Škoda Superb

Škoda Superb
Overview
Manufacturer	Škoda Auto
Production	1934–1949 2001–present
Body and chassis
Class	Large family car

The Škoda Superb is a large family car produced by the Czech car manufacturer Škoda Auto from 1934 to 1949 and from 2001 to present, as its flagship model.

The first modern version, produced from 2001 to 2008, was based on the platform of the Volkswagen Passat and shared with it some mechanical components, but was elongated by 10 centimetres (3.9 in). The second version is no longer based on the Passat and has surpassed it in most of the professional tests. It is currently the largest and most luxurious model in Škoda's model range. Due to its large wheelbase it is also considered a competitor for the executive cars.^[1]

The original Superb had been a luxury car produced by Škoda between 1934 and 1949. It was the manufacturer's first car available with all wheel drive and V8 engine.

Original Superbs (1934–1949)

Škoda Superb
1939 Škoda Superb OHV
Overview
Production	1934–1943 1946–1949
Assembly	Mladá Boleslav, Czechoslovakia (ASAP)
Designer	Vladimír Matouš

Background

The Superb, which debuted in 1934, was Škoda's first car available with V8 engine and all-wheel drive.

Škoda introduced a new line of cars in 1930s which significantly differed from its previous products. A new design of chassis with backbone tube and all-around independent suspension was developed under the leadership of chief engineer Vladimír Matouš and derived from the one introduced by Hans Ledwinka at Tatra. First used on the 420 Standard in 1933, it aimed at solving the problem of insufficient torsional stiffness of the ladder frame.^[2]

The new chassis design became the basis for the Popular, Rapid, Favorit, and Superb.^[2] While in 1933 Škoda had a 14% share of the Czechoslovak car market, behind Praga and Tatra, the new line made it a market leader by 1936, with a 39% share in 1938.^[2]

The Superb was introduced in 1934, at the time being Škoda's second highest type after the 650 (discontinued the same year) and costing about double the price of a Rapid, similar to its contemporary pricing policy. The Superb was a successor type to 860, a luxurious limousine with straight-eight engine, built 1929-1932.^[3]

Design

The central supporting tube was split up in front, making place for attachment of the engine and gearbox. The drive shaft inside of the tube was powering rear wheels. All wheels had relatively independent suspension with leaf springs (one in the front and two in the rear). Four drum brakes were using hydraulic system, while mechanical handbrake was effective only on rear wheels.^[3]

Specifications

Model	Type	Production years	Units made	Engine	Horse- power	Top speed (km/h)	Avg. L/100km	Length	Width	Height
Superb	640	1934–39	201	2.5 L I6 SV	55	110	17	5,500 mm (216.5 in)	1,700 mm (66.9 in)	1,700 mm (66.9 in)
Superb	902	1936–37	53	2.7 L I6 SV	60	115	17	5,500 mm (216.5 in)	1,700 mm (66.9 in)	1,700 mm (66.9 in)
Superb	913	1936–39	350	2.9 L I6 SV	65	120	17	5,500 mm (216.5 in)	1,700 mm (66.9 in)	1,700 mm (66.9 in)
Superb OHV	924	1938–43 1946–49	275	3.1 L I6 OHV	85	125	18	5,200 mm (204.7 in)	1,760 mm (69.3 in) / 1,800 mm (70.9 in)	1,710 mm (67.3 in) / 1,720 mm (67.7 in)
Superb 3000	952 956	1941–43 1942–43	1631	3.1 L I6 OHV	85	100 90	18	4,800 mm (189.0 in)	1,800 mm (70.9 in)	1,720 mm (67.7 in)
Superb 4000	919	1939–40	12	4.0 L V8 OHV	96	135	24	5,700 mm (224.4 in)	1,800 mm (70.9 in)	1,750 mm (68.9 in)

First and second generation (Type 640)

The first engine used in Superb was an in-line six cylinder flathead with 2,492 cc. It had a dry clutch and four speed gear-box with synchronization of the 3rd and 4th gear. The car was offered with bodywork with either 4 or 6 seats. The chassis weighted 1130 kg and whole car, depending on version, some 1680 kg. Two series of this type were made.^[3]

Third generation (Type 902)

A new generation of Superb was introduced in May 1936 as type 902.

