Škoda reimagines 110 R coupé for the electric era

Škoda is celebrating 130 years of innovation by reimagining one of its classics, the 110 R coupé, for the electric age.

The new 2025 Škoda 110 R reboot is the creation of designer Richard Švec, part of Škoda Auto’s digital modelling team. It’s said that his passion for the 1970s original inspired a bold reinterpretation through the brand’s Modern Solid design philosophy.

While it takes inspiration from the sleek, rear-engined coupé that helped shape Škoda’s motorsport past, Švec’s version is far from retro. “I didn’t want to recreate the past. The goal was to capture the spirit of the 110 R in a car that feels innovative and absolutely contemporary,” he said.

The concept features clean surfaces, taut proportions and geometric forms, with subtle nods to the legendary 130 RS in its flared arches, visible roll cage and ribbed bonnet detailing. Designed from the outset as a rear-wheel-drive EV, the car’s side air intakes now serve as battery cooling ducts.

“Because an EV doesn’t need the same kind of cooling system as a combustion car, I was able to keep the shapes and surfaces beautifully clean,” Švec explained.

Design flourishes include camera-based mirrors, hidden headlights beneath sliding covers, and Škoda’s new Tech-loop lighting signature. A black front panel houses integrated sensors and vertical LED running lights, while the illuminated Škoda badge features at both the front and rear.

“I’ve always been drawn to elegant cars, those with clean surfaces and simple details. That’s exactly what the 110 R did so well,” Švec said. “It was stylish, but it also had real motorsport credibility. That combination fascinated me.”

The new 110 R exists purely as a design study for now, joining other modern reinterpretations like the Felicia Fun and Favorit concepts. However, Škoda says its heritage continues to inspire the next generation of its production cars.

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The original 110 R, built between 1970 and 1980, was powered by a 1.1-litre four-cylinder engine and laid the groundwork for Škoda’s rally cars like the 200 RS and 130 RS, cementing its place as one of the brand’s most famous models.