Skoda Kodiaq RS sets seven-seat SUV Nurburgring record

Skoda's Kodiaq RS has set a new lap record for the fastest seven-seat SUV around the Nurburgring, the Czech car-maker has announced.

Lapping the 20.8km road course in 9 minutes and 29.84 seconds, the record-breaking lap was set by racer and former Top Gear TV host, Sabine Schmitz.

To put the Kodiaq RS lap into context, the fastest SUV (five-seat) to lap the 'Green Hell' is the Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV that set a storming lap of just 7:51.7 back in September 2017 -- a considerable 1:38.14 faster than the diesel-powered Skoda SUV.

Despite the record, Skoda hasn't released full details of the hot new Kodiaq, although it's thought the family-friendly fast SUV will come with a twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine that churns out 177kW/500Nm.

Combined with all-wheel drive and a lightning-quick seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Kodiaq should hit 100km/h in less than 6.5 seconds and top out at around 240km/h.

The Kodiaq's Nurburgring lap record was almost certainly assisted by a larger set of 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels and more powerful brakes, plus upgraded suspension comprising shorter springs and stiffer dampers that would have provided for better body control.

From the pics of the record-breaking -- but still disguised -- Kodiaq RS, it's also possible to make out a larger front air intake and subtle lip and boot spoilers to improve stability at high speed.

It's still not been confirmed whether or not the faster Kodiaq RS is destined to be sold Down Under, following concerns that it won't have enough cooling for a 'hot weather' market like Australia.

If it does make it here, Skoda might follow the lead of other Volkswagen Group-owned brands like Audi and detune the Kodiaq RS to meet the car-maker's internal standards.

The fast Czech SUV is now expected to make its official debut at the Paris motor show in early October, although it's likely the Kodiaq RS will be fully unveiled before then.