Skoda Auto’s presentation at this year’s annual Geneva Motorshow will have a distinctly sporting flavour because of the world debut of two sports cars – the aggressive Skoda Fabia WRC racing rally car designed for the World Rally Championship and the passenger Skoda Fabia RS with its sports design for people looking for a sporty alternative in the supermini class.
In addition, the entire Skoda range will be represented in an extensive display in an area of more than 1000 m2. Starting from the Fabia in three body specifications (hatchback, estate and sedan) supplemented by the new RS sports version; through the Octavia range in two body specifications, supplemented by the Laurin & Klement version, the RS sports versions and cars with 4×4 drive; to the Superb, the upper medium segment model.
A central element of the Skoda exhibition at this year’s annual Geneva Motorshow will be the presentation of the new Skoda Fabia WRC rally car. This car will soon take part in the World Rally Championship, replacing the current Skoda Octavia WRC in the Skoda Motorsport rally team. Based on the experience gained during Skoda Motorsport’s involvement in the World Championship with the Skoda Octavia WRC cars, the new Fabia WRC has everything necessary to extend the many successes achieved by Skoda in the sports arena and thus continue the brand’s sporting tradition, which goes back more than one hundred years.
The world debut of the new sports version of the Fabia – the Skoda Fabia RS -will also take place at the Geneva motor show. The Skoda Fabia RS perfectly rounds off the Fabia range and, at the same time, extends the Skoda family of car with a sportily designed supermini carrying the well-respected RS emblem. The attractive and dynamic design clearly demonstrates its character, which is similar to that of the Skoda Fabia WRC. Some people may be surprised by the car’s power unit – a state-of-the-art four-cylinder diesel engine – the 1.9 TDI PD/96 kW – but it is an excellent choice. It provides ample power, remarkable flexibility and excellent fuel economy. In addition, the engine makes the Fabia RS a unique and original car, as sports cars equipped with a diesel engine are still rare.
Other important innovations are the new engines that will appear under the bonnet of Fabia cars. They include the three-cylinder 1.2 HTP/47 kW petrol engine, which is a more powerful modification of the 1.2 HTP/40 kW engine presented last year, the main difference being its four-valve technology. Another innovation is the state-of-the-art three-cylinder diesel, 1.4 TDI PD/55 kW engine, which is Skoda Auto’s response to the increasing interest in economical engines with lower displacement in this category of vehicles.
A new power unit has also been prepared for the Octavia, the 1.9 TDI PD/96 kW diesel engine. This state-of-the-art, with high-pressure fuel injection using compound injectors (the Pumpe-Düse system), extends the range of highly popular diesel power units and at the same time, takes its place as the most powerful diesel engine available in the Octavia range.
Skoda Fabia RS
Skoda Auto presents the world debut of its new, sports model, the Skoda Fabia RS at the Geneva Motorshow. The attractive Skoda Fabia RS, with its magnificent sporty design, supplements and crowns the Fabia model range and at the same time extends the range of sporty models produced by Skoda.
Undoubtedly, one of the most interesting features of the new car is its power unit. Skoda Fabia RS is driven by the 1.9 TDI PD/96 kW diesel engine, which gives the car not only outstanding dynamic parameters but also a unique and exclusive character both within the make and on the sporty car market. The 1.9 TDI PD/96 kW engine is used exclusively within the Fabia range for the RS. Even today it is not very common to have a sport car driven by a diesel power unit that does not detract from its sporty image.
The 1.9-litre engine has a more than ample output of 96 kW (130 bhp) produced at 4000 rpm. In addition the engine has great torque, 310 Nm reached at only 1900 rpm, giving the car extraordinary flexibility. The characteristics of the engine perfectly match the six-speed transmission, which is used for the first time on the Fabia model range. Six gears allow the driver to make the optimum use of the engine’s output parameters.
