Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Skoda racing Up! to Worthersee with Citigo Rally concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/skoda-racing-up-to-worthersee-with-citigo-rally-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/skoda-racing-up-to-worthersee-with-citigo-rally-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/skoda-racing-up-to-worthersee-with-citigo-rally-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Skoda Citigo Rally concept

If you thought the Volkswagen Group was about to wind down the endless stream of concept cars based on the new Up! city car, think again. Because not only is the Volkswagen brand itself keeping the train a-moving, so are its sister brands.

Skoda has its own version of the Up called the Citigo. But what racing fans know the Czech subsidiary for best is its rally program that has become a dominant force in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge and the basis for VW's own foray into the World Rally Championship. Now Skoda is bringing the two together with an exciting concept car previewed by the rendering above and confirmed in the press release below.

Following in the footsteps of the tantalizing Fabia roadster unveiled last year, the Citigo Rally concept is to be the centerpiece of the Skoda display at the Volkswagen Group's annual hot-hatch gathering at Lake Wörthersee in Austria. Details are scarce, but the show car will feature rally-inspired bodywork complete with 18-inch white alloys packed into aggressively flared wheel arches, a substantial rear wing and vents aplenty.

It will be joined by a second Citigo converted into a mobile DJ booth with a 100,000-watt sound system that will be scoring the Skoda booth at Wörthersee, but our eyes will be on the rally concept.

Continue reading Skoda racing Up! to Worthersee with Citigo Rally concept

Skoda racing Up! to Worthersee with Citigo Rally concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citigoskodaskoda citigoskoda citigo rallyskoda citigo rally conceptupvolkswagenwörtherseewortherseeThu, 17 May 2012 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239404/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/skoda-racing-up-to-worthersee-with-citigo-rally-concept/20239404/article-detail.xml 20239404 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/skoda-citigo-rally-conceptweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/skoda-citigo-rally-conceptweb.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda makes us hungry for some Yeti with new Urban edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/skoda-makes-us-hungry-for-some-yeti-with-new-urban-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/skoda-makes-us-hungry-for-some-yeti-with-new-urban-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/skoda-makes-us-hungry-for-some-yeti-with-new-urban-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Skoda Yeti Urban

As a European auto giant with a strong presence in the North American market, there are some products that the Volkswagen group doesn't offer on this side of the pond. Like the entire Skoda and Seat brands, for example. With the exception of the Scirocco, there aren't many that we really feel like we're missing over here. That, and perhaps the Skoda Yeti.

Highly praised by a publication so performance-oriented as Evo (among many others), the Yeti is said to be an excellent little sport-ute, and a cost-effective one at that. And no, there are no plans we're aware of to bring it Stateside. But as if to rub salt in the wound of its absence from American showrooms, Volkswagen's Czech brand has announced a new version of the capable soft-roader in the UK.

Called the Skoda Yeti Urban, the special edition is based on the SE trim level but features a number of special touches and optional extras bundled in. Two-tone black and chrome 17-inch alloys, fog lights, flared fenders, and an interior with black or red sports seats and a whole mess of electronics are all part of the package, available with either a 1.2-liter TSI with 104 horsepower or (for a premium) a 108hp 2.0-liter TDI.

British buyers - or 750 of them, anyway - can also choose between black, white, silver or grey, but the Yeti Urban can be had only in front-wheel drive with a manual. Check it out in the high-res image gallery and the press release below the fold.

Continue reading Skoda makes us hungry for some Yeti with new Urban edition

Skoda makes us hungry for some Yeti with new Urban edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>skodaskoda yetiskoda yeti urbanurbanyetiThu, 29 Mar 2012 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20203082/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/29/skoda-makes-us-hungry-for-some-yeti-with-new-urban-edition/20203082/article-detail.xml 20203082 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/web-yeti-urban_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/web-yeti-urban.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda up!grades with five-door Citigo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/skoda-up-grades-with-five-door-citigo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/skoda-up-grades-with-five-door-citigo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/skoda-up-grades-with-five-door-citigo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Skoda Citigo

On this side of the Atlantic, one Volkswagen division's new product may not have a significant impact on those of another. That's because the German auto giant's brands are kept quite separate in North America. Less so, however, back in Europe, where a new VW is likely to reappear in due time as a Seat or Skoda.

