The R20 and GTI are two separate cars. The 2010 GTI is more than enough power with an improved hp and torque rating at 210hp/265lbs-ft. The R20 is going be unholy 270hp out of a 2.0 L 4cylinder, AWD, and a choice between DSG and 6 spd manual. This is unlike the 08 R32 in which the only thing available was the DSG.

Never stuck once in either my 350Z or G35, but thanks for your concern. Snow tires FTW.

If you can’t drive RWD in the snow, I know a lot of lady drivers who have the same problem as you. Come to think of it, they’re bitchy and hormonal like you too. Imagine that.

Anyways…

DSG + AWD would be ideal–if VW makes this available–and on paper that would certainly would trump this slush-boxed STI. However, even the R20 would be down on power and outright performance vs. the STI, with both at a similar price-point, so it would still be tough to ignore this STI variant if you’re in the market for a clutchless AWD rocket.

I was really hoping to see DSG’s on more cars by 2010, it’s a shame. A neighbor of mine buys VW’s exclusively (husband, wife and two teens, all with silver VW’s) and he’s quite often either fixing them himself or sending them in to get fixed. I guess if you account for the fact that there’s 4 of them, each individual one doesn’t require too much maintenance?

Still would never buy the Cobalt SS instead of it though. Different types of cars, can’t even compare ride quality or interior quality. Plus I love my DSG not on any GM’s.

Buy a Cobalt SS, this thing is a POS.

Buy American. Buy GM. It is your duty.

Since the previous 2 R32’s were AWD, you can assume they will have at least one specialty AWD GTI in the next generation, due to it having the same platform.

Otherwise, just let me know when you need a tow truck, I got a number of a good company!

The R20 drivetrain has not been confirmed by VW. Rumors state either FWD with E-LSD or AWD, depending on source.

Sounds to me like you need an arse-whisk and an attitude adjustment. Your e-penis is huge. Congrats!

[Darth vader]NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO![/Darth Vader]

@350Zed -
The R20 will use VW’s 4Motion AWD, so check your facts. In addition, my ‘07 has never had a problem of it’s front tire’s “spinning”. They are made for 4 weather climates, like that of the midwest, so when you’re “cool” rear tires are spinning out of control when their’s the slightest touch of snow on the roads, mine’s quite nice and planted, thank you. I’ll make sure and give you a honk when you’re in the ditch.

@The Stig:
I agree 100%. There’s something decidedly unsporty about even the best slushboxes, even with trickery like lockup-TC’s and rev-matching-downshifts. First they made the STI ugly(er), now they’ve made it chick-driveable. Can we expect back-cameras and rear-seat DVD players next? Mommy will be so happy she’ll never miss another soccer practice.

And they should do a double-clutch instead of the torque converter slush box.