Can it get any better than a Volkswagen GTI? They’re a hoot to drive, they’re practical, they get great mileage and are reliable. Really, can it get better than that? Yes, yes it can. Say hello to the Volkswagen GTI R- Series.

Car and Driver says that VW will bring the R-Series to America, along with a rumored name change to R20, that will feature the mill from the Audi S3. Said engine should crank out around 270 horsepower from the 2.0L turbo engine, which is a 70-horsepower improvement over the standard GTI — something we like. You get to choose from either a standard 6-speed stick or dual clutch DSG transmission that sends power to the front wheels. As you would expect, we’re really big fans of the DSG box and would go that route. The GTI R-Series also features an electronic differential that will try and cope with the inevitable torque steer.

So, we have a nice choice of gear boxes, and going with a turbo four cylinder versus putting something bigger in means that the balance will be better, the overall car will be lighter (which will help with the MPGs) and it will probably be more rev-happy.

Let’s hope this rumor turns out to be true.

Source: AutoBlog

By Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• Polished 4Motion Haldex system
• Scalpel-sharp handling
• Heavenly VR6 exhaust note
• Luxurious interior

Dings:

• DSG only
• Rear styling is hard to love
• Bullish understeer in wet conditions
• Tough to justify next to the new GTI

Ruling: If you want the most refined, mature and well-mannered hot hatch on the market, this is the one.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Volkswagen R32 is a great addition to the hot-hatch category. But is it a great value when compared with the VW GTI? Watch our video review and tell us how you think the R32 rates in your book.