2008 HPA Volkswagen R32
Friday, November 17th, 2006
Although the new R32 doesn’t hit American shores until 2008, ace VW tuner HPA Motorsports has already imported a Euro-spec R32 as a development mule for its upcoming line of turbocharged R32 tuner packages that feature single-turbo FT400 and FT460, and twin-turbo FT525 and FT575. We visited HPA’s Canadian shop for a look at a FT575 package ($38,500) that includes upgrades for power, suspension, brakes, and even unique body fascias.
The FT575 modification starts by lowering the compression of the stock 3.2-liter via a head-plate system along with installing heavy-duty engine bearings. HPA bolts in twin Garrett ball-bearing turbochargers for a stout 19-psi boost through custom inlet piping, twin intercoolers, and an HPA cast-aluminum intake manifold.
A modified air-inlet setup teams with oversized fuel injectors, an upgraded fuel-pump system, and special computer calibration to deliver a proper air/fuel ratio as the V-6 engine churns out 575 horsepower on 93-octane pump fuel.
Dual ceramic-coated downpipes work with twin high-flow catalytic converters and a throttle-activated quad-bypass stainless-steel exhaust system to vent combustion byproducts. At part throttle, the HPA R32 is quiet, but during full-throttle blasts, the exhaust bypass opens and an aggressive sound roars from the rear.
To handle the massive increase in power, HPA upgrades manual trans R32s with a custom flywheel, sintered-metal clutch system, and a short-throw shifter. DSG-equipped R32s will get a proprietary heavy-duty, wet-style dual-clutch setup with custom transmission programming.
Although all-wheel drive provides superior traction versus 2WD, with 575 horsepower the R32 excessively spins the front tires before sending power rearward. To mitigate this, HPA’s Sport Controller system for the Haldex 4-Motion AWD more aggressively manages power sent to the rear of the vehicle. KW Variant 3 adjustable coil-over suspension lowers the vehicle and radically improves the R32’s handling without delivering a harsh ride.
Mammoth 14.4-inch (front) and 12.2-inch (rear) diameter rotors are clamped by upgraded brake pads to eliminate fade during road-course outings. Optional ($2190) OZ 19×8.0-inch wheels wrapped in Dunlop Sport Maxx 235/35ZR19 tires complete suspension upgrades. We traversed Vancouver’s rural roads with HPA owner Marcel Horn riding shotgun.
Repeated 60-to-0-mph stops occurred in a right respectable 114 feet while 0-to-60-mph sprints took just 3.5 seconds launching with more than a car length of four-wheel burnouts.
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