SEMA Show: VW Thunder Bunny Concept

VW brings us a blast from the past with the Thunder Bunny Concept. For all of you who don't remember (me included), in the early '80s, before the GTI came to the US, a man named Bill Neumann founded the tuning firm Automotive Performance Systems (APS) which created the Thunder Bunny -based on the Golf / Rabbit. The new Thunder Bunny is an updated, thoroughly modern version of the original

Engine: The stock 2.5 liter engine gets a Garret turbocharger, which along with other revisions, boosts power to 225Hp -75 more than the stock 2.5 L. A performance clutch and Quaife differential were added to the powertrain while handling prowess comes from a suspension fitted with a Bilstein coil-over shock system and APS/Neuspeed sways bars, measuring 25mm front and rear.

Bodykit & Rims: The concept's body kit includes a larger central grille and a more muscular rear valance framing a twin R32-style exhaust. The 19" gold alloys are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 235/35 tires. The front brakes are 328mm two-piece floating cross-drilled discs from Brembo, gripped by bunny-bedecked Brembo four-piston brake calipers. At the rear, 310mm disc brakes are fitted.

Interior: In the interior the Thunder Bunny obtains a stock GTI steering wheel in alcantara to go along with the upgraded upholstery and trim, a Neuspeed short-shift kit and custom spherical aluminum shift knob. Finally, stock GTI seats were recovered in black and white checkered tweed that echoes styling trends from the early '80s.