Owners of the Fabia RS with the 1.9 TDI PD/96 kW engine will be pleased not only with its power and flexibility but also with its economical operation. Not many sporty cars can produce a maximum speed of 204 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 secs with a combined fuel consumption of only 5.6 l/100 100 km. The combination of such parameters is only possible because of the state-of-the-art technology of the engine design that includes electronically controlled direct fuel injection, the so-called pump-nozzle system, and a turbocharger with variable blade geometry.
Naturally, the design of the car stresses its sporty character. The most significant feature of the exterior design is the new front bumper with an integrated spoiler. The bumper protrudes forward and blends perfectly with the style of the WRC cars. In addition to its size, another dominating element of the new bumper is the three large inlets in the spoiler that are used for distributing air to the coolers and brakes. The central opening has a vertical grill that perfectly suits the traditional radiator grill with the Skoda logo that now includes the RS emblem. Both side inlets have horizontal grills and incorporate impressive fog lamps. Other features that stress the sporty character of the car include ventilation outlets on the sides of the bumper – on the spoiler in front of the front wheels.
The design of a sporty car must include attractive wheels. The large, sixteen inch light alloy wheels emphasize the sporty character and overall dynamism of the car. More over, their original design is reminiscent of the wheels of the Octavia RS. The green disc brake callipers shine through the spokes of the wheel displaying another typical feature of Skoda sporty models.
The rear section of the car also clearly demonstrates its sporty character. This is stressed by a spoiler over the rear window, a rear bumper with a new integrated spoiler and also an originally designed tailpipe made of stainless steel.
All these design modifications produce a highly emotive effect and instantly distinguish the RS model from standard Fabia cars. At the same time they have been extremely well designed, developing the balanced design of the Fabia to stress the sporty character and dynamism of the car.
The interior design lives up to the external appearance of the car. It incorporates features that clearly demonstrate the character and possibilities of the Fabia RS. Above all it includes sports seats with new, original Cross-Tuck upholstery that provide more than adequate luxury and comfort and also the perfect support needed during sporty driving. The sides of seats are upholstered in light-grey fabric and the center insets in black fabric. The headrests are decorated with the RS symbol.
The interior and the instrument panel are in Onyx black; the unique feeling of the interior is further enhanced by the Onyx black ceiling lining and columns. The sporty character of the car is complemented by the leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, gear lever knob and hand brake, as well as many other elements such as: the silver scale on the control instruments; the sports pedals made of stainless steel with anti-slip pads; the door-sills and floor mats with the RS symbol.
The chassis and driving characteristics of Skoda Fabia cars are considered to be among the best in their class, having the qualities of cars from higher sectors. The Fabia RS chassis has been specifically modified to give the car a sportier design and to provide even safer driving characteristics. Compared to standard Fabias, the chassis of the Skoda Fabia RS has been lowered by 15 mm. All wheels are fitted with efficient disc brakes with internal cooling on the front wheels. The car is equipped with the ABS and ASR (anti-skid system) electronic systems that safely transfer the driving force from the wheels to the road.
The standard equipment matches the character of the car and provides a high degree of safety and more than adequate comfort for passengers. Skoda Fabia RS standard equipment includes driver and front passenger airbags, a tilt and rake-adjustable steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat, remote control central locking with a folding key, an on-board computer, electronically controlled front windows and radio preparation with eight speakers. A wide range of optional equipment is available including side airbags, ESP, air-conditioning, xenon headlamps, radio and a navigation system.
The Skoda Fabia RS will be available in four attractive colours – Diamond Silver metallic, Lemon Yellow, Corrida Red and Black Magic pearl effect.
Skoda Fabia WRC
Skoda Motorsport’s new rally car with which will compete in the top category of the World Rally Championship, makes its world debut on the Skoda Auto stand at the Geneva Motorshow. Developed using the experience gained during the Skoda Motosport Team’s four-year involvement in world championship competitions with the Skoda Octavia WRC, the new Fabia WRC has everything necessary to take on the strong competition.
