227mph Skoda!

The modified repmobile has done it – Skoda's Octavia vRS has broken the official record to become the fastest 2.0-litre forced induction production car ever, cracking a phenomenal 227.070mph at Bonneville's legendary American salt flats. A fitting way to celebrate 10 years of vRS, we'd say! Congratulations to the team and seasoned hack Dickie Meaden for his driving effort in the 600bhp ‘salt spec’ racer. Skoda said: "The modified production Octavia vRS hatch, prepared by Skoda UK, smashed the previous record for a 2.0-litre forced induction production car at this year's Bonneville Speed Week (13-19 August), registering an impressive official record speed of 227.070 mph. The previous record for what is known as the G/PS category was 216 mph, set in August 1998. The car was driven by veteran journalist Richard Meaden and the Octavia had set impressive speeds throughout the week breaking the 200 mph barrier on six previous runs."The Octavia’s record breaking runs consisted of two official runs of Bonneville's famous five-mile course at 225.513 mph on Thursday 18 August, and a return run at 228.647 mph on Friday 19 August. Robert Hazelwood, Director for Skoda UK, said: "This is a truly stunning achievement. Our goal was to break 200 mph as a celebration of 10 years of vRS, and we have achieved that, and significantly more. The success is a tribute to everyone who has worked so tirelessly and with such passion to make Skoda a world beater." Well done to all involved from Road Magazine.