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Hardcore Skoda Octavia vRS with 280 HP Spied for the First Time

The MQB platform it's based on gives Skoda's one and only sports model, the Octavia RS, access to some of the hottest turbocharged engines around. This is why Skoda is currently working on an even faster machine, which we believe will receive the vRS 280 moniker.
Skoda Octavia vRS with 280 HP 8 photos
Photo: CarPix
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These are the very first photos of the go-fast Octavia, proving beyond doubt that rumors of its existence were true. Strangely, Skoda has chosen to base its prototype on the bulky estate model, not the notchback sedan. However, it's likely that both bodies will be offered.

Built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the vRS badge, this new Octavia will be equipped with a more powerful 2-liter TSI turbo engine. The one currently residing under its bonnet produces 220 hp, the same as in a Golf GTI. However, a 280 hp version of the same mill exists, being used by the SEAT Leon Cupra, a car that for a brief period of time was the fastest front-wheel drive production model to go around the Nurburgring.


It's likely that a limited slip differentia will be installed in order to help the fastest Skoda ever made keep its power on the road. All-wheel drive is possible, but not likely, since the Leon doesn't offer it either and development would be too costly for Skoda. AWD would also make the car less engaging, heavier and more expensive, all things Skoda doesn't like. Those looking for pure performance numbers should expect 0 to 100 km/h somewhere between 6.0 and 6.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

From the duct taped and riveted body panels on the bumpers, we can say a certain degree of certainty that some changes will be made to the Octavia vRS's body kit. The exhaust system also looks like it has quad pipes, but this could just be due to the lack of a final chrome end piece.

Let's talk about the wheels for a second. Clearly, we're dealing with Audi's design, which will probably not carry over onto the production Octavia, but that's not the point here. Right now, these 5-spoke sports alloys are only offered on the S3 as a €500 option and measure 18 inches in diameter, wrapped in 225/40 R18 rubber. But they used to come with the old TT RS Plus in exactly this matte black plus red color combination, and as far as we can remember, they were 19-inch and wrapped in low profile tires.

280 hp, a differential, 19-inch wheels and an aggressive body kit – this will be a car of many firsts for Skoda, one which we are eagerly waiting to see reach production. When will that happen? Somewhere in the early part of next year.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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