| Volkswagen Canada is displaying its Thunder | | | | low end torque. A performance clutch and |
| Bunny Concept at the Edmonton Motorshow to | | | | Quaife differential were mated to the |
| commemorate a muscular Rabbit that was built | | | | powertrain for durability and a more |
| in the early 1980s. The Thunder Bunny was | | | | efficient delivery of power to the front |
| designed in collaboration with Derek Jenkins, | | | | wheels. |
| chief designer at the Volkswagen Design | | | | |
| Center California located in Santa Monica. It | | | | The candy white exterior of the Thunder Bunny |
| is an updated version of the original that | | | | is the result of several design studio |
| debuted together with the Concept R GTI on | | | | touches. The concept's body kit includes a |
| last year's 2006 SEMA Show held in Las Vegas. | | | | larger central grille and a bolder rear |
| | | | valance framing a twin R32 style exhaust |
| The development of the Thunder Bunny was | | | | created by Neuspeed. And just like the R GTI, |
| brought about by the frustration of Bill | | | | Thunder Bunny's paint was covered with |
| Neumann on Volkswagen's unwillingness to | | | | graphics Jenkins calls "topographical" which |
| import the GTI to Canada. It should be | | | | is painted in pearl silver. |
| remembered that the GTI is one of the most | | | | |
| celebrated hatchback in Europe unfortunately | | | | These graphics were created to highlight the |
| it was not made available to North American | | | | contours of the car's geography or waves of |
| buyers. | | | | air that flows over the surfaces. The pearl |
| | | | silver graphics make a unique visual |
| And for this same reason that Neumann decided | | | | statement as they appear to blink on and off |
| to build his rapid Rabbit that provided an | | | | under the sun. |
| amazing level of performance that even staffs | | | | |
| at Motor Trend were surprised. And following | | | | And just like the original Thunder Bunny the |
| reports from both Motor Trend and Road and | | | | forged alloy 19x8 inch sizing street wheels |
| Track, Volkswagen finally decided on bringing | | | | are painted with gold wrapped with Michelin |
| the GTI to Canada. | | | | Pilot Sport Cup 235/35R19 tires. The same |
| | | | sets of multi-spoke forged alloys were |
| The present Thunder Bunny is a combination of | | | | ordered from Neuspeed's RS line of wheels for |
| subtle design and tuning technology built to | | | | track use. Both of the sets ordered are |
| show how a comfortable daily driver can also | | | | lightweight which are in accordance to the |
| obtain an exciting motoring experience. Under | | | | core GTI quality for dexterous handling. The |
| the hood of the Bunny or Rabbit is a newly | | | | front brakes of the Bunny are 328 |
| developed turbocharger system which is | | | | millimeters, 2-piece floating cross-drilled |
| designed by Neuspeed exclusively for | | | | discs sourced from Brembo, gripped by |
| Volkswagen's 2.5 liter five-cylinder engine. | | | | bunny-adorned Brembo four-piston brake |
| The Rabbit also make use of genuine | | | | calipers. |
| Volkswagen factory parts like Volkswagen | | | | |
| radiator fan and others. | | | | An authentic network of Thunder Bunny logos |
| | | | dash runs across the surface of the |
| The Rabbit also features high quality | | | | white-painted caliper and at the rear are 310 |
| installation which includes Garrett | | | | mm disc brakes were fitted. The unmatched |
| ball-bearing turbocharger, air-to-air | | | | handling ability of the Bunny is the result |
| intercooler, and a modified intake manifold. | | | | of the suspension fitted with a Bilstein |
| A stainless exhaust and specially-baffled | | | | coil-over shock system and APS/Neuspeed sways |
| aluminum oil pan were sourced from APS for | | | | bars measuring 25 mm front and rear. The |
| optimum cooling and flow. Boost is restricted | | | | suspension system is adjustable for both ride |
| to a maximum of 7 lbs in this Stage 1 kit but | | | | height and for shock stiffness which gives |
| still been able to produce 225 hp, 75 more | | | | the Thunder Bunny a dual character suitable |
| than the stock 2.5 L and a hefty supply of | | | | for track or for street. |