The Electric Phoenix: A Review of the 2025 Skoda 110 R Concept

The classic car revival is a well-trodden path in the automotive industry, but rarely is it executed with the forward-thinking precision of the 2025 Skoda 110 R Concept. This digital design study is not merely a nostalgic exercise in retro-futurism; it is a profound reimagining of one of Skoda's most iconic coupés. Designed by Richard Švec, a member of Skoda's digital modelling team, the concept manages the difficult feat of respecting the original’s spirit—the 'Erko,' as it was affectionately known—while firmly planting its wheels in the all-electric, modern era.

The original Skoda 110 R, produced between 1970 and 1980, was a lightweight, rear-engined sports coupé that became the foundation for the brand's legendary motorsport success, culminating in the revered 130 RS. The challenge for Švec was to distil this legacy without resorting to cliché. The result is a design that is defined by its clean volumes, geometric precision, and an almost brutalist simplicity, perfectly aligning with Skoda's contemporary "Modern Solid" design philosophy.

Exterior Design: The Geometry of Speed

The 2025 Concept immediately captivates with its proportions. It retains the low-slung, compact, and elegant silhouette of the original two-door coupé, but every surface is taut, clean, and aggressively sculpted. The fastback roofline flows seamlessly into a minimalist tail, lending the car a strong, dynamic wedge shape.

A deep dive into the details reveals the genius of the design. Švec explicitly avoided the pitfall of replicating the 110 R's circular headlights. Instead, the concept features sharp, rectangular light units concealed behind sliding, body-colored covers, echoing the functionality of classic pop-up lamps without the associated aerodynamic and regulatory complications. When closed, the front fascia is sleek and dark, punctuated only by vertical LED daytime running lights integrated into a contrasting black panel—a feature Skoda terms the "Tech-loop" lighting signature, a nod to the one recently introduced on the Vision O concept. An illuminated Skoda logo takes centre stage on the grille, establishing the brand’s new, high-tech visual identity.

The car’s motorsport DNA is evident in the subtle, yet aggressive, enhancements. Flared fenders hint at the potent performance beneath, while the centre-lock wheels feature aerodynamic covers that seamlessly integrate the illuminated Skoda badge. A visible ribbing on the hood is a direct, deliberate tribute to the legendary 130 RS race car.

Perhaps the cleverest nod to the rear-engined original is the large, functional air intake positioned below the rear quarter window. Where this feature once fed air to the 1.1-liter internal combustion engine of the 1970s, it is now reinterpreted to serve a crucial function in the electric age: cooling the battery pack and other electric components. This detail perfectly encapsulates the concept's balancing act between heritage and innovation. At the rear, the illuminated standalone Skoda logo is the distinctive centrepiece, with taillights similarly tucked away to maintain the clean, unbroken surface. Traditional side mirrors are replaced by sleek, camera-based units, further cleaning up the profile and boosting aerodynamics.

The Electric Core: Performance by Design

While the 2025 Skoda 110 R Concept is a purely digital design study and therefore lacks official technical specifications, its intent as an electric vehicle (EV) is clear and fundamental to its design. The EV architecture liberated Švec from the traditional constraints of a large engine bay and cooling system, allowing for the incredibly clean, uncluttered surfaces.

The conceptual powertrain would logically pay homage to the original’s layout. The classic 110 R was rear-engined and rear-wheel-drive, and the most fitting modern interpretation would likely place the primary electric motor on the rear axle. This configuration would ensure the sporty, balanced, rear-wheel-drive character enthusiasts crave. Given Skoda’s current EV technology, a power output in the region of 280-300 horsepower is a reasonable estimation. For a lightweight, compact coupé, this would represent a seismic leap in performance from the original’s modest 61 horsepower, suggesting a focus on sharp acceleration and agile handling that aligns with its motorsport aesthetic. The visible internal roll cage also points to a performance-oriented, potentially track-ready chassis setup designed for structural rigidity and safety, even if the vehicle is also envisioned for "elegant coupé for everyday use."

Interior and The Modern Solid Ethos

Though detailed interior shots are scarce, the glimpses available through the windows—highlighting a visible roll cage and presumably racing-style bucket seats with harnesses—suggest a minimalist, driver-focused cabin. The interior design would undoubtedly follow the geometric, minimalist cues of the exterior, adopting the "Modern Solid" theme. This would likely involve durable, sustainable materials, simple, uncluttered surfaces, and an emphasis on necessary digital interfaces over excessive physical controls, ensuring a cockpit that is both high-tech and distraction-free. The overall sense is one of functional elegance: a space purpose-built for driving, whether on a circuit or a commute.

Conclusion: A Concept That Demands Production

The 2025 Skoda 110 R Concept is one of those rare design studies that immediately transcends its digital status. It is a powerful statement of what Skoda could achieve in the electric sports car segment, blending a rich, albeit niche, heritage with a truly futuristic vision.

It avoids the trap of being a purely backward-looking 'retromobile' by leveraging the original's principles—lightweight, simple, and sporty—and applying them to modern EV technology. The integration of high-tech elements, such as the concealed lighting and camera mirrors, alongside the motorsport nods, creates a cohesive and compelling design language.

Unfortunately, like many concepts of this nature, the 2025 Skoda 110 R is not currently slated for production. It exists as an exercise in design talent and a provocative look at Skoda's potential future. However, if the current market for electric SUVs and mainstream models allows for the development of niche, emotionally resonant vehicles, a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive electric coupé with this much character and history should be at the top of the production wish list. The Electric Phoenix has risen, and the automotive world would be better for seeing it on the road. It proves that capturing the soul of a classic is a far more powerful design strategy than merely tracing its outline.