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Škoda Turns the Enyaq vRS into a Race-Ready EV Beast

Škoda Motorsport has taken a bold step into the future with the development of a fully electric concept race car, built on the foundation of the Škoda Enyaq Coupé vRS. The new Enyaq RS Race car represents a radical evolution in both performance and sustainability, blending the brand’s rally-winning expertise with cutting-edge materials and design.

From Rally Stages to Electric Race Tracks

The new concept car builds on Škoda’s extensive motorsport heritage, particularly insights gained from the championship-proven Fabia RS Rally2. The development of the Enyaq RS Race began in 2023, culminating in a global debut in October 2024. Since then, Škoda engineers have refined and reimagined the concept, pushing the boundaries of electric mobility in motorsport.

Lighter, Lower, and Built for Speed

One of the most remarkable features of the new Enyaq RS Race is its significant weight reduction—316 kilograms lighter than its road-going counterpart. This was achieved through extensive use of lightweight components, removal of non-essential features, and the incorporation of innovative biocomposite materials.

The race car is also more track-focused in its dimensions. It sits 70 mm lower, with a front width increase of 72 mm and a rear width gain of 116 mm, providing enhanced aerodynamics and handling. Despite using the same electric powertrain that produces 250 kW (335 hp), the reduced weight allows the Enyaq RS Race to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds—an impressive feat for an all-electric SUV.

Eco-Friendly Materials Meet High Performance

Škoda has taken a forward-thinking approach by using sustainable, flax-fiber-based composites developed in partnership with Swiss innovator Bcomp. These materials, including AmpliTex and PowerRibs, replace traditional carbon fiber in key components such as bumpers, wings, roof panels, and interior trim. Not only do they offer comparable strength and weight savings, but they also slash CO2 emissions by up to 85% during production.

A total of 16 vehicle components now use these sustainable materials, making the Enyaq RS Race a showcase for future eco-conscious automotive design. Even the panoramic glass roof was replaced with a lightweight biocomposite panel, reinforcing Škoda’s commitment to reducing environmental impact without compromising performance.

Motorsport-Grade Engineering

The Enyaq RS Race features a range of motorsport-derived enhancements, including carbon-ceramic brakes with ten-piston front calipers and four-piston rears, a hydraulic rally-style handbrake, and a fully adjustable sports suspension system. Limited-slip differentials on both axles improve traction and cornering stability, while 20-inch wheels with low-profile tires ensure maximum grip.

Inside, the cabin has been stripped of all non-essential comfort features and fitted with racing seats, a full roll cage, and components made using recycled 3D-printed materials, including CO2-neutral biopolymers.

A Vision for the Future

With this concept, Škoda Motorsport not only delivers a high-performance electric race car but also presents a compelling vision for the future of sustainable vehicle manufacturing. The Enyaq RS Race stands as a testing ground for technologies and materials that could soon find their way into production vehicles, setting new standards for both performance and environmental responsibility.

In combining electric power, rally-bred engineering, and eco-friendly innovation, Škoda Motorsport has created a groundbreaking concept that redefines what an electric race car can be—and hints at an exciting future for sustainable performance cars.

Source: Škoda

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Škoda Turns the Enyaq vRS into a Race-Ready EV Beast
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Next-Gen Audi RS6 to Come With Plug-In Hybrid and All-Electric Powertrains

In a bold move that reflects the shifting tides of the automotive industry, Audi has unveiled plans for its next-generation RS6 sports car, set to debut in 2026 with a choice of electrified powertrains. Marking a significant evolution for the high-performance model, the new RS6 will be available as both a plug-in hybrid and a fully electric variant—an industry-first for the iconic nameplate.

This latest RS6 generation will be Audi’s most powerful yet. The plug-in hybrid version will feature a refined 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, believed to be sourced from Porsche, producing up to 730 horsepower—an increase that positions it directly against BMW’s newly electrified i5 M60 and hybrid M5.

For the first time since 2010, the RS6 will also return in both wagon and sedan body styles, expanding its appeal beyond the traditionally Avant-only configuration. This strategic diversification underlines Audi’s efforts to stay competitive in the fiercely contested German sports sedan market.

Interestingly, the decision to retain a combustion engine option comes after Audi Sport initially announced plans to go fully electric with the RS6 lineup. However, lagging EV sales in key global markets forced a rethink. Audi is now pivoting to a dual-platform approach, extending the lifespan of its combustion models well into the next decade.

The electric RS6 E-tron will be built on Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), while the hybrid model will ride on an evolved version of the existing MLB architecture—now rebranded as Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). This split not only caters to different buyer preferences but also allows Audi to maximize flexibility and reduce development costs.

