Skoda has just brought the Fabia R5 Concept at the 2014 Essen Motor Show, a vehicle that previews the successor of the Fabia Super 2000. As expected, the vehicle is based on the third-generation Fabia and was modified in order to face the competition. As a result, it comes with a wide body kit, a roof scoop, a new rear roof spoiler, racing wheels, high-performance brakes as well as a stiffer suspension. The rear end also shows a new central exhaust tailpipe.
The Skoda Fabia R 5 Concept Car marks the realization of manufacturer’s plans to come out with new models that focus not only on the important functional aspects but on emotions as well. This was revealed by Dr. Frank Welsch who is the Skoda Board Member for Technical Development.
Dr. Welsch adds that its Essen cars already support this statement but the Fabia R 5 gives a first look at the company’s new rally car. The two versions of the Fabia R 5, estate and hatchback, are founded on the Skoda Fabia that shows a lot more emotion compared to previous models.
Motorsport Director for Skoda Michal Hrabánek shares that the Fabia R 5 is set to premier in the middle of 2015 and when it does, it will further share Skoda’s vision of what they think is the future of rally cars.
The Fabia R 5 has a lot of high-tech features and is powered through a 1.6-liter turbo engine in order to meet FIA regulations. It also has a five-speed sequential gearbox with McPherson struts. Fabia R 5 will weigh 1,230 kilograms to keep with regulations. To ensure quality, top Skoda drivers were made part of the development team for the Fabia R 5. It comes as no surprise then that many racing teams have even now expressed interest in the Fabia R 5.
Skoda Fabia Super 2000, which is its predecessor, has led to numerous wins for many drivers and has earned many titles for their respective teams. In the recently concluded 2014 rally season for instance, the Fabia Super 2000 won the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship in what can be regarded as a hat-trick. In addition, Skoda also grabbed five national championships plus the Drivers’ title during the FIA European Rally Championship.
Originally launched in 2009, the Skoda Fabia Super 2000 is the company’s crowning achievement in the history of motor sports now spanning 113 years. Skoda expects that the Fabia will catch the attention of many people in Essen. Though it was launched in Paris, the Fabia initially appeared in Germany.
Dr. Welsch says that the Fabia not only has an emotional design but it has high functionality and innovative technology. This compact car was created from scratch considering that it is Skoda’s first model to undergo production. This shows how the Skoda design evolved to a distinctive design.
The hatchback now has a more angular appearance with a combi that has sharp lines and crystalline forms with tighter and more balanced proportions. However the model also shows new features with innovations in comfort, infotainment systems, and safety. The end result is a car that is environmentally-friendly.
Furthermore, it has a large amount of space that has been one of the trademarks of Skoda vehicles resulting in the largest boot under the compact car category. Finally it has very high functionality having 19 practical solutions.
