Catch that Rabbit: 2010 Volkswagen Rabbit Spy Video

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=122976

For awhile there, Volkswagen was quite the popular brand in the U.S. It had cool commercials that pitched cool cars, and it could charge premium prices to go along with its premium image.

But somewhere along the way, Volkswagen started losing money, lots of money. Mostly it was spending too much building even its cheapest cars. It's just one of the many reasons why the 2010 Volkswagen Rabbit you see here is getting a redesign.

Judging by the test mules spotted in Death Valley, California, the next-generation Rabbit is getting only minor cosmetic changes. Heavy camouflage obscures tweaks to the front clip, and even the new rear end shows only modest alterations. It appears as though these prototypes might be nothing more than current Rabbits, but with new front and rear sheet metal tacked on, so details like the size of the doors and the overall shape of the greenhouse could be misleading.

Most of the changes to this new Rabbit have come late in the game, as Volkswagen chief Martin Winterkorn ordered a restyle after seeing the previous design. This suggests that the changes will be more drastic than the test mules seen here, so don't look too much into the black plastic panels.

With cost reduction as its primary focus, Volkswagen will be looking for ways to streamline the build process. This could mean continued use of the 2.5-liter five-cylinder in the U.S., although more modern four-cylinder engines could replace it to improve fuel mileage and reduce emissions. If the 2009 Jetta TDI proves successful, look for the Rabbit to add diesel power to the options list as well.

The 2010 Volkswagen Rabbit was expected to debut in Europe early next year as the 2009 Golf, but the last-minute design changes have pushed its introduction to mid-to-late 2008. This means a 2009 introduction for the U.S. market at the earliest, a situation that isn't going to make Volkswagen any cooler any time soon.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 2010
• Volkswagen
• Rabbit
• Spy
• Video
• Edmunds
• Inside
• Line
• car
• auto
• motor
• Nurburgring

[slungbungdungclung]

Dear Volkswagen,

Please bring the GTI Mark 6 to the United States, along with the Mark 6 Golfs with diesel engines.

Thanks.

[filipinofantasy]

waskaly wabbit tricks are for kids.

[sexyboi142]

I still want a Rabbit Coupe lol

[cherb32]

Rabbit was first

[miracle03]

@slungbungdungclung wish granted

[MrVolkswagonRabbit]

Those cars are sick....especially the coupe!

[vwVDUBvw]

lol agreed fuckin sick car

[idealu5]

it was first now they make 5 rabit. stupid. Go to VW market and you see tehy selling rabbits on 2.5 engine.

[btproof]

forget that bring the vw sirocco!!! why cant we have it whats up with that??

[ReedAndrewSutherland]

yeah rabbit was first..

[inventorisac]

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