This futuristic rear-wheel-drive coupe might have been Skoda's greatest nod to the past. | Carscoops

      The digital concept envisions a modern take on the 70s coupe, transforming it into a sleek, futuristic electric sports car.

      7 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      Skoda designer Richard Svec has reimagined the classic 110 R coupe as an advanced electric vehicle (EV).

      This concept showcases smooth surfaces, hidden lighting, and a sporty, compact profile.

      In contrast to the original model's rear-engine setup, this concept is powered by an electric drivetrain.

      Sometimes, the most innovative ideas emerge from reflecting on the past, and Skoda has been delving into this notion through a series of digital concepts inspired by its history. The latest iteration reinterprets the classic 110 R coupe, infusing it with futuristic design elements and transitioning to electric power instead of gasoline.

      The original 110 R debuted in 1970 as the sporty two-door variant of the 100 sedan. It featured a rear-mounted 1.1-liter engine generating 61 horsepower, combined with a four-speed manual transmission that directed power to the rear wheels. While modest, this setup earned the car a reputation as an affordable, charismatic coupe in Eastern Europe.

      A Designer’s Tribute

      This contemporary digital vision is crafted by Richard Svec, who joined Skoda in 2023 after studying in Bratislava and completing an internship at Italdesign in Turin. Svec appreciates the original's clean lines and minimalistic details but chose not to pursue a purely retro design. Instead, he aimed to encapsulate the essence of the 110 R by focusing on its balance of shapes and volumes rather than relying solely on nostalgia.

      More: Skoda Revives A Forgotten Pickup With A Futuristic EV That Looks Unreal

      The outcome is a two-door, two-seat coupe characterized by a low roofline and a fastback-style rear. The EV presents a compact profile with a sporty demeanor. A direct homage to the original is found in its almost wistful headlights, reinterpreted with sharp rectangular outlines and retractable body-colored covers. The front end is slightly recessed and features the Tech Loop design element seen in the new Skoda Vision O concept.

      Motorsport Cues Revisited

      The pronounced fenders, large center-lock wheels with integrated aerodynamic covers, hood ribbing, and roll cage elements reflect the motorsport lineage of the classic model. The side intakes take inspiration from the rear-engine 110 R but serve the function of cooling the batteries in this design. The rear mimics the front with concealed taillights and a black strip showcasing slim LEDs.

      More: Skoda’s Smallest Electric SUV Comes With Gas-Car Pricing

      Skoda has not provided specific details regarding the fully electric powertrain of this digital concept. However, the most appropriate option would likely be a rear-mounted electric motor, maintaining the layout of the original 110 R. Based on the current Elroq and Enyaq production SUVs, the motor could yield up to 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS), a sufficient output for such a compact and lightweight vehicle.

      As is common with these exclusively digital studies, the 110 R Coupe is not slated for production. Nevertheless, it demonstrates that Skoda could potentially introduce intriguing EVs in the future, contingent upon its mainstream models generating enough profit to support niche offerings.