Skoda's Enyaq RS Race concept signals advancement in vRS performance vehicle designs
Skoda has unveiled an exciting new concept, the Enyaq RS Race, showcasing the brand's commitment to electric technology, sustainability, and performance. The updated Enyaq RS Race concept is more than just a public relations exercise; it's a working testbed for Skoda, hinting at a possible future direction for its electric performance models.
The Enyaq RS Race distinguishes itself through several key features and innovations. One of the most notable is its extensive use of natural flax fibre composites, which replace heavier conventional materials. These lightweight materials are not only found in the bumper, wings, roof, and parts of the cabin but also in panels developed by Skoda, offering a greener, lighter, and stiffer alternative, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 85%.
The weight reduction is significant, with the Enyaq RS Race shedding over 300kg compared to the production Enyaq Coupé RS. Inside, the interior has been stripped down to a motorsport style, featuring racing seats, a roll cage, and a minimalist dash, inspired by rally cars.
Performance improvements are evident in the Enyaq RS Race concept. Despite retaining the dual electric motors from the production model, delivering a combined output of 335bhp, the weight reduction enables much quicker acceleration. The car can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in under five seconds, an improvement over the standard Enyaq RS.
To enhance handling and acceleration, the car features limited-slip differentials on both front and rear axles, improving traction and cornering performance. The braking system is completely upgraded with carbon-ceramic brake discs, paired with ten-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear, complemented by a new brake cooling system, enabling superior stopping power under track conditions.
Suspension has been replaced by a fully adjustable motorsport-grade setup, allowing precise tuning of spring stiffness, compression, and rebound settings for optimized handling.
The Enyaq RS Race concept also boasts a comprehensive aero kit, consisting of a large rear wing, NACA ducts, roof winglets, redesigned air intakes, and a rear diffuser, all designed to increase downforce and cooling while reducing drag. Inside, the car features a bespoke motorsport cockpit with a rally-type hydraulic handbrake, a racing steering wheel, specialized controls, a fire suppression system, and a digital sound system developed by Havas that simulates a racing soundtrack, elevating the immersive driving experience.
In summary, the Skoda Enyaq RS Race concept achieves substantial performance gains through weight reduction using sustainable flax fibre materials, advanced motorsport-grade suspension and braking systems, and a suite of aerodynamic and handling improvements. It's a testament to Skoda's commitment to high efficiency, strong environmental consideration, and rally-inspired engineering. The updated Enyaq RS Race concept is not expected to compete in any grid soon, but it's certainly an exciting glimpse into Skoda's electric performance future.
- Skoda's use of natural flax fibre composites in the Enyaq RS Race is a reflection of the brand's commitment to sustainability in both the industry and the finance sector.
- The Enyaq RS Race, with its extensive use of lightweight materials, showcases transportation innovations aimed at reducing CO2 emissions, aligning with the brand's efforts to promote a greener lifestyle.
- The performance improvements in the Enyaq RS Race, such as quicker acceleration and upgraded braking system, are significant advancements in the automotive sector, particularly in the realm of electric-vehicles technology.
- The Enyaq RS Race concept, with its motorsport-inspired interior and aero kit, serves as a shining example of technology's role in enhancing the driving experience, bridging the gap between everyday cars and high-performance racing vehicles.
