The new fourth-generation Skoda Superb is currently rolling out into overseas dealerships, and the Czech brand’s UK office has decided to send off its predecessor with a demonstration of what could have been.
Say hello to the Skoda Superb Sleeper Edition, based on the highly-equipped and luxurious Laurin & Klement variant (not sold in Australia), but with significant performance upgrades to take on rapid sports cars while retaining enough space to take the family with you.
100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
The Superb’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine (known as the EA888) normally produces 206kW and 400Nm, but this Sleeper now packs a 350kW and 661Nm punch, more than the last-generation V8-powered Holden Commodore SS V Redline wagon could manage.
A larger Garrett turbo, uprated fuel system and new induction parts were installed by RE Performance to achieve the hefty performance figures.
The British firm had previously built a Skoda Octavia vRS to take on the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2011, with the highly-modified model hitting 365km/h, a new class Land Speed Record.
In the Superb Sleeper, drive continues to be sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission – Australian examples are only available with a six-speed – though further enhancements were made under the skin to keep its circa-1700kg kerb weight under control.
While it rides on the same silver 19-inch alloys as all Laurin & Klement examples, they’re now shod in grippier Yokohama tyres, sitting in front of massive AP Racing brake capilers.
The fitment of KW coilovers has also resulted in a significant 50mm ride height drop, allowing the big wagon to get its centre of gravity low.
Inside though it’s a standard Superb, as Skoda has foregone making any changes to its Cognac tan leather upholstery – which compliments the Royal Green exterior finish.
Unfortunately, this is the only example Skoda will produce, as it’s already turned its attention to the fourth-generation Superb, which is due to roll out in Australia early next year.
Recent government approval documents have shown just one engine will be available here, the latest version of the Volkswagen Group’s venerable 2.0-litre turbo-four, though it now only makes 195kW instead of 206kW.
Though the third-gen Superb’s flagship 206TSI grade matched the outputs of the contemporary Volkswagen Golf R and Audi S3 when it launched, the two performance-focused models have since been wound up to pump out 235kW and 228kW, respectively.
MORE: Everything Skoda Superb
