While the Japanese company...
While the Japanese company remains focused on Formula One, its US luxury arm Acura has embarked on a sportscar programme with the aim of victory in the French enduro.
And as we predicted...
And as we predicted, it will use the same 197bhp FSI direct-injection petrol engine as the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
That will make it the most powerful Skoda ever, giving it a 0-60mph sprint time of only 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 149mph. The slightly heavier estate version is a mere 0.2 seconds slower to 60mph than the hatchback.
Despite offering more power, the hot Octavia"s styling modifications are more subtle than those on its pumped-up predecessor. At the front there"s a new bumper, with a wide grille under the number plate, which is flanked by round foglamps. The hatch version has a boot spoiler, while special alloy wheels are fitted to both models. The vRS also has a lowered ride height and stiffer suspension for sportier handling. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but a Skoda spokeswoman hinted they would start from around í‚á£16,500 - which is í‚á£4,000 less than the five-door Golf GTI!
A performance diesel is likely to be added to the line-up at a later date, featuring a tuned version of the current car"s 2.0 TDI engine, offering 170bhp. The petrol Octavia vRS will debut first at next month"s Frankfurt Motor Show. It should arrive in UK dealerships in November, and will only be availablein a limited range of five colours. It is likely that the VW Group"s DSG dual-clutch sequential manual transmission will be offered as an option.