Case in point: the new Up! city car, which is also sold overseas as the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo. And, true to form, with the Volkswagen brand having enlarged its city car to a five-door, its Czech cousin has followed suit.

And so, starting in May (after its debut at the Geneva Motor Show), European buyers will be able to get their hands on a five-door Citigo, offering the same 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine (in either 60- or 75-horsepower guise) as the Up, Mii and three-door Citigo. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Skoda up!grades with five-door Citigo

Skoda up!grades with five-door Citigo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citigoskodaskoda citigoupvolkswagen upMon, 06 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160356/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/06/skoda-up-grades-with-five-door-citigo/20160356/article-detail.xml 20160356 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/citigo5web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/citigo5web.jpg <![CDATA[VW CEO Winterkorn happy with rebounding Seat, Skoda]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/#commentsFiled under: ,



Martin Winterkorn is a happy man: Volkswagen is putting up big numbers in North America, its latest field of dreams, Audi, is breaking records every month, there are exciting cars in the pipeline - from Bugatti down to the XL1, Porsche's digestion continues, and now Skoda and especially Seat are turning in no-questions performance.

It seems Skoda has been on the ups for years, making the most of keen pricing and modern redesigns of the chassis and tech it gets handed down from big brothers VW and Audi. Winterkorn predicts the Czech brand will just about double its 2010 sales by 2018, going from 762,000 to 1.5 million.

Seat, on the other hand, wasn't just on the hotseat a year-and-a-half ago, phrases like "uncertain future" - code for "possible demise" - were rumbling in the background. A new CEO was brought in, new money and new models were thrown against the wall, and the efforts have stuck. The Spanish brand has hit three strong chords with Winterkorn, with increased sales, strong performance in China and anticipated models due. If this keeps up there won't be much left for him to do but, a la Alexander the Great, break down and cry with no worlds left to conquer.

VW CEO Winterkorn happy with rebounding Seat, Skoda originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car salesmartin winterkornsalesseatskodaMon, 31 Oct 2011 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20094139/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/20094139/article-detail.xml 20094139 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/gyi0063882578_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/gyi0063882578.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda hints at what's to come from Volkswagen with S2000 WRC title]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/skoda-hints-at-whats-to-come-from-volkswagen-with-s2000-wrc-tit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/skoda-hints-at-whats-to-come-from-volkswagen-with-s2000-wrc-tit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/skoda-hints-at-whats-to-come-from-volkswagen-with-s2000-wrc-tit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Skoda Fabia S2000

To the outsider, it would be all too easy to forget that the FIA World Rally Championship has more than one class. Just like Le Mans endurance racing has various LMP and GT racing categories, and NASCAR has the Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series, so too does the WRC have more than one tier. So while the Sebastien Loeb and the Citroën World Rally Team were locking up their seventh title in the top tier of the championship, Skoda took its first title in the Super 2000 category as its Finnish crew Juho Hänninen and Mikko Markkula won took a class win and 10th overall in the RACC Rally of Spain this past weekend.

So what, who cares, you ask? Well you'd be forgiven for dismissing an overseas automaker (whose products we don't even get here) winning a second-tier rally series that doesn't come here, either. (Mexico's the closest stage on this year's calendar.) But we'll tell you why it matters: Skoda's sister (or parent) company Volkswagen is entering the top-tier WRC next season with the new Polo R. And while VW has enjoyed much success in rally-raid events like Dakar, the WRC is an entirely different beast.

In order to prepare for its assault on the most world's foremost rally series, Volkswagen has been looking to Skoda's program to test out everything from machinery to personnel. And given that Skoda - whose motorsport division celebrates its 110th anniversary this year - has come out on top, we could be looking at a very serious contender from Wolfsburg for next year's championship.

Continue reading Skoda hints at what's to come from Volkswagen with S2000 WRC title

Skoda hints at what's to come from Volkswagen with S2000 WRC title originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fabiajuho hänninenmikko markkulas2000 wrcskodaskoda fabia s2000Skoda Fabia Super 2000super 2000 wrcworld rally championshipwrcFri, 28 Oct 2011 08:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20090794/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/28/skoda-hints-at-whats-to-come-from-volkswagen-with-s2000-wrc-tit/20090794/article-detail.xml 20090794 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webskoda-swrc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webskoda-swrc.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen

You may remember the name Franz-Josef Paefgen. Until recently, the German engineer and executive was head of both Bentley and Bugatti. Before that he was chief executive of Audi, after working for several years at Ford. He technically "retired" earlier this year, but like the cars he helped create, an executive like Paefgen could never really retire. So it should come as little surprise that the Volkswagen Group has named Dr. Paefgen head of its Classic program.

