Starting at $29,675, the R32 isn't cheap, but it undercuts the base price of both the Evo ($30,574) and STi ($31,670). It doesn't offer four doors as do the Japanese cars, but it also doesn't come with their wild wings and big hood scoops. It is dressed in more subtle ground effects that include assertive front and rear fascias, side skirts, and rear valance and spoiler.

Subtle is the name of the game inside as well, where metal pedals, numerous "R" badges, and coddling König front bucket seats are the only tip-offs. VW is allocating 5000 R32s to the U.S. in 2004. If you haven't ordered one already, best cross your fingers and hope that someone's been dumb enough to cancel.