What would a two-tonne electric WRC car look like? The Skoda Enyaq RS Race answers that question
Skoda has revealed an updated version of its hypothetical all-electric WRC car; stop teasing and just join the WRC already!
There’s a new Skoda concept car in the room, and it envisions a two-ton electric WRC-style racer based on the Skoda Enyaq Coupe. The Enyaq RS Race, as it’s called, is an update of a concept already brought to life last year, only with the latest road car’s visual updates.
Inspired by the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, a second-tier rally car below the full WRC category, it shows Skoda’s continued dallying in top-level motorsport that we wish it would just hurry up and rejoin!
Changes over the road-going Skoda Enyaq vRS, as it’s known in the UK, include a massive weight reduction of 316kg (697lb), helping the concept cut a sizable chunk from the road car’s 5.3 second 0-62mph time to somewhere less than five seconds. That weight has been lost thanks to a stripped-out interior and polycarbonate windows, also taking into consideration the added weight of the welded-in roll cage, fire extinguisher and beefy chassis upgrades.
The electric powertrain is otherwise as per the road-car, meaning it produces a combined 335bhp from a dual-motor layout powered by a 79kWh battery pack. But unique to the concept are a pair of limited-slip differentials on both motors, helping put power onto the ground via a set of much larger and wider 20-inch wheels and tyres. Behind those sit a massive set of carbon-ceramic brakes, with 10-piston calipers up front and a four-piston set at the rear.
Skoda has also given the chassis a major update, lowering it by 70mm and widening the tracks by 72mm at the front and 112mm at the rear. The springs and dampers are also new, along with a fixed-ratio steering system instead of the road car’s progressive rack.
The body is also bespoke, with flared arches, jutting chin spoiler and a large rear wing; all inspired by what a WRC contender could look like. Inside, the cabin retains a 13-inch touchscreen for the main controls, and includes a pair of bucket seats plus a sound system that synthesizes a ‘racy’ electric motor noise with an adjustable tone.
All Skoda needs to do now is go and build it, or something very similar with a numberplate and (virtual) tax disc.
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