Škoda UK is celebrating the 15th anniversary of setting a new Land Speed record at the famous Bonneville salt flats in Utah, USA. At 07:45 am local time on Friday 19 August 2011, a specially prepared Škoda Octavia vRS driven by motoring journalist Richard Meaden officially became the fastest 2.0-litre forced induction production car, registering a Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) sanctioned speed of 227.080 mph.
The project was masterminded by Škoda UK, with the record-breaking car ‘borrowed’ from the press fleet before being extensively modified for the task of breaking the existing record of 216 mph. Following its requisition, the production-spec Corrida Red Octavia vRS 2.0 TSI was subject to a complete strip-down and rebuild. Under the regulations set out by the Southern California Timing Association, only a certain number of modifications were permitted. Adding to the challenge was the fact that the Octavia’s 2.0 TSI engine was so new at the time that very few motorsport or high-performance upgrades were available from external suppliers.
While many teams prepare for record attempts years in advance, Škoda UK pulled its audacious effort together in a matter of weeks. Key upgrades to the standard Octavia vRS included a new injection system that could deliver more fuel to the engine’s eight injectors, alongside a new cooling system, complete with a larger 10-litre radiator. To enable a higher top speed, the longer-geared transmission from an Octavia GreenLine was also installed while the traditional brake discs and calipers were removed and replaced by a parachute, operated by a lever in the cabin. Not only did the parachute deliver a more effective way of slowing the car on the salt surface, the removal of the discs and calipers delivered a useful weight saving and a reduction in drag. Polished wheel covers and lowered suspension further contributed to the Octavia’s aerodynamic performance.
Inside, the standard cabin was stripped out to the bare minimum to reduce weight and improve performance. To ensure the safety of the driver, a motorsport-specification roll cage was installed, along with a large fire suppression system and a special seat.
Ahead of the record attempt at Bonneville’s famous Speed Week, the team put the finished car through a rigorous dyno programme with the assistance of performance software and tuning outfit specialist REVO Technik.
Although the history books show that the ‘Salt spec’ Octavia became the first Škoda to hold an official Land Speed Record, the team’s original target had been more modest. Long before it came clear that the existing record might be beatable, the team had wanted to break the 200 mph barrier. It was only after the car eased past the famous ‘double century’ in early runs that the team realised that a record-breaking attempt would be possible.
The Octavia vRS’ record-breaking run consisted of two official sprints of Bonneville’s famous five-mile course: the first at 225.513 mph on Thursday, 18 August, with the return at 228.647 mph on Friday, 19 August. Škoda UK’s record stood for more than a decade.
Following its record-breaking feat, the ‘Bonneville Special’ Octavia returned to the UK and underwent a complete restoration and rebuild. The freshly restored racer was put through its paces once again in 2021, when members of the motoring press took to the high-speed bowl at Millbrook Proving Ground, before the car settled into a well-earned retirement as part of the Škoda UK heritage fleet.
Today, the Bonneville Special has returned home to the Czech Republic, where it is now permanently on display at the Škoda Auto Museum in Mladá Boleslav. There, visitors can see this unique record-breaking Octavia up close and discover the fascinating story behind one of the most extraordinary cars in the brand’s history.
