Volkswagen Rabbit - Fast Forward Part II

Rabid Rabbit - Exclusive
When Volkswagen decided to bring the Rabbit back into production, they searched through the archives to see what made the Rabbit so popular. In their journey, Neuspeed name came up time and time again. So when it came time to build a concept Rabbit for its debut in the 2006 SEMA show, Neuspeed was the obvious choice as a performance partner. During recent conversations with representatives from the VW camp it was clear that this new Rabbit is not a one off concept, but more of a display of aftermarket parts that will be made readily available to consumers. VW wanted to combine their option-loaded economy base car with performance modifications that could compete with top end luxury cars. They wanted to show that the Rabbit could be transformed into something more than just discount transportation. The new Rabbit concept will be resurrected in the form of a 2007 Rabbit 2-door 2.5L. Its Candy White exterior will be showcased by ghost graphics with a topographical theme, keeping in line with VW's new urban edge design, but with a retro feel.
Exterior & Interior
Volkswagen showcases its next evolution in exterior styling with a full body kit comprised of a front bumper, side skirts, rear valance, and roof spoiler. The Rabbit concept will not incorporate the large single frame grill that seems to dominate the current Volkswagen models. The front bumper replacement will utilize a large center opening flanked by matching side openings, giving the vehicle a very aggressive face. The side skirts are simple, straightforward and serve to insure the fluidity of the body line without distracting the eye. The rear bumper has an integrated center diffuser from which a pair of 100mm tail pipes is mounted dead center. This unique center-mounted exhaust design, borrowed from the MK5 R32, adds a distinctive touch normally found only on high-end exotics. Some of the design elements used on the previous generation Rabbit will be kept alive, and, as such, the new Bunny will be fitted with retro-inspired, newly designed one-piece gold anodized 5-spoke mesh wheels in 19x8 inches. The standard Rabbit interior was redecorated in favor of a retro GTI setup with leather sport bolstered seats and centers with checkered tweed. Borrowed from the current GTI line is the 3-spoke leather wrapped flat bottom steering wheel. The interior accents and dash trim are said to be made of unique silver Kevlar, which serves to complement the white faced gauges of the instrument cluster.

Neuspeed's Performance Upgrades
Neuspeed has been developing and testing a bolt-on Garrett GT-series ball bearing turbo kit for the 2.5-liter engine. The Neuspeed kit in a low boost configuration is said to run 6psi and when coupled with a Neuspeed front mounted intercooler, fuel injectors and software will bring the car from 150 to 210 bhp. The Bunny's stock brakes will be replaced with Brembo four-piston calipers and 355mm rotors in the front and MK5 R32 310mm in the rear. A set of Bilstein PSS9 coilovers and Neuspeed front and rear swaybars will give the new Rabbit an aggressive stance and superior handling.

Dealer
Penske Audi
The buzz is getting louder about Penske's new Audi store in West Covina, California. With a grand opening planned for March 2007, it promises to be a great spot to shop for your new Audi or to modify your existing ride. Don't expect the usual "What'll it take to put you in a car today?"-but do expect good things: An in-house independent professional tuning shop with a bevy of wheel and performance options, a stack of free copies of your favorite magazine (european car, of course), and maybe even a slushee machine. Oh, and a lot of smiling faces. With its famous customer handling tradition and a gold standard for honest dealing, you can expect to enjoy a hassle-free experience at Penske's Audi West Covina dealership.
www.audiwestcovina.com.

Seat Time
Aston Martin Vantage
A Rip-Snorting, Cultured Stallion
Until I drove the V8 Vantage, I never really bought the Aston Martin hype. Sure, the brand has a long and storied history and today produces some of the most dynamic designs on the road. But it is part of struggling Ford Motor, and I had my doubts about the overall package-especially the details therein. Would corners be cut? Would performance really be all that spectacular?

It's not an easy car to drive smoothly, but this is something that actually adds to its character. Despite the surprisingly long gear throws, there is something distinctly satisfying in ramming the lever home then jumping back hard on the throttle. And the noises this 4.3-liter V8 makes are downright scarifying. There aren't many cars that sound this raw, yet so dang right.

Considering it's assembled by hand, I thought the fit and finish were particularly striking. And using the word "striking" to describe the car's styling really only gets half of the job done. I think it's safe to say Aston produces some of the most incredibly aggressive yet visually appealing automobiles on the planet, characteristics stretched across the company's three-model product line.

The real downside is its price. At around $107,000 base, even this baby Aston is unabashedly expensive. You'll get about the same performance as a Porsche 911 for a fairly significant premium. Still, there's the whole matter of exclusivity, something these traditional British brands have been able to carry into the modern era over a lot of their German competition. And, of course, there's the whole "handbuilt in England" thing, if that's the kind of stuff that makes you giddy. -Karl Funke

From The Hip
Ferocious exhaust note, styling both beautiful and bellicoselots of $$$ for this level of performance

2006 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Layout
Longitudinal front engine,rear-wheel drive

Engine
4.3-liter V8, dohc,four valves per cylinder

Transmission
Six-speed manual

Performance
Peak Power: 380 bhp @ 7300 rpm
Peak Torque: 302 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.9 sec.
Top Speed: 175 mph
Fuel Economy: 13 city/19 hwy

Price as Tested: $119,340