When Škoda introduced Superb in 1934, one of its main Czechoslovak competitors, Tatra, started manufacturing its V8 type 77, the world's first serially produced aerodynamic car. Accordingly, 902 had more rounded bodywork and front face more similar to the smaller Popular and Rapid. The engine was enlarged to 2,703 cc and it was fitted to a new gearbox with aluminum case.^[3]

902 was available as four or six seater saloon car and as a two door cabriolet. Also available was a saloon car with longer and more aerodynamic carrossery made by company Sodomka.^[3]

Fourth generation (Type 913)

Another change came in October 1936, with the Superb type 913. The front of the car was redesigned and its flathead in-line six engine was enlarged to 2,914 cc.^[3]

Type 913 was available in three basic versions: a six or seven-seater limousine, five-seater saloon and five-seater two-door car. Other less common versions included luxury two-door cabriolet, ambulance cars, vans and a pick-up truck. Production ended in February 1939.^[3]

Fifth generation

Type 924

The first prototype of the type 924 was made already in 1937, however it entered production only later in 1939 (with a dozen 913 models using the 924 engine being made in 1938). The car had a new 3,140 cc OHV engine, extended wheelbase and shorter, more rounded bodywork. The 924 is characterized by spare-wheels behind the front mudguards instead of the floor of the rear trunk.^[3]

The main version was a six-seater limousine. Its middle row of seats could be folded, allowing more space for the passengers in the rear.^[3]

After the war, production of Superb continued in small numbers also in 1947-48, when sixty saloons and one hundred open-top cars were made, some of them in a luxurious version intended for parades. Officially, they were all delivered to the Czechoslovak Ministry of Interior.^[3]

Types 952 and 956

In 1941–43, Škoda, in the then Nazi-occupied Bohemia, started manufacturing also military version for Wehrmacht and its Nazi Allies based on the 924 type. The production started with 952 type rear-wheel drive version and culminated, briefly, with all-wheel drive type 956.^[4]

There were three military versions available: Kfz 21, a luxury command cabriolet used by high officers in the field such as General Heinz Guderian and Field Marshal Erwin Rommel^[5] (100 made),^[4] Kfz 15, a personnel-carrier and a raid car (1,600 made)^[4] and as a military ambulance (30 made).^[4]

Superb 4000 (Type 919)

In 1939 Škoda introduced Superb Type 4000. With OHV V8 engine having 3,990 cc, this model was extended in length to 5,700 mm (224.4 in), about the same as the 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost. Unlike the inline-six models, the V8 had three gears with second and third gears synchronized. Only twelve cars of this type were made.^[3]

Several historical Škoda Superb cars can be seen at the Škoda Auto Museum in Mladá Boleslav.

First generation (Typ 3U; 2001–2008)

Škoda Superb B5 (3U)
Overview
Production	December 2001–March 2008
Assembly	Kvasiny, Czech Republic Aurangabad, India (Škoda India) Anting, China (Shanghai Volkswagen) Solomonovo, Ukraine (Eurocar) Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan[6]
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group B5 (PL45+)
Related	Volkswagen Passat Lingyu
Powertrain
Engine	1.8 L I4 turbo (petrol) 2.0 L I4 (petrol) 2.8 L V6 (petrol) 1.9 L I4 (diesel) 2.0 L I4 (diesel) 2.5 L V6 (diesel)
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,803 mm (110.4 in)
Length	4,803 mm (189.1 in)
Width	1,765 mm (69.5 in)
Height	1,489 mm (58.6 in)

The first generation of the modern Škoda Superb used the Volkswagen Group B5 PL45+ platform from 1999 Shanghai-Volkswagen Passat B5 LWB, whose wheelbase is 10 centimetres (3.9 in) longer than the standard Passat B5. Then, in 2005, Shanghai Volkswagen imported the Superb B5, rebadging it as Volkswagen Passat Lingyu.^[7] In 2009, one year after Škoda Superb B5 had been discontinued in Europe, the facelifted SVW Passat Lingyu was unveiled in China.^[8] In 2011, SVW Passat Lingyu was discontinued, succeeded by SVW Passat NMS.

