Concept from a Skoda Designer
Skoda has implemented a great idea by allowing its designers to create digital concepts inspired by models from the brand’s past. The latest example is a modern interpretation of the classic Skoda 110 R coupe with a futuristic design and a fully electric powertrain.
History of the Original Model
The original Skoda 110 R coupe was introduced in 1970 as a sporty two-door version of the 100 sedan. It was equipped with a 1.1-liter engine producing 61 horsepower, located at the rear, and a four-speed manual gearbox.
The designer is a fan of the original’s clean volumes and simple details, but he did not want to create something retro. Instead, his concept attempts to capture the spirit of the original by focusing on “proportions and volumetric shaping.”
Features of the New Design
The result is a two-door, two-seater coupe with a sloping roofline and a fastback. The electric vehicle has compact dimensions and a sporty stance. A key reference to the original is the headlights, which have been reinterpreted in a rectangular shape with retractable body-colored covers. The front end is slightly recessed and features a design element called the Tech Loop, which can also be seen in the new Skoda Vision O concept.
Exterior Details
Swollen fenders, large wheels with center locks and integrated aerodynamic covers, hood ribs, and a safety cage are hints at the classic model’s motorsport heritage. The side windows are also inspired by the rear-engined 110 R, but here they serve to cool the batteries. The rear looks similar to the front with hidden lights and a black strip with thin LEDs.
Electric Powertrain
Skoda does not disclose details about the fully electric powertrain of the digital concept. However, the most suitable option would likely be an electric motor located at the rear, matching the rear-wheel-drive nature of the original 110 R. Judging by the current production SUVs Elroq and Enyaq, the motor could generate up to 282 hp, which sounds great for a compact and lightweight model.
Future of the Concept
As with most digital concepts, the Skoda 110 R Coupe is not intended for series production. However, it shows that Skoda could offer interesting electric vehicles in the future if its mass-market models generate enough profit to create niche products.
This project demonstrates how automakers can use their historical heritage for inspiration when developing modern vehicles. Reinterpreting classic models using modern technology allows preserving the brand’s spirit while simultaneously meeting today’s requirements. Such concepts often serve as a testing ground for new design ideas and technologies that may later find their way into production models.