In his new capacity, Paefgen will oversee the historic automobile activities of the entire VW Group, including those of Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, Audi, Lamborghini, and of course Bentley and Bugatti. It strikes us as a suitable semi-retirement for the man responsible in no small part for the Bugatti Veyron and Bentley Mulsanne, to name just two, and who was decorated in 2006 by the ACO as the "Spirit of Le Mans" for his contribution to endurance racing. Read the official announcement after the break.

Continue reading Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program

Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi classicsbentleybentley classicbugatti classicsdr franz josef paefgenfranz josef paefgenlamborghiniseatskodavolkswagenvolkswagen classicsvolkswagen groupvwTue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20071695/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/20071695/article-detail.xml 20071695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webpaefgen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webpaefgen.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda nixes prospect of building a sportscar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/skoda-nixes-prospect-of-building-a-sportscar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/skoda-nixes-prospect-of-building-a-sportscar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/skoda-nixes-prospect-of-building-a-sportscar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Skoda Fabia RS 2000 roadster concept

We have to admit we were more than a little bit intrigued when Skoda showed up at Wörthersee this year with the Fabia RS 2000 roadster you see here. The concept essentially took the company's S2000 rally machine, gave it a fresh coat of Kermit and chopped off the roof... with four seats and four doors still intact. But could such a vehicle ever be produced?

According to the latest reports from across the pond, the answer, quite simply, is "no". Apparently Skoda is fixated on reaching its sales targets, and while something could certainly be said for a halo vehicle - particularly one based on one of its top-selling volume models - the Czech automaker is not keen on distracting itself from the task at hand. (We'll just have to admire it from the updated high-res image gallery, then.)

That's a bit of a shame, especially since the VW subsidiary's line-up is, well, rather conservative. But don't go thinking that Skoda is about to give up on performance-oriented models altogether, though: the company will continue developing and producing its vRS line of hot hatches and sedans, like the Fabia, Octavia and even the upcoming production version of the MissionL concept debuted in Frankfurt. A Superb vRS performance sedan, however, is reportedly not in the cards, as the executive saloon is just too big to fit the bill.

Skoda nixes prospect of building a sportscar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>skoa fabia rs 2000skodaskoda fabiaskoda fabia rs2000skoda fabia vrs2000skoda vrs2000vrsvrs 2000Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20067337/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/27/skoda-nixes-prospect-of-building-a-sportscar/20067337/article-detail.xml 20067337 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/skoda-rs2000_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/skoda-rs2000.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda unveils Volkswagen Up!-based Citigo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/skoda-unveils-volkswagen-up-based-citigo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/skoda-unveils-volkswagen-up-based-citigo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/skoda-unveils-volkswagen-up-based-citigo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



This is the all-new Skoda Citigo, and if you're thinking that it looks rather familiar, that's because its Volkswagen-badged kin recently debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. That's right, the long-rumored Skoda version of Volkswagen's new Up! city car has finally arrived.

Buyers will have a choice of two 1.0-liter three-cylinder engines - one with 59 horsepower, the other with a 74 hp and a blistering 106 mph top speed - both mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Powerful they are not, but these three-bangers should prove to be extremely efficient, with Skoda quoting fuel economy numbers of 62.8 and 60.1 miles per gallon, respectively (on the European cycle).

Being a Skoda, the Citigo will go on sale in its home market of the Czech Republic this fall, with the rest of Europe getting the car next summer. Follow the jump for Skoda's official release.

Continue reading Skoda unveils Volkswagen Up!-based Citigo

Skoda unveils Volkswagen Up!-based Citigo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 skoda citigo2012 volkswagen upcitigoskodaupvolkswagenvwvw upTue, 27 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20067837/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/27/skoda-unveils-volkswagen-up-based-citigo/20067837/article-detail.xml 20067837 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/65469sko-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/65469sko-628.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda MissionL concept provides glimpse at Czech automaker's future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/skoda-missionl-mission-l-concept-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/skoda-missionl-mission-l-concept-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/skoda-missionl-mission-l-concept-frankfurt-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

skoda mission l concept

Skoda has taken its place on the floor of the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, and Volkswagen's Czech arm has brought a new concept sedan along for the ride. Called MissionL, the crisp but conservative Skoda four-door concept is an almost-ready peek at the upcoming production model.