It is available with several petrol and diesel internal combustion engines, which are all also available throughout the rest of the Volkswagen Group range; and like the B5 Passat and B6/B7 Audi A4 which use the same platform, are mounted at the front, and orientated longitudinally. The base model, the 'Classic', is available with a 1.9 litre inline four cylinder (I4) Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) turbodiesel which produces a rated motive power output of 74 kilowatts (101 PS; 99 bhp), or a 2.0 litre petrol inline-four rated at 85 kW (116 PS; 114 bhp). The 'Comfort' and 'Elegance' models are offered with a 1.8 20-valve Turbo petrol I4 rated at 119 kW (162 PS; 160 bhp), or either a 142 kW (193 PS; 190 bhp) V6 2.8 litre petrol engine, or a 2.5 litre V6 TDI rated at 120 kW (163 PS; 161 bhp).The 1.9 TDi PD base model is still commonly used as a taxi in Prague, Czech Republic.

Transmissions available are a five-speed or a six-speed manual gearbox, or a ZF-sourced five-speed tiptronic automatic. As well as offering Volkswagen's long-standing 1.9 litre "Pumpe Düse" (PD) Unit Injector engine, the Superb eventually gained the use of the latest 103 kW (140 PS; 138 bhp) 2.0 litre TDIs found in other cars of the Volkswagen Group.

The Superb received a minor facelift in August 2006^[9] to incorporate Škoda's new radiator grille, headlights, side-repeater indicators integrated into the door mirrors, and C-shaped tail lights in the style of Škoda Roomster and latest Škoda Octavia. An interior redesign completed the upgrades. A 'Laurin and Klement' model became the top of the range, deposing the 'Elegance' model from that position. A range of new engines was introduced and the interior featured real wood as part of some trim levels. Akin to the Rolls-Royce Phantom, the 'Comfort', 'Elegance' and 'Laurin & Klement' models even have an umbrella secreted in the rear door panel.

• 

  Škoda Superb rear ¾ view

• 

  Front ¾ of facelifted Škoda Superb

Engines

Engine	Power	Torque	Top speed	0-60 mph (seconds)	Avg. mpg
2.0 I4	115 hp (86 kW; 117 PS)	127 lb·ft (172 N·m)	122 mph (196 km/h)	11.6	32.8
1.8 I4 TFSi	150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS)	155 lb·ft (210 N·m)	134 mph (216 km/h)	9.5	34.0
2.8 V6	193 hp (144 kW; 196 PS)	207 lb·ft (281 N·m)	147 mph (237 km/h)	8.0	28.2
1.9 I4TDi PD	104 hp (78 kW; 105 PS)	185 lb·ft (251 N·m)	119 mph (192 km/h)	12.3	47.9
2.0 I4TDi PD	140 hp (104 kW; 142 PS)	236 lb·ft (320 N·m)	133 mph (214 km/h)	9.6	44.1
2.5 V6 TDi PD	163 hp (122 kW; 165 PS)	258 lb·ft (350 N·m)	139 mph (224 km/h)	9.2	35.8

Second generation (Typ 3T; 2008–present)

Škoda Superb B6 (3T)
Overview
Production	2008–present
Assembly	Kvasiny, Czech Republic Anting, China (Shanghai Volkswagen) Aurangabad, India (Škoda India) Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door liftback 5-door estate
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group A6 PQ46
Related	Volkswagen Passat Mk6
Powertrain
Engine	1.4 L I4 turbo (petrol) 1.8 L I4 turbo (petrol) 2.0 L I4 turbo (petrol) 3.6 L VR6 (petrol) 1.6 L I4 (diesel) 1.9 L I4 (diesel) 2.0 L I4 (diesel) 2.0 L I4 (diesel)
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic (DSG) 7-speed automatic (DSG)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,761 mm (108.7 in)
Length	4,838 mm (190.5 in)
Width	1,817 mm (71.5 in)
Height	1,462 mm (57.6 in)

An all new Škoda Superb (B6, Typ 3T) was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in early March 2008.^[10]

Based on a stretched version of the latest A5 Octavia platform, the Volkswagen Group A6 PQ46, this new Superb is a five-door five-seat liftback saloon/sedan, with an innovative rear door that can double as a regular separate saloon boot, and full liftback, known as 'Twin-Door'. Being based on the Octavia A5 platform, this latest Superb now utilises a transverse engine layout.

