R36...pre-ordered!!!

[Vene]

One looking just like that will be in my garage in 8 months

Hey Steve, did you manage to negotiate a discount on your car? I got all of $81 off....

[Vene]

Guys, any chance VW will possibly upgrade the R36 steering wheel to the one in the coupe concept? Looks a little more current.....here's wishful thinking I guess.

[Steve]

I got them to chuck in a Bluetooth kit, but given the uncertainty regarding compatibility with the new sat-nav unit I'm not expecting much love.

I really want a GTI/R32 style steering wheel...

Still 8 months to go

[Steve]

Hm... I had an interesting thought today.

There's an exhaust "flapper" on the R32, but none on the 3.6 V6 Passat. I wonder if the R36 will have one, and if so... if it's possible to do the flapper trick...?!

I hope it's doable...

[Vene]

Steve,

When does the flapper kick in on the R32? Would it make the exhaust note too boomy at the low end?

On a side note, a friend of mine has ordered a BMW 335i convertible. The R36 is on par on 0-100kms performance figures.....partly due to the DSG gearbox imo. Although the 335i has a maximum torque band from 1500 - 5000rpm.

Does anyone know what the torque figures are for the R36? Can't seem to find it published anywhere.

[Steve]

From memory it's 3500 RPM. Check out YouTube for some video clips of before and after the mod has been done - just search for "r32 flapper" and you'll see a few IV and V R32's with it done.

It might make the sound too loud, although it is possible (or was, on the IV) to install a switch so it could be controlled in the cabin at will: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1404645

Good for police/long trips/coming home late at night/etc.

I can't find any torque figures either.

[Golf Houso]

I'd say at least 380-420nm, my guess is 400 flat! Definately consider that its a 3.6L. That seems like a reasonable figure. The dsg's are all different to suit various engines. They only put a 360 rated nm transmission on the golfs as the max they reach is a lick under that.

The exhaust shouldn't be that loud or annoying, its a VW afterall, not a fiesta XR4

[Mischa]

i'm gonna take a punt and say 350nm... who wants to take bets

[Golf Houso]

I do!

Whoever is closest gets a flog in whoever's car was furthest away in that figure!

I can assure you, the 2.slow is alot more fun to drive than you can imagine

Anyone else care to partake in our little bet?

[Steve]

The 3.2 V6 puts out 330nm and in the US the 3.6 V6 puts out 360nm.

Given that the US version has 280hp and the R36 has 300, and both have the same gearbox... The R36 does 0-100 in 5.6 seconds and the US spec V6 does it in 6.3. Something has to account for the difference - it can't just be 20 more horsepower - so I'm guessing the torque has also been bumped up.

My guess is 380nm