Did you know that it’s been nearly forty years since the first sporty Skoda appeared bearing the RS badge? It was back in 1975 that the 130 RS took to the roads and started the ball rolling, and although history hasn’t been kind to the brand’s sporty ambitions it has seen a resurgence since Volkswagen took control.
So how are Skoda planning to celebrate? By releasing a pumped up Octavia that will easily eclipse the current 220PS vRS. Thanks to the platform-sharing possibilities within the VW group, the Octavia’s MQB platform gives it access to the same hardware as the fantastic Leon Cupra 280.
Skoda Octavia vRS 280 Prototype
So that could mean up to 280PS from the turbocharged petrol engine, an electronic limited-slip differential and adaptive dampers. All-wheel drive is possible but unlikely, but even with front-wheel drive the Octavia could be capable of 0-60mph in under 6.5 seconds.
Look carefully at these spy shots and you can see subtle revisions to the bumpers and four exhaust tips poking out from the rear.
The red-and-black wheels are from the TT RS and that same design is seemingly available as an option on just about every model in the range, so it would seem unlikely to find it’s way onto a Skoda. What it does do is suggest that 19-inch wheels will at least be an option, possibly to accommodate an upgraded braking system.
It’s a far cry from that original 130 RS. That could produce 142hp through its rear wheels, which was more than ample in its day, and it enjoyed plenty of success in rallies and hill climb events. You could say there’s is a spiritual link between the original RS and new, if slightly tenuous thanks to that extra ‘v’ in the name (it’s got something to do with fast Fords and stern letters from well paid solicitors).
So keep an eye out for this new Octavia vRS as we head into 2015. It’s set to re-ignite our passions for sporty Skodas.
Skoda Octavia vRS 280 Prototype