Automakers have become obsessed with Nurburgring lap times to the point where claiming a lap record has become one of the highest goals for many new models. We mostly hear about new sports cars competing for the production car record, which is currently held by the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, but sometimes the records are more specific, like fastest sedan or wagon. In this case, Volkswagen's sister company Skoda has produced the Kodiaq RS, which was now become the fastest seven-seater SUV to lap the famous track in Germany.

To help achieve the record, Skoda teamed up with Sabine Schmitz, Top Gear host and legendary Nurburgring specialist, as well as being the only woman to win the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. Schmitz is famous for driving a number of wacky vehicles around the ring, including a Ford van for a Top Gear segment.

The Kodiaq RS achieved a time of 9:29.84, which is impressive for such a large SUV. Unfortunately, the Skoda was no match for the SUV lap record holder, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV, which laid down a time of 7:51.7. Since the Stelvio and many of its competitors do not have a third row, the Kodiaq can keep its record, at least for now. We could foresee a few vehicles beating the Kodiaq and its 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine producing 236 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The Mercedes GLS 63 AMG for instance produces 577 hp, but perhaps it has never been around the Nurburgring. Either way, this record is impressive and Skoda should be pleased. Now if we could just have it in the US, that'd be great.