This 10-Year-Old Octavia vRS Still Holds The Title Of The Fastest Skoda Ever With A 227 MPH Top Speed

On the 19th of August 2011, exactly ten years ago, a specially prepared Skoda Octavia vRS reached an impressive 227.080 mph (365 km/h) on Bonneville salt flats in Utah, becoming the fastest 2.0-liter forced induction production car in the world and the fastest Skoda ever made. Now, as part of Skoda UK’s Heritage Fleet, the record-breaking Octavia was restored this year, just in time for the 10-year anniversary, and put through its paces on a high-speed track.

See Also: Skoda to Challenge the Big Boys at Bonneville Speed Week with 600HP Octavia RS

The “Bonneville special” was based on a production Skoda Octavia vRS 2.0 TSI although it received a number of modifications allowed by the regulations of the Southern California Timing Association.

These included an altered injection system delivering more fuel to the engine, an upgraded cooling system with a 10-liter radiator, a new Garett turbocharged with more pressure, and a longer-geared transmission borrowed from an Octavia GreenLine. According to Skoda, the 2.0-liter TSI engine produced an impressive 600 hp (447 kW / 608 PS) with the help of REVO Technik.

The wheels got aerodynamic covers and special Goodyear tires, while the brakes were removed altogether in favor of a parachute for braking on the salt surface. For weight-reduction, the interior was completely stripped off, with a roll-cage and fire extinguishers for safety.

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The original target for Skoda UK was to break the 200 mph (322 km/h) barrier which is a lot more than the 149 mph (240 km/h) top speed of the production car. With journalist Richard Meaden sitting behind the wheel, the “Bonneville special” shattered Skoda’s expectations, achieving an average of 227.080 mph (365 km/h) between two runs in opposite directions. What is more impressive is that this land speed record still stands in the G/PS category.

The Octavia with the shiny livery has been restored to its former glory, although fitted with regular wheels and tires so it could be driven on the tarmac of Millbrook Proving Ground’s high-speed oval in Bedford, UK. However, it still has the parachute hanging off the rear end to remind everyone that this is a very special Octavia.

Richard Meaden, who drove the record-breaking Octavia vRS in Bonneville said:  “Driving the salt flats was a dream come true. It always felt like a privilege to be allowed to charge flat-out down the salt. Knowing how much passion and hard work went into getting the Octavia to Speed Week made that privilege all the greater. I’m incredibly proud of what we all achieved and will never forget how it felt to break a record or to be part of such an exceptional group of people.”