Skoda Continues Where the Subaru Baja Concluded | Carscoops

      The concept includes a sliding rear door and an expandable cargo area specifically designed for transporting racing bikes.

      The Skoda L&K 130 pickup, a customized version of the Superb, has been created as a support vehicle for cycling competitions.

      Derived from the Combi variant, this unique model features a modified rear end and a sliding tailgate.

      This tenth concept designed by students from the Skoda Academy is equipped with a PHEV powertrain.

      While the Skoda Superb Combi is already a roomy wagon, those seeking the utility of a pickup, similar to the Subaru Baja, will find what they need here. Students at the Skoda Academy have modified the flagship model into a bespoke pickup loaded with features catering to the requirements of bike racers.

      The L&K 130 serves as a support vehicle for bicycle races, named in honor of the company founders Laurin and Klement, who began manufacturing bicycles 130 years ago before progressing to motorcycles and cars. Skoda has a rich history in cycling, having been a long-time sponsor of events like the Tour de France.

      The standout aspect of this unique build is its redesigned rear. The cargo bed may be compact but expands with a simple button press, aided by a sliding tailgate, providing quick access to two racing bicycles secured on racks. If necessary, an additional roof rack can accommodate a third bike.

      To create space for the loading area, the students modified the upper rear section of the body, added a new back window, and adjusted the pillars. They also devised a special mechanism for the rear passenger-side door, which now includes two handles and slides open.

      On the exterior, the L&K 130 is equipped with 19-inch Supernova alloy wheels, a backlit grille, and Laurin & Klement logos, all featuring a striking color scheme of gold, red, black, and white.

      Inside, the design theme continues with coordinating upholstery and "130 years" embroidered onto the seats. There are also smart storage solutions, such as a roof net for smaller items and a spacious cool box for keeping water bottles chilled during extended races. Two additional screens integrated into the dashboard and back of the seats display real-time racing data, while a radio enables communication with the team.

      The vehicle is powered by the standard plug-in hybrid powertrain used in the Superb Combi iV. This setup includes a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine and a single electric motor, generating a total output of 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS). The 25.7 kWh battery provides an electric-only range of over 100 km (62 miles) in the standard model, although the weight and aerodynamics of this custom pickup may reduce that efficiency somewhat.

      In total, the team dedicated over 2,000 hours to the planning, development, and production of this concept. The L&K 130 will be showcased during the 112th Tour de France, which will occur from July 5-27.

      This is the tenth student-designed concept from the Skoda Academy, following earlier models like the Citijet (2014), Funstar (2015), Atero (2016), Element (2017), Sunroq (2018), Mountiaq (2019), Slavia (2020), Afriq (2022), and Roadiaq (2023). The company did not present any concept cars in 2021 due to the pandemic and will also skip the reveals in 2024 to remodel its workshops.