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

With the help of the Volkswagen Group, Skoda has turned out to be quite an important player in the automotive industry. The Czech automaker delivered more than 760,000 cars last year and aims to double its annual sales to 1.5 million by 2018. But it’s not only about sales as Skoda’s German parent company is also planning to further boost the Czech brand’s image.

In celebration of the 10 year anniversary of the vRS (in the UK, simply RS for the rest of Europe) performance badge, Skoda will compete in the famous Bonneville Speed Week in August (13-20) with a specially modified Octavia vRS saloon. Skoda’s goal is to break the magic 200mph (320+ km/h) barrier for the first time in the company’s history.

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Was ist das? Strange Volkswagen-Skoda Hybrid Spied in Munich

Roman Jagatić is the latest addition to our ever-growing list of readers-turned-into spy photographers. Roman stumbled upon this strange looking Volkswagen-Skoda hybrid prototype parked at a gas station in Munich, Germany. The test car appears to combine a modified body of a Skoda Octavia with a Volkswagen front end.

While we do not have a definite answer to what it may be, possible scenarios include a test car for a new Skoda Octavia and a prototype for a Volkswagen-badged model for select markets outside Europe.

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Skoda Launches Limited-Run Edition Octavia vRS

As we await for the presentation of the 2010 Octavia vRS based on the faclifted Octavia that was revealed at the Paris Show last October, Skoda UK has launched a limited-run edition of the current-generation model that promises to bring more bang for your pound. Only 500 cars will be produced with buyers having the choice of two engine options, a 200HP 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline unit or a 170HP 2.0-liter turbo diesel.

The Octavia vRS Limited Edition, has a unique production number stitched onto the seat and offers over £1,900 worth of added equipment for an added cost of only £750. The upgrades over the standard vRS include bespoke design Italian leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, new touch screen Bolero radio, three-spoke leather steering wheel, new interior dash trim and, red and black limited edition badging.

Prices for the limited-run model start from £16,294.56 (with VAT paid) on the road.

Video: 2009 Skoda Octavia Facelift

Unveiled for the first time at the Paris auto show last October, the mildly facelifted Octavia Sedan and Estate models boast a new nose and tail that brings them in line with Czech firm's latest vehicles like the Fabia and Superb. Likewise, the 2009 Octavia's cabin inherits several styling elements from the larger Superb such as the four-spoke steering wheel, the climate controls and the revised trim. Under the sheetmetal, changes include the addition of the new 122HP 1.4 TSI gasoline engine in and the availability of the VW Group's new seven-speed DSG double-clutch gearbox.