haldex Gen 2 Controller Upgrade
Haldex Cable/Switch (permanently set on “race” mode and coiled under rear seat)
VF Engineering Motor & Transmission Mounts
Wheels/Tires:
OZ Racing Ultraleggera 18x8 et 45
Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec 235/40/18
Exterior:
Euro LED Tails
ESE Tuning Blue Sidemarkers and Rear Reflectors
ECS Tuning Blue Aspherical mirrors
Front and Rear R32 badge delete
Interior:
Euro Headlight Switch
CG-Lock Seatbelt
TID paddle shift extensions
VagCom Programming:
DRL’s off
Halogen Highbeam / Flash to pass
Rain closing (windows, sunroof)
Remote window opening, closing
Automatic emergency flashers under extreme braking