The Skoda MissionL is expected to slot in the lineup between the Fabia and the Octavia, models North Americans know best Volkswagen Polo and Jetta derivatives. The automaker plans to launch its MissionL first in India, with units arriving there by the end of 2011. After that, Skoda will provide the MissionL to markets in Europe, Russia and China sometime in 2012.

Skoda is using the MissionL concept to provide hints at the styling direction for future Skoda models. These new models are stepping stones that the automaker will have to land on as it attempts to hit a heady 1.5 million global sales by the year 2018.

Continue reading Skoda MissionL concept provides glimpse at Czech automaker's future

Skoda MissionL concept provides glimpse at Czech automaker's future originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurtfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showmission lmission l conceptmissionlskodaskoda mission lskoda mission l conceptTue, 13 Sep 2011 18:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20041547/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/13/skoda-missionl-mission-l-concept-frankfurt-2011/20041547/article-detail.xml 20041547 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/skoda-missionl-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/skoda-missionl-628.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda teases MissionL concept ahead of Frankfurt debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/skoda-teases-missionl-concept-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/skoda-teases-missionl-concept-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/skoda-teases-missionl-concept-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Skoda MissionL concept

Of all of the divisions under the Volkswagen Group's vast corporate umbrella, Skoda's wouldn't exactly be what you'd call the most exciting. But the Czech automaker is working on improving that. Skoda plans on releasing a new product every six months for the next two years, and this is the first in its new model offensive.

Called the MissionL, what you see here is a concept car, but one in which - according to Skoda, at least - will lead directly to a new production model. The styling already looks edgier than the company's existing range of models, and will be unveiled next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

After that, the MissionL is set to be turned into a new production five-door liftback targeted at the European, Russian and Chinese markets, with a sedan version headed to India. We'll reserve judgement for when we see the show car up close, but if this is a sign of what's to come from Skoda, it looks to be a rather sharp sign indeed.

Continue reading Skoda teases MissionL concept ahead of Frankfurt debut

Skoda teases MissionL concept ahead of Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurtfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showmission LmissionLoctaviaskodaskoda missionLskoda octaviaTue, 06 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20035054/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/06/skoda-teases-missionl-concept-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/20035054/article-detail.xml 20035054 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/webskoda-missionl-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/webskoda-missionl-1.jpg <![CDATA[Škoda tops 227 mph, claims 2.0-liter production speed record at Bonneville]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/skoda-tops-227-mph-claims-2-0-liter-production-speed-record-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/skoda-tops-227-mph-claims-2-0-liter-production-speed-record-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/skoda-tops-227-mph-claims-2-0-liter-production-speed-record-at/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Skoda Octavia vRS Bonneville Special

If you thought a 202-mph run seemed like a hell of a pace for a Škoda Octavia, hold on to your hats, folks, because the Czech automaker's team at Bonneville has set a new record.

With a beefed-up turbocharger and intercooler, enhanced aerodynamics and the requisite safety modifications, the 600-horsepower Octavia vRS Bonneville Special set the record in the 2.0-liter forced-induction production car category with a certified 227.070 mph run. Actually, the Škoda hit a top speed of 228.647 mph through the traps on the return run, but as per regulations, that was averaged out with the 225.513 mph it hit on the five-mile run out across the salt flats.

Any way you look at it, that's one heck of a run, claiming the record for Škoda and helping it celebrate the tenth anniversary of its vRS performance badge. Follow the jump for the official announcement and scope out the updated image gallery for more.

