I drove one the other day - Power delivery is lovely...in fact it feels better than the VR, as you don't have to wait for it to pick it's feet up. Even sounds nice too - but nothing like a VR, as you'd expect. Very impressed though.
Initially there will be a MK5 3.4ltr (255bhp), but I doubt it will be badged as an "R". It will be the replacement for the MK4 V6 4-motion. Following on from that, much later on, will be an R32 replacement, this will be badged "R36" and have a 3.6ltr V6 engine producing an estimated 275-280bhp, which will be used in the new Touareg next year. VW have already registered the "R36" name, but dont expect to see it until late 2006, or even 2007!
I wander how will the extra weight of r36 affect mk5 shassis and the handling? If r32 tiped scales at 1600kg, god knows how heavy will r36 be I personaly would love to see vw build a 4wd striped out version of 2.0l fsi engined gti with bigger turbo, massive intercooler, reworked ecu.........mmmmmmmmmmmm nice Lightweight with 4wd and 300bhp
If they do build that, they will use it to race, not to sell. Car like that just wouldn't sell, apart from to a select few such as yourself, and that just wouldn't cover the costs.
sambo - I believe you are just up the road from me.... You get the blue one from Fairways? No, it was the red one, have they got the blue one? My favorit colour! Not sure i want to see it because i dont think i could resist signing the order form! Where do you live phil? Dont think i'v seen your car, looks good!