Volkswagen, the brand synonymous with Beetles and Bugs, has sent the automotive world into a tailspin with cryptic hints of the Rabbit’s triumphant return. Brace yourselves, car enthusiasts, because it’s more than just a revival; it’s a resurrection party!
It all began on a sunny day in September when Volkswagen’s social media channels were buzzing with excitement. The rumor mill churned, and it appears the legendary Rabbit badge might make a grand comeback. But this isn’t just any comeback; it’s like the prodigal car model returning in a golf cart fit for a king. Hold your carrots, we’re in for a wild ride!
The Bunny That Broke the Mold
Before we dive into the tantalizing future, let’s take a quick hop down memory lane. The Rabbit nameplate made its North American debut in 1975, alongside the very first-generation Golf. Little did anyone know that this cheeky Rabbit would soon become Volkswagen’s top-selling star, leaving even the beloved Beetle nibbling dust!
Fast forward to 1983, and that’s when the party really started. The GTI version of the Rabbit was introduced, sparking joy and setting the hot hatch world on fire. It’s been 40 years since that revolutionary moment, and Volkswagen seems poised to celebrate it in style.
Image of Rabbit in a time machine, dancing with 80’s disco lights, to celebrate the 40th-anniversary
From Hare to Electric
The burning question on everyone’s lips is, “Will the Rabbit be electrifying the scene?” Volkswagen, known for their electrification ambitions, has us guessing. While the details remain as elusive as a rabbit in the wild, the clues point towards an electrified future.
Could it be an all-electric Rabbit? Imagine cruising in the E-Rabbit, the hippest bunny in town. Or maybe Volkswagen’s planning different stages of electrification, like a mild-hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, as the first step towards an electric utopia. Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen’s Brand CEO, has dropped hints that heritage nameplates like the Golf and GTI are here to stay in the electric era. We’re just thrilled they haven’t gone down the rabbit hole of history.
The #OneFuture Adventure
What makes this comeback even more thrilling is the mysterious hashtag Volkswagen has been tossing around: #OneFuture. It’s like a secret code to a treasure trove of electrifying adventures. This hashtag is tied to VW’s ACCELERATE electrification strategy, aiming to achieve a whopping 70% of EV sales in Europe by 2030. That’s as ambitious as a rabbit taking on a whole carrot patch!
Not only Europe but also the U.S. and China are in the electrification crosshairs, with a goal of 50% EV sales. Volkswagen isn’t just stopping at the river’s edge; they plan to go fully electric in Europe by 2035. Looks like the Rabbit is joining the EV revolution, and it’s bringing the party to global shores!
Volkswagen’s Rabbit, wearing shades, sitting in a driver’s seat with a world map as the backdrop, steering towards electrification
What’s Next?
The anticipation is palpable, but the big reveal is right around the corner. Will the Rabbit badge grace a special-edition GTI, celebrating its 40th birthday in style? Or is Volkswagen cooking up a fully electric Rabbit, ready to hop into the future? The details will soon unfold, and you’ll want to keep your bunny ears perked for more information.
Our very own Editorial Director, Ian McLaren, will be joining the Volkswagen event this Sunday, so stay tuned for the juicy updates. Until then, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for the most electrifying revival of the year – it’s going to be a hare-raising adventure!
Disclaimer: No actual bunnies were harmed or used in the making of this article. Volkswagen’s Rabbit, on the other hand, is ready to race into the electric future!
