(autoinsidernews) - Back in 1981, Bill Neumann, founder of Neuspeed, was frustrated that Volkswagen's hot GTI still hadn't come to the U.S., so he built the original Thunder Bunny. The original Thunder Bunny was extremely well received for its punch and practicality, leading Motor Trend to say: The little white wonder packs its own kind of lightning-quick rabbit punch - one that's guaranteed to kayo unsuspecting boulevard bullies.
The next year Volkswagen finally began selling the hot GTI in the States. Now 25 years later, VW commemorates Neuspeed's original Thunder Bunny with a concept of the same name that was shown at the SEMA show yesterday. 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, reports Trend.
The Thunder Bunny concept adds a turbocharger, designed by Neuspeed, to the Rabbit's 2.5L five-cylinder engine, increasing power from 150 to 225 horsepower. A stainless exhaust, and a baffled aluminum oil pan were added for optimum flow and cooling. A performance clutch and differential were also added to the powertrain for durability.
The Thunder Bunny concept sports a new front fascia, with a larger central grille, has been grafted on the front, and a more muscular rear valance framing a twin R32-style exhaust. Painted in a gleaming candy white overlaid with graphics Jenkins calls topographical that blink on and off depending on viewing angle.
The 19-inch wheels are painted gold, like the original Thunder Bunny. Front brakes are two-piece floating cross-drilled discs from Brembo, gripped by bunny-bedecked Brembo four-piston brake calipers.
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