Fifteen years ago, a Skoda Octavia exceeded 365 km/h!

On August 19, 2011, a specially prepared Skoda Octavia vRS set a speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Fifteen years later, it remains the fastest Skoda in history.

A Skoda Octavia reaching 300 km/h already seems quite improbable. At 365.45 km/h, we enter an entirely different dimension. Yet, this was the official average speed achieved exactly 15 years ago by an Octavia vRS on the famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

The story begins almost like a joke. Skoda UK retrieves a red Octavia vRS 2.0 TSI from its press fleet with a primary goal: to exceed 200 mph, or 322 km/h. However, initial tests quickly show that the Czech family car can go much further. The team then decides to aim for the record in its category, set at about 348 km/h.

More and More!

The preparation is spectacular without completely transforming the car. The Octavia receives, among other modifications, tweaked fuel delivery, enhanced cooling with a 10-liter radiator, and longer gear ratios borrowed from a very reasonable Octavia GreenLine. The suspension is lowered and the wheels adopt polished aerodynamic covers.

However, the most intriguing detail lies in the brakes: the discs and calipers are removed. At Bonneville, to slow down the Skoda after its full-speed run, the driver deploys a parachute controlled from the cabin.

At the wheel, automotive journalist Richard Meaden recorded a first pass at 362.93 km/h on August 18, 2011. The following day, he reached 367.97 km/h in the opposite direction. The official average settles at 365.45 km/h, securing Skoda a certified speed record in its category.

You might be interestedin this article:

Electric Car

• 19/08/2026 17:47

Lotus Eletre and Emeya: an update to make more noise

Fifteen years later, no Skoda has done better. Restored after its achievement, this very special Octavia is now on display at the Skoda Museum in Mladá Boleslav.