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Hindustan Times
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Skoda converts Superb iV into L&K 130 hybrid pickup for 130th anniversary tribute
To mark its 130th anniversary, Skoda has revealed a unique car that combines its heritage with contemporary innovation. The one-off build, called the L&K 130, is a visionary makeover of the Skoda Superb iV estate into a hybrid pickup truck as a homage to the company's early days as a bicycle maker in 1895. Developed by 28 students from the Skoda Auto Vocational School, this custom project commemorates founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement Designed by 28 students of Skoda Auto Vocational School, this bespoke project honors founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, and it's Skoda's tenth "Student Car" design. Not merely an exhibition of skill, it's an homage to the distance the brand has traveled—from producing bicycles to leading the charge on plug-in hybrids. The L&K 130 is a visual and functional restyling of the Superb wagon. To fit its new pickup profile, students reformed the B- and C-pillars and eliminated the rear cargo section. The highlight is a custom bike rack mounted on an electrically extendable bed that inclines the bicycles at a 35-degree angle, allowing space for them even when the tailgate is shut. A third bicycle can be carried on the roof, bolstering the nod to the brand's two-wheeled heritage. One of the most innovative changes is a reworked rear passenger door, which swings open and glides rearward—similar to that of a minivan—with twin locking points and handles. The interior features a replaced three-seat rear bench with an individual seat, a cool box, and a portable speaker kit, which adds comfort and functionality for outdoor use. Features The vehicle is also Skoda's first plug-in hybrid to be designed by students on the Superb iV. The front of the cabin features a radio transmitter and a tablet display showing live footage from a camera mounted at the back. The specially shaped rear window supports the changed silhouette, giving the L&K 130 an even appearance. Visually, the vehicle has gold, red, black, and white detailing that is more reminiscent of Laurin & Klement badge rather than Skoda's winged arrow logo traditionally. The color scheme pays homage to the brand's original identity, and the hand-built construction took more than 2,000 hours to achieve. Public debut The L&K 130 will be seen in public for the first time at next month's 112th Tour de France, where Skoda has been a long-standing sponsor. Although this student-designed hybrid pickup truck won't be produced for sale, it is a compelling illustration of Skoda's commitment to fusing heritage with thinking outside the box. More functional than a show car, the L&K 130 is a poignant celebration of a heritage begun on wheels—first two, then four.
Hindustan Times
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Skoda transforms Superb iV Wagon into L&K 130 hybrid pickup for 130th anniversary
Developed by 28 students from the Skoda Auto Vocational School, this custom project commemorates founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement Notify me In celebration of its 130th anniversary, Skoda has unveiled a one-of-a-kind vehicle that blends its historical roots with modern innovation. Named the L&K 130, the special build is a creative transformation of the Skoda Superb iV wagon into a hybrid pickup, paying tribute to the company's beginnings as a bicycle manufacturer in 1895. Developed by 28 students from the Skoda Auto Vocational School, this custom project commemorates founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, and it's Skoda's tenth 'Student Car" creation. More than just a showcase of craftsmanship, it's a nod to how far the brand has come—from making bicycles to pioneering plug-in hybrids. Design and concept The L&K 130 is a visual and functional reimagination of the Superb wagon. To accommodate its new pickup profile, students reshaped the B- and C-pillars and removed the rear cargo section. The standout feature is a custom bike rack fitted onto an electrically extendable bed that tilts the bicycles at a 35-degree angle, making room for them even when the tailgate is closed. A third bike can be mounted on the roof, reinforcing the tribute to the brand's cycling origins. Also Read : Skoda Octavia RS spotted in India for the first time. Here's when it will arrive One of the most creative modifications is a re-engineered rear passenger door, which swings outward and slides back—much like a minivan's—featuring dual locking mechanisms and handles. Inside, the three-seat rear bench has been replaced with a single seat, a cool box, and a portable speaker kit, enhancing both comfort and utility for outdoor activities. Features The project is also Skoda's first student-built plug-in hybrid, based on the Superb iV. The front cabin hosts a radio transmitter and a tablet screen that displays live video from a camera mounted at the rear. A specially shaped rear window reinforces the altered silhouette, providing the L&K 130 with a uniform look. Visually, the car features gold, red, black, and white detailing that is reminiscent of the Laurin & Klement badge instead of Skoda's traditional winged arrow logo. The color scheme honors the brand's original identity, and the handcrafted build took over 2,000 hours to complete. Also Read : Skoda Auto India aims for 2.5% market share in FY2026, outlines growth plan Public debut The L&K 130 will make its public debut at the 112th Tour de France next month, where Skoda has been a long-time partner. Even though this student-conceived hybrid pickup won't go into production, it is an intriguing demonstration of Skoda's insistence on combining heritage with out-of-the-box thinking. Less a display piece, the L&K 130 is a moving tribute to a heritage launched on wheels—initially two, and later four. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 22 Jun 2025, 09:00 AM IST