The RS6 E-tron will feature a dual-motor all-wheel drive system similar to that in the upcoming S6 E-tron, though tuned for higher performance. Audi Sport is targeting approximately 670 horsepower for the electric variant, paired with a sporty torque delivery curve to maintain its performance pedigree. It will use a 94.8 kWh battery pack, the same unit found in the A6 E-tron, though range is expected to be slightly lower than the A6’s estimated 745 km due to the RS6’s performance-oriented setup.

Meanwhile, the hybrid version is expected to pair the V8 engine with an electric motor integrated into the transmission and a lithium-ion battery—similar to setups used in current Porsche and Bentley plug-in hybrids. This configuration will help the RS6 meet stringent Euro 7 emissions standards without compromising its hallmark performance.

As Audi prepares to bring this new RS6 generation to market, it’s clear that the brand is not only adapting to the future—but doing so on its own terms. By offering both hybrid and electric options, the RS6 is set to remain a powerhouse in the performance sedan segment, bridging the gap between tradition and transformation.

Source: Audi

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2025 Audi Q3: New Design, More Power, and Smart Features

After more than a decade of solid sales and over two million units sold globally, Audi is ushering in the third generation of its best-selling compact SUV: the Audi Q3. With bold technological upgrades, a more emotional design, and a diversified powertrain lineup, the latest Q3 sets a new benchmark in the premium compact segment—while staying loyal to its roots, including the ever-popular TDI diesel.

A Bestseller Reborn

Since its debut, the Q3 has earned a reputation as a pillar of Audi’s model lineup. Now, the third generation aims to maintain that status, combining a thoroughly modern exterior with advanced powertrains, including a more powerful and efficient plug-in hybrid.

Buyers will now have access to a range of drive options: a 150 hp TFSI petrol engine featuring mild hybrid tech, a diesel-powered 150 hp TDI ideal for long-distance travel, and a new e-hybrid producing 272 hp. The latter can now be charged at up to 50 kW DC, offering an electric-only range of up to 119 km (WLTP) thanks to a new high-voltage battery with a gross capacity of 25.7 kWh.

Design with Purpose

On the design front, Audi has injected the new Q3 with sharper lines and more aerodynamic sculpting. A wide Singleframe grille and slim Matrix LED headlights dominate the front, while a horizontal shoulder line emphasizes its proportions from the side. The rear is equally striking, boasting optional digital OLED taillights connected by a continuous LED strip—technology debuting in Audi’s compact class.

The lighting system is more than just aesthetic. For the first time, Audi integrates micro-LED modules into the Q3’s Matrix headlights, which not only improve road illumination but also enhance the connection with driver assistance systems. A distinctive light signature, made up of 23 LED segments, makes the SUV instantly recognizable on the road.

Interior Innovations

Inside, the Audi Q3 takes a significant leap in usability and comfort. A redesigned control unit behind the steering wheel introduces two multifunction levers—one replacing the traditional gear shifter, freeing up valuable space in the center console. Additionally, new acoustic glazing for the front side windows, available for the first time in this segment, improves interior quietness at high speeds.

Practicality hasn’t taken a back seat. The luggage compartment offers 488 liters of space, expandable to 1,386 liters with the rear seats folded. Those seats are now length-adjustable and reclinable as standard, enhancing versatility for daily use.

Smarter, Safer, Smoother

The third-generation Q3 is not just more comfortable but also smarter. Audi’s updated adaptive suspension now includes options for sports tuning and two-valve damper control, offering an optimized balance between comfort and dynamic handling.

Driver assistance has also seen major enhancements. An interior monitoring camera tracks the driver’s alertness, offering a safety net against drowsiness. Parking is simplified too—thanks to the “Trained Parking” system, the Q3 can learn specific parking maneuvers. The reversing assistant aids in navigating tight or blind spots, offering peace of mind in crowded urban settings.

Launch and Pricing

The new Audi Q3 is slated to hit the roads in October, with orders opening this summer. The base 150 hp petrol variant will start at €44,600 in Germany, while the advanced plug-in hybrid will be available from €49,300. Production will be shared between Audi’s facilities in Győr, Hungary, and Ingolstadt, Germany.

With its refreshed design, upgraded tech, and commitment to varied powertrain options—including the enduring diesel—the 2025 Audi Q3 is not merely a facelift. It’s a forward-thinking reinterpretation of a proven success, ready to meet the evolving demands of premium SUV buyers.

Source: Audi

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2025 Audi Q3: New Design, More Power, and Smart Features

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