Sizzling 280PS Skoda Octavia RS in the making

The Czech media is buzzing with reports that Škoda is developing a special, more powerful Škoda Octavia RS, set for a 2015 release. This is to bring in the 40 years of its popular rally car, the 130 RS that the company will be celebrating next year. It is reported that the car maker will introduce a limited edition of Škoda Octavia RS capable of a cracking 280PS, making it the most powerful Octavia RS to go into production till date.

The special edition Škoda Octavia RS is expected to be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, borrowed from Volkswagen Golf. Though an all-wheel-drive would have been better suited for this sporty celebration edition, it is rumoured that the Škoda Octavia RS will retain the front-wheel drive setup. Other changes would include firmer suspension setup and bespoke alloy wheels. This exclusive Škoda Octavia RS model will be produced in limited numbers and would demand a premium over regular Octavia RS models.

Speaking about 40 years of the RS model, HC Winfried Vahland, CEO, Škoda, said, “Our RS models are sporty power machines for the ŠKODA brand.” He adds, “This is just as true today as it was 40 years ago. The RS initials denote ŠKODA’s successes in motorsport as well as the high performance and passion represented by select production models. They are an expression of our outstanding motorsport tradition.”

The RS suffix stands for Rally Sport in Škoda speak, which exemplifies sporty and dynamic car character. The Czech car manufacturer started the Škoda RS series in 1974 with the Škoda 180 RS and Škoda 200 RS racing cars. Later in 1970s and 1980s the legendary Škoda 130 RS became one of the most successful sports cars of its time. 

To cash on this racing heritage, Škoda launched the ŠKODA Octavia RS as the first RS model of the new era in 2000, followed by the Škoda Fabia RS in 2003. In the recent past the new ŠKODA Octavia RS has been the fastest and most powerful Octavia of all time, a title which might be flinched by the special edition 280PS Škoda Octavia RS.