Skoda Takes on Bonneville Speed Week- at 200mph
Skoda UK is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its iconic vRS performance flagship badge by going landspeed record racing.
A one-off modified Octavia vRS saloon has been entered into the world-famous Bonneville Speed Week in the USA. Its aim is to break the magic 200mph barrier.
Our technical team at Milton Keynes has been working in secret on the vehicle for several months, with the assistance of performance software and tuning outfit REVO Technik. The car is a factory-fresh production Octavia vRS, but some changes have been made to improve aerodynamics and performance, including lowering it to run almost 80mm closer to the ground and a new sub-frame that houses a race-prepared intercooler.
The car retains its production-standard 2.0 litre four-cylinder TSI petrol engine, but the standard turbo has been replaced with a more advanced unit from respected component firm Garret. The engine generates up to 600PS and drinks high-octane race fuel (with water methanol mix) rather than unleaded petrol.
Since its launch in 2001, vRS has captured the hearts of UK motorists who enjoy the thrill of sports car driving. Since then, the UK has become Skoda's largest market for the Octavia and Fabia vRS, and more than 12,000 cars have been sold since launch.
Skoda UK Director Robert Hazelwood said: "The 10-year relationship between the UK and the vRS badge has been extremely successful. This is a landmark anniversary, and going to Bonneville is a fitting tribute. It's also an ambitious project which might surprise a few people, but Skoda is all about engineering excellence and this car is pushing that to new limits."
