Skoda puts Enyaq RS on flax fiber diet - the Enyaq RS Race Concept drops 300 kg

Skoda, the Czech automaker known for its no-nonsense vehicles, has decided to let its hair down a bit with a new concept car. The Enyaq RS Race, based on the all-electric Enyaq Coupe RS, is a track-focused machine that claims sustainable materials can lead to serious performance. By swapping conventional parts for components made from flax fibers, Skoda managed to shave off a chunk of weight, proving that going green can also mean going faster.

At the heart of this transformation is the extensive use of biocomposite parts - a greener, more accessible cousin to carbon fiber. Skoda engineers replaced the bumpers, fenders, roof, and even the massive rear wing with panels made from reinforced flax fibers. This natural material offers similar rigidity and weight advantages to carbon fiber without the same environmental footprint.

The flax fiber diet continues inside, with the dashboard, door panels, and footrests also crafted from this innovative material. And this isn't just a one-off experiment; Skoda suggests these materials are being tested as a "pilot for future production models," hinting that your future family car might have a little race car DNA woven into it.

The weight loss program didn't stop there and the standard glass windows were replaced with lightweight polycarbonate items. Combined, all these changes result in the Enyaq RS Race tipping the scales at 697 lb less than the standard Enyaq Coupe RS it's based on.

To match its new lightweight physique, the concept received a full motorsport makeover. A menacing wide-body kit with aggressive bumpers, new vents, and that giant rear wing give it a confident presence. An optimized roofline and a huge rear diffuser work to keep the car glued to the track at speed.

The car sits on lightweight 20-inch OZ Racing wheels, and behind them are powerful carbon-ceramic brakes clamped by ten-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear, ensuring it stops as impressively as it goes. To complete the race-ready stance, the ride height is dropped by 2.76 inches with an adjustable sport suspension featuring unique springs and shock absorbers.

Inside, the Enyaq RS Race is all business. The production car's comfortable interior has been completely gutted and replaced with a functional cockpit. A full roll cage provides safety, while Atech racing seats with six-point harnesses hold the driver firmly in place. A quick-release steering wheel replaces the production one, and the driver gets vital information from a compact 5-inch digital instrument cluster.

Curiously, the 13-inch infotainment screen from the standard Enyaq RS stays. For a touch of drama, there's even a Havas premium sound system designed to create an "exhilarating motorsport sound" once the car exceeds 19 mph (30 km/h).

Somewhat disappointingly, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system is carried over from the production Enyaq RS without any upgrades. Still, it delivers a healthy 335 horsepower (250 kW), and thanks to the significant weight savings, this power is far more effective.

The Enyaq RS Race can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in under five seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 112 mph, a surprising practice for a track concept. With front and rear limited-slip differentials and a hydraulic handbrake, this Enyaq is more prepared for a rally stage than a school run. Will we ever see it on a rally stage? Skoda is keeping quiet about that possibility - for now.

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