Modified 2.5-liter Wagon Packs Insane Power
“We don’t get Skodas in the United States,” states the author. This statement holds true not only for the author’s American colleagues but also for the majority of Motor1’s audience. However, the author is one of the fortunate few who resides in Europe, where Skodas are a common sight on every street corner. Among the various models offered by the Czech car manufacturer, the Superb stands out as its flagship model. However, the model in question is not your average version of the range-topper.
In the wagon variant of its previous model, this pre-facelift Superb conceals a hidden Audi surprise within its engine. Despite Skoda’s limited offering of four-cylinder engines for this car, this particular green vehicle boasts an impressive five cylinders. The source of this power is none other than the 2.5 TFSI engine borrowed from an Audi RS3. With a stock output of 400 horsepower, this engine delivers a substantial increase of 120 hp compared to the highest-performing Superb offered by Skoda at the time.
The five-cylinder engine has been expertly tuned to produce an impressive 720 horsepower and a massive 830 Nm (612 lb-ft) of torque, effectively transforming this ordinary midsize wagon into a high-performing rocket. During a test drive on the fast-moving unrestricted lanes of the German Autobahn, this unassuming family car proved its ability by accelerating to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.32 seconds.
Despite its already impressive feats, the vehicle managed to complete the 62 to 124 mph (100 to 200 km/h) sprint in a mere 6.06 seconds, accomplishing an incredible 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) run in just under 10 seconds. As if that wasn’t enough, it also conquered the quarter-mile in a blazing 10.77 seconds. At full throttle, it came within striking distance of the coveted 300 km/h (186 mph) mark. However, as the speedometer hit 260 km/h (162 mph), it stubbornly refused to go any further.
During a time when emissions rules were less stringent, Skoda offered the Superb with more than just four cylinders. After the Volkswagen Group acquired the brand, the first-generation model featured powerful V6 engines, both gasoline and diesel. The successor to this had an even larger 3.6-liter VR6 engine. However, this was not the first time Skoda had offered a Superb with a larger engine. In fact, back in the 1930s and 1940s, the original Superb range included a robust 4.0-liter V8, as well as various inline-six options.
In the year 2024, the newly released Superb is now equipped with a four-cylinder engine that can produce up to 265 horsepower in its most powerful variant. However, it is unfortunate that Skoda has never made an RS version for this model. Nevertheless, one determined individual took matters into his own hands and was able to create a high-performance RS Superb by installing an RS3 engine.
This car is a great choice for any situation, as it offers speed, convenience, ample space, and decent technology without overwhelming the driver with massive screens. While it may not have a flashy design, Skoda’s typically understated style is considered elegant by many, including myself, in a time where cars are often over-designed.
Source: AutoTopNL / YouTube
This was an excellent read. Very thorough and well-researched.