Continue reading Škoda tops 227 mph, claims 2.0-liter production speed record at Bonneville

Škoda tops 227 mph, claims 2.0-liter production speed record at Bonneville originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Škodabonnevilleland speed recordoctaviaoctavia vrsskodaskoda octaviaskoda octavia vrsskoda octavia vrs bonneville specialskoda vrsvrsTue, 23 Aug 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20023952/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/23/skoda-tops-227-mph-claims-2-0-liter-production-speed-record-at/20023952/article-detail.xml 20023952 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/skoda-bonneville-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/skoda-bonneville-1.jpg <![CDATA[Škoda Octavia vRS blows past 200 mph at Bonneville]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/16/skoda-octavia-vrs-blows-past-200-mph-at-bonneville/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/16/skoda-octavia-vrs-blows-past-200-mph-at-bonneville/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/16/skoda-octavia-vrs-blows-past-200-mph-at-bonneville/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Skova Octavia vRS Bonneville Special

There are places you expect to find a Škoda, and places you don't. European streets, for example, fall squarely into the former category. Dried up lake beds in the United States, however, belong firmly in the latter. But someone forgot to tell that to the people who make the Czech Volkswagen derivatives.

In between ripping the top off the Fabia for the Wörthersee show and preparing to enter the British Touring Car Championship, that cadre of lead-footed Škoda personnel announced their intention to take the Octavia to the slat flats at Bonneville. The occasion was the tenth anniversary of the automaker's vRS performance brand, and while their target - breaching 200 miles per hour - may have seemed distant to anyone who's ever sat in the old Jetta with new clothes, they got theirs.

The world's fastest Škoda achieved an official run of 202.15 mph four days ahead of schedule at the [currently ongoing] Bonneville Speed Week. The Octavia vRS with which they did it was aerodynamically optimized, dropped closer to the ground, reinforced with a roll cage and other safety equipment and fitted with a larger turbocharger and intercooler. Otherwise, however, it's the same Octavia vRS available at dealers overseas.

Far from calling it a day and heading back to the Czech Republic, Škoda's Bonneville team are sticking around in pursuit of the 2.0-liter production car land speed record, which currently stands at 216 mph. We'll be watching, but in the meantime you can follow the jump for the full press release and scope out the images in the gallery for more.

Continue reading Škoda Octavia vRS blows past 200 mph at Bonneville

Škoda Octavia vRS blows past 200 mph at Bonneville originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonnevillebonneville salt flatsbonneville speed weekoctaviaoctavia vrsskodaskoda octaviaskoda octavia rsskoda octavia vrsTue, 16 Aug 2011 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20018995/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/16/skoda-octavia-vrs-blows-past-200-mph-at-bonneville/20018995/article-detail.xml 20018995 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web-octavia-bonneville_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web-octavia-bonneville.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda Octavia slated as latest entry to join British Touring Car Championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/skoda-octavia-slated-as-latest-entry-to-join-british-touring-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/skoda-octavia-slated-as-latest-entry-to-join-british-touring-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/skoda-octavia-slated-as-latest-entry-to-join-british-touring-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

TH Motorsport Skoda Octavia vRS NGTC

The new entries just keep on lining up for the British Touring Car Championship, which is rapidly becoming the most varied racing series in the world. There are already 27 cars based on 13 different models from 10 different manufacturers, but now the touring car series is about to get a 28th, based on a 14th from an 11th, respectively.

The latest car set to join the BTCC grid this year is the Skoda Octavia vRS. The compact sedan from the Czech Volkswagen subsidiary is based on some very old technology, taking its underpinnings (and everything else) from the several-generatons-old VW Jetta. That doesn't seem to be deterring TH Motorsport from bringing it to the BTCC, though.

The independent team has been racing in the series since 2001, fielding everything from Mitsubishis and Hondas to Protons and Seats. It withdrew from the BTCC after last season and has been plotting its return ever since, finally settling on the Octavia which it will adapt to the new cost-effective NGTC regulations that have opened up the field to so many independents.

Matt Hamilton, who drove for the team the past two years running (and who, as far as we can tell, is of no relation to F1 champion Lewis Hamilton), will be taking the wheel of the Skoda when it's ready, but the team is considering the potential for a second car. Press release after the jump.

Continue reading Skoda Octavia slated as latest entry to join British Touring Car Championship

Skoda Octavia slated as latest entry to join British Touring Car Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british touring car championshipbtccngtcoctaviaskodaskoda octaviaTH Motorsport Skoda Octavia vRS NGTCtouring carFri, 29 Jul 2011 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20003081/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/29/skoda-octavia-slated-as-latest-entry-to-join-british-touring-car/20003081/article-detail.xml 20003081 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/th-skoda_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/th-skoda.jpg <![CDATA[Robert Kubica's disastrous rally crash recreated with real Skoda]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/robert-kubicas-disastrous-rally-crash-recreated-with-real-skoda/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/robert-kubicas-disastrous-rally-crash-recreated-with-real-skoda/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/robert-kubicas-disastrous-rally-crash-recreated-with-real-skoda/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Kubica crash simulation
Kubica crash simulation - Click above to view video after the jump

We're not really sure why, but a Skoda has been sacrificed to recreate Robert Kubica's near-fatal February rally crash that threw his future into question. Using a completely stock Skoda Fabia, they ran the car into an Armco barrier at about the same angle and clip Kubica was going (you may recall that this same crash was already subject to the computer simulator treatment).

