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2006 SEMA: Thunder Bunny Is Rabid Rabbit Nov. 1, 2006 ) The Thunder Bunny is on display at SEMA. Click on images for larger views. Paying homage to one of the first-ever modified Rabbits, the Thunder Bunny concept shows what kind of high performance and high style are possible with the new Rabbit.
They brought onboard significant tweaks to the base 2.5-liter five-cylinder — including a turbocharger, intercooler, modified intake manifold and stainless-steel exhaust. Seven pounds of boost bring horsepower up from a mild 150 to a mean 225. A Quaife differential, performance clutch and short-shift kit ensure the power is harnessed effectively. Connecting the power to the pavement is low-profile 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport Cup rubber, wrapped around gorgeous gold alloy wheels. Big cross-drilled Brembo brakes supply stopping power. The suspension is adjustable for height and stiffness, making the Thunder Bunny adaptable to both road and track use. It employs Bilstein coil-over shocks and 25-millimeter sway bars, front and rear. Style-wise, the Thunder Bunny features bright white paint with pearl-silver graphics, plus an aggressive body kit with huge air dams. Checkered seats and carbon-fiber trim dress up the interior. The Thunder Bunny's origin traces back to the early '80s. Volkswagen's factory hot hatch, the GTI, was not yet available in North America so Neuspeed founder Bill Neumann made his own with a modified Rabbit. Road & Track clocked an impressive 0-to-60-MPH time of just 7.2 seconds and a 64.5-mph slalom speed, the latter bettered in the day by only a Ferrari, Lamborghini and Renault. It makes one wonder how the new rabid Rabbit would measure up. ) ) Also see: 2006 SEMA: Ultimate 400-Horsepower GTI!, 2006 SEMA: Wrap-Up
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