Volkswagen has announced that it will introduce a
special Golf GTI for the 2019 model year, dubbed the Rabbit Edition. The German manufacturer has yet
to release final details or images about the vehicle but Motor Authority
reports that a series of bespoke parts will distinguish the Rabbit Edition from
run-of-the-mill Golf GTI variants.
For starters, buyers will have a choice between
Cornflower Blue, Urano Grey, Pure White, and Deep Black for the exterior finish
while 18-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, a black spoiler, and black mirror caps
all come standard. A host of other alterations will be made. These will include LED
headlights with adaptive bulbs, keyless access, bespoke floor mats, and new
seat tags.
VW hasn’t said whether or not the Golf GTI Rabbit
Edition will be mechanically different than other models but in all
probability, it won’t be. Consequently, we expect to see the GTI’s 2.0-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder engine go untouched, meaning a total of 220 hp and
258 lb-ft of torque. The Rabbit Edition is expected to be offered with both a
six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
For those who aren’t in the know, naming a special
edition Golf GTI the Rabbit Edition may sound exceptionally strange. However,
the Rabbit name was actually used in the vehicle’s first- and
fifth-generations.
No pricing details for the vehicle are available,
but it will inevitably be slightly pricier than a standard Golf GTI which
starts at US$ 26,415 and rises to over US$ 35,000 for the performance-focused
Autobahn model.
