Auto

Škoda Reimagines its “Hundred” as a Modern Electric Vehicle

Škoda is challenging its past positioning⁢ with a striking new design study for a modern⁣ interpretation of ‌the⁤ Škoda 100. Traditionally, the ⁤Škoda 100 ‍served⁣ as the Czechoslovakian people’s car, ​while luxury models were represented⁣ by Tatra ‍or Soviet imports. This⁢ new concept aims too elevate the “hundred” to a class capable of competing with vehicles like the Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series.

The design, created by Škoda headlight ​design team member Martin Paclt, was developed ⁤entirely using virtual reality. Paclt drew inspiration from the proportions of the current Škoda Superb, resulting in a concept slightly larger in‌ scale. He specifically⁣ chose the Škoda 100​ as his subject due to its historical significance – ‍it was ⁢the first ⁣Škoda model to exceed one million units produced, and a widely recognizable vehicle in Czechoslovakia, despite car⁢ ownership remaining a relative luxury ⁤in the early 1970s.

Paclt was drawn ‍to the original 100’s “clean and timeless shapes,” finding resonance ⁤with Škoda’s current “Modern Solid” design ⁣language. he ⁢notes the angular​ design⁤ represented a significant aesthetic shift from the rounded “embéček”⁣ models of the preceding era, mirroring⁢ trends in Western European automotive design of the time.

The modern prototype incorporates design cues from the original Škoda 100, including a high door line,​ the classic three-box body shape, and ⁤intake holes in the​ rear fenders. Despite being envisioned as an electric vehicle, the design retains a functional air intake located‌ on the rear roofline, reminiscent of the original’s ​rear-mounted engine. ⁤This intake serves to cool the car’s technology housed‌ behind ⁣the⁢ cabin.

Further echoing⁣ the original, the rear windowless design is intended to visually mirror the shape of the front windshield, a characteristic of the early Škoda 100. The ⁢vehicle features rear-wheel drive and ‍maintains a front ⁢luggage ⁢compartment, as in the ‌original, alongside a smaller compartment above the electric motor. Modern touches include a sculpted ‍hood bearing the Škoda inscription and integrated light strips at the front ⁣and rear, reflecting Paclt’s ​expertise in headlight design.

The design process began with customary pencil sketches before being fully realized in‌ 3D on a computer. Paclt, an eleven-year veteran of Škoda, utilized​ the current Superb’s design as a foundational starting point, adjusting the proportions to ⁢achieve the final concept.