Photo: autohome.com.cn
Skoda forums across the internet are buzzing to the sound of this image. It's not much to go by, looking like a phone photo of a computer screen. But it could turn out to be our first glimpse of thenext-generation Skoda Superb flagship sedan, due our in late 2015 or early the following year.
The image turned up on Chinese website AutoHome, one of the biggest in the country. China plays an increasingly large role in Skoda's growth strategy, as most of their near-million cars sales come from there. In fact, the whole Volkswagen group seems to be focused on putting their best foot forward there. Volkswagen is making a four-door coupe based on the Jetta exclusively for this market and the next-generation Passat was leaked online a few months ago as the "Magotan".
The new Skoda Superb will look a lot like th VisionC concept shown in Geneva just three months ago. The design will have a lot in common with the Superb, but will be more intricate, featuring extra creases on the bonnet, sculpted bumper elements and LED headlights.
The platform will of course be the familiar MQB. But as any Volkswagen engineer will tell you, this is a "modular tool kit", not a fixed set of parts. The Superb will be more technology advanced than the Octavia and will probably share components with the Passat.
This will be one of the largest cars made on the MQB, with a wheelbase of 2,836mm, 75mm more than the current generation. However, weight will be down by several tens of kilos thanks to Simply Clever engineering and better materials.
To be honest, the V6 is currently only relevant in the Superb as an embassy car for Czech diplomats. Most buyers will go for either a 1.8 TSI with 180 hp or the two 2.0 TDI diesels with either 150 or 180 hp.
Base model Skoda sedans will have 1.4-liter TSI turbos or a new 1.6 TDI rated at 120 hp. A plug-in hybrid version with 205 hp is also possible, using existing technology to take advantage of Chinese regulations that favor green cars.
The new Skoda Superb will look a lot like th VisionC concept shown in Geneva just three months ago. The design will have a lot in common with the Superb, but will be more intricate, featuring extra creases on the bonnet, sculpted bumper elements and LED headlights.
The platform will of course be the familiar MQB. But as any Volkswagen engineer will tell you, this is a "modular tool kit", not a fixed set of parts. The Superb will be more technology advanced than the Octavia and will probably share components with the Passat.
This will be one of the largest cars made on the MQB, with a wheelbase of 2,836mm, 75mm more than the current generation. However, weight will be down by several tens of kilos thanks to Simply Clever engineering and better materials.
No More V6 Engines
Chinese sources confirm what we've suspected all along, that the V6 is being replaced by a 2-liter turbo engine. The first major VW group car to do so was the Golf R, which went from 3.2-liter to 2-liter TSI between the Mk5 and Mk6 Golf generations. On the Superb, a 280 hp turbo engine will be offered in combination with a DSG gearbox and Haldex all-wheel drive.To be honest, the V6 is currently only relevant in the Superb as an embassy car for Czech diplomats. Most buyers will go for either a 1.8 TSI with 180 hp or the two 2.0 TDI diesels with either 150 or 180 hp.
Base model Skoda sedans will have 1.4-liter TSI turbos or a new 1.6 TDI rated at 120 hp. A plug-in hybrid version with 205 hp is also possible, using existing technology to take advantage of Chinese regulations that favor green cars.
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