Simply put, the results are horrifying. This video proves suggests that not only was Kubica extremely lucky during his Andora incident, but the structural improvements to his race car almost certainly saved his bacon. Click past the jump to see the video for yourself.

Continue reading Robert Kubica's disastrous rally crash recreated with real Skoda

Robert Kubica's disastrous rally crash recreated with real Skoda originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 skoda fabiaandoraandora rallyfabiakubicakubica crashrobertrobert kubicaskodaMon, 27 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19976781/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/27/robert-kubicas-disastrous-rally-crash-recreated-with-real-skoda/19976781/article-detail.xml 19976781 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/kubica-recreation-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/kubica-recreation-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda looks to crack 200 mph in Octavia vRS at Bonneville]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/skoda-looks-to-crack-200-mph-in-octavia-vrs-at-bonneville/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/skoda-looks-to-crack-200-mph-in-octavia-vrs-at-bonneville/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/skoda-looks-to-crack-200-mph-in-octavia-vrs-at-bonneville/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Skoda Octavia vRS Bonneville special
Skoda Octavia vRS Bonneville special - Click above for high-res images

The Volkswagen Group is flush with vehicles capable of earth-shattering velocities. Porsche. Lamborghini. Bugatti. Even Bentley has demonstrated its propensity for the v-max with its Ice Speed Record Continental. And Audi models are regularly tuned for high-speed runs at Nardo. But Skoda? We've got to be kidding, right?

No. No we're not. The British unit of VW's Czech subsidiary is planning a run at the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats with the vehicle you see here. Based on the Octavia vRS - itself a derivative of the old, old Volkswagen Jetta - this beast has had its 2.0-liter four turbocharged up to 592 horsepower to hit an anticipated top speed of more than 200 miles per hour.

Skoda brought tuning house Revo Technik on board for the job, fitting a KW suspension, a limited-slip differential and special rolling stock. The modified sedan will debut at Bonneville Speed Week in August, celebrating 10 years of the marque's vRS performance badge. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Skoda looks to crack 200 mph in Octavia vRS at Bonneville

Skoda looks to crack 200 mph in Octavia vRS at Bonneville originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 02:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonnevillebonneville salt flatsbonneville speed weekland speed recordskodaskoda octaviaskoda octavia rsskoda octavia vrsFri, 10 Jun 2011 02:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19963275/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/10/skoda-looks-to-crack-200-mph-in-octavia-vrs-at-bonneville/19963275/article-detail.xml 19963275 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/webbonneville-octavia_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/webbonneville-octavia.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda unveils dramatic Fabia RS 2000 roadster concept at Wörthersee]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/02/skoda-unveils-dramatic-fabia-rs-2000-roadster-concept-at-worther/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/02/skoda-unveils-dramatic-fabia-rs-2000-roadster-concept-at-worther/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/02/skoda-unveils-dramatic-fabia-rs-2000-roadster-concept-at-worther/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Skoda Fabia RS 2000 concept
Skoda Fabia RS 2000 concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volkswagen Group's annual GTI-Treffen festival on the shores of Lake Wörthersee in Austria may be named for VW's iconic tuned Golf, but by now - in its 30th rendition - it's turned into a multi-marque celebration of the hot hatch. Case in point: the A1 Clubsport Quattro concept unveiled there this year by Audi. And now Skoda has joined in on the action with a hatch-based custom of its own.

To create the dramatic Fabia RS 2000 concept you see here, Skoda has taken its existing Fabia RS hot hatch, lopped off the roof and fitted a widebody kit housing 18-inch powder-coated alloys for a stance similar to its S2000 rally counterpart. The brightwork has also been blacked out, the open-air cabin fitted with four individual buckets with racing harnesses and carbon-fiber trim, and the hood louvered to vent the 200+hp 2.0-liter twin-turbo four.

