The 110 R Returns: Škoda’s Visionary Rear-Wheel-Drive Coupe Reimagined

Heritage Reimagined - Sometimes, automotive history has a way of whispering from the past, nudging designers to revisit forgotten legends and reimagine them for today’s world. Škoda, the Czech brand under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, has once again taken a step into this playful territory by breathing new life into a familiar name: the 110 R. Unlike a simple retro revival, this concept melds nostalgia with a distinctly modern edge, creating a digital vision that celebrates heritage while embracing the possibilities of the future. 

The All-New Škoda 110 R melds nostalgia with a distinctly modern edge, creating a digital vision that celebrates heritage while embracing the possibilities of the future. (Picture from: Motor1)

The original Škoda 110 R first rolled onto roads in 1970, arriving as a sleek, rear-wheel-drive coupe priced at a sum equivalent to more than three years’ average wages. Despite its lofty price tag of 78,000 crowns, the car struck a chord with enthusiasts, achieving over 57,000 sales during its decade-long production. Its modest four-cylinder 1.1-liter engine, rear-mounted and paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, delivered 52 horsepower—hardly blistering speed, but enough to give drivers a charmingly unhurried experience and two practical cargo compartments, one in the front and one behind the seats. 

The original Škoda 110 R first rolled onto roads in 1970, arriving as a sleek, rear-wheel-drive coupe priced at a sum equivalent to more than three years’ average wages. (Picture from: Motor1)

Fast forward to 2025, and Škoda’s 110 R returns—but only in the digital realm. The new iteration swaps the gasoline heart for an imagined electric motor, reflecting modern priorities in sustainability while leaving room for playful speculation about performance. The concept is not merely a nostalgic echo; it’s a bold rethinking, where clean, aerodynamic surfaces dominate and traditional automotive cues are reinterpreted for a sleek, futuristic presence. 

The All-New Škoda 110 R Concept. (Picture from: Motor1)

At the heart of this modern vision is Škoda designer Richard Švec, who applied the company’s “Modern Solid” design language to the coupe. Gone are conventional door handles, replaced by subtle sensors that maintain the car’s fluid silhouette. Headlights and taillights slide open like mechanical eyes, while side cameras and functional vents hint at both performance and heritage. Even the rear pays homage to the past with a vintage “S 110 R” badge, grounding the futuristic styling in a clear historical reference. 

The All-New Škoda 110 R Concept. (Picture from: Motor1)

The concept emphasizes simplicity and efficiency, mirroring the lightweight ethos of its ancestor, which tipped the scales at just 880 kilograms (1,940 pounds). While specific technical specifications are left to the imagination, one can sense that Škoda envisioned a vehicle that is both agile and visually striking. Every design choice, from aero-inspired wheels to the smooth black front band concealing sensors, balances aesthetic minimalism with subtle functional nods to the original coupe. 

The All-New Škoda 110 R Concept. (Picture from: Motor1)

Yet, despite its visual allure and clever nods to history, the 110 R concept highlights the challenges of automotive nostalgia in the modern market. Compact coupes have steadily lost ground to SUVs and crossovers, and an electric drivetrain—while environmentally forward-thinking—may struggle to capture the hearts of traditional sports car enthusiasts. Škoda, known more for practicality than prestige, faces an uphill battle convincing buyers to embrace a high-concept coupe in the real world. | kSrcEgq3l8M |

Ultimately, the all-new Škoda 110 R serves as a bridge between eras—a digital playground where heritage meets imagination. It’s a reminder of a time when automotive design was as much about personality as performance and a glimpse at how a classic silhouette can be reinterpreted through the lens of modern technology and styling sensibilities. In a world dominated by utility and efficiency, this virtual coupe allows enthusiasts to indulge in a fleeting vision of what could be, blending history, creativity, and the enduring charm of a rear-wheel-drive icon. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | TOPGEAR | CARSCOOPS ]

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