Reading Time • 3 min read
This Škoda is perhaps one of the most iconic models of the Škoda brand. In the 1930s, the Škoda Popular Sport Monte Carlo became a real masterpiece for European automotive industry.
The year is 1936 and the Czech racers Zdeněk Pohl and engineer Jaroslav Hausman participate in the Monte Carlo Rally with a two-seater Škoda Popular roadster. This sporty development of the company was made especially for the competition and, unlike the production model, it is equipped with an improved and significantly reinforced chassis and a more powerful 1385 cc engine than the Škoda Rapid. Thanks to the changes, the Czechs reach second place in the category up to 1500 cc. After this success, Škoda manufacturers created a small “civilian” series of cars, numbering 70 units, under the name “Sport – Monte Carlo”.
In the 1930s, the “Popular” model was indeed one of the most modern and popular cars in Europe. His success is due to the many successful participations in various car shows.
He also participated in grueling marathon treks, across the territory of different continents such as North and South America, South Africa, Asia, etc. The first such journey was made in the mid-1930s by several Czechs who crossed the whole of Europe and a large part of Asia, reaching the Indian city of Calcutta. It lasts 4 months and passes through Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan, where it is the most grueling endurance test. After overcoming the mountain passes of Kandahar, the adventurers reach the desert of Registan, where they fight a terrible sandstorm for five whole days.
The market version of the Škoda Popular Monte Carlo was only available to order, and in the period 1936-1938, 70 cars were built, of which 20 were open body type “roadsters” with a 995 cc engine, and 50 two-seater coupés, whose engines were working volume of 1386 cubic cm. The entire series is equipped with three-speed gearboxes, and the maximum speed of the closed version reaches 125 km/h with an average fuel consumption of 10 liters per 100 km.
The masterpiece for its time has an extremely elegant body. The strongly beveled rear part has been developed according to all the laws of aerodynamics and is bisected by a specific stabilizing “fin“, as in the Tatra.
The grille itself is also interesting. It is formed by narrow vertical chrome strips. In the same way, the headlights are also covered, which gives the “different” in the car of those years.
Soon after the success of Pohl and Hausmann, Škoda Popular became famous throughout North America. In 1936, F. A. Elstner took a trip from New York, through Texas to Mexico, then through Arizona, California, most of the northern states, and finally back to New York. The 25,000-kilometer adventure lasts more than a hundred days. One year later, the Czechs again took part in the Monte Carlo Rally, where they placed fourth in their class.
Reading Time • 2 min read
Audi has introduced its concept Skysphere. As you may recall, the car will never go into series production in this form, but for those who can read between the lines, it is clear that this design will be partially transferred to the next A8, A6 and electric models e-tron.
Skysphere is a child of the future not only because of its futuristic design. The technique is also quite crazy – the wheelbase, for example, can change its length to turn the two-seater roadster from a comfortable GT. Thus, when folded, the wheelbase is similar to that of RS 5, and when unfolded, 250 mm is added. With the added wheelbase it is the length of the A8 L. The inspiration was the Horch 853 from the 30s, which certainly does not have a variable wheelbase. It is a symbol of luxury in Europe between the wars. Skysphere is 4.94 to 5.19 meters long, depending on the length of the wheelbase.
Although he looks like a muscular macho, every detail in Skysphere is well thought out and has a complex system. The 23-inch wheels are not only great, but provide additional cooling to the regenerative brakes. The entire front grille is an illuminated screen that can send signals to pedestrians.
The drive is entrusted to electric traction. A single electric motor in the rear axle provides 632 hp. and 750 Nm, which through the four wheels materialize in acceleration to 100 km / h in 4 seconds. The concept model is powered by an 80-kilowatt-hour battery, enough for 500 km on a single charge.
Interior of the future. When you extend the wheelbase, the system automatically assumes that you are not driving, but sleeping or relaxing… So it retracts the steering wheel in the dashboard and hides the pedals on the floor. This is in order to provide the widest possible space for rest. Or car cinema. However, in front of you rises a 55.7-inch screen on which you can easily enjoy your favorite movies. There are no buttons, everything is controlled with the touch screen, gestures and voice commands. Let’s repeat that to a large extent this car will live in the new A8 and then in the A6.
In sport mode, where the wheelbase is shorter, the steering wheel and pedals are returned and the dashboard is changed to form a cockpit for the driver.
Skysphere is not the last such prototype of Audi. The company will show two more – Grandsphere and Urbansphere – the first will be a limousine and the second – a hatchback. We expect them in the coming months.
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