When 28 talented students from Skoda’s vocational school decided to celebrate their company’s 130th birthday, they didn’t just bake a cake. Instead, they spent over 2,000 hours transforming a Skoda Superb Combi wagon into something that would make professional cycling teams everywhere green with envy.
The Birth of a Revolutionary Support Vehicle
The Skoda L&K 130 concept isn’t your typical student project. This remarkable ute represents the perfect marriage between automotive engineering and cycling culture, paying homage to Skoda’s humble beginnings as a bicycle manufacturer back in 1895.
What makes this concept special goes beyond its eye-catching appearance. The students took a fully functional Superb wagon and reimagined it as the ultimate support vehicle for professional cycling events, including appearances at major races like the Tour de France.
Engineering Excellence in Every Detail
The transformation required serious engineering prowess. Students shortened the roof and roof rails, modified the B and C-pillars, and reinforced the entire body structure. Behind the rear seats, they installed a new bulkhead and rear window to separate the passenger compartment from the functional cargo area.
But here’s where things get really clever – the tailgate isn’t just any ordinary truck bed. At the push of a button, it slides out using a rack-and-pinion system, extending the cargo space when teams need to quickly access spare bicycles or equipment.
Innovation That Solves Real Problems
The right-hand rear door showcases brilliant problem-solving. Instead of a traditional hinged door that might swing into passing cyclists, the students created a door that pivots outward then slides rearward on custom rails. Dual latching points maintain structural integrity while twin exterior handles make access effortless.
Technology Meets Tradition
Smart Interior Solutions
Inside the cabin, every modification serves a purpose. The dashboard features a mounted tablet that helps teams track riders, monitor course maps, or watch live race feeds. Radio and internet connectivity ensure constant communication between support crews and cyclists.
Storage solutions include a roof net for smaller items and a large onboard cool box that replaces the rear left passenger seat, keeping water bottles perfectly chilled during long race stages.
Heritage-Inspired Design
The visual design tells Skoda’s story beautifully. The red, gold, and black color scheme draws inspiration from the original Laurin & Klement emblem, honoring the company’s founding fathers, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement. Custom 3D-printed L&K badges replace traditional Skoda logos throughout the vehicle, while embroidered “130 Years” logos adorn the sports seats.
Hybrid Power for Modern Needs
The students wisely retained the Superb’s proven plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The system combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 150kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
The 25.7kWh battery pack provides approximately 100 kilometers of electric-only range – perfect for silent operation through city centers during race events, respecting noise restrictions while maintaining zero emissions.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Vehicle | Skoda Superb Combi Wagon |
| Power Output | 150kW combined (hybrid system) |
| Battery Capacity | 25.7kWh |
| Electric Range | ~100km (WLTP) |
| Development Time | 2,000+ hours |
| Student Team | 28 participants |
| Special Features | Sliding rear door, extendable cargo tray |
| Anniversary | Celebrating 130 years of Skoda |
From Bicycles to Automotive Innovation
This concept beautifully connects Skoda’s past with its future. The company began as a bicycle manufacturer in 1895, expanded to motorcycles, and finally automobiles in 1925. Today, Skoda maintains strong ties to cycling, sponsoring major international events and supporting professional teams worldwide.
Real-World Application
The L&K 130 concept isn’t just a show piece – it’s designed for actual use. The bike carrier mechanism allows rapid deployment and storage of spare bicycles, while the extended cargo area accommodates all the equipment a professional cycling team needs during competitive events.
Student Achievement Recognition
This marks the tenth anniversary of Skoda’s student concept program, and the first time students have worked with the Superb platform. It’s also their first plug-in hybrid project, demonstrating how education programs can drive innovation while respecting environmental responsibility.
The project showcases how hands-on learning combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing the next generation of automotive professionals while solving real-world challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Skoda produce the L&K 130 concept for sale?
A: This is currently a one-off student concept vehicle with no confirmed production plans.
Q: How long did students take to build this concept?
A: The 28-student team invested over 2,000 hours in planning, development, and construction.
Q: What makes the sliding door system special?
A: It pivots outward then slides rearward on rails, preventing interference with passing cyclists during races.
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