Volkswagen at the SEMA trade show introduced a concept vehicle that recalls its roots in the sport compact tuning community. The Thunder Bunny concept is inspired by a tuned Rabbit of the same name from the 1980s. The original Thunder Bunny was built by Automotive Performance Systems founder Bill Neumann, who became frustrated that the GTI hatchback was not offered in North America. VW eventually offered the GTI in America, but not before it put Neuspeed, the APS-trademarked line of parts and accessories, on the map.
To commemorate that milestone, Neuspeed has introduced a new version of the Thunder Bunny. Designed in collaboration with Derek Jenkins, Chief Designer at the Volkswagen Design Center California located in Santa Monica, the new Thunder Bunny is an updated, thoroughly modern version of the original. It features 225 horsepower — 75 more than the stock 2.5 L and a slew of other upgrades including Brembo brakes, Bilstein coil-over, performance seats, and more. Gallery after the jump…
11/01, 3:49 PM
posted by:
Don
I don’t think the rims suit the rest of the car
11/01, 3:59 PM
posted by:
meanpants555
I love the name Thunder Bunny, reminds me of Thumper from the Diamonds are Forever, or better yet it’s a great name for a stripper; it holds so much promise!
11/01, 4:02 PM
posted by:
Freshshoebox
You think so? I kind of like the rims.
11/01, 4:03 PM
posted by:
A4
i think the rims look sweet, but i hate when they pimp the 2.5l instead of going with the GTI
11/01, 4:05 PM
posted by:
A4
the ecoracer inspired front valence is cool too
11/01, 4:24 PM
posted by:
YourNameHere
the 2.5 is soooo under rated. an intake alone where can add over 35hp! im sure they got that power jump with just the simple bolt ons.
11/01, 4:24 PM
posted by:
Scott Kempton
As a VW Passat owner, and a former Golf owner, I like it—a lot.
11/01, 4:26 PM
posted by:
peter g
Thunder Bunny? I may be shaken, but I’m not stirred. And is that car too big? No, it’s just the right size…For me, that is
11/01, 4:34 PM
posted by:
Andre Neves
I think it looks awesome. Me personally, i’d have those wheel powder coated black.
11/01, 4:42 PM
posted by:
Andre Neves
I really like how they braught back the classic grill. But im not feeling the nosrils under it.
11/01, 4:47 PM
posted by:
ironpony42
Its sweet. I wouldn’t change a thing EXCEPT the swirly decals on the sides. I love the exhaust. Seats are cool too, retro VW. And a great name.
11/01, 4:53 PM
posted by:
vwjamesmc
I love it!!!!(Owner of 2007 Rabbit 4DR)
11/01, 5:19 PM
posted by:
Bush
Makes me reconsider going back to VW.
Nice.
11/01, 5:30 PM
posted by:
Brendino
i don’t think i could see myself driving a “thunder bunny”
nice car, though i’d rather see the rims as powder coated aluminum.
11/01, 5:37 PM
posted by:
nowei
I think the rims are awesome, but I too am not sure if they fit with the car. Maybe it’s just the colour. And yeah, the name is awesome.
/no
11/01, 5:43 PM
posted by:
GL1
whatever…
11/01, 6:12 PM
posted by:
InvisibleEcho
Good idea, silly name. Name’s not as silly as the Arnejs, though. Rims look good, although they’d look sweeter on some other car. I prefer black and grey wheels anyway.
11/01, 6:13 PM
posted by:
BrokenCadillac…
That is one rippin little ride! While I may be more inclined to buy bigger vehicles like my *cough*Lemon Caddy, I can understand why the kids like this kind of ride. I am also a bit hesitant to try a VW in the future for fear of not-so-great reliability.
Then again, it couldn’t be any worse than my SRX has been…
11/01, 7:13 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
225 HP probably brings the HP/Weight ratio closer to the Civic Si’s, which I presume is its nearest competitor. All the bodywork looks good. I like the wheels but something about them doesn’t seem right. A different color (like titanium) would better match the body work. I know this thing is a concept, but the super-low profile tires and micro-meter wheel clearance would be very unpractical on any real-world roadway.
Other than the wheels, I say build it.
11/01, 7:49 PM
posted by:
megator
man thoose rims are so awsome.
11/01, 7:52 PM
posted by:
bepsf
Looks better than my pal’s new GTI – I wonder how much?
11/01, 8:45 PM
posted by:
DialM4Speed
I like the name but wouldn’t want one. I hate front wheel drive!!!! Also only 225 hp? Pass!
11/01, 10:56 PM
posted by:
Hyperion
Give it 275 horsepower for the same money, add a mechanical LSD and I’ll consider the car worth it.
11/02, 3:52 AM
posted by:
RECOVERINGPSYCHOPATH
PIECE OF ****!
11/02, 9:35 AM
posted by:
Saud
Way cool
11/02, 5:05 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Another outlet for bolt-ons.
11/10, 1:01 PM
posted by:
J.A.N.E.
I’m not going to fault VW likers,but I want South Africa to ship over their A1.Which they still build.Modestly upgraded.MODESTLY.