Škoda presents its new concept: the Enyaq RS Race

Škoda Motorsport presents a new fully electric racing car concept: the Enyaq RS Race. Rooted in the Czech brand’s racing DNA, the concept supports the development of innovative technologies and sustainable materials, serving as a pilot project for future production models. The lower and wider concept car incorporates innovative and sustainable biocomposite parts that offer the same stiffness and weight benefits as carbon fibre, contributing to an overall weight reduction of 316 kg compared to the Škoda Enyaq Coupé vRS on which it is based.

Development of the Enyaq RS Race began in 2023. The project showcases Škoda’s activities in electrified motorsport, driving progress towards a more sustainable future. Based on the Škoda Enyaq Coupé vRS, the concept car uses the same electric powertrain but is 70 mm lower, 72 mm wider at the front and 116 mm wider at the rear. Most importantly, it is significantly lighter than the production model. Biocomposite parts, incorporating flax fibres in both the body and interior, help reduce the car’s weight.

In addition, the concept benefits from numerous visual and technical modifications, including a wider and lowered chassis, redesigned bumpers, as well as modified shock absorbers and springs. An all-new high-performance brake system, racing seats and a roll bar ensure the highest possible active and passive safety. The darkened front headlights feature the distinctive Škoda Motorsport logo, with the headlight housings modified to accommodate the larger wheels. The rear lights have also been darkened. In the Škoda grille, the Crystal Face of the production model has been replaced by a single, elongated LED strip connecting the two headlights.

Biocomposite parts: weight reduction and improved durability

To reduce weight compared to the production model, Škoda Motorsport engineers used innovative and sustainable materials, removing all components not necessary for the car’s intended use. In addition, they integrated side and rear windows made of lightweight polycarbonate. These combined measures resulted in a total weight saving of 316 kg. Sustainable biocomposite parts, developed in collaboration with Škoda’s motorsport partner Bcomp, are used in the bodywork, including the bumpers, wings, roof, roof vent and rear wing. These lightweight materials are also applied to the interior, such as the dashboard, door panels and footrests for the driver and passenger. In addition, the panoramic glass roof of the standard model has been replaced by a biocomposite panel.

Sustainable Flax Fiber Components: An Alternative to Carbon

A total of 16 vehicle components are made from sustainable materials, with natural flax fibres replacing carbon inside and out. These are tested under the toughest racing conditions, for example in the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, alongside sustainable lubricants for engines, motors, transmissions and shock absorbers. One example is AmpliTex, a technical reinforcement fabric made from renewable flax fibres grown in Europe. These woven fibres not only reduce vibrations in the interior and contribute to weight reduction, but also serve as a visually appealing design element. In addition, the fibres are processed mechanically rather than chemically, and flax cultivation has a significantly lower impact on the soil compared to other crops.

Bcomp’s PowerRibs™ technology uses extremely lightweight, high-performance natural fibres, also made from flax. PowerRibs™ combine maximum stiffness with minimum weight by creating a 3D structure to reinforce thin-walled body panels. Benefits include savings on raw materials, weight reduction and lower production costs due to the use of fewer consumables. The material offers stiffness and weight advantages comparable to carbon fibre while reducing CO2 emissions by around 85%. This is the first time Škoda Auto has used the material for large and complex components such as front wings, side panels and bumpers. Engineers also made extensive use of 3D printing to prepare and produce the prototype, using recycled materials such as nylon and CO2-neutral biodegradable biopolymer filaments.

Aerodynamic optimization of the body

To create the body of the Enyaq RS Race, individual body parts were taken from the production line, redesigned from scratch and reassembled. In addition to the roll bar made of high-strength chrome-molybdenum steel, which reinforces the body and protects the occupants, the concept car features other safety features derived from the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. These include Atech racing seats with six-point seat belts, a safety door filler and an automatic fire extinguisher. As in the cars of rally WRC, green and red lights on each side of the vehicle indicate the status of the high-voltage system. The ride height has been lowered by 70 mm and special protective pads on the underside of the vehicle prevent excessive wear of chassis components and protect the battery.

The aerodynamic package includes a large rear spoiler, an aerodynamically optimized roof and a NACA air intake that channels air inwards. Small fins at the rear of the roof direct the airflow directly onto the rear spoiler. The air intake for the cooling system has also been redesigned, with the front section now completely solid and the air drawn in through the lower part of the bumper, requiring a sloping radiator wall. The redesigned bumpers with two additional air curtains at the front, wider wings and a new rear diffuser as well as the large rear spoiler increase downforce, improving high-speed handling. Turbulence around the wheels is minimized by wing-shaped air guide elements, while the ventilation grilles in the front and rear wheel arches improve both aerodynamics and brake cooling. The Enyaq RS Race can also be fitted with aerodynamically optimised wheels.

Race-tuned settings: handbrake, suspension and limited-slip differentials

The experts at Škoda Motorsport have adapted several components of the Enyaq RS Race. For example, the brake system of the production model has been replaced by a high-performance setup, with carbon-ceramic brake discs, ten-piston calipers at the front, four-piston calipers at the rear and a new brake cooling system. In addition, the concept car has been equipped with a rally-type hydraulic handbrake with a long lever and the pedal system of the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. Instead of the standard DCC suspension, a special sports suspension has been installed, allowing individual adjustments of spring stiffness, compression and rebound settings.

The 20-inch wheels are fitted with low-profile tyres. The two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 250 kW, and the 82 kWh battery are identical to those of the production model. Like the Škoda Enyaq Coupé vRS, the top speed is 180 km/h, but the lighter Enyaq RS Race can now accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds.

Improved steering and controls for track performance

The completely redesigned interior is inspired by the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 and also includes a modified infotainment system. Featuring new buttons, the racing steering wheel resembles that of the successful customer rally car. Instead of the progressive rack and pinion steering used in the Enyaq Coupé vRS, the Enyaq RS Race features linear steering, with software-controlled adjustable steering weight, and the transmission ratio has been optimised for racing performance. The gear selector and the central panel for starting the car and activating the automatic fire extinguishing system are positioned between the seats of this two-seater.

Havas Audio System: Amplified for an authentic motorsport experience

The Enyaq RS Race is equipped with a premium Havas audio system that incorporates a digital sound amplifier to deliver the distinctive and exhilarating sound of motorsport. This all-new system is significantly more powerful than that of the standard Enyaq Coupé vRS model and its tone can be modified. The sound is also activated at speeds above 18 mph, ensuring an exciting acoustic experience throughout the journey.

« The Škoda Enyaq RS Race was developed entirely in-house by Škoda Motorsport, says Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto board member responsible for technical development. BBased on the Enyaq Coupé vRS series model, the car features a distinctive design with strong racing DNA, improved aerodynamics and excellent acceleration. In terms of sustainable solutions, the new concept car also serves as a pilot project for future innovations in series production. Biocomposite parts have led to a significant weight reduction, and we are testing them in motorsport, including on the current Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, with a view to future implementation. »

IN IMAGES, IN PICTURES - THE TOY is revealed in photos