Las Vegas, Nevada (October 31, 2006) – If the thought of crisp mountain air, fresh powder and breathtaking vistas isn’t enough to set your mind racing, the Volvo C30 concept by Heico Sportiv and Burton Snowboards will. Customized, sport tuned and outfitted for active lifestyles, this one-of-a-kind show car embodies the snowboarding spirit of living life to the fullest.

This cool ride is aimed at driving enthusiasts who are just as passionate about their cars as they are about the great outdoors. Never willing to settle for the norm, their quest for adventure knows no bounds. Conquering the halfpipe, pushing the limits at board parks or heading for the backcountry is what it’s all about. Since their clothing, choice of music and attitude defy convention, so too does this spin on Volvo’s new sport compact.

Heico, the premier Volvo tuner in Europe, partnered with Burton Snowboards, the world's leading snowboard company, for the C30 project. The cargo compartment is tricked out with an integrated snowboard storage system complete with boot, helmet and gear storage units. 2008 Burton Vapor snowboards, C60 bindings and SL-10 boots will also be showcased with the concept car. Custom blue LED lighting makes the gear glisten in the dark like so many snowflakes on a moonlit winter night.



At home on the switchbacks or the road to the slopes, the Heico/Burton C30 concept is part Paris-Dakar raider, part efficient weekend gear hauler and part stylish, sporty performer. It wears a Heico-Ice 7-stage pearl-effect paint scheme with a wicked “camo” theme. Heico’s custom fabricated full body kit adds a unique front fascia with “cornering” fog lights, a sport grille, side skirts and fender flares plus a rear skirt with integrated diffuser panel.

Heico energized the C30’s powerplant with an extra rush of adrenaline. Volvo’s 2.5-liter Euro-spec engine is fitted with performance enhancements including a modified Borg-Warner turbo and wastegate and air-to-air intercooler with electronically adjusted water injection, all managed by Heico’s power upgrade ECU. Spent exhaust gases are routed through a Metal racing catalyst mated to Heico’s stainless steel sport exhaust finished with quad-tip pipes.

With an estimated 300 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 310 lb.-ft. of torque on tap, long drives to the wilderness are transformed from a routine chore to an extreme sport. When the traffic clears, downshift the 6-speed manual gearbox, put the pedal to the metal and ear-to-ear grins are guaranteed. Of course, Volvo recommends that the driver observe all posted speed limits.

Right out of the box, the stock C30 channels the engine’s torque to the front wheels. Thinking outside the box, Heico transformed the show car to full-time all-wheel drive. By no means is this a slam-dunk conversion. Serious engineering work was needed to get it right.

Heico collaborated with the pros at Haldex of Sweden, world-renown for their track record as an OEM supplier of AWD components to Volvo Cars. The C30 concept is fitted with electronically controlled AWD with custom software integration that automatically transfers more power to the wheels with the best grip. The benefits on slippery surfaces are obvious, yet AWD also improves handling on completely dry roads.



Active enthusiasts expect flexibility as well as performance. So this special C30 is decked out with front and rear Heico coil-over suspension that’s adjustable for ride height. Carving corners with glee while turning heads in the process is the job of Volution® 8 x 18-inch sport alloy wheels shod with Toyo R888 245/40R-18 tires. In between the action, scope out the custom designed Heico pattern on the tread.

Because all good rides have to come to an end, stomping on the binders brings the C30 to a stop with authority. The brakes feature Heico 4-piston calipers with 320mm custom vented and slotted rotors in front and 285mm kits in the back. A vibrant blue hue has been applied to the calipers for a totally rad look.

The cabin has the look and feel of premium quality materials. Modified Volvo sport bucket seats are trimmed with handcrafted “Lugano” leather in black and alpaca gray hides with gray stitching and embossed with the Burton logo. Heico further enhanced the interior with its aluminum sport pedals and footrest, shift ****, e-brake handle, door pin set and floor mats. The thick-rimmed steering wheel with auxiliary controls is trimmed to match the seat upholstery.

The real kicker is the custom leather center console featuring integrated iPOD™ and Motorola MOTO Q units plus Bluetooth hands-free communication. Volvo’s Premium Sound System delivers 650 watts through 10 Dynaudio® speakers. Dolby® Pro Logic II Surround sound reproduces audio tracks with such clarity it’s like taking your favorite band along for an awesome journey to the slopes.