All in all, a rather dramatic take on a bread-and-butter hatchback that blends the best of a road-going rally car with a four-door convertible. But while its occupants may enjoy the wind in their hair, the Wörthersee show stand is about probably as much daylight as this concept will ever see. Have a closer look in the high-res image gallery and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Skoda unveils dramatic Fabia RS 2000 roadster concept at Wörthersee

Skoda unveils dramatic Fabia RS 2000 roadster concept at Wörthersee originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fabiagti-treffenskodaskoda fabiaskoda fabia rsskoda fabia rs 2000speedsterwörtherseewortherseeThu, 02 Jun 2011 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19956308/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/02/skoda-unveils-dramatic-fabia-rs-2000-roadster-concept-at-worther/19956308/article-detail.xml 19956308 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/web630-skoda-rs2000-roadster1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/web630-skoda-rs2000-roadster1.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda to showcase new design with fresh concept car in Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/23/skoda-to-showcase-new-design-with-fresh-concept-car-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/23/skoda-to-showcase-new-design-with-fresh-concept-car-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/23/skoda-to-showcase-new-design-with-fresh-concept-car-in-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Skoda's Geneva line-up
Skoda's Geneva line-up (sans new concept) - Click above for high-res image

Skoda has announced that it will unveil a new concept car at next week's Geneva Motor Show, confirming earlier reports on its parent company's plans for the European expo. Though little in the way of details were announced, Volkswagen's Czech subsidiary has indicated that the show car will showcase the company's latest design language.

The mysterious concept car - which does not appear in the solitary accompanying image above alongside its existing range - will also bear a fresh take on the Skoda logo, and will join the previously-announced Fabia Monte Carlo edition on the company's show stand at the Geneva Palexpo. We'll have to wait a little longer as the show approaches to find out more, but in the meantime you can read the full press blast after the jump.

[Source: Skoda]

Continue reading Skoda to showcase new design with fresh concept car in Geneva

Skoda to showcase new design with fresh concept car in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 geneva motor showgenevageneva 2011geneva motor showskodaskoda conceptWed, 23 Feb 2011 08:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19854012/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/23/skoda-to-showcase-new-design-with-fresh-concept-car-in-geneva/19854012/article-detail.xml 19854012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/skoda-genevaweb630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/skoda-genevaweb630.jpg <![CDATA[Followup: Injuries could force Kubica out of F1 season - if not entire career [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/07/followup-injuries-could-force-kubica-out-of-f1-season-if-not/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/07/followup-injuries-could-force-kubica-out-of-f1-season-if-not/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/07/followup-injuries-could-force-kubica-out-of-f1-season-if-not/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Robert Kubica's Skoda Fabia S2000Kubica's crashed Skoda - Click above to watch video from surgeons' press conference after the jump

With his recovery still in the critical phase after his accident, it is looking ever more likely that Robert Kubica will be out for the season, and possibly for the rest of his career.

The Renault Formula One driver suffered a devastating crash yesterday at the Ronde di Andora rally in Italy, where he crashed his Super2000 Skoda Fabia into the side of a building at a reportedly very high speed. He was airlifted to a local hospital where teams of surgeons operated on injuries sustained to his right limbs, including severe tendon damage and multiple bone fractures in his right forearm.

Although Kubica does not appear to have suffered any serious neurological damage from the crash, the injuries sustained could spell the end of his career, as questions remain as to how fully he can recover. What looks to be all but certain, however, is that he will in all likelihood be watching the impending F1 season - set to start in about a month - from pit wall.

Fortunately for Renault - and unlike the situation faced by Ferrari after Felipe Massa's crash - the team has a deep roster of reserve drivers at the ready to partner with Vitaly Petrov, including Bruno Senna (who drove for HRT last season), Romain Grosjean (who drove for Renault two years ago), aspiring Asian drivers Fairuz Fauzy and Ho-Ping Tung, and LMS champion Jan Charouz.

Of course, at this point, everyone is wishing Kubica a fittingly speedy recovery, and we'll keep you updated on his progress. In the meantime, we invite you to follow the jump for the latest statements from the team, and for video footage of the surgeons' press conference outside the hospital.

