Skoda, a well-known car manufacturer from the Czech Republic, is planning to introduce a new racing series in India called the Kylaq Cup. This series will focus on a single model, the Kylaq, allowing it to race across different locations in India. The goal is to showcase the Kylaq as a sporty crossover and inspire more people to engage with motorsport in the country.
The Kylaq Cup is designed to be an affordable racing competition, which will give drivers a chance to sharpen their racing skills in a competitive environment. Currently, the Kylaq is available with a 1.0-liter TSI engine that delivers 115 horsepower and 178 Nm of torque. However, for the racing series, Skoda plans to develop a special Kylaq race car using a different platform known as the MQB 37.
The MQB 37 platform, which is used in other Skoda models like the Octavia, Superb, Kodiaq, and Tiguan, will feature a more powerful 2.0-liter TSI engine. While the latest Skoda Octavia VRS produces around 265 horsepower, the race version of the Kylaq is set to churn out an impressive 300 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. In addition to the power boost, this race car will come equipped with essential safety features like a roll cage, upgraded brakes, a race-tuned suspension, and slick tires to ensure optimal performance on the track.
In the past, Skoda has taken part in motorsport by providing modified versions of their Fabia R5 for private racers to compete in rallies. However, this Kylaq Cup will be their first experience in a one-make racing series, similar to what companies like Maruti Suzuki and Volkswagen have done. The aim is not only to discover and nurture young racing talent but also to create a brand connection with potential customers.
Volkswagen has been active in supporting motorsport talent in India since 2010 with various racing series like the Volkswagen Polo Cup, Vento Cup, and Ameo Cup. Even after a short break, the Polo Cup returned in 2020, although by 2022 Volkswagen Motorsport India handed over its operations to another company, Rayo Racing, reducing its involvement in the series.
As Skoda celebrates 125 years of motorsport achievement and the 25th anniversary of its presence in India, launching the Kylaq Cup Series seems like a strategic move. The series is still in its early stages, with plans for racetracks and schedules yet to be announced. It will be exciting to see how Skoda can potentially support and develop Indian motorsport talent on an international stage in the future.
The Kylaq Cup could play a significant role in boosting interest in motorsports across India, welcoming new talent and making racing more accessible to aspiring drivers.