Skoda Fabia RS – the base for the new WRC car
To have a rally car homologated for the World Rally Championship (WRC), at least 25,000 production cars of the basic model range, with a minimum length of 3,750 mm, and at least 2,500 cars of the model from which the rally car has been derived, with a minimum length of 4,000 mm and a wheelbase of 2,440 mm, must be produced. With the Fabia WRC, this condition will be met by the production of the Skoda Fabia RS that is presented for the first time at the Geneva MotorsShow. The actual WRC rally car is then made from the basic model by carrying out extensive modifications to almost all sections. These modifications are precisely specified in the FIA regulations that are binding for all car manufacturers who enter the Championship.
Modified body
When the body of the Skoda Fabia WRC was designed, great attention was paid to giving it maximum rigidity, which significantly influences the characteristics of a rally car. The torsional rigidity of the WRC car is several times higher than that of production cars, which is, to a great extent, caused by the installation of the roll cage in the interior.
The skeleton of the Fabia WRC’s self-supporting monocoque body and its outer parts are derived from the production Fabia RS. However, they have been modified to accommodate wider tyres and to extend the wheel track of both axles, so that the car has the maximum admissible width of 1,770 mm. Also, the floorpan has been modified to enable the installation of the four-wheel drive system. Its large central tunnel has the maximum admissible dimensions and, in addition to a connecting drive shaft, it contains a heat-insulated exhaust pipe. Fuel tanks are installed under the car in the same position as in standard cars but, compared to the standard Fabia, they have double the volume (90 litres).
All aerodynamic elements such as the front bumper and the rear spoiler have been greatly modified compared to the Fabia RS. Their design is based purely on functionality and is a result of careful, extensive work in a wind tunnel. Both bumpers are made from an extremely light material and designed for the vehicle’s greater width. The size and design of the inlets in the front bumper, as well as ventilating the engine compartment, have also been optimised in the wind tunnel where the most extreme climatic conditions that can appear during a rally were simulated.
The windscreen, rear window and door windows appear to be the same as in the standard car, but all the glass has been weight-optimised. In addition, the windscreen and the front door windows are electrically heated. Heated windows are necessary in rally cars to provide perfect exterior visibility for the driver no matter what the climatic conditions.
The engine
The new Skoda Fabia WRC is driven by a later version of the engine that is used in the Skoda Octavia WRC. As with all competitors in the WRC category, it is a four-cylinder, turbocharged engine with a displacement of 2,000 cm3. The power unit used for the Skoda WRC cars is derived from the well-known turbocharged, five-valve 1.8-litre engine produced by the company. The output of engines of all car manufacturers participating in the world championship is approximately 221 kW (300 bhp). This conformity is produced by a restricting device with a diameter of 34 mm, as prescribed by the regulations, that must be assembled on the turbocharger and limits the volume of intake air. This then limits the maximum output and torque. A key criterion is the production of the highest possible output and torque in the maximum possible speed range with optimised driving response and flexibility.
An important factor is to eliminate turbo lag” i.e. reducing the engine’s response time to pressing the accelerator pedal. This is carried out, among other things, by the ALS system (Anti Lag System). With the additional combustion of unburned fuel in the exhaust gas collector, the ALS system maintains the operating revolutions of the turbocharger even if the driver takes his foot off the accelerator. This sophisticated process is controlled by an engine control unit taking into account many parameters, including the revolutions of the engine and the turbocharger, temperature, ignition timing, the volume of injected fuel, ignition pressure, throttle valve position, etc. The electronic engine management system carries out many operations that are not used in standard cars. Many other operations used with standard engines have been further modified to suit the specific requirements of a rally car. These include a system of regulating engine knock designed especially for competition purposes that provides the control unit with information allowing the engine to continue making use of its maximum output without damaging it. All these sophisticated processes take place within a few milliseconds.
In order to keep the output at the maximum in extreme climatic conditions, the pressurised air cooler is sprayed with water. The water, evaporating on the cooler’s surface cools the air entering the engine and helps the engine to maintain the maximum output. A tank containing 20 litres of water is installed in the car for this purpose.