[Source: Lotus Renault GP | Image: Roberto Ruscello/AP]

Continue reading Followup: Injuries could force Kubica out of F1 season - if not entire career [w/video]

Followup: Injuries could force Kubica out of F1 season - if not entire career [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1kubicakubica crashlotuslotus renault gprenaultrenault f1robert kubicaronde di andoraskodaskoda fabia s2000Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19831338/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/07/followup-injuries-could-force-kubica-out-of-f1-season-if-not/19831338/article-detail.xml 19831338 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/italyf1renaultkubicainjured.3ea57e5873c741c68c4332a31fac0243_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/italyf1renaultkubicainjured.3ea57e5873c741c68c4332a31fac0243.jpg <![CDATA[Robert Kubica medevac'd from crash at Ronde di Andora Rally [Updated]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/06/breaking-robert-kubica-medevacd-from-crash-at-ronde-di-andora/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/06/breaking-robert-kubica-medevacd-from-crash-at-ronde-di-andora/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/06/breaking-robert-kubica-medevacd-from-crash-at-ronde-di-andora/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Robert Kubica

Formula One teams take a huge risk when they let one of their star drivers contest other forms of motorsport during the offseason. Never mind questions of focus: crashes happen all the time in every motorsport discipline, and one false step can have disastrous consequences for both driver and team.

Renault, however, has long permitted Robert Kubica to have his run at rallying on the side. Not unlike Kimi Raikkonen, Kubica has been proving himself a competent rally driver, but his skills didn't prevent him from suffering a high-speed crash today at the Ronde di Andora rally. This was the first time Kubica - fresh from topping the time sheets in the third F1 test session at Valencia - was driving a top-spec Super 2000 rally car, in this case a Skoda Fabia, which he crashed during the opening stage.

The Polish driver was airlifted to a local hospital, and though sources confirm that he remained conscious throughout, reports of multiple broken bones are circulating. This close to the opening of the 2011 F1 campaign, observers can't help but wonder what will happen if Kubica isn't well enough to start the season. Fortunately for the team, they've lined up a full roster of reserve drivers, including Bruno Senna, who is tipped as the top among them.

Of course we wish Kubica - who bounced back well from his spectacular crash at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix - a full and (characteristically) speedy recovery, and hope to see him back at the wheel in full health in short order. Follow the jump for the brief statement from Renault, and watch this space for more.

UPDATE: Lotus Renault GP reports that Kubica is undergoing surgery for multiple fractures to his right hand, arm and leg. Updated statement posted after the jump.

[Sources: Renault, Autosport]

Continue reading Robert Kubica medevac'd from crash at Ronde di Andora Rally [Updated]

Robert Kubica medevac'd from crash at Ronde di Andora Rally [Updated] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Feb 2011 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcrashkubicalotus renault gprallyrenaultrobert kubicaRonde di AndoraRonde di Andora rallyskodaSun, 06 Feb 2011 07:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19830417/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/06/breaking-robert-kubica-medevacd-from-crash-at-ronde-di-andora/19830417/article-detail.xml 19830417 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/q0c2085_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/q0c2085.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Skoda planning VW Up-based minicar?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/01/report-skoda-planning-vw-up-based-minicar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/01/report-skoda-planning-vw-up-based-minicar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/01/report-skoda-planning-vw-up-based-minicar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Volkswagen Up

According to Inside Line, Skoda is jumping into the minicar game with a little help from parent company Volkswagen. The Czech automaker is set to introduce a new model based on the same platform as the VW Up, with production gearing up toward the fall of 2011.

The vehicle doesn't have a name as of yet, but according to the report, the pint-sized machine is slated to be built at Volkswagen's Bratislava manufacturing facility. When it rolls off the production line, it will come packing an efficient 65-horsepower 1.0-liter gasoline engine, though a 75-horsepower 1.2-liter diesel mill will also be available at the time of launch.

Later down the line, there's word that Skoda will bring an all-electric version to the party as well. The baby Skoda is being designed to lock horns with the Toyota iQ and Peugeot 107, and Inside Line is reporting that it will likely carry a price tag of around $9,300 when it debuts.

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Skoda planning VW Up-based minicar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>minicarskodaskoda minicarupup minicarvolkswagenvolkswagen upTue, 01 Feb 2011 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19821978/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/01/report-skoda-planning-vw-up-based-minicar/19821978/article-detail.xml 19821978 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/volkswagen-up_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/volkswagen-up.jpg -1 2