Giving the hot hatch more bite.
There’s nothing like the sound of a narrow-angle VR6 engine in a Volkswagen. The burble, growl, and bark is intoxicating, especially in the MkIV and MkV R32 models. Although these engines have since been retired in the top-of-the-line Golf models, RFK Tuning worked their magic on a MkV model and it’s quite the treat.
The naturally-aspirated 3.2-liter VR6 engine in the R32 serves up a mean 250 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque in stock form, with a ferocious growl from the factory dual tailpipes. RFK Tuning went into their distribution catalog for a new BHP Motorsport software tune for the hot hatch. After installation, the 3.2-liter was able to spit out an impressive 270 horsepower and 251 lb-ft. of torque along with a sharper throttle response for all sorts of all-wheel drive shenanigans.
Grabbing attention visually is the new Matte Chrome Yellow wrap that covers the entire body of the R32. RFK Tuning then installed a set of their in-house E 1 Concave split-rim wheels with special decorative gold screws that make the one-piece wheel look like a multi-piece wheel. The ten-spoke wheels measure 8.5 x 19 and have a candy red finish to contrast the yellow wrap. The front and rear wheels were manufactured with ET45 and ET35 offsets, respectively, ensuring that they have no problem clearing the large R32 brakes. Completing the fitment is a set of 225/35 ZR19 Pirelli P Zero Nero tires for even more grip.
To complete the conversion, RFK Tuning decided to sharpen up the handling and stance of the R32. ST Suspensions, a subsidiary of KW Suspensions, was chosen to optimize handling with their ST X adjustable coilovers. RFK Tuning set the new coilovers to drop the ride height by a few centimeters to reduce the center of gravity and make the new wheels sit flush with the body.
The new RFK Tuning R32 is the first Volkswagen-based project car completed by the German company and will be on display at their summer festival on Saturday, August 15th at their headquarters in Waldfischbach-Burgalben.
RFK Tuning Volkswagen R32 MKV Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.2 liters
Number of Cylinders: VR6
Aspiration: Naturally-aspirated
Maximum Horsepower: 270
Maximum Torque: 251 lb-ft. / 340 Nm
-BHP Motorsport software tune
Wheels, Tires, and Suspension:
Wheels: Elegance Wheels E 1 Concave split-rim
Wheel Finish: Candy Red with gold decorative screws
Wheel Size: 8.5 x 19 ET45 (front) and ET35 (rear)
Tires: Pirelli P Zero Nero
Tire Size: 225/35 ZR19
Suspension: ST X adjustable coilovers
Exterior:
-Matte Chrome Yellow wrap
RFK Tuning Volkswagen R32 MKV Gallery
Source: RFK Tuning
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