SKODA REVEALS GORGEOUS VISION GRAN TURISMO CONCEPT INSPIRED BY CLASSIC LE MANS RACER
- Skoda unveils Vision Gran Turismo concept car with quad electric motors, active aero, and all-wheel drive.
- First-ever Skoda vehicle to be featured in Gran Turismo 7.
- Electric racer produces 1,071 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque.
Skoda is the latest automaker to design a Vision Gran Turismo concept, following in the footsteps of brands like Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, and, more recently, Genesis with the X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo concept. This will be the first time the Skoda brand will be represented in Gran Turismo 7, with the electric racing car highlighting the brand’s commitment to reaching new target groups. Under the pretty body, the Skoda VGT is powered by four electric motors that produce 1,071 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque.
While that’s some way behind the Rimac Nevera, for example, these are still some serious numbers. Power is sent to all four wheels via a single-speed transmission. No performance statistics have been shared yet, but the Vision Gran Turismo weighs just 2,866 lbs, including the 87 kWh battery. As a result, we expect pretty rapid acceleration. It should be fun to drive in the game, with active aerodynamics and independent pushrod suspension on the front and rear axles, similar to the suspension used by Formula E cars. Skoda says the AWD system actively channels torque between the axles for improved cornering.
Design Is A Mix Of The Past And The Future
The Czech automaker looked to the past for design inspiration, borrowing cues from the 1957 1100 OHC Spider. The classic racecar inspired the split rear wing on the VGT, and traces of the sleek Speedster body style can also be seen on the electric hypercar. However, there are also traces of the future in the VGT, with Skoda using the ‘Modern Solid’ design language that will be applied to future Skoda EVs. We can also see hints of the Skoda Vision GT concept in the new Vision Gran Turismo car.
Ferrari Designers Break Down The Vision Gran Turismo Concept
Ferrari says this new study will inform future Ferrari models.T-shaped headlights are an interesting touch, but the rear end is the most striking part of the vehicle. The exposed fascia and split taillights are very dramatic and put one in mind of classic racers from the 20th century. Skoda has made it even more exciting with the matte Explorer Green paint finish. This color has been borrowed from the Vision 7S concept car, but players can also choose from a classic-inspired livery similar to that worn by the Skoda 130 RS rally car.
No-Nonsense Interior Designed For Track Driving
The interior has been designed for track use, with a central driving position ahead of a minimalist digital driver’s display. The screen relays information about the battery level, speed, and driving mode and also serves as a digital rearview mirror display.
A single sports seat, fitted with a six-point harness, has been designed to be supportive. A yoke-style, carbon fiber steering wheel sits in front of the driver, with little to distract from the task of driving, using advice from expert gamers. The final product is based on professional gaming wheels with customizable buttons and controls. A unique crystal stone displays a unique power meter readout to the driver, and there are onboard proximity sensors that let the driver know when other vehicles are getting too close.
First Skoda In Gran Turismo 7
As mentioned, the Skoda Vision Gran Turismo will be the first Skoda available in Gran Turismo 7. The automaker tends not to feature its vehicles in motorsport games (save for a few WRC titles), so this is a step in the right direction. It remains to be seen whether Skoda’s production vehicles will also be offered in the PlayStation game, but the VW Group-owned sees potential to reach a new group of people through this. After all, plenty of younger gearheads develop a passion for cars because of gaming.
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The Electric Enyaq iV VRS SUV was the vehicle of choice."The roots of Skoda Motorsport go back more than 120 years, with countless successes. The next step? Joining the world of e-racing by launching a stunning new virtual concept car into the world’s most successful racing game, Gran Turismo," said Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer. With any luck, Skoda will build a real version of its Vision Gran Turismo concept. After all, Volkswagen did just that a couple of years ago with its GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo.