2004 Volkswagen Golf R32

• Popularized the performance hatchback  or “hot hatch”

• Top of the line VW Golf, only 5000 brought to the US

• Largest engine ever in a production Golf

 The iconic all-wheel drive Mk4 R32 hatchback has kept the interest of the people who were young when the car was new. Insurance numbers show that Gen-Xers and millennials make up much of the entire market — counting for 43 percent and 46 percent, respectively. As these generations aged into their collector car years, the value of R32s have increased recently.

For the R32, VW managed to fit a 3.2-liter six-cylinder in the already crowded engine bay of the Mk4 Golf. This was possible due to a narrow-angle (15 degree) V-6. Basically, an inline-six with cylinders offset in a zig-zag pattern. This makes for a shorter block than a traditional inline-six, allowing it to fit in smaller cars. But the R32 is far from a standard Golf GTI ! Lack of muscle was not an issue in the R32, since VW gave it the largest engine ever in a production Golf. It also is one of the best sounding engines of its time!

Stock R32’s are hard to come by as there were lots of after-market modifications available. This car has some light period mods consisting of a cold air intake, Freedom Design rear wing, billet aluminum radio antenna, a rear wiper, Zender side mirrors, Anzo smoked front bumper turn signals and suspension upgrades.  

Specifications:

Engine: 3.2L, 24-valve DOHC VR6 with 18,500 miles
Transmission: 6 speed manual with overdrive, 4MOTION all-wheel drive
Power: 240 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque: 236 ft-lb @ 2800 rpm
Brakes & Suspension: Audi TT front bushings & front spindles, suspension upgrades, massive 13.1” front disks
Speed: 0-62 mph, 6.4 sec
Top Speed: 154 mph
Weight: 3400 lbs / 1542 kg (1300 lbs heavier than the original 1983 Rabbit GTI)