Skoda Octavia vRS hits 202.15mph at Bonneville

Skoda's mental repmobile, the rally-bred Octavia vRS has broken the 200mph barrier – not on the M1, but at Bonneville Salt Flats. The world’s fastest Skoda nailed an impressive 202.15 mph on the iconic  American salt flats to mark 10 years of vRS. The achievement has spurred the Skoda Bonneville team to go for the ‘2.0-litre production car’ record of 216 mph. Naturally, the normally 140mph Octavia vRS needed some modifications to hit over 200mph, and came in what Skoda called the ‘salt spec’ challenger. The car still retains its two-litre TSI petrol engine, but gains a massive Garrett turbocharger and bespoke intercooler, extensive REVO ECU remapping on the dyno and a heap of boost pressure (30+psi), pushing out over 500bhp, with help from Methanol-rich race fuel. And the aerodynamics pack was substantially altered to reduce drag, four-wheel-drive system was traction-optimised and the suspension slammed over 80mm. The car was driven by hack Richard Meaden – lucky bugger (again!). Robert Hazelwood, Director for Skoda UK, said: "Our special thanks go to Richard on an incredible drive. This marks another exciting milestone in the brand’s motorsport achievements and is a great way to celebrate 10 years of the vRS range and commemorate 110 years of Skoda’s participation in motorsport." There are still four days of the event to go, fo good luck to Richard and Skoda going for the 216mph record.