Petrol engine options include five Volkswagen Group sourced units; consisting of an entry-level 92 kilowatts (125 PS; 123 bhp) 1.4-litre inline-four cylinder (I4) TFSI (with a turbocharger and Fuel Stratified Injection), a 118 kW (160 PS; 158 bhp) 1.8-litre I4 TFSI, a 147 kW (200 PS; 197 bhp) 2.0-litre I4 TFSI, a flagship 3.6-litre 191 kW (260 PS; 256 bhp) FSI VR6 engine (a detuned version of that fitted in the Passat R36) complete with 4motion four-wheel drive and six-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG). Diesel engine options will include 2.0-litre I4 Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) with common rail which is rated at 103 kW (140 PS; 138 bhp), 2.0-litre I4 TDI 125 kW (170 PS; 168 bhp) with common rail, and a 77 kW (105 PS; 103 bhp) 1.9-litre I4 TDI Greenline with reduced fuel consumption.

Trim levels available in the majority of Europe are the 'Comfort', 'Ambition', 'Elegance', 'Greenline', 'Exclusive' and 'Laurin & Klement' (May 2012) - with Laurin & Klement being top of the range. In the UK market, the levels available are 'S', 'SE', 'Elegance', 'Laurin & Klement' and 'Greenline'. Transmissions include five- and six-speed manual gearboxes, and the popular automatic Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) with either six- or seven-speeds, as an option on almost all engine/trim combinations. The wheels are choice of 16", 17" and 18".

A 'Combi' five-door estate version of the Skoda Superb was presented to the press in June 2009, and debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009.^[11]

The Škoda Superb 3,6 FSI 4x4 is currently Škoda's most luxurious and fastest production car, with a top speed 250 km/h and acceleration of 0–100 km/h in 6,5 seconds.

Superb includes Bi-Xenon headlamps with AFS and headlamp washers, front proximity sensors, park assist system, tyre pressure monitoring system, navigation system and large 6.5” colour touch-screen display, TV broadcast receiver, electrically adjustable seat and mirrors, rain sensors, sunroof with solar panels that allow a parked car the circulation of cool air and cooling tray for drinks, changer for 6 CDs with a slot for an SD or MMC card, heated seats and ventilated front seats upholstered in leather, with 633 litres of luggage space.

Reception

It was named Luxury Car of the Year in 2009 by Top Gear Magazine.^[12] In the German magazine, Auto, Motor und Sport, Superb won the first place at best cars of the 2012 survey with more than 29% votes in imported cars category.^[13]

