- Skoda has unveiled the Enyaq RS Race concept, which is based on the Enyaq Coupe vRS.
- The electric crossover coupe has undergone a radical transformation and has lost 697 lbs thanks to the use of biocomposite components.
- The concept has 335 hp and can hit 62 mph in less than five seconds.
Skoda Motorsport has unveiled the new Enyaq RS Race concept, which is a high-performance crossover coupe that’s track-ready. The model is fully electric and features a host of upgrades focused on saving weight and being a worthy competitor.
The motorsport mission is immediately apparent as the concept wears aggressive bumpers and an aerodynamic body kit. They’re joined by a minimalist grille that is flanked by darkened headlights.
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The changes continue further back as the concept has a ventilated hood and extended fenders. Designers didn’t even overlook the roof as it wears small winglets that help to direct air to a sizeable rear wing. Rounding out the highlights are aerodynamically optimized mirrors, a massive diffuser, and 20-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile tires.
The stripped out cabin is ready for track days as it features a chromoly roll cage as well as two Atech racing seats with six-point harnesses. The Skoda Motorsport team also installed an automatic fire extinguisher, a rally-style hydraulic handbrake, and a race-spec steering wheel. Elsewhere, there’s a biocomposite dashboard and a 13-inch infotainment system.
Since sound plays an important role in racing, the concept has a Havas premium audio system that delivers an “exhilarating motorsport” experience at speeds above 19 mph (30 km/h). Skoda added the noise is “significantly louder” than on the road-going Enyaq Coupe RS and can be changed.
The upgrades aren’t just cosmetic as the concept has a new steering system as well as high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes. Engineers also installed an adjustable sports suspension that allows for fine-tuning compression, stiffness, and rebound settings.
EVs are far from lightweight, so Skoda embraced a sustainable biocomposite material that offers the same rigidity and weight savings as carbon fiber. Besides the eco-friendly bodywork, the model has polycarbonate windows and a biocomposite panel that replaces the usual panoramic glass roof. Thanks to these and other measures, the concept is 697 lbs (316 kg) lighter than its road-going counterpart.
The powertrain carries over as there’s an 82 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS). However, thanks to the significant weight reduction, the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) now takes less than five seconds. To put that number into perspective, the standard model requires 5.5 seconds to accomplish the same task.