Eco-Friendly Meets Speed : Skoda Motorsports has revealed the Enyaq RS Race concept, which is a sneak peek of what an all-electric Skoda race car might be like. Using the updated Skoda Enyaq Coupe RS as a base, the Race concept is more than 300 kg lighter than the standard car, and has used carbon fibre only where necessary to achieve it. Skoda claims the race car concept ‘helps the development of innovative technologies and sustainable materials’ and serves as a pilot project for future EVs.

In the physical dimensions department

the Enyaq RS Race boasts certain track increases of 72 mm in front and 116 mm at the rear over the already sporty Enyaq Coupe RS. This comes with a 316 kg reduction in overall weight due to the extensive use of what Skoda calls biocomposite materials. The front fenders, bumper, internal door panels, roof side panel, rear wing, rear bumper and diffuser — all have been switched out for biocomposite material

that uses flax fibre in place of carbon

. According to Skoda, the new material matches carbon fibre for weight saving and rigidity. Of course the cabin also undergoes a diet, with a regulation roll cage and racing bucket seats replacing the standard car’s five-seat layout — though a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen is still on hand. Except for the windshield, the entire glasshouse is made of polycarbonate body panels.

Stylistically

the Enyaq RS Race gets a more extreme aero package than the standard production model, featuring modified air intakes, a chunkier front spoiler, a more prominent rear diffuser, pronounced side skirts, and a sizeable rear wing. The roof also has vents that bring fresh air to the cabin, and winglets above the rear glass that channel air over the spoiler. Completing the external design enhancements are race-spec mirrors and 20-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile tyres. The concept also rides 70 mm lower to the ground than the standard Coupe RS.

Other under-the-skin mechanical changes are the replacement of the RS’ standard adaptive suspension with sports shock absorbers. All-new carbon ceramic brakes. Also new is a hydraulic handbrake, along with a fire extinguishing system and race-spec quick-release steering wheel.

Moreover, Skoda claims to have fitted a couple of extra skids underneath the automobile to protect any of the components at the car’s underbody. Most interestingly, though, the powertrain remains unchanged with the Enyaq RS Race concept. It still gets the same 335 bhp and 545 Nm as the standard Enyaq Coupe RS, and the top speed is the same at 180 kmph.