An Icon Reimagined: Škoda 110 R Concept

Škoda designers have revisited one of the brand’s most celebrated cars, the 110 R coupé, and imagined how it could look in the modern era. The concept is not a retro copy but a bold reinterpretation that connects heritage with contemporary design philosophy.

The Legacy of the 110 R

The original Škoda 110 R was produced between 1970 and 1980 at the Kvasiny plant. It was admired for its proportions and elegance and became the basis for racing variants such as the 200 RS and the 130 RS, which achieved success in motorsport. With a rear mounted 1,107 cc four cylinder engine producing 45.6 kW, the coupé reached a top speed of 145 km/h while weighing only 880 kg.

Its balance of style and performance gave it an enduring reputation, and to this day it remains a highly valued car among enthusiasts and collectors.

A Modern Interpretation

The contemporary concept was created by Richard Švec, a designer and member of Škoda’s digital modelling team. His ambition was to capture the character of the original while expressing it in a design language suited to the present. He notes that the 110 R’s charm lies in its clean surfaces and simple details, which guided his reinterpretation.

The concept integrates Škoda’s “Modern Solid” design philosophy, focusing on clarity of form with carefully applied technical elements. Wider arches, a roll cage, and racing inspired details signal its sporting roots, while geometric precision replaces organic shaping for a sharper overall aesthetic.

Design Details

The coupé features a full electric powertrain. Functional elements such as vents near the rear side windows now serve as cooling for the battery system. Side view cameras replace mirrors, and hidden headlights reveal themselves when in use. The Tech Loop lighting signature first seen on the Škoda Vision O concept is present, and an illuminated Škoda badge dominates the rear.

Distinctive wheel covers, sculpted surfaces, and a dark contrast finish on the spoiler, side skirts, and diffuser reinforce the dynamic appearance. Every element highlights Švec’s goal of combining racing heritage with modern usability.

The Designer

Richard Švec studied product design and later transport design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava. He also completed an internship at Italdesign in Turin. He joined Škoda Auto in 2023, working initially as a designer and later as a digital modeller in the brand’s design department. His process for the 110 R concept began with hand sketches, moved into proportion studies, and culminated in a detailed 3D digital model.

Švec describes his aim as creating a coupé that respects the past but feels relevant to contemporary drivers. His interpretation of the 110 R is both a design study and a statement of how icons can evolve without losing their essence.