Safety takes a front seat in this hot show car
Whether it’s snowboarding, mountain biking or rock climbing, outdoor enthusiasts have one thing in common: Safety plays a pivotal role in their ability to enjoy the sport. Manufacturers test their products to ensure they will perform under extreme conditions should the unexpected occur. Heico Sportiv’s modified C30 upholds Volvo’s core value of safety.

Based on the European spec version of the production C30, all of the show car’s safety features remain intact and functional. That was Volvo’s prerequisite for accepting the project that Heico and Burton embraced with gusto. As one of Europe’s leading Volvo tuners, Heico knows the importance of safety on the street as well as the racetrack.

Heico went the extra mile to add all-wheel drive to its C30 concept to segue with the theme of increased traction during outdoor adventure. At this time there are no plans to offer the production C30 with AWD. However, as the C30 shares the same technologies as the S40 sedan and V50 sport wagon, it’s not an impossibility.

The C30 is equipped with Volvo’s Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system. This responds instantly when it detects any tendency of the vehicle to skid, reducing engine power and braking the appropriate wheels to help the diver maintain smooth control over the car. To aid the driver when reversing, Heico incorporated a rear view camera.

Heico modified the C30’s brakes to provide additional stopping power. This works in concert with the standard anti-locking brake system. The driver can slam on the brakes and steer quickly out of trouble at the same time. ABS is supplemented by Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) which regulates braking force to the rear wheels. Plus, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) helps the driver utilize the brakes to the fullest. If the system detects that the brake pedal is not being pressed hard enough, it immediately steps in and provides just the right amount of braking force needed to bring the car to a standstill in the shortest possible distance.

Dual-stage airbags, safety belt tensioners in all four seating positions, force limiters on the front belts and collapsible pedals help protect the occupants of the car in a frontal collision. The steering column deforms in a controlled manner in a horizontal movement to interact with the airbag as effectively as possible. SIPS (Side Impact Protection System), side impact airbags and IC (Inflatable Curtains) contribute to effective protection in side impacts.

While the C30 is shorter than the S40, its body structure is engineered to contribute to controlled deformation. The front structure is divided into zones that are constructed of different grades of steel with different deformation characteristics, to distribute and absorb collision forces in a controlled and effective manner. The lower side members are designed to help prevent the front wheels from being forced into the cabin in a collision.

Cross members, sills and door pillars are solidly constructed to keep the cabin as intact as possible in a collision. The rear safety structure is designed with an optimized mix of different grades of steel to provide strength and carefully controlled deformation in a rear impact. The rear side members are designed to absorb most of the impact forces in the early phases of a rear impact.

Outstanding outward visibility, a hallmark of Volvo design, continues with the smallest Volvo. The C30’s unique shape, with its vast expanse of side glass, creates a panoramic view from all four seats. The inwardly curving rear side windows and the unique glass tailgate provide excellent rearward visibility. Well placed rear seats, with their theater style layout gives passengers in the back a good view through the front side windows.

Volvo continues to pioneer new driver support systems. To make it easier for the driver to detect other vehicles in the blind spot at the side of the car, Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) will be available as on option on the production C30. The system uses cameras mounted in the side door mirrors to register if another vehicle is in the blind spot. If a vehicle is detected, a lamp located at the base of the A-pillar illuminates to alert the driver of the situation.

Heico Sportiv was founded outside of Frankfurt, Germany in 1995. It has grown to become Europe’s leading Volvo tuning firm. Heico has the longest running history of endurance racing featuring Volvo cars spanning 12 years. This serves as the engineering basis for offering high-quality components for Volvo road cars. Please refer to www.heicosportivna.com for more information.

VCNA provides marketing, sales, service, technology and training to Volvo automobile retailers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. For more information on specific production vehicles or special vehicles please refer to the Volvo Cars of North America, LLC public relations website at: www.volvocars-pr.com.

Las Vegas, Nevada (October 31, 2006) – Whether it’s shock, awe or envy, the Volvo C30 “SC” concept by International Product Development (IPD) elicits raw emotion – like a Vegas skydiving wedding. In this case it’s a marriage of a street-smart Swedish-bred sport compact united with a versatile globally recognized Volvo tuner. The result is a match made in heaven: A head-turning, jaw-dropping, show car ready to capture the hearts and minds of all that embrace it.