The exhaust pipe, designed with the help of computer simulation and optimised on the test bench, also helps to produce the optimum output and torque. According to FIA regulations, Skoda Fabia WRC rally cars are equipped with special sports catalytic converters that keep the engines at their optimum output parameters while complying with the exhaust standards
Transmission and 4×4 drive with three active differentials
The special six-gear transmission is connected to a four-wheel drive system. The inter-axle differential and the front differential are installed in the gearbox and are electronically controlled, as is the rear axle differential. The control of the entire driving system for all wheels is carried out by a separate electronic unit that takes into account the steering angle, the speed of the car, the revolutions of individual wheels, brake pressure, throttle valve position and other parameters. Electronic communication with the engine control unit takes place through the CAN-Bus electronic interface. All data on the performance of the four-wheel drive control system received during the timed stages of a rally are stored and analysed during service intervals. Based on these results, possible imperfections can be corrected or the system can be modified according to the character of the rally.
The rally gearbox is equipped with semi-automatic gearing controlled by buttons on the steering wheel. This system allows the gears to be changed with minimum interruption of the driving force and the minimum idle period. The co-ordination of the gearing process is the responsibility of a separate electronic control unit that is also connected to the engine-management system through the CAN-Bus interface. The car also has a conventional gear lever that can be used for manual gear changes if the semi-automatic gearing malfunctions.
Next to the gear lever is the hand brake lever, which is significantly longer than the standard design and is positioned very close to the driver’s hand. The difference in the actual function of the hand brake is even more significant. In addition to braking the rear wheels, using the hand brake activates a hydraulic system in the drive management of all the wheels, and the inter-axle disconnects the drive between the axles. This causes the intentional instability of the car’s tail that is used, for instance, when taking S bends at high speed – in other words, for rallying’s famous hand-brake turns.
Robust chassis
The rally chassis is appropriately strengthened and reinforced with both axles supported on auxiliary frames and independent McPherson strut suspention. The front axle has robust lower triangular arms. The rear axle has a multi-member suspension that includes two cross beams and one longitudinal arm. The suspension upright is a sophisticated welded element made of strong titanium (for rallies on asphalt roads) or steel. (for rallies on gravel surface). Both axles are fitted with adjustable anti-roll bars. The suspension system includes individually adjusted shock absorbers that can be varied according to the type of roads the rally takes place on. The coil springs, consisting of main and auxiliary springs, have individually adjustable rigidity and suspension characteristics and can be changed as needed. The clearance height of the Fabia WRC can be adjusted according to the character of individual competitions and varies from 80 to 240 mm.
Ventilated brake discs, 378 mm in diameter and 32 mm thick in the front and 355 x 28 mm in the rear are used for competitions on asphalt roads. The discs used for competitions on gravel are 304 x 28 mm in the front and 304 x 25 mm in the rear. Magnesium 8.0 J x 18″ wheels are used for asphalt roads, 7.0 J x 15″ for gravel and 5.5 J x 16″ for snow.
At each service stop during the competition, the team engineers and tyre technicians, together with the drivers, select from the many tread patterns and mixtures of the special Michelin motorsport tyres.
Interior
The interior is strictly functional. The design of the instrument panel is derived from the standard Fabia version using extremely light materials. In place of a normal instrument panel, the Fabia WRC has a display containing indicators that show only if the limits of functions that are vital to the driver during rally are being exceeded. Next to the display is a large gear indicator with a signalling device showing the optimum revolutions for the selected gear. Almost the same information is available to the co-driver on a larger display. The information can be shown in digital or graphic form depending on the need to monitor various functions such as engine revolutions, temperature of engine and gearbox fluids, oil pressure, turbocharging, etc. A navigation device, equipped with an on-board computer providing the co-driver with information about the route, time, fuel reserve, mileage, etc., is situated under the co-drivers’ display. All control elements are within easy reach of the crew who 
are securely fastened in their competition seats by six-point safety belts. The prescribed safety equipment includes a central battery-disconnecting device and a fire extinguisher system that is electrically activated. The equipment also includes an intercom so that the driver and co-driver can communicate with each other in the noise of the rally and a transmitter connected to the team in the service area.
