Skoda Reveals L&K 130

The L&K 130 Pickup

Combining the elegance of the Skoda Superb with the rugged utility of a pickup, the L&K 130 is not your everyday vehicle. Designed by students at the Skoda Academy, this unique creation is more than a stylish ride; it’s a fully functional support vehicle crafted especially for bicycle racing teams. This one-of-a-kind concept is based on the Skoda Superb Combi, a model known for its spacious interior and reliable performance.

Custom Features

The L&K 130’s transformation starts at the rear. With a redesigned tailgate and a sliding rear door, it provides easy access to its compact yet practical cargo bed. The real trick, however, is in the sliding tailgate that expands the storage area at the push of a button, revealing enough room for mounting two racing bicycles. Need more capacity? A roof rack offers additional space for a third bike, making it a cyclist’s dream come true.

Skoda’s roots in cycle racing stretch back to its early days, which makes the L&K 130 more than just a nod to tradition. Named after Skoda’s founders, Laurin and Klement, who began their venture by crafting bicycles 130 years ago, this vehicle blends history with cutting-edge design. It’s not just a car; it’s a statement of Skoda’s ongoing engagement with cycling sports.

Look Inside and Out

The exterior of the L&K 130 stands out with 19-inch Supernova alloy wheels and a distinctive livery in gold, red, black, and white. Laurin & Klement logos and a backlit grille add a touch of sophistication. Inside, the theme continues with comfortable, matching upholstery and “130 years” elegantly embroidered on the seats. Useful storage options like a roof net and a spacious cool box cater to practical needs, while additional screens provide helpful race data.

Driving Experience

Under the hood, the L&K 130 runs a plug-in hybrid powertrain similar to the Superb Combi iV. A turbocharged 1.5-liter engine paired with an electric motor delivers a robust 201 hp (150 kW). While the unique customizations might add a bit of weight and affect aerodynamics, the original setup was capable of an EV-only range of up to 62 miles. This fun, sporty drive feels well-balanced and particularly suited for those who enjoy a bit of adventure with their daily commute.

The Extra Mile

Overall, this project required over 2,000 hours of teamwork, showcasing both creativity and craftsmanship. Debuting at the prestigious Tour de France, the L&K 130 is more than just a display vehicle; it’s a testament to innovation and heritage, symbolizing how tradition can intersect with forward-thinking design.

This marks the tenth student-created concept car from the Skoda Academy, following previous projects like the Mountiaq and Afriq. Each concept reflects a unique design challenge, pushing boundaries and inspiring future automotive trends. While some concepts might never see mass production, their inventive spirit continues to influence designs and foster new ideas in the automotive world.