Yeah, get some 14" steelies from a Mk3, and get someone to weld the centers in differently for a little higher offset. Then you can run the LRR tires AND do easy skirts! The wheel guy will look at you funny, but it'd be a decent way to get the best of both worlds (at a cost).
You're going to have issues doing a really effective
and compact custom hood/front end because of the core support, but you could always add to the front end, I guess.
You'll also want to do an air dam like this, but please don't kill an early Westy (79/80) front end for any of this!!
You might also make use of this visualization I made for my own truck. Pay attention to the blunt nose and boat tail in the lower images. Stick to the
aero template!
Edit for Aerohead's T-100...
The raised hood helps reduce pressure on the windshield- something you should think about for your Rabbit. I guess this would be a good place for a custom hood, (EDIT- inconclusive) although you'd probably be better off just going for a full one-piece clamshell front end if you're going to be modifying the front end shape to the degree you seem to desire.
Also look at purpose built cars like the Honda Insight, GM EV1 and Toyota Prius. These will have the kind of shapes you'll need.