This highly modified C30 was built for an enthusiast with a passion for the ultimate show-stopping, technology-laden performance machine. Instead of ordinary, every facet is extraordinary – inside, outside and under the hood. A drive around the block turns into an event. Car power equals star power on the show circuit. The more electronics the better on this ride. Self-expressive, one-of-a-kind magnetism sends the senses soaring for the clouds.



The IPD C30 doesn’t fly – but it looks like it could take wing. Fully articulating gull-wing doors generate double and triple takes. This exquisite feat of engineering catapults IPD’s show car into the league of ultra-exotic, mega-buck masterpieces. The wild front-end treatment, widened fender flares and rear diffuser is frosting on an already tasty wedding cake. A Swedish flag-theme paint scheme in Brilliant Blue and Sun Yellow pays homage to the Land of the Midnight Sun.

But IPD didn’t stop there. The C30’s cockpit is trimmed with several yards of Vibrant Blue and Screaming Yellow Alcantra ultra suede adorning the seats and dash. Volvo’s signature slim center control panel has been extended, flowing all the way to the base of the windshield. And the C30’s sound system has been morphed into a mobile entertainment and information nerve center that’s out of this world.



Built around Alpine’s V-HUB Pro system that allows for factory integration of serious aftermarket hardware. The user interface is an 8-inch LCD Alpine touch screen that provides a safe and intuitive way to manage all the sources available to the driver. The system employs Alpine’s latest digital amplifiers and component level speakers for sonic clarity that brings tears to the eyes faster than a Vegas honeymoon. Key features include a DVD/CD/MP3 player, Alpine’s full speed iPOD™ integration, Sirius Satellite Radio with “Live Traffic” and Alpine touch-screen navigation with voice control.

All show and no go simply doesn’t cut it in this exclusive neighborhood. So the IPD C30 is bristling with the latest in aftermarket performance and handling upgrades. Under the hood, K&N’s latest Typhoon air intake system feeds a KKK turbo with compressor upgrade and a Swedish built Lysholm supercharger. The primary function of the supercharger in combination with the turbo is to provide “big block” performance from a small displacement powerplant. In stock form, the Euro C30’s 2.5-liter turbo engine puts out a respectable 218 horses at 5,000 rpm and 236 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,500 rpm. With IPD’s enhancements, output is estimated at a whopping 384 ponies at 7,200 rpm and a mind-bending 408 lb.-ft. of torque at a low 2,200 rpm. The gearbox of choice for this application is Volvo’s slick-shifting 6-speed manual.



Spent exhaust gases find an easy exit through the IPD 3-inch stainless down pipe with Race Kat and custom exhaust terminated with twin titanium racing mufflers. All the action is managed by a custom software tune from IPD’s Swedish partners at MTE. Got boost? You bet! The supercharger provides a 6-psi boost from just 2,000-rpm producing a strong kick that builds smoothly and climbs way beyond the point where the turbo takes over. Getting to the wedding on time is no problem with this ride.

The fully adjustable KW coil-over suspension provides 2 inches of ride height adjustment and 12-way rebound damping adjustment allowing a wide range of setup options for varying conditions. A rear anti-sway bar from IPD enhances the C30’s crisp handling balance with just a bit more oversteer on tap for extra fun in the twisties and on the track.

Super deep-dish Pentasport alloy wheels portray a classic Euro tuner appearance while Pirelli’s famous P-Zero tires and a Qualife limited-slip differential provide plenty of grip.



Stopping the action is made easier via an enhanced braking system. Up front are jumbo-size 13-inch rotors with IPD’s exclusive cross-dimpled pattern giving enthusiasts the look they desire while eliminating the potential for rotor cracking. The massive calipers improve rigidity and brake feel for superior modulation.

Eligible bachelors and bachelorettes take note: The IPD C30 is based on a European spec version of Volvo’s new sport compact. This exciting addition to the Volvo lineup made its world debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. As a new segment entry for Volvo, the C30 is expected to reach the U.S. market during the 2008 model year.

Bring On the Bling – Yet Safety’s My Thing
Big wheels, wild doors and a screaming yellow interior capture the essence of the exotic Volvo C30 show car by International Product Development (IPD). So how does this concept play with Volvo’s penchant for safety? The answer is…beautifully.

Before the first wrench was turned, Volvo laid down the law that all of the C30’s standard safety systems remain intact and function. IPD accepted the challenge and went to work creating one of the most outrageous customized Volvos imaginable.

