Mladá Boleslav, 20 June 2025 – In a remarkable blend of innovation, tradition and technical precision, 28 students from the Škoda Vocational School have unveiled the tenth Škoda Student Car – the Škoda L&K 130. Based on the Škoda Superb Estate and powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, the one-off creation honours the company’s 130-year heritage and its deep-rooted connection to cycling, transforming the elegant estate into a high-functionality support vehicle for professional road cycling races.
A Rolling Tribute to Laurin & Klement
The L&K 130 is far more than a technical exercise – it’s a statement of legacy. The model’s name and bespoke colour scheme pay homage to the company’s visionary founders, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, who began their journey in 1895 by crafting bicycles under the Slavia name. Now, 130 years later, their legacy rides again—this time as a cycling support car designed and built by the next generation of Czech automotive talent.
Emblazoned with the classic Laurin & Klement logo in gold, red and black, the L&K 130’s visual identity is steeped in historic reverence. These colours dominate both the exterior and interior, evoking the spirit of Škoda’s earliest motor cars while bringing modern flourish with features like a backlit RGB grille and high-contrast stitching on the sports seats.
The First Student Car on Superb Foundations – and Plug-In Power
Marking two significant firsts, the L&K 130 is the debut Škoda Student Car to be built on the Superb platform and the first to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain. With over 2,000 working hours logged, the students reimagined the Superb Estate’s layout to create a versatile pick-up-style support vehicle. At its core is the same hybrid system found in the production Superb iV: a 1.5 TSI petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 204 PS (150 kW). Its 25.7 kWh high-voltage battery enables silent, emissions-free travel over short stages – ideal for professional cycling events where discretion and environmental considerations are paramount.
Built for the Peloton
Every detail of the L&K 130 has been engineered with cycling support duties in mind. The estate’s roof has been removed behind the C-pillars and replaced with a custom rear window and reinforced cabin structure. A newly developed slide-out loading bed, controlled electronically via a rack-and-pinion mechanism, allows race crew to retrieve spare bicycles at speed. Two standard Škoda Genuine bike racks are fitted to the retractable platform, while a third bike can be mounted on the roof.
Critically, the right rear passenger door has been re-engineered with a bespoke sliding mechanism – co-developed with Škoda’s own engineering teams – enabling the door to open safely without interfering with passing cyclists. Inside, a suite of thoughtful upgrades ensures the cabin is race-ready: an additional dashboard display provides live rider data, a dedicated service technician screen sits behind the front passenger seat, and a large cool box replaces one rear seat to store bottles. Overhead, a 3D-printed net stows essentials such as energy gels, tools or medical supplies.
From Classroom to Concept
The Student Car project, now in its tenth iteration, has become a hallmark of the Škoda Academy. It offers young engineers-in-training a rare opportunity to turn conceptual ideas into road-ready reality. Each year, students manage every stage of the process – from initial sketches and feasibility planning to final production and presentation. The L&K 130 is the latest in a prestigious lineage that includes electric city cars, convertibles, campers and rally concepts – each a reflection of the ingenuity and craftsmanship nurtured at the Academy.
A Legacy of Education and Innovation
The Škoda Vocational School, part of the Škoda Academy since 2013, has prepared over 24,000 students for careers in the automotive sector. Today, more than 750 students are enrolled in programmes ranging from e-Car Mechanic to IT Mechatronics, with new facilities and curricula continuously updated to reflect the industry’s rapid evolution. Supported by an investment of over CZK 457 million (approx. €18.2 million), the school’s remodelling has placed a particular focus on electric mobility and digital technologies – the very cornerstones of the L&K 130.
Martin Slabihoudek, Head of the Škoda Vocational School, summarised the project’s impact:
“The Student Car initiative allows our trainees to apply their skills in a real-world setting. This year’s L&K 130 is more than a concept—it’s a testament to our students’ capabilities and a proud celebration of Škoda’s 130-year heritage in mobility.”
On Tour with Tradition
The Škoda L&K 130 will make its public debut during the 112th edition of the Tour de France from 5–27 July 2025 – a fitting stage for a car that symbolises the brand’s deep and enduring commitment to cycling. Škoda remains a key partner of the Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, La Vuelta and several other iconic races, extending a partnership with A.S.O. and Unipublic that will continue through 2028. As part of this commitment, the company also supports grassroots and fan engagement through its “We Love Cycling” platform.
The L&K 130: A One-Off With Enduring Meaning
With its elegant design, sustainable technology and functional ingenuity, the Škoda L&K 130 is more than a one-off – it is a living, breathing emblem of Škoda Auto’s past, present and future. It celebrates the founders’ original passion for cycling, showcases the technical brilliance of tomorrow’s engineers, and reaffirms the brand’s dedication to innovation on four wheels and two. As this singular vehicle prepares to join the Tour de France caravan, it carries with it not just bicycles, but a story 130 years in the making.
