Popped into my local dealer to get my car serviced and I asked him what was in the pipeline with regards to new models and he said that there was a lot of talk amongst dealers about a 225 or 230 bhp vRS hatchback and estate. He also said that it shouldn't be a problem as it was just the chip they would have to modify. Anyone else heard anything?

Shaun

Hmm, if thats true Skoda would be effectively removing their own reason for objecting to chipping.Therefore i personally don't see it happening.

Would be nice to have an "official" upgrade though

Maybe it is just that, a Skoda approved dealer upgrade to the standard 1.8T engine?

Would be nice to see something like that become available, but I think I agree with the cynics and say that it won't happen any day soon unfortunately :( Please let them prove us wrong!

Q.

..On the other hand , with the new Octavia coming out next year , might they not use this tactic to shift some tin in the dying days of the original Octy??

Seems a good theory to me if it wasn't for Shaun's remark that "it was just the chip they would have to modify".

If it would be an official new model, then they would put the S3/TT engine in, with the K04 turbo - a safe, solid and tested option, with no warranty aspects at all. But would VAG dare, with the new Cupra R only just launched?

Which indeed begs the question: are Skoda UK turning back on their upgrade policy? Or will it be a new model? Either way would be very interesting! I'd like to know Shaun's dealer's precise words...

I'll believe it when I see it.

Well to be honest those were more or less his exact words. He just stated that the rumours are that in the pipeline there is a 225/230 bhp octavia coming out. Also that it shouldn't be too much of a problem as it's just a chip upgrade, he may have said it a bit naively (assuming that Skoda would just change the chip I mean) as he also went on to say that there were a few dealers that were getting their stock upgraded to 230bhp by chipping) and selling them and honouring the warranties. Jabbasport were mentioned.

Seems there a few dealers who now sell RS' with chip upgrades. It makes sense seeing as the new wave of hot hatch are pumping out 200 bhp.

I know 180BHP is more than enough for most people but for those who a moving from say, a BMW, 180 probably isn't enough. Also as the car is to be replaced very soon a run out special wouldn't be off the mark either.

That said I can't remember Skoda doing very many special editions, Black/SilverLine Fabias apart.

If my mails todays seems just like rambling, I apologise as I've got the flu and am "juiced-up" at home.

Cheers.

Adrian.

If they did do a "souped up" version, I wonder if it'd be just the extra power, or if it would include other extras, say a 6 speed gearbox for example.

Thinking about it, such a car probably wouldn't be a good buy, given that the re-designed model is due out next year. Depreciation would most likely be pretty sharp. Unless it was offered with something pretty special like 4WD, it would probably be better to stick with what you've got and chip it!

Originally posted by Witchfinder in this post

Thinking about it, such a car probably wouldn't be a good buy, given that the re-designed model is due out next year. Depreciation would most likely be pretty sharp.

Oh, I wouldn't worry about that too much with that sort of motor!

If rumours are correct that there won't be a new RS or 4x4 immediately after the new model is launched - and why would they, most manufacturers save the best for last - it will be a very much sought-after object until, say, 2006? Maybe even 2007?

Ahh - thinking out loud, S.Reid

I'm wondering whether its the couple of dealers that are forming a 'close' alliance with Jabba rather than an official 'Skoda UK' 225bhp Octavia ?

Either way - whether its official Skoda UK or Jabba, I can personally vouch that the car is well capable of handling 220bhp and more

I can't think of any manufacturers/dealers that replace chips in the ECU rather than the ECU itself in the event of problems. So maybe any performance upgrade would involve buying an 'upgraded' ECU plus dealer fitting charge. That way Skoda and dealers could make a profit. A flash upgrade would be too easy by far.

Denis, when the S3 first came out it was 210bhp. Later versions were 225. When your 210 went in for service they flashed the ECU et voila after service you had a 225.

Originally posted by TaviaRS in this post

Denis, when the S3 first came out it was 210bhp. Later versions were 225. When your 210 went in for service they flashed the ECU et voila after service you had a 225.

I should hope they do this with your knowledge... ?

Q.

Thanks for that info, Jon. I live and learn. Quinten, I would be very happy if they did that to my car without telling me - then I wouldn't have anything embarrassing to tell my insurers!

I suppose so...

Id like that service too plase! and for free coz im skint! Or maybe the mechanic could total it on the test drive and then the dealer would say "Im sorry sir , we appear to have written your car off...here , these are the keys to a 1967 100 point concours winning Pontiac GTO...and heres 10 grand for petrol , have a nice day!"...well it is nice to dream!

Have you seen the black gto in triple x?

Not seen the movie , but i have seen glimpses of the car in clips.