► Skoda joins the e-racing world
► Gran Turismo car uses four electric motors
► Hopes it will attract new fans to Skoda
Skoda has caused a surprise with the reveal of a Vision Gran Turismo car – an 1,071bhp electric hypercar made for the online e-racing world.
A far cry from the typical sensible cars that Skoda sells, the Vision GT car uses four electric motor and is said to be inspired by the 1957 Skoda 1100 OHC Spider, one of the firm’s most famed heritage models. It follows on from a similar concept car shown back in 2022.
Skoda and Gran Turismo, am I missing something?
Skoda has never officially appeared in a Gran Turismo game, but it’s worth remembering that, though it might sell predominantly sensible hatchbacks and SUVs these days, it’s got plenty of motorsport history.
The firm has had success in the World Rally Championship, while has its well-established vRS performance division that continues to produce sportier versions of the Octavia, Kodiaq and electric Enyaq.
Tell me about the Vision GT car
As with all Vision Gran Turismo cars, this Skoda concept exists solely in the virtual world. But it’s a radical-looking thing, with its single-seat design and striking angles giving it a significant amount of presence.
Debuting on Gran Turismo 7, available on a PlayStation 4 and 5, the electric racer sits in the ‘Vision’ category of the game, and has been inspired by the Skoda 1100 OHC Spider from 1957, which was designed to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
It’s powered by four electric motors producing a combined 1071bhp and 1020Nm of torque, while also packing an 87kWh battery.
I’m guessing it won’t be made in real-life?
You’d guess correctly, the concept car is designed for the virtual world only. But that doesn’t mean it won’t have any impact, with the concept featuring various elements that will be used on upcoming electric Skodas. These include T-shaped headlights and a matte Explorer Green paint colour.
Skoda says the concept lets it ‘attract few fans to the brand’ and ‘explore new target groups and form of representation’. It adds that the gaming community has been asking for Skoda to make such a car for some time.