We do not get Skodas within the United States. And by “we,” I imply my fellow American colleagues and the vast majority of Motor1‘s viewers. But I’m lucky sufficient to dwell in Europe, the place Skodas are a typical sight on each road nook. The firm’s flagship mannequin is the Superb, however this one is not any unusual model of the Czech range-topper.
A previous-generation mannequin within the wagon physique type, this pre-facelift Superb hides an Audi secret below its hood. While Skoda offered the automobile completely with four-cylinder engines, this inexperienced machine ups the cylinder depend to 5. Yes, it has a 2.5 TFSI unit from an Audi RS3. The engine from Ingolstadt makes about 400 horsepower in inventory type, already a wholesome increase of 120 hp in comparison with probably the most potent Superb supplied by Skoda throughout this technology.
The inline-five has been massaged to ship a bonkers 720 hp and 830 Nm (612 lb-ft) of torque, subsequently turning an in any other case mundane midsize wagon into an absolute rocket. The sleeper household property was pushed onerous on an unrestricted part of the German Autobahn the place it wanted simply 3.32 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h).
As if that wasn’t spectacular sufficient, it accomplished the 62 to 124 mph (100 to 200 km/h) dash in 6.06 seconds, reaching a 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) run in simply 9.38 seconds. The quarter-mile took 10.77 seconds. Flat out, it nearly reached the magical 300 km/h (186 mph) mark. You can see the speedometer simply gave up after 260 km/h (162 mph), refusing to go any increased.
Back when emissions laws weren’t as strict, Skoda was promoting the Superb with greater than 4 cylinders. The first-generation mannequin for the reason that Volkswagen Group took over had V6 gasoline and diesel engines whereas its successor had a 3.6-liter VR6. The unique Superb supplied throughout the Thirties and Forties had an enormous ol’ 4.0-liter V8 in addition to a wide range of inline-sixes.
In 2024, the just lately launched Superb is a four-banger affair, topping out at 265 horsepower for probably the most potent mannequin of the lot. Sadly, Skoda has by no means supplied a high-performance RS version however this man constructed one for himself by cramming in an RS3 engine.
It’s an ideal all-rounder because it’s quick, sensible, spacious, and has respectable tech, with out shoving big screens in your face. The styling will not set your pulse racing however within the age of overdesigned vehicles, the sometimes understated Skodas are deemed as elegant by some of us, yours really included.