VW's Thunder Bunny Evokes "Rabid Rabbit"

Volkswagen says the Thunder Bunny is designed to answer the question, "What happens when you give a modern Rabbit to one of the original water-cooled-Volkswagen tuners?"

The answer apparently is speed, with an overlay of whimsy. The Thunder Bunny, built in commemoration of Neuspeed's original "rabid rabbit," features a thunderous exhaust note thanks to a newly developed turbocharger system.

The system was designed by Neuspeed specifically for VW's 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. It includes a modified intake manifold, Garrett ball-bearing turbocharger and an air-to-air intercooler. VW says boost is restricted to a maximum of seven pounds in this Stage 1 kit, but it still produces 225 horses, 75 more than the stock 2.5-liter engine. Additional details include a performance clutch and a Quaife differential.

The Thunder Bunny has a candy white exterior and a body kit that includes a larger central grille and a muscular rear valance that frames a twin R32-style exhaust from Neuspeed. The paint is overlaid with pearl silver graphics. As with the original Thunder Bunny, the forged alloy wheels are painted gold. The front brakes are 12.9-inch two-piece floating cross-drilled discs from Brembo, gripped by bunny-bedecked Brembo four-piston brake calipers.

The Thunder Bunny's suspension system is fitted with a Bilstein coil-over shock system and APS/Neuspeed sway bars. The system is adjustable for ride height and shock stiffness, making the car suitable for either the street or the track.

In the cabin, the stock GTI seats are covered in black and white checkered tweed that harks backs to the early 1980s. White carbon-fiber interior trim rounds out the package.

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