The defining element that sets this car apart from its peers is the fully articulating gull-wing doors. In addition to looking fantastic, the doors open up the interior to show off its stunning style and memorable modifications. While Volvo has no plans to offer such a door configuration on the production C30, that didn’t deter IPD from bringing the dream to life. In a technological tour de force, IPD engineered the setup to retain the C30’s IC (Inflatable Curtain) safety system.



A standard feature of all Volvo cars, the IC inflates in 25 thousandths of a second across the front and rear side windows. It can absorb as much as 75 percent of the energy exerted by the head when it is thrown to the side. In the event of multiple collisions, the IC offers additional protection by remaining inflated for about three seconds before deflation occurs. It thus reduces the risk of being partially thrown through a side window as well as the possibility of intrusion of external objects.

Dual-stage airbags, safety belt pretensioners in all four seating positions, force limiters on the front belts and collapsible pedals help protect the occupants of the car in a frontal collision. The steering column deforms in a controlled manner in a horizontal movement to interact with the airbag as effectively as possible.

Outstanding outward visibility, a hallmark of Volvo design, continues with the smallest Volvo. The C30’s unique shape, with its vast expanse of side glass, creates a panoramic view from all four seats. The inwardly curving rear side windows and the unique glass tailgate provide excellent rearward visibility. Well placed rear seats, with their theater style layout gives passengers in the back a good view through the front side windows.

Volvo continues to pioneer new driver support systems. To make it easier for the driver to detect other vehicles in the blind spot at the side of the car, Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) will be available as on option on the production C30. The system uses cameras mounted in the side door mirrors to register if another vehicle is in the blind spot. If a vehicle is detected, a lamp located at the base of the A-pillar illuminates to alert the driver of the situation.

To help reduce the risk of the driver being distracted by untimely information in critical situations, Volvo’s Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS) is standard on the C30. IDIS is an electronic information system that continuously monitors certain functions in the car such as steering wheel movements, accelerator pedal movement, the direction indicator controls and braking. In demanding driving situations information that is not crucial to safety, such as text messages from the instrument panel, is delayed until the situation requires less of the driver’s attention.

Even though the C30 is 8.5 inches shorter than its sedan sibling, the S40, the body structure is engineered to contribute to controlled deformation. The front structure is divided into zones that are constructed of different grades of steel with different deformation characteristics, to distribute and absorb collision forces in a controlled and effective manner. The lower side members are designed to help prevent the front wheels from being forced into the cabin in a collision.

Thirty years ago Volkswagen launched the GTI, the “hot hatch” that would revolutionize the concept of affordable and accessible high-performance motoring. Now comes the R GTI, a look forward into the future of compact car performance, making its debut at the 2006 SEMA Show in Las Vegas on October 31.

Over its four generations, the GTI has grown larger, its technology more sophisticated and powerplants more muscular, but Volkswagen has never abandoned the formula that made the GTI badge an instant icon of affordable, exhilarating performance — a big-hearted engine beating in a compact, usefully shaped and lightweight platform.

Few cars have enjoyed such an enduring run of success, and to honor the GTI’s rich past, Volkswagen has cast an eye on the GTI of tomorrow with the R GTI, a low-flying stealth machine developed by Volkswagen Chief Designer Derek Jenkins and his talented crew at the Volkswagen Design Center California, located in Santa Monica. With its striking carbon-fiber body panels, four-passenger sports car interior, powerful turbocharged engine and competition-bred suspension, the R GTI is a stimulating fusion of style and dynamic excellence, fully modern in content and achievement yet staying true to such longstanding Volkswagen values as drivability, durability and utility.

The R GTI evolved from the stunning R Concept cars that stole the show at SEMA in 2005, and the R badge connects to the fabulous R32, one of the most sophisticated and thrilling Volkswagens ever to come from the factory. However, unlike those R concept vehicles from last year, which showcased the extremes of performance-tuned Volkswagens, the R GTI represents a more streetable concept. Although the R GTI is a one-off and Volkswagen currently has no plan to put it into production, the dedicated enthusiast could gather many of the R GTI’s elements for a personal project, sourced from Volkswagen or from the thriving automotive aftermarket that has helped keep the GTI’s red badge blazing in the hearts of the world’s driving enthusiasts.

