Hot in the Lot
A Junior's Ride
NEIRAD enilno edition
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Neirad’s Jake McCauley gets the inside scoop on Junior Matt Macksamie’s VW R32.
Question: What made you interested in VWs, specifically the R32?
Answer: I have always had a ton of respect for the VW brand. I believe they have one of the best balances of performance and practicality, meaning that it is fast, but still useful to my lifestyle. The VW R32 is a great example of this balance. Performance wise, the R32 has a 250 horsepower V6 engine, advanced all-wheel drive. For practical benefits, its ability to seat four people comfortably and easily in a sporty interior is helpful, also I can actually use the trunk for everyday use, trunk space is normally very limited in hatchback cars, but not in this one.
Question: What is a unique feature of the R32?
Answer: The DSG clutch gearbox is ridiculous. It is faster then a manual gearbox, and it’s the same gearbox they use in Formula One racing as well as the Bugatti Veyron. The gearbox uses two clutches instead of one like a standard automatic. It can match the RPMs of the car of you when you down shift, much like heel and toe down shifting.
Question: How did you come across your car?
Answer: Well, I have always been looking on eBay for possible future cars even before I got my permit. I would try to find the best deals, or what was in my price range. A few days before I got my license, I came across a brand new 2008 VW R32 in Wilton for a great price. The car, which normally sells new for about $34,000, only had 3000 miles on it and it was priced in the low $20,000 range, which is way lower than the resale value. My father and I drove up to Wilton to test drive the car to prove it was in good shape and we were sold.
Question: What did you like the most about the R32?
Answer: I really like the entire package. The 18” wheels with the blue brake calipers are really flashy, as well as the dual center exhaust in the back. But, what I really love about the car is the interior; it is all leather with a flat-bottom steering wheel that was equipped with paddle shifters. I also like how everything feels very high quality thanks to the help of Audi. (VW bought Auto Union and NSU Motorenwerke AG, which owned Audi up till WWII, VW then merged the companies together making its luxury line up of cars under the name Audi). Basically, I like it because it’s fast, safe, reliable, comfortable, and it can pass cars three times its price in the snow.
Question: Last question, have you had any modifications done to the car, or do you plan on doing any?
Answer: No I haven’t done any yet, but if I do I will probably do a Neuspeed exhaust with an HPA turbo.
If you think your car is “Hot in the Lot” e-mail Neirad at neirad@darienps.org. Happy Motoring!
