Skoda Fabia S2000 Prototype Testing

Skoda is planning to enter the Super 2000 Rally category with this prototype based on the 2nd generation Fabia.

Skoda has a long history in rallying which stretches back well before the Volkswagen group took over the reigns of this little Czechoslovakian motor company. Skoda’s motorsport history can be traced back to 1901 when they first were making motorbikes. They soon moved into rallying cars and developed a reputation for consistency and reliability. Due to financial constraints, Skoda struggled to compete on pace with the more affluent car companies but Skoda vehicles rarely failed to complete a rally due to mechanical breakages.

Skoda became the 4th brand of the Volkswagen group in April 1991 and since then they have had a much bigger pool of resources to rely on for their rallying exploits. The extra cash helped as well as the engineering know how and facilities.

After toying with the much larger Octavia saloon during the late nineties Skoda moved to the first generation Fabia which was revealed at the 2003 Geneva motorshow.

This second generation Fabia looks pretty awesome hunched down on all fours and is equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.0L in line 4 cyl running through a 6 speed sequential transmission and a 4 wheel drive system. Skoda has yet to set a date for its introduction into competition.

Press Release

Skoda Start Testing Fabia Super 2000 Rally Car

Škoda Auto has started testing the first prototype of the Škoda Fabia Super 2000 today. Designed to be used in the Super 2000 category, the vehicle is based on the second-generation Fabia and, in compliance with the FIA regulations, is equipped with a two-litre atmospheric four-cylinder petrol engine, a six-speed sequential transmission and a four-wheel drive system with three mechanical differentials.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Škoda Auto BOD Member responsible for technological development, said: “We are glad to have started testing the Fabia Super 2000. This year we are planning to optimise and certify the vehicle so that we can use it on both national and international levels. When exactly will the vehicle be released for competition use will depend on the achieved progress, relevant test results and the final certification. Then we are also planning to offer the vehicle to private teams. Based on a customer service arrangement, further development work on the vehicle will be done in close cooperation with our importers worldwide“.

Martin Lauer, Head of Corporate Communications, adds: “The history of over hundred years of involvement in motorsport is unique, and we are proud to be able to continue the success story with the Fabia Super 2000. We believe that the vehicle will become a successful part of this tradition, because car racing is popular all over the world and offers great opportunities to promote our products“.