Car
Meet my car. It’s a 2008 Volkswagen Golf R32 Mk V, number 976 out of the 5000 made, and here is some information about it, it’s history, and what I like about it.
Basic Facts
Basics
- 2008 Volkswagen Golf R32 Mk V
- United Gray Metallic
- Number 976 Out Of 5000 Made
- Two Doors, One Hatch
- Seats Four (Comfortably)
- MFD2 Navigation Headunit
- iPod Connectivity
- Omanyt 18″ Wheels
- Dunlop Sport SP 01 A/S Tires
- No Clutch Pedal (Blasphemy?)
Specifications
- 3.2L VR6 Engine (15˚ Offset)
- 4Motion Haldex All-Wheel Drive
- Twin-Clutch “Direct Shift Gearbox”
- Horsepower: 250 @ 6300 RPM
- Torque: 236 @ 2500 RPM
- Tire Size: 225/40R18
Performance
- Zero To Sixty: 5.8 Seconds
- Top Speed: 130 MPH (limited)
- Skidpad: 0.87 g
More Information
History
- After deciding I wanted something sporty, I cross-shopped a bunch of cars, including the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X MR, the Acura TL Type-S, and the Infiniti G35x.
- When I began redesigning this blog, I went with Derek Punsalan‘s Foliage Mod theme for WordPress as a base. Derek’s got a Candy White R32 Mk V that he calls “The Uber Cow.” Talking to Derek was a big reason I decided to look for an R32.
- Before I ended up in its driver’s seat, it belonged to a Volkswagen technician from Chicago.
- It was found in an automotive auction with a bad front tire and a smashed grille (since fixed). It had just under 6000 miles on it at the time.
- On December 13th, 2008, United Gray R32 976 became mine.
- As of this writing, two-and-a-half years and a little under 15,000 miles later, I love this thing more than I did when I first laid eyes on it.
Modifications
- Custom Smoked Side Markers
- R-Line Monster Mats
- Bridgestone Blizzak LM25 Winter Tires
- More to come, perhaps…?
Major Road Trips
- Lime Rock Park (July 2009)
- More to come.
My Thoughts
What I Like
- The exhaust sound. The sound… oh my god, the sound. Glorious, joyful thunder. Downshifts are ecstasy.
- The torquey nature of the VR6. Great, smooth acceleration. Works wonders in almost any situation.
- Here’s the controversial one: the DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox). Yes, it’s not a full manual, but I love being able to go back and forth between manual and automatic. Shift speed is awe-inspiring.
- The driver’s seat. The seats themselves are great and very well bolstered, and the instrumentation is a spectacular blue and red light show at night. The steering wheel is also ergonomically excellent.
- The sleeper-ish nature of this car. This car isn’t a boy racer like the Evo, and it isn’t something you’d see a soccer mom driving. That being said, it does attract interest from enthusiasts and car fans. Also, when a point needs be made, a little more throttle releases the throaty roar from the twin pipes.
- I could go on and on and on and on about everything I love about this car, but I won’t. Not now, at least. Maybe I’ll post about it or make another dedicated page some time.
What I Dislike
- The iPod Adapter, if you can call it that. Well, at least it lets you change tracks. It only allows you to use five of your playlists, and of course it doesn’t display ID3 tags. I’m waiting on an aftermarket option.
- These Dunlop all-season tires. The uncomfortable-ish ride of winter tires and winter tire-esque performance without really being good in wintery conditions.
- The headlight control. Why, oh why, did VW of America need to remove Daytime Running Light control from the U.S. models?
- Luckily, those three things are my only real gripes. This car is amazing, and I love it to death.