• 

  Rear ¾ of Škoda Superb TSI

• 

  Cockpit of latest Škoda Superb TSI in Ambition trim

• 

  Detail of the headlight

• 

  Rear ¾ of Škoda Superb Combi

Engines

Model	Years	Engine and code		Displ.	Power	Top speed	0–100 km/h	Torque
1.4 TSI	2008-	I4 16V	CAXC	1390 cc	92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp) at 5000 rpm	201 km/h	10.5 s	200 N·m (150 lb·ft) at 1500-4000 rpm
1.8 TSI	2008-	I4 16V		1798 cc	118 kW (160 PS; 158 hp) at 4500-6200 rpm	220 km/h	8.6 s	250 N·m (180 lb·ft) at 1500-4500 rpm
2.0 TSI	2008-	I4 16V	CCZA	1984 cc	147 kW (200 PS; 197 hp) at 5100-6000 rpm	240 km/h	7.8 s	280 N·m (210 lb·ft) at 1700-5000 rpm
3.6 FSI VR6	2008-	VR6 24V	CDVA	3597 cc	191 kW (260 PS; 256 hp) at 6000 rpm	250 km/h	6.5 s	350 N·m (260 lb·ft) at 2500-5000 rpm
1.6 TDI CR DPF	2009-	I4 16V	CAYC	1598 cc	77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) at 4400 rpm	190 km/h	12.5 s	250 N·m (180 lb·ft) at 1500-2500 rpm
2.0 TDI CR DPF	2008-	I4 16V	CFFB	1968 cc	103 kW (140 PS; 138 hp) at 4200 rpm	207 km/h	10.2 s	320 N·m (240 lb·ft) at 1750-2500 rpm
2.0 TDI CR DPF	2008-	I4 16V	CBBB	1968 cc	125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) at 4200 rpm	222 km/h	8.8 s	350 N·m (260 lb·ft) at 1750-2500 rpm
1.9 TDI PD DPF (GreenLine only)	2008-2010	I4 8V	BLS/BXE	1896 cc	77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) at 4000 rpm	190 km/h	12.5 s	250 N·m (180 lb·ft) at 1900 rpm
2.0 TDI PD DPF	2008-2009	I4 8V	BMP	1968 cc	103 kW (140 PS; 138 hp) at 4000 rpm	207 km/h	10.2 s	320 N·m (240 lb·ft) at 1800-2500 rpm

Facelift

In April 2013, Škoda unveiled a facelifted Superb in Shanghai, with an updated design and logo. New features include: electrically operated front and rear passenger seats and improved electrical functions for the boot/trunk. It was released for sale in the European market in June 2013.^[14]

• 

  Rear ¾ of facelifted Škoda Superb B6

• 

  Front ¾ of facelifted Škoda Superb B6

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Škoda Superb.

• New Skoda Superb 2014 Facelift
• Škoda Superb Official Website
• Škoda Superb UK Website

v t e Škoda Auto — a marque of the Volkswagen Group Current models Cars Citigo Fabia Rapid (India) Rapid (Europe) Octavia Superb Crossovers/SUVs Yeti Discontinued models 105 / 120 / 125 S100 / 110 110R Coupé 130 / 135 / 136 440 / 445 Popular Favorit Felicia Garde 1203 / 1500 1000 / 1100 MB Octavia (1959–1971) Rapid (1935–1947) Rapid (1984) Superb (1934–1942) Concept models Joyster Laurin & Klement Škoda Auto corporate website A marque of the Volkswagen Group Škoda Auto engines Škoda Auto India Škoda Motorsport

v t e « previous — Škoda Auto, a marque of the Volkswagen Group, car timeline, 1990–present
Type	1990s										2000s										2010s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3
City car																						Citigo
Supermini	Favorit / Forman				Felicia						Fabia I							Fabia II
Small family car																							Rapid
							Octavia I								Octavia II									Octavia III
Large family car													Superb I						Superb II
LAV																	Roomster / Praktik
Mini SUV																				Yeti

v t e Volkswagen Group VR6 engine timeline, 1990–present — an engine of the Volkswagen Group
Global availability of VR-engined vehicles
cylinders & valves	displacement & ID code(s)	1990s										2000s										2010s
		0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
VR6 12v
	2.8: AAA		Passat B3			Passat B4
				Corrado
				Golf Mk3 / Jetta/Vento Mk3
	2.9: ABV			Corrado
							Passat B4
							Golf Mk3 / Syncro
	2.8: AES							Eurovan (US only)
	2.8: AFP										Golf Mk4 / Bora
VR5 10v
	2.3: AGZ								Passat B5
									Bora
VR5 20v
	2.3: AZX / AQN											New Beetle
													Bora
													Passat B5.5
VR6 24v
	2.8: BDF / AQP / AUE / BDE / AYL											Bora / Golf Mk4
												Eurovan (US only)
												Sharan
												Alhambra
													León (1M) Cupra 4
	3.2: AXJ / AZZ / BDL / BFH / BKJ / BUB												New Beetle RSi
															Golf Mk4 R32			Golf Mk5 R32
	3.2 FSI: AXZ																	Passat B6 3.2 FSI
	3.6 FSI: BLV / BWS																Passat B6 3.6 FSI
																				Passat R36
																				Passat CC
																					Superb B6
Volkswagen Group corporate website An engine of the Volkswagen Group List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines List of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol engines