Jenkins approached the R GTI with the motorsport-inspired goal of “speed through lightness.” That is, reducing the car’s weight is as critical to improved performance as amplifying the engine’s output. In collaboration with the firm OSIR Design, hand-laid carbon fiber component experts, Jenkins replaced the stock GTI’s front fenders, hood, side rockers, and hatch door with carbon-fiber panels developed by both OSIR and Jenkins’ in-house team. In addition to providing a weight advantage, the carbon fiber’s black weave creates a dazzling visual complement to the lustrous black paint scheme, which itself was adorned with hexagonal “stealth” graphics that echo the grille of the original GTI.

Additional carbon-fiber components are the lower front spoiler, front grille surround, rear rooftop spoiler and Jenkins-restyled rearview mirror housings, all in carbon fiber. Other distinctive exterior design touches include blacked-out front headlamp housings, R32 tail lamps with smoked lenses, R32-type central twin exhaust pipes with motorcycle-theme tips, a la Jenkins’ GX3 three-wheeler concept from 2005.

Reference to the GTI’s trademark hexagonal grille pattern is also seen in the R GTI’s specially constructed 19x9-inch aluminum alloy wheels, with lightness as a crucial contributor to reduced unsprung weight, and improved ride quality and cornering. Tucked within fenders designed for additional clearance, the beefier running gear includes Michelin Pilot Sport Cup ultra-high-performance radials, sized 265/30-19. In track tests, the larger tire footprint proved to be a valuable ally in transferring the engine’s prodigious 340 ft-lb of torque to the ground. Despite being rolled straight out of the design studio on to the track, the R GTI pulled off an impressive zero to 60-mph time of 4.8 seconds.

The chief contributor to the R GTI’s impressive performance is the turbocharged engine developed in conjunction with APR, one of the country’s leading aftermarket Volkswagen tuners. APR develops and sells high performance, and high performance only, leaving others to peddle air fresheners and floor mats. APR’s engineers and product developers are passionate about Volkswagen technology, and it shows in the quality and results of their contribution to the powertrain.

It all starts with Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter FSI turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant, an award-winner for its unique combination of direct injection and turbocharging. APR also replaced the turbocharger with a larger Garrett ball-bearing unit with twice the flow capacity and pumped up the boost to 21 pounds per square inch. All of the pressure-side plumbing was strengthened with silicon hose. A large-diameter cast-aluminum, black powder-coated intake pipe feeds the big turbo the cool air it needs from the larger, front-mounted intercooler, delivering twice the stock air flow. An Inconel exhaust manifold and an APR stainless steel exhaust system ensure efficient flow-through. It’s a tidy, factory-like transformation, and the result is a whopping 375 horsepower, on 93 octane pump gas. If 100-octane race fuel is used, output rises to some 400 horsepower.

Harnessing that kind of power is as important as unleashing it, of course, and Jenkins was determined to retain the stock GTI’s driver-friendly demeanor. The clutch was upgraded to handle the increased torque, and a Quaife limited slip differential was installed to make the engine’s power flow more efficiently through the tires. For the suspension Jenkins called on longtime experts H&R Tuning to supply a system that would be reasonably comfortable when the R GTI was used as daily transportation but would also deliver crisp, precise handling when the road gets twisty or for weekend track days. Replacing the stock suspension is H&R’s RSS Club Sport system of coil-over shocks and springs, augmented by a pair of adjustable sway bars. Ride height is reduced from 1.5 to 2.5 inches, but despite the ground-hugging stance and the Club Sport’s stiffer-than-stock settings, the suspension is compliant enough to comfortably dampen the rough spots in the road.

To bring deceleration into line with the improved acceleration, Jenkins selected Brembo brake components. Fitted at the front corners are Brembo’s four-piston aluminum alloy calipers, which squeeze Brembo two-piece floating cross-drilled discs with billet aluminum hats. The radial-mount design features a lightweight two-piece aluminum alloy body, quick-release pad system and sequentially sized pistons. The front calipers have even been painted with the colors of the German flag. Inside the rear wheels are disc brakes fitted with drilled rotors.

The exciting visual impact of the R GTI exterior is reflected in the interior, which is swathed in black leather complemented by red stitching. This theme runs throughout the cockpit, from the upholstery that covers the front Recaro Pole Position sports seats and rear custom-designed racing buckets, to the door panels and steering wheel, which also sports an R GTI logo. The effect is a blend of understated luxury and purposeful technology, underscored by the use of OSIR black carbon-fiber interior trim on the dash panel and in the doors.

