The Volkswagen R32.

Introduced to the North American market in 2004, the R32 came out as the “it car” that every Volkswagen enthusiast wanted to own. Based off the Mark IV Golf platform, the R32 packed a 3.2L VR6 engine, a 6-Speed manual transmission, independent rear suspension and exclusively offered the Haldex based 4motion system. Including all of Volkswagen’s standard “luxury options”, the R32 was more than your average Golf, appealing to consumers who desired style, performance, and functionality.

What more could one do to the R32 without sacrificing the already impressive package from the factory? A look at TJ’s Deep Blue Pearl R32 and the answer is obvious: build upon its performance.

Although the R32 already comes with the impressive 3.2L VR6 out of the box, TJ’s main focus is found mainly in the engine and drivetrain, as TJ added a turbo and a Stage 2 tune, putting down 387 horsepower and an amazing 438 torque on all fours wheels, at 19 psi.

As the exterior (and interior) of TJ’s Volkswagen remains true to the R32’s factory styling, TJ sets his R32 apart by combining a set of KW V3 Coilovers and 18″ BBS RC 303s powder coated in white. TJ also added a Neuspeed Rear Sway Bar and Subframe tie bar, a Defcon 2 control arm bushing kit, and a TST rear stress brace to stiffen the chassis and ultimately provide some support to the power that his R32 puts down.

Because the MK IV R32 is a rarity in North America especially in Canada, hearing about what TJ had done to his R32 was something we just had to see to believe. By preserving the R32’s exterior and exterior and building upon the R32’s performance, we can’t help but call TJ’s R32 a true “subtle sleeper”. Just have a look for yourself, and you’ll see exactly what we mean…

Engine.&.Drivetrain
– Overbored 3.2 liter VR6
– 8.5:1 Low compression JE pistons – file fit
– Integrated Engineering connecting rods
– Balanced/polished crank
– Raceware head bolts
– Deleted Secondary Air injection
– Integrated Engineering SAI block off plate
– VF Engineering motor mounts
– VF Engineering Dog Bone mount
– Precision 6262 Ball bearing Turbo
– Spa Exhaust manifold
– HGP replica Short Runner intake manifold
– Kinetic Front mount intercooler
– 4 inch kinetic MAF
– 3 inch downpipe to 3 inch test pipe
– United Motorsports Stage 2 software
– 550cc Injectors
– Bosch 044 Fuel pump
– Tial Wastegate
– Neuspeed short shifter
– Clutchmasters FX400 clutch with lightened single mass steel flywheel
– Haldex Blue controller

Wheels.&.Suspension
– KW V3 coilovers
– Defcon 2 control arm bushing kit
– Neuspeed rear sway bar
– TST Rear stress brace
– Neuspeed Subframe tie bar
– 18×8.5 BBS RC 303 powdercoated white with red/gold OEM BBS centercaps

Interior
– AEM boost guage/controller hidden in glovebox
– Exhaust flapper switch mounted under dash

More pictures can be found on our Flickr page here: TJ’s Volkswagen R32