Skoda Unveils 600 HP Octavia vRS for Bonneville Speed Week

Skoda UK wants to celebrate 10 years of the iconic vRS performance badge in a big way with the unveiling of a 600 hp version of the Octavia vRS that will try to be the first Skoda ever to break 200 mph (322 km/h) during this year’s Bonneville Speed Week, August 13-20.

The vRS technical team has been hard at work on the project for several months now, with help from performance software and tuning specialists REVO Technik. Why a software company? Well, the Octavia has kept the 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. Generating up to 600 HP, and producing 26-28 PSI of boost pressure, it runs on high-octane race fuel (with water methanol mix) instead of unleaded petrol.

“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 Škoda is all about engineering excellence and this car is pushing that to new limits,” said Robert Hazelwood, Director for Skoda UK.

The soon-to-be record setter is a factory car that has seen a number of changes to help it on its way to the 200 mph mark. The mods include lowering it to run almost 80mm closer to the ground and a new sub-frame which houses a race prepared intercooler.

The one-off speed car has been built to meet stringent Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) safety regulations, which means it also has a reinforced roll cage, parachute, fire extinguishers and window cage.