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Re-activateVolkswagen introduced the new R32 hot hatch at the Chicago auto show on Wednesday, enticing the crowd with its generous content roster and promise for improved handling. VW even went so far as to have a current owner speak about the improvements in contrast to his original 2004 model.
Through the spiel, two things registered to me.
1) The R32 will no longer be able to be compared against the rally-bred Japanese competitors, the Mitsubishi Evolution and Subaru WRX STi. Once those turbocharged sedans are redesigned, they are likely to be in another league--the 300+ hp club--while the R32 still makes due with 250 horsepower. No doubt, the R32 will be a rewarding drive, but at its expected low $30s price point, it will be outgunned.
2) If you want one, best get in line. The first series R32 sold a total of 5,000 units. Volkswagen is planning to again sell just 5,000, split 3,000 for 2007 and 2,000 for 2008. VW will notify current GTI and R32 owners about a special microsite through VW.com to initiate the reservation process, though prospective customers will ultimately be asked to put down a deposit at a local Volkswagen dealer.
Act now. Don't delay… unless you want to try your luck next year, while holding out for a competitive test drive.
--Jeff Bartlett
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