Press Release

R-Models: Golf R32, Passat R36

• The Golf and Passat model range sports cars

• New Passat R36 with 220 kW / 300 hp to debut in Summer 2007

• 250 hp Golf R32 attains a top speed of 250 km/h

The program of especially high-performance R models is celebrating a new addition to the family: the new Passat R36 is coming out in Summer 2007. As a sedan and Variant. The new Passat R36 was conceived by Volkswagen Individual, the specialist team for very fast and/or special models. Following the Golf R32, the Passat R36 will be the second series version to be debuting under the “R” sports label. The “R32” label already represents a top-selling model; the first Golf R32 (177 kW / 241 hp,) based on the fourth Golf generation and introduced in midsummer 2002, took off better than expected in every way; 14,000 cars were sold. On the foundation of this success the idea arose to develop a whole series of R models in the future. In Autumn 2005 the second Golf R32, 184 kW / 250 hp, equipped with 4MOTION four-wheel drive as standard equipment, was introduced. It was also a terrific success. And it continues to sell well today. Starting in Summer 2007 the “R36” will show how sporty a Passat sedan and a Passat Variant can be.

Passat R36:
The fastest of all Volkswagens in terms of Acceleration

Visually, with a whole range of specific features the new Passat R36 shows that it is the most dynamic model of the globally successful series.

Special features of the front section: an R-specific bumper and a crest radiator grill in matte chrome finish. Also R-specific are the matte chrome dual fins of the upper radiator grill and the radiator air inlets in slatted look.

The rear of the Passat R36 sedan features a newly designed spoiler on the luggage compartment lid; in the case of the Passat Variant R36 a new roof edge spoiler provides additional downward force to the rear axle. Identical for both body versions: the chrome dual exhaust pipes. On the sides it is, among other things, the newly designed 18-inch “Omanyt” alloy wheels and wheel arch extensions in car color that underscore the dynamic character of the Passat R36.

A (partial) overview of R36 exterior details:

• Chrome exhaust pipe ends

• Bi-xenon headlights

• Disk brake calipers painted blue

• Roof edge spoiler (Variant)

• Trunk lid spoiler (Sedan)

• Radiator grill in matte chrome, fins in aluminum look and “R36” lettering

• Air grille in slatted look

• R-specific bumpers front and back

• Rear LED tinted lights

• Wheel arch extensions in car color

• Chrome protective trim on sides and back

• Door sill extensions in car color

• Door closing trim in car color

• 18 inch “Omanyt” alloy wheels (tires: 235/40)

Similar to the Golf R32, Volkswagen Individual designed interior equipment especially for the sportiest Passat. The instruments and middle console are finished in “Engine Spin” décor. The leather steering wheel in R design is especially slip-proof; it features an R36 logo in the lower spokes. The pedals have a stainless steel finish. In addition, as standard equipment the Passat R36 will be delivered with a sport seating system together with electric 12-way adjustment, R36 door sill trims, new instrument lighting (white illumination) and an automatic transmission selector lever in aluminum look. A special highlight is the optionally available 14-way leather seating system with seats that are electropneumatically adjustable on the sides, affording optimal side support for drivers and passengers of different sizes.

A (partial) overview of R36 exterior details:

• Automatic transmission selector lever in aluminum look

• Engine Spin décor inlays, light-colored

• Door sill trims with R36 lettering in front

• Instrument cluster with R logo and white illumination

• R design pedal caps

• R-specific multifunctional steering wheel

• Seat covers and door coverings in flat woven fabric “Monte

• Carlo” design

• Sport seats in front, 12-way electric, R logo on backrest

• Sport seating system in back, separately folding backrests

• with middle armrest

• Heatable front and outer rear seats

Golf R32:
Top-Notch athlete with comfort reserves

The combination of standard four-wheel drive (4MOTION), 184 kW / 250 hp, from 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds (via DSG transmission) and maximum speed of 250 km/h make the Golf R32 one of the most top-notch athletes in the compact car class. Ideally balanced for fast laps on a closed course, the comfortable Golf R32 also lends itself to long distances between appointments.

Centerpiece of the top Golf is a four-valve, six-cylinder engine, 3,189 cm3 large and 320 Nm strong. Its sonorous sound matches its superior display of power. From every torque range the engine pushes the Golf forwards as if there were no air resistance. Performance to weight ratio: 6 kg/hp.

With V6 propulsion and 4MOTION traction the engineers have brought the sport chassis into perfect harmony. While the GTI chassis is placed 15 millimeter lower than the series, the “R32” is 20 millimeter lower. The chief attraction is: it still offers ample comfort and demonstrates very agile handling in combination with the four-wheel drive.

Whoever goes for a Golf R32 is showing his colors – preferably the exclusive “Deep Blue Pearl Effect” paint. The fact is: As already done with the Golf GTI, a completely uniquely designed radiator grill was developed for the Golf R32, whose design and aluminum look distinguishes it from the front section of the GTI. Especially in the lower segment, the grill framed by bi-xenon headlights displays a strong modulation in the style of a classic sports car. An additional “R32” element in the upper area of the radiator: the double diagonal fins also kept in an aluminum look. Two additional air vents on the side of the radiator grill complement the supply of fresh air. In contrast to all other Golfs, the “R32” also has bumpers painted entirely in the car color in the lower third and with an airflow element on each side, whose shape is picked up in the side sill and rear bumper.

In the rear of the body the Golf R32 also displays a bumper painted entirely in car color. Only the segment in the middle part styled like a diffuser is black. Here centrally and strikingly integrated next to each other: two round exhaust pipe ends made of polished stainless steel.

When viewed from the side the 18-inch “Zolder” alloy wheels stand out. Their total of 20 spokes continues the design theme of the first R32 wheel. Behind these the disk brake calipers painted blue, which enclose 345 mm in front and 310 mm disks in back when hitting the brake pedal. As an extension of the roof, a harmoniously integrated roof spoiler that presses the Golf R32 to the street with aerodynamic force connects to the powerfully drawn C-pillar typical for this series for the past three decades.

The sporty-exclusive character of the top model is also reflected in the interior. Standard "top sport seats" with integrated R logo – or optionally and exclusively available “motor sport bucket seats” specially developed for the Golf R32 provide a successful synthesis of good support and high-class long distance comfort. Other striking interior details: The “Engine Spin” metallic applications (with a circle-shaped pattern), a uniquely designed gearshift knob and a sport steering wheel (leather/perforated leather) with integrated metal R logo.

The complete equipment of the “R32” includes, among other things, air conditioning (Climatronic), on board computer (MFA), RCD 300 radio CD system, alarm system, rain sensor, coming-home function/ leaving-home light function, multifunctional leather steering wheel with shift buttons (for DSG), tire monitoring display, blue thermal glass, bi-xenon headlights, six airbags and ESP. Equipped with its 20 millimeter lower sport chassis, the Golf R32 is full and wide tracked on the street. Making a decisive contribution to this are the 18-inch alloy wheels specially developed for the new top model with 225/40 tires, approved for speeds up to 300 km/h.