Just aft of the front bucket seats is a clever safety belt system that was developed in the design studio. A remarkable example of the innovations that spring from Jenkins’ creative team, it’s comprised of a bar that anchors the front racing harnesses, which can swing up and out of the way to allow passengers easier access to the two rear seats. As part of the R GTI’s weight-reduction program, the stock rear seats were removed and replaced by an exceptional piece of carbon-fiber craftsmanship. The single piece of composite was fashioned into two racing buckets, each fitted with padded leather inserts. They’re a snug fit but are comfortable enough to take the in-laws on a fast lap or two. Another trick interior element is the custom aluminum billet shift ****, which Jenkins fit with a red “wheel” that can be revolved by the driver’s thumb. Look closely, and you can see that the wheel has been inscribed with the R GTI logo.

The R GTI is an uncommon and visionary blend of design talent, factory technology and aftermarket innovation, and an enticing demonstration of why Volkswagen has been a favorite of automotive enthusiasts since the GTI first hit the scene 30 years ago. It also shows that the future of the hot hatch, as demonstrated by the R GTI, is already here.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, Touareg and Phaeton through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers.

Volkswagen introduces a concept vehicle that reflects its roots in the sport compact tuning community.

The story began back in the early ‘80s, with a man named Bill Neumann. Bill founded the California based tuning firm Automotive Performance Systems (APS). He was frustrated with the fact that Volkswagen’s hot hatchback GTI had been sold in Germany since 1976, but hadn’t yet come to America. Bill had driven the GTI in Europe on several of his parts-searching trips, and he was convinced it would be a big hit in America. So he sent letters to the factory. He wrote to enthusiast magazines and lobbied Volkswagen dealers for support. Then, he put together the proof that a Rabbit-based performance car was capable of generating both stunning performance numbers and lots of attention from the American automotive press corp.


Thus was born the original Thunder Bunny.
The APS-modified Rabbit was delivered to Motor Trend magazine late in 1981. Even though its staff was use to driving the best cars in the world, they were blown away by the little Volkswagen hatchback. As it was written in the March 1982 issue: “The little white wonder packs its own kind of lightning-quick rabbit punch — one that’s guaranteed to kayo unsuspecting boulevard bullies.” And when Road & Track magazine got its hands on the car, it reported a zero to 60-mph run in the low seven-second range and slalom times that at the time had been bettered only by the Ferrari 512 Boxer, Lamborghini Countach and Renault R5 Turbo. Exalted company, indeed.

Bill’s frustration ceased in the fall of 1982 when the GTI finally came to America, but by then Thunder Bunny had done its job. It put Neuspeed, the APS-trademarked line of parts and accessories, on the map. It also helped launch a vital North American community of specialists in watercooled Volkswagen performance. Modifying Volkswagens, of course, was not new in America — the Beetle had spawned a huge following of enthusiasts — but the new generation of Volkswagen cars hadn’t sparked much interest in the go-fast crowd before the early ‘80s.

Neuspeed continues to be a leading force among the world’s Volkswagen tuners, and it has never stopped building special projects. The latest is also called Thunder Bunny, and it was built in commemoration of Neuspeed’s quantum leap forward all those years ago with the original rabid Rabbit. 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, and it debuts alongside the Concept R GTI on the Volkswagen stand at the 2006 SEMA Show.

Today’s Thunder Bunny is a blend of subtle design massaging and tuning technology, built to show how a comfortable daily driver can also provide an exciting motoring experience. Creating the thunderous noise from under the hood is a newly developed turbocharger system, designed by Neuspeed especially for Volkswagen’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. The high quality installation includes a modified intake manifold, Garrett ball-bearing turbocharger and air-to-air intercooler. A stainless exhaust and specially baffled aluminum oil pan were also sourced from APS for optimum flow and cooling. Boost is restricted to a maximum of seven lbs. in this Stage 1 kit, but it still produces 225 horsepower, 75 more than the stock 2.5 L, and a hefty dose of low-end torque. A performance clutch and Quaife differential were added to the powertrain for durability and a more efficient delivery of power to the front wheels.

Thunder Bunny’s gleaming candy white exterior is made distinctive by several design studio touches. The concept’s body kit includes a larger central grille and a more muscular rear valance framing a twin R32-style exhaust from Neuspeed. Like the R GTI, Thunder Bunny’s paint was overlaid with graphics Jenkins calls “topographical” in pearl silver. They were meant to evoke the contours of the car’s geography or waves of air that flow over the surfaces. However they are interpreted, the pearl silver graphics make a unique visual statement as they appear to blink on and off in the changing angles of the sun.

