SKODA

This is what a modern Škoda 110 R could look like

What if Škoda's iconic coupé was reborn in today's Modern Solid design language? Škoda Auto's designers have once again drawn inspiration from the brand's rich heritage to create modern interpretations of legendary models. Among them is a truly impressive new vision of the 110 R coupé.

The Škoda 110 R is a true icon. In its time, this elegant coupé became the dream of countless drivers, and at the same time served as the basis for numerous racing versions that brought Škoda laurels on some of the world's most prestigious tracks. Even today, it is a cherished classic among enthusiasts. One such admirer is Richard Schwetz, designer and member of the digital modeling team at Škoda Design.

“I have always had a passion for elegant cars. I appreciate the combination of clean volumes with simple details, which the 110 R embodies perfectly,” he explains. “What also impressed me was the model’s entry into the world of motorsport.” His modern interpretation of how the 110 R could look today is anything but retro. “I didn’t want to go the retro route. My goal was to create a completely new shape, carefully integrating subtle cues to the 110 R’s defining character. I wanted the design to be as innovative as possible,” says Richard. Capturing the spirit of the original without relying too much on the past was no easy task. “Every element had to be treated carefully – to avoid veering into retro territory while still preserving the car’s identity. It was clear from the start that finding the right balance of proportions and volumetric shaping would be key,” explains the designer. His 110 R concept retains its elegance, defined by clean, uncluttered surfaces with minimal distractions – an approach that is true to both the original coupé and ŠKODA’s current “Modern Solid” design language philosophy. To highlight the car’s motorsport heritage, he fitted flared fenders and details such as an internal roll cage, central locking wheels and ribs on the front of the bonnet – a tribute to the legendary Škoda 130 RS.

In his vision, the modern 110 R is a car for young drivers who love motorsport but also want an elegant coupé for everyday use. “The shape of the car is strongly defined, relying more on geometric precision than organic shaping,” he explains. The clean surfaces contrast with the dark details on the front spoiler, side sills and rear diffuser. The functional air intake below the rear side window is reminiscent of the engine intakes of the original model, and in this electric reinterpretation, could serve to cool the battery.

This modern 110 R is an electric vehicle, but even an electric vehicle requires a certain degree of cooling for its batteries and other components. “The absence of a large cooling system allowed me to keep the shapes and surfaces of the concept as clean as possible,” explains the designer.

Rather than trying to replicate every characteristic element of the original 110 R, Švec focused on modernizing the very idea of ​​a sports coupé. His vision therefore includes several cutting-edge features. Among them are small cameras that replace the traditional side mirrors and hidden headlights “that are hidden under covers that only open when needed,” as he explains.

“Lighting is one of the features that reveals a car’s era. Reinterpreting the round headlights and rectangular taillights would have taken the design too far into retro territory,” he explains. Instead, he introduced completely new elements for Škoda, such as the Tech-loop light signature that the Škoda Vision O concept just introduced to the world.

At the front, all the necessary sensors and vertical LED daytime running lights are integrated into a contrasting black panel, next to the illuminated Škoda logo. At the rear, a freestanding illuminated logo becomes a distinctive centerpiece of the rear panel. The modern logo also appears on the aerodynamic wheel covers and even on the rear windows.

Richard created his modern vision of the iconic model using traditional methods. He sketched out the basic proportions and shapes on paper, then digitally refined the entire design on the computer, where he also created a 3D model of the car. This adds realism to the overall vision. “The 110 R is close to my heart, especially because of its motorsport heritage,” says Richard, commenting on the creative process. Thanks to his passion, this modern 110 R coupé has soul, just like the original car did.

Autonews