Skoda’s Digital Resurrection: The 110 R Coupe Reimagined for the Future

In a world increasingly dominated by SUVs and crossovers, the resurrection of a rear-wheel-drive coupe—even in digital form—is enough to stir the hearts of automotive purists. Skoda, the Czech automaker under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, has done just that by reviving the spirit of its iconic 110 R coupe. But before you rush to your nearest dealership, a caveat: this rebirth exists only in the realm of fantasy.

A Nod to the Past: The Original 110 R

The Skoda 110 R debuted in 1970, a time when coupes were symbols of aspiration and style. With a rear-mounted 1.1-liter four-cylinder engine producing a modest 52 horsepower, the 110 R wasn’t built for speed. It took a leisurely 19 seconds to reach 100 km/h, but its charm lay elsewhere—in its sleek design, rear-wheel-drive layout, and the sense of freedom it offered. Priced at 78,000 crowns, equivalent to about 40 months’ wages, it was a luxury item for many. Yet, Skoda sold over 57,000 units before production ended in 1980.

The 2025 Concept: A Modern Fantasy

Fast forward to 2025, and Skoda has digitally reimagined the 110 R as part of its “Icons Get a Makeover” series. This isn’t a production car, nor is it even a physical prototype. It’s a virtual concept designed by Richard Švec, who infused the classic coupe with Skoda’s “Modern Solid” design language. The result is a futuristic vision that pays homage to the past while embracing the aesthetics of tomorrow.

Gone is the rear-mounted combustion engine. In its place, an electric motor—though Skoda hasn’t specified any technical details. The concept features clean surfaces, sliding headlights and taillights, aero wheels, and a black front band that hides sensors. Side cameras replace traditional mirrors, and door handles are conspicuously absent, smoothing out the profile. Functional air vents below the rear quarter windows echo the engine inlets of the original model, while a vintage “S 110 R” badge at the rear ties the concept to its roots.

Why It Matters—Even If It’s Not Real

Skoda’s decision to revive the 110 R, even as a digital concept, is more than just a design exercise. It’s a statement about heritage, identity, and the emotional pull of automotive nostalgia. In an era where car design is often dictated by aerodynamics and efficiency, this concept reminds us that cars can still be beautiful, evocative, and fun.

It also raises an important question: why don’t more automakers do this? Virtual concepts allow designers to explore bold ideas without the constraints of production feasibility. They can test public reaction, celebrate brand history, and inspire future models. For Skoda, a brand not typically associated with sports cars, this is a chance to show off its creative chops.

The Harsh Reality: Why It Won’t Be Built

Despite the enthusiasm, the chances of the 110 R concept becoming a production model are slim. The coupe segment is shrinking, and Skoda lacks the brand cachet to compete with sports car heavyweights like Porsche or Audi. A fully electric coupe would face even more hurdles, from weight distribution to battery packaging. And let’s not forget the bean counters—convincing them to greenlight a niche sports car is a tall order.

Volkswagen Group has flirted with affordable sports cars before. Remember the BlueSport roadster? It never made it past the concept stage. If a budget-friendly EV coupe ever emerges from the group, it’s more likely to wear a VW badge than a Skoda one.

Still, There’s Hope

While the 110 R concept may never hit the road, it serves a valuable purpose. It keeps the conversation alive about what cars can be. It challenges the notion that practicality must always trump passion. And it gives Skoda fans something to dream about.

In a way, that’s the magic of concept cars. They’re not bound by regulations, market trends, or production costs. They exist to inspire, provoke, and celebrate the art of automotive design. And in that regard, the 2025 Skoda 110 R concept is a resounding success.