Škoda has set a new land speed record for a two-litre forced induction production car, but Bluebird fails.
The Škoda Octavia vRS at the end of a run Image:Škoda UK |
The supercharged Octavia vRS, prepared by Škoda UK, the British arm of the VW-owned Czech manufacturer, reached an official speed of 227.080 mph (365.449 kph) after two runs on the Bonneville Salt Flat in Utah as part of the Bonneville Speed Week.
The car, driven by British journalist Richard Meaden, made two runs over two consecutive days; the first at 225.5 mph and the second at just 228.6 mph to provide the overall record time. The previous record was set in 2008 at 216 mph, a target easily passed by the 600 bhp (450 kW) Octavia, which required a parachute to slow it at the end of each run.
For many years the butt of jokes about its build quality and reliability, Škoda has had the last laugh since its purchase by VW, becoming one of the most popular brands in Europe and worldwide, passing the one million vehicle production mark for the first time in 2010 and is aiming to double its sales targets by 2018. The marque's latest speed record, reflects its move to target the performance market.
Meanwhile, at the UK's equivalent of Bonneville - Pendine Sands in Wales - the Bluebird Electric team failed to establish a new world land speed record for an electric car. Driven by Joe Wales, great-grandson of land speed legend Sir Malcolm Campbell and great-nephew of Donald Campbell, the record attempt ended in disappointment when poor conditions led to an accident which damaged the steering.
Powered by 300 Nickel-cadmium batteries, the car design is similar to the original Bluebird car that set land speed records driven by Malcolm in the 1920s and 30s. His son, Donald, was killed while trying to set a water speed record in the Bluebird K7 powerboat.
The Bluebird Electric Team is aiming to eventually set a new, eco-friendly record of around of 300 mph (482 kph).