Rumors are trickling in that Skoda still wants to release an RS performance spec for its second-gen Kodiaq. We are told that the SUV won’t be hybridized despite a major power boost.
According to Dr. Johannes Neft, one of the technical executives of the company, work on the Skoda RS has been going on for some time now – and the company has never been eager to electrify it. He did not provide any details, but it sounds like the powertrain design will be traditional in this version.
Earlier reports said the new Kodiaq RS would borrow some components from the Volkswagen Golf GTI and pack a similar 2.0-liter turbo engine with 272 PS (268 hp / 200 kW) or so. A dual-clutch transmission would convey the momentum to all four wheels, letting the car sprint 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in around 5.5 seconds.
It sounds like the new flagship will outperform not just the old-generation Kodiaq RS, but also the top versions of the standard SUV, which you can find in the gallery and the video below. The most powerful engine available for the new Kodiaq only makes 204 PS (201 hp / 150 kW).
The old-gen Kodiaq RS is obtainable with adaptive suspension and dual-valve shocks as long as you pay for them. The new generation may list both features under standard equipment.
We should learn more in 2024, when the new RS is expected to make its debut.
