The Enyaq RS Race—an electrifying racing machine built on the foundation of the production Enyaq Coupé RS, but turbocharged with a host of racing modifications and sustainability innovations. This electric powerhouse is not just fast but also lighter, greener, and built for the future.
A Lighter, Faster, Greener Beast
The Enyaq RS Race sheds 316 kilograms compared to its production counterpart, thanks to cutting-edge bio-composite materials. Several components, including the bumpers, mudguards, and rear wing, are made from AmpliTex and Power Ribs, flax-fiber materials developed as an eco-friendly alternative to carbon fiber. These materials, sourced from Bcomp, offer the same lightweight strength as carbon fiber but with an 85% lower carbon footprint. It’s not just a race car; it’s a glimpse into the future of sustainable auto manufacturing.
Lowering the car’s chassis by 70 mm and widening the rear bumper by 116 mm, the Enyaq RS Race has been sculpted for optimal aerodynamic performance. Inside, the car is fully equipped with race-ready features, including a safety frame, racing seats with six-point harnesses, and an array of additional high-performance elements designed for functionality and speed.
Racing Modifications for Precision and Power
Beneath its sleek exterior, the Enyaq RS Race packs serious race-ready hardware. Carbon-ceramic disc brakes with ten-piston calipers ensure superior stopping power, while a hydraulic handbrake borrowed from the Fabia RS Rally2 gives the car razor-sharp handling. The brake cooling system is brand new, and the car’s cooling system has been re-engineered to channel air differently, further enhancing its performance on the track.
Skoda didn’t stop at just the brakes. The steering system has been upgraded to a quick-ratio, linear setup controlled by a racing steering wheel for sharper responsiveness, replacing the progressive system found in the production version. Sitting on 20-inch wheels, the Enyaq RS Race is built to handle the most demanding racing conditions.
Powertrain: Speed Meets Efficiency
Although the powertrain remains similar to the production model, featuring two electric motors delivering a combined output of 250 kW (335 hp) and powered by an 82 kWh battery, the car’s reduced weight means it can rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds. The top speed stays capped at 180 km/h, but thanks to a more dynamic, stripped-down design, the Enyaq RS Race delivers an exhilarating driving experience. For an added touch of drama, the car features an all-new racing sound signal, amplifying its adrenaline-fueled character.
Pioneering Bio-composite Materials
The Enyaq RS Race is Skoda’s testbed for integrating bio-composite materials into motorsport. Its use of flax fiber-based materials not only makes it more environmentally friendly but also showcases the possibility of using these components in future production models. The car’s roof, dashboard, door panels, and floor mats are all constructed from these innovative materials, proving that sustainability and high performance can coexist.
In addition, 3D printing played a significant role in prototyping the Enyaq RS Race. The process utilized bio-friendly and CO2-neutral materials, further enhancing the car’s green credentials.
Designed for the Future
According to Johannes Neft, Skoda’s board member for technical development, the Enyaq RS Race isn’t just a high-performance rally car—it’s a concept vehicle that tests innovative technologies for future use in production cars. “This project serves as a pilot for future innovations, especially in sustainable solutions like bio-composites. These materials could be the foundation for a new generation of greener, lighter cars,” Neft said.
Building on Racing Heritage
The Enyaq RS Race isn’t Skoda’s first foray into electric racing. It follows the Skoda RE-X1 special, developed in 2021 in collaboration with Kreisel Electric and Baumschlager Rallye & Racing. Lessons learned from Skoda Motorsport’s customer car, the Fabia RS Rally2, also feed into this latest electric rally machine.
Skoda’s investment in electric racing cars highlights its commitment to innovation, both in terms of performance and sustainability. The Enyaq RS Race is not only a demonstration of what can be achieved with electric vehicles today but also a blueprint for what lies ahead.
The Future of Electric Racing
The Enyaq RS Race marks a new chapter in electric motorsport, merging Skoda‘s racing pedigree with sustainability efforts. By incorporating lightweight, eco-friendly materials and advanced racing technologies, Skoda is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with electric vehicles. This electric coupé on steroids is not just a racing car; it’s a vision of the future, where high performance and sustainability go hand in hand.