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september 06, 2021 - Skoda Racing

ŠKODA 130 LR (1984): Last motorsport model from Mladá Boleslav with rear-mounted engine

Mladá Boleslav, 6 September 2021 – Scarcely a decade after the premiere of the iconic ŠKODA 130 RS coupé, the next generation of #rally cars from Mladá Boleslav was on the starting grid with the ŠKODA 130 LR; in the 1980s, Group B #racing cars dominated the #rally world. Once again, the car manufacturer from Mladá Boleslav also had several irons in the fire, with talented drivers repeatedly outperforming even the most prominent names.

In addition to the complete selection of images accompanying this press release, the ŠKODA Storyboard also offers a 32-page brochure and a comprehensive selection of articles and features on various topics from
120 years of ŠKODA Motorsport.

Most #rally fans remember Group B as the domain of powerful #racing cars that reached incredible speeds for their time. But it was precisely because of these dazzling displays that a series of incidents occurred that ultimately led to the category being completely abolished. The ŠKODA 130 LR also started in Group B in the shadow of some truly fearsome supercharged models from well-known manufacturers. Despite significantly lower power output in comparison, it enjoyed great success against the competition.

With its rear engine and drivetrain, the ŠKODA 130 LR had a comparatively unconventional design compared to competitors’ models. The only vehicle on the track with a similar technical design was the Porsche 911. Development of the 130 LR began after the elimination of Group 2 had ended the long, successful career of the 130 RS. The task was to design a follow-up to the ŚKODA 130 RS, as its homologation had almost expired. At the same time, the aim was to present a vehicle based on the large series ŠKODA 105/120 model. The new car was to be even lighter, faster and more manoeuvrable than its predecessor.

To achieve this, the designers in ŠKODA’s motorsport department came up with several innovations. The engine with a displacement of 1.3 litres received a new eight-channel cylinder head made of aluminium. This was derived from the powertrain development for the FAVORIT; the soon-to-be successful model was in preparation at the time. With two Weber DCOE twin carburettors, the unit delivered 130 hp, which was transmitted to the rear wheels via a five-speed gearbox and self-locking differential.

The 130 hp was particularly impressive due to the ŠKODA 130 LR’s low kerb weight of just 730 kg. The bonnets and doors were made of aluminium; the side windows and later also the rear window were made of Macrolon plexiglass. Anything that was not essential was removed from the vehicle, while a light metal protective frame from HEIGO protected the occupants.

Further information in the press release to download

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