Skoda builds electric race car concept based on Enyaq RS coupe SUV
10/12/2024 05:00 PM
The Skoda Enyaq RS coupe SUV has been transformed into a race-ready concept to support the development of new technologies and sustainable materials.
A race-ready version of the Skoda Enyaq RS coupe SUV has been unveiled as part of a pilot program from the brand's motorsport division.
The all-electric Skoda Enyaq RS Race concept has been developed to support the development of new technologies and sustainable materials, including carbon fibre and an artificial engine noise generator.
While it features an identical dual motor setup as the standard Enyaq RS with a 250kW total system output, along with the same 82kWh lithium-ion battery pack, Skoda has reduced the concept's weight and improved its aerodynamics.
Its 0-100km/h acceleration time has been slashed to less than five seconds, while it retains the same 180km/h top speed as the standard model.
Skoda Motorsport says it reassembled individual bodywork parts to create the Enyaq RS Race with its dimensions being 70mm lower, 72mm wider at the front, and 116mm wider at the rear.
Compared to the standard Enyaq RS Coupe, the concept has modified headlight housings to accommodate larger wheels with darkened headlight lenses, darker tail-light lenses, redesigned bumpers, 20-inch wheels with low-profile tyres, and a single elongated LED strip between the headlights replacing the production model's 'Crystal Face' design.
Under the skin, Skoda Motorsport has replaced the Enyaq RS's adaptive suspension with sports suspension allowing for individual adjustments to the spring stiffness, compression, and rebound settings, modified shock absorbers, and a rally-type hydraulic handbrake.
Revised components include biocomposite parts for its bumpers, fenders, roof, roof vent, rear wing, roof panel, dashboard, door panels, and footrests for the driver and passenger, while the side and rear windows are made of lightweight polycarbonate.
All factory-fitted components not required for the car's intended racing use have been removed, with the weight savings totalling 316 kilograms.
Items derived from the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 race car include Atech racing seats with six-point seat belts, a safety door filling, an automatic fire extinguisher, and its pedal system.
It also features WRC-like green and red lights to indicate the status of the high-voltage system, and protective skids on its underside to prevent excessive wear to the chassis components and protect the battery.
Other changes include a roll cage, a high-performance braking system with carbon-ceramic brake discs, ten-piston callipers at the front, four-piston callipers at the rear, and a new brake cooling system, along with several aerodynamic enhancements.
The aerodynamic enhancements include a large rear wing, a revised roof, a NACA air intake to channel air into the interior, small winglets at the rear of the roof to direct airflow to the wing, and a redesigned air intake with a tilted radiator wall.
It also sports additional air curtains, wider fenders, a new rear diffuser, wing-shaped air-guiding elements to minimise turbulence around the wheels, and grilles in the front and rear wheel arches to enhance aerodynamics and brake cooling.
Skoda Motorsport has also installed a racing steering wheel with linear steering, an adjustable steering weight, and a Havas-branded audio system with a digital sound amplifier louder than the production model to deliver a "characteristic, exhilarating motorsport sound" at speeds above 29km/h.
The production version of the Skoda Enyaq is due in Australia next month in Sportline and RS trims from $69,990 before on-road costs with the model restricted to the coupe body style locally.
MORE: 2025 Skoda Enyaq price and specs – European Model Y rival arrives
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