Škoda Motorsport has unveiled an updated version of its all-electric racing concept, the Enyaq RS Race, showcasing innovative sustainable biocomposite materials that replace traditional carbon fiber components. The concept car achieves a significant weight reduction of 316kg compared to the production Škoda Enyaq Coupé vRS on which it’s based.
Sustainable Materials and Design
The racing concept incorporates flax fiber components developed in partnership with Bcomp as an alternative to carbon fiber. These biocomposite parts are used throughout the vehicle, including bumpers, fenders, roof sections, dashboard, and door panels. According to Škoda, the material offers comparable rigidity and weight advantages to carbon fiber while reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 85%.
Performance Enhancements
Engineers have redesigned the concept to be 70mm lower than the original version, with increased width of 72mm at the front and 116mm at the rear. The development team removed components unnecessary for racing use and replaced standard glass with lightweight polycarbonate windows to achieve the weight reduction. The vehicle incorporates safety features from Škoda’s Fabia RS Rally2, including a chrome-molybdenum steel roll cage, Atech racing seats with six-point seatbelts, and an automatic fire extinguisher.
Aerodynamic and Technical Features
Aerodynamic modifications include a large rear wing, redesigned bumpers with air curtains, wider fenders, and a new rear diffuser. The front air intake system has been completely redesigned, with air now drawn through the lower bumper section rather than the traditional grille area. The braking system features carbon-ceramic discs with ten-piston front calipers and four-piston rear units, replacing the production setup. A rally-type hydraulic handbrake and modified suspension allow individual damping adjustments. Limited-slip differentials on both axles improve handling and acceleration.
Powertrain and Performance
The concept retains the production model’s twin electric motors producing 250kW combined output and 111mph top speed. However, the significant weight reduction enables acceleration from 0-62mph in under five seconds. Interior modifications include a racing steering wheel adapted from the Fabia RS Rally2 and linear steering replacing the production model’s progressive system.
Future Implications
The Enyaq RS Race project serves as a testing ground for sustainable materials that may appear in future production vehicles, demonstrating Škoda’s approach to electrified motorsport development. The innovative use of biocomposites and focus on weight reduction showcase the potential for sustainable performance enhancements in electric vehicles.