Aggressive start
The Skoda Fabia WRC is now undergoing intensive development and demanding tests. Depending on the results, a decision will be made on its first appearance. The Skoda Motorsport Team is planning to give the Fabia WRC its debut in a World Championship competition during the Fourth Quarter of 2003.
Skoda Octavia and Octavia Combi RS
Since its launch in 2000, the Skoda Octavia RS has received high praise and appreciation from both professionals and the public. The excellent driving characteristics and the high levels of specification are highlighted in tests organised by motoring publications. When compared with similar competitor models, the Skoda Octavia RS excels because of the extremely favourable ratio between performance and value for money. And it is this value for money and extraordinary driving enjoyment that make Skoda Octavia RS a real champion in the sports car category. The RS model recalls the glorious sporting traditions of the Skoda brand and stems from the experience gained by the Octavia WRC cars.
From last year, Skoda Octavia RS is also available as an estate. Both models are designed for customers who want to emphasize their individuality and who see a car as a suitable way of showing their life-style, strengthening the emotional value of the make. The dynamic Skoda Octavia RS and Octavia Combi RS provide extraordinary driving quality and at the same time meet all the requirements of everyday operation.
The Skoda Octavia RS and Octavia Combi RS are easily identifiable from other series models by the different shape of its sports front bumper that merges smoothly into the spoiler. The “RS” logo on the radiator grille and rear door, the tailpipe made of polished metal and the dark covers on the side indicators, also differentiate between other models in the Octavia range. Compared with standard cars, another difference is the integrated spoiler on the raised edge of the rear hatch and over the rear window on the tailgate. This well-designed spoiler gives both models a very dynamic appearance. The lower chassis and additional aerodynamically shaped body parts have lowered the air-drag coefficient.
The Skoda Octavia RS is powered by a turbocharged petrol 1.8 l 132 kW (180 bhp) engine producing a maximum torque of 235 Nm at 1,950-5,000 rpm. It provides remarkable driving performance: 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 235 km/h. Skoda Octavia Combi RS has almost identical dynamic parameters: 0 to 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds and a maximum speed of 231 km/h. Both Skoda Octavia RS and Octavia Combi RS also demonstrate that high power output does not necessarily mean high fuel consumption: averages of 8.0 l/100 km in combined operation are very good.
Because of the higher power output of the engine, the chassis has been modified and is 15 mm (19 mm in the Combi model) lower than the normal Skoda Octavia. It has sports springs and suspension, and larger, more efficient internally ventilated disc brakes in the front and rear with green brake callipers on all wheels. The car comes with attractive sports design 16″ alloy wheels or optional 17″ alloy wheels (only the estate model).
The interior includes sports seats in a combination of black leather and silver fabric, woven mats in an attractive sliver grey design, stainless steel pedals with non-slip rubber pads, leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear lever knob, hand-brake lever and other luxurious sports items. In addition to the dashboard and parts of the upholstery on the door panels and seats, Black Onyx has also been used for the ceiling panel, sunshades, grab handles and other interior plastic components. The equipment meets the highest standards: it includes driver and front passenger airbags, mechanically controlled air-conditioning, Skoda Symphony radio with eight speakers, remote-controlled central locking and electric front and rear windows, ABS, MBA, MSR, ASR and electrically controlled exterior rear-view mirrors (tinted in blue). On request side airbags, ESP, electrically controlled sunroof with an anti-slip lock alarm, navigational system, xenon lights and other attractive elements can be ordered.
The Skoda Octavia RS and Octavia Combi RS are available in four colours: Diamond Silver metallic, Lemon Yellow, Corrida Red and Magic Black with pearl effect.
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