We’ve featured several supercharged and turbocharged R32s in the pages of Volkswagen Driver, and for good reason. The 3.2 V6 really comes alive when fitted with a forced induction system, with easy power outputs of upwards of 375 – 400 bhp, from what is essentially a bolt-on conversion, albeit a very expensive one. But some owners prefer the naturally-aspirated approach and although the ultimate power output is never going to be quite as impressive there is a lot to be said for conventional tuning techniques which maintain the original character of the free-revving narrow-angle VR6.
One such owner is Gary Whitehouse form Worcestershire; a regular at our track days, so far, he ha perused the naturally-aspirated route when it came to tuning his MK4 Golf R32 and the results have to be experienced to be believed; the sound of this engine is worth all the effort, let alone its instantaneous response, flexibility and free-revving delivery.
