VW Golf: Punk Golfs

Volkswagen has a fine reputation in Europe but, in the US, Veedubs are seen as worthy but dull runabouts. Hence these perception-defying concepts unveiled by VW at the recent SEMA show in Las Vegas.

Both are based on the Golf, originally known as the 'Rabbit' in America. The white car, called the Thunder Bunny, has a lightly breathed-on 2.5-litre five-pot producing 225bhp, but the black car, the R GTI, is a bit of a monster. Its engine starts out as the excellent 2-litre TFSI engine but is fitted with a bigger Garrett turbocharger to create 400bhp and 340lb ft of torque. A Quaife LSD has been fitted between the 19in front wheels (shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cups) and the boot, bonnet and front wings are made of carbonfibre. The result is 0-60mph in 4.8sec – a very rampant rabbit indeed.