Like the original Thunder Bunny, the forged alloy “street” wheels are painted gold. In 19x8-inch sizing, they’re wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 235/35-19 tires. Similar sized multi-spoked forged alloys were sourced from Neuspeed’s RS line of wheels for track use. Both sets are lightweight, in keeping with the core GTI quality of nimble handling. The front brakes are 328mm two-piece floating cross-drilled discs from Brembo, gripped by bunny-bedecked Brembo four-piston brake calipers. That’s right, bunnies. A veritable warren of Thunder Bunny logos dash to and fro across the surface of the white-painted caliper. At the rear, 310mm disc brakes are fitted.

Handling prowess comes from a suspension fitted with a Bilstein coil-over shock system and APS/Neuspeed sways bars, measuring 25mm front and rear. The suspension system is adjustable for both ride height and for shock stiffness, giving the new Thunder Bunny a dual character, suitable for the street or the track. A Neuspeed short-shift kit and custom spherical aluminum shift ****, created in the design studio, put the driver in closer touch with the manual transmission. A stock GTI steering wheel was recovered in alcantara to go along with the upgraded upholstery and trim.

Stock GTI seats were recovered in black and white checkered tweed that echoes styling trends from the early ‘80s, and the striking fabric is elegantly framed by surrounding black leather with white stitching. The color scheme is perfectly complemented by the white carbon-fiber interior trim provided by OSIR, experts in hand-laid composites and also major contributors to the design studio’s Concept R GTI.

All those years ago, Bill Neumann asked a simple question. Volkswagen responded with the GTI, while Neuspeed became a leader in Volkswagen tuner circles…why a new Thunder Bunny? Think of it as a beautifully crafted response to another question, “What happens when you give a modern Rabbit to one of the original water-cooled Volkswagen tuners?”

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, Touareg and Phaeton through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today revealed a prototype Civic MUGEN Si Sedan prepared by legendary Honda tuner MUGEN equipped with a high performance suspension, forged aluminum wheels, aerodynamic body styling and a sport exhaust system at the 2006 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Planned for production in a limited quantity of 500 units a year, the Civic MUGEN Si will be available at U.S. Honda dealers starting in spring 2007 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of less than $30,000 and a full factory warranty.

"Enthusiasts have equated the name MUGEN with JDM Honda performance for decades, and with the introduction of the Civic Si Sedan, the time is right for the two companies to once again join forces," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "A MUGEN-tuned vehicle available directly from the factory provides the ultimate level of performance, quality and refinement in a specially-tuned car."

The track tuned suspension, tested at the Twin Ring Motegi racing circuit in Japan, lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches with aggressive spring and damper tuning for enhanced handling performance while still maintaining a high level of ride comfort. Compared to the stock Civic Si Sedan, front and rear damping force (both bump and rebound) was increased between 8- and 24-percent (the rate varies depending on condition). Lightweight 16.7-pound 18x7.5-inch forged aluminum wheels (27 percent lighter than the stock 17x7 alloy wheel) and high-grip BFGoodrich(R) g-Force KDW 215/40ZR18 summer tires help to further create MUGEN's rewarding and well-balanced handling performance character.
The full-vehicle aero-package adds a front spoiler with a sports grille (with special MUGEN Si emblem), side spoilers, a rear bumper diffuser and a rear wing. The sports exhaust system reduces exhaust system back pressure from the catalytic converter back, resulting in an enhanced power curve. Additional accoutrements include front and rear MUGEN emblems outside. Inside, a serial number placard is located on the instrument panel along with a spherical 50 mm MUGEN shift ****.

The name MUGEN symbolizes Honda performance throughout Asia and around the globe. MUGEN, under license by M-TEC Co., Ltd., of Japan, has been closely associated with Honda for more than three decades in the design and manufacture of racing and premium aftermarket performance products.

Honda's activities at SEMA coincide with the November 1 on-sale date of the new-for-2007 Civic Si Sedan. The Civic Si Sedan embraces the style and performance of the Civic Si Coupe and marks the first time that "Si" performance has become available in a sedan body style.

Civic MUGEN Si Sedan Prototype Specs:
Ride Height = -0.6 inches (5.3 inches total)
Overall Length = +1.1 inches (177.8 inches total)
Wheels: Forged GP 18x7.5 (pattern 5H-114.3 +48)
Color: Fiji Blue Pearl