Ahead of its world premiere in October, Skoda has released design sketches aimed at conveying a first impression of its dynamic concept car. In addition, a video (below) illustrates how the Skoda Vision RS is taking shape in the design department, which is headed by lead designer, Oliver Stefani.
Even the rough sketches reveal that a key part of this vehicle concept is about aerodynamics. Yes, there are distinct similarities with other VW Group products but Skoda’s front-end is defined precisely. Fitted with slim headlights, it possesses a highly dynamic appearance. The rear is dominated by a diffuser and an aerodynamically optimised roof spoiler. The Skoda Vision RS is 4,356mm long and 1,810mm wide, with a height of just 1,431mm and a wheelbase of 2,650mm.
Incorporating distinctive motor sport references, the design study conveys the next design phase of the RS performance models, while building on the firm’s 117-years-old motorsport tradition. The RS letter combination was first used by Skoda in 1974 for the 180RS and 200RS rallycars. Following the success of the 130RS, it became well-known worldwide. Since 2000, it has been used to identify the performance variants of other model series.
The home of Skoda Design is a beautiful villa, built in 1890, on the banks of the Jizera river in the Česana district of Mladá Boleslav. It is part of the advanced and tightly-guarded Skoda Auto Technology Centre, which was moved to Česana in 2008 and modernised again in 2015. This is where futurist technology and tradition meet in idyllic surroundings to generate a very special atmosphere conducive to creative work. Having visited the ‘top secret site’, when it was relocated there, I can confirm that it is a surprisingly gentle hive of activity.
Oliver Stefani, along with 150 employees from 26 countries, is developing Skoda’s design language for the future. The villa was once the private residence of textile manufacturer Franz Hiller. During the 19th Century, the site housed textile production plants. Parts manufacturing for Skoda vehicles has been based there since the mid-20th Century.
In the video, the camera flies towards the Design Centre villa. With deft pen strokes and inspired by the historic Skoda 130RS rally car, a designer sitting in the villa's courtyard sketches the new car, with its distinctive contours, on a tablet. It is the Skoda Vision RS.
