Volkswagen

The R32 makes its highly anticipated return to the United States this year. It boasts increased horsepower and new styling cues while retaining its responsive driving and dynamic performance characteristics. The R32's muscle is provided by its namesake, a "Racing 3.2"-liter naturally aspirated VR6 engine, which provides 250 horsepower. This potent engine is combined with Volkswagen's 4Motion™ all-wheel-drive system. Rounding out the drivetrain package is the acclaimed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG® transmission).

The DSG transmission gives drivers a choice of fully-automatic operation or an automated manual shift with Volkswagen Tiptronic® that lets drivers shift gears up and down with a tap of the gearshift selector or finger-operated shift-paddles mounted to the steering wheel. The dual-clutch transmission utilizes direct shifting that automatically engages and disengages gears without a clutch pedal. A computer engages one clutch on the next gear needed, just as it releases the other clutch from the previous gear. The shifts are seamless and happen without the power lost during a traditional, clutched-shift.