Škoda has unveiled the Enyaq RS Race, a track-ready, all-electric concept inspired by the Fabia RS Rally2 WRC car. But in this car, we see something more — a glimpse into the future of touring cars, where the RS Race could one day be swapping paint with BTCC and DTM competitors, from Brands Hatch to Bathurst.

Weight Reduction and Engineering

At the core of the Enyaq RS Race is a weight loss mission that would’ve had Colin Chapman in raptures. With a remarkable 316 kg cut from the standard Enyaq Coupé vRS, this concept car demonstrates what's possible when utilising innovative biocomposite materials. Developed alongside Bcomp, Škoda’s motorsport partner, flax fibres replace carbon fibre in key areas such as the bumpers, wings, and roof. The result is a vehicle that remains rigid and is not only drastically lighter, but greener. This tackles one of the biggest hurdles facing modern electric performance cars: weight.

To enhance its motorsport credentials, the Enyaq RS Race features significant dimension changes, lowering the body by 70 mm, with a widened front track of 72 mm and a rear track of 116 mm. The car’s race ready stance comes courtesy of new springs and dampers, and is complemented by “A completely new high-performance braking system”. Despite sharing the dual-motor 250 kW (335 bhp) powertrain with the production model, the lighter RS Race now reaches 0-62 mph in under five seconds — on par with current BTCC cars.

Aerodynamics Engineered for Touring Car Domination

One glance at the RS Race will tell you the concept isn’t just about straight-line speed. The aggressive front diffuser and aero immediately evokes memories of V8 Aussie Supercars, while the large rear wing and reworked bumpers enhance aerodynamic downforce and stability. To create the body of the Enyaq RS Race, individual bodywork parts were taken from the production line, redesigned from scratch, and reassembled.

The aerodynamics package includes a NACA air intake channelling air into the interior, whilst small winglets at the rear of the roof direct airflow straight onto the rear wing. The front section is now completely solid, with air drawn in through the lower part of the bumper, feeding a newly engineered radiator. The new front bumper also features two additional air curtains, and a new rear diffuser along with the large rear wing increase the downforce, improving drivability at higher speeds. 

Turbulence around the wheels is minimised by wing-shaped air-guiding elements, while ventilation grilles in the front and rear wheel arches enhance both aerodynamics and brake cooling. Škoda says the Enyaq RS Race can also be fitted with aerodynamically optimised wheels, which is a clear indicator the Czech firm has bigger plans for the car.

Inside the Cabin: Touring Car Minimalism

The interior of the Enyaq RS Race strips away any remnants of luxury in favour of pure, unfiltered racing functionality. Stepping inside, it’s clear that this is no road-going EV — racing seats with six-point harnesses, a roll cage, and a bare-bones dashboard make it clear that the RS Race prioritises performance above all else.

Functional elements such as the rally-style hydraulic handbrake and fully adjustable suspension settings allow drivers to tweak the car for optimal performance on different circuits, mirroring the adaptability seen in professional touring cars. The replacement of the progressive steering system with a linear rack further ensures the car responds with precision in the corners, while the simplified infotainment system reminds drivers that the track is where this car belongs. You might wonder why such a system is still present in a racing car? It remains because it hosts the Havas premium sound system, which has been retuned to incorporate a digital sound amplifier to deliver the characteristic motorsport noises within the cabin. 

Sustainability: The Future of Touring Cars

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the Enyaq RS Race is the statement it makes about the future of motorsport. As regulations and environmental concerns increasingly shape the future of racing, the RS Race is a potential solution to the question: can high-performance motorsport embrace sustainability without sacrificing excitement? Škoda's use of flax fibre biocomposites not only helps to reduce the car’s weight but also slashes its environmental footprint. These materials provide a sustainable alternative to traditional carbon fibre, offering comparable strength and durability with far less environmental impact.

In a sport where every gram and every aerodynamic detail can mean the difference between victory and defeat, Škoda's sustainable approach to material innovation suggests a path for future electric touring cars. As motorsport evolves, these technologies could become key components in reducing the ecological impact of racing while maintaining the performance pedigree that enthusiasts expect. Eventually, they could find their way onto road cars too.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Motorsport

The Škoda Enyaq RS Race doesn’t just strip away weight — it peels back the curtain on what the future of electric touring cars might look like. With its motorsport DNA, advanced lightweight materials, and sustainable innovation, it offers a tantalising vision of how the British Touring Car Championship, and electric motorsport in general, could evolve. Whether or not the RS Race sees the grid, its technological advancements and eco-conscious design provide a reassuring glimpse into the future.