The world’s most famous stage race is rapidly approaching, and Škoda Auto is proudly joining the peloton for the twenty-third consecutive year. Among the fleet of support vehicles, one stands out as the most important of all. Equipped with six antennas, warning beacons and a refrigerator stocked with champagne hidden inside, the so-called Red Car is a symbol of the entire Tour de France. It serves as a specially modified mobile command center from which the race director oversees the progress of the event.
Škoda has many years of experience building these unique vehicles. After all, the very first one was based on a first-generation Superb back in 2004. In recent years, the popular Enyaq electric vehicle and the Superb iV plug-in hybrid have served as the foundation for the mobile command centre. This year, the role will also be performed for the first time by the all-electric Škoda Peaq SUV, which was unveiled only a few days ago.
The director’s special vehicle is based on the all-wheel-drive Peaq Sportline, specifically the Peaq 90x Sportline. Before heading to the opening stage, however, it must undergo a series of modifications. “In the past, the car was converted only after it had been fully completed. Today, we temporarily remove it from the production line during the manufacturing process itself, specifically after the body components have been installed. Once the necessary modifications have been made, we return it to the line so that it can proceed to manual painting together with these new elements,” explains Radim Baborovský, who is responsible for exhibition and sponsorship vehicles within Škoda Auto’s marketing department, describing the creation of the executive car.
The special vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated communications system and six radio antennas, which are mounted directly into the bodywork. The communications centre’s control unit and battery pack are located in the luggage compartment, in the area where the third row of seats would normally be found in the seven-seat Peaq. “Under working conditions, the system remains charged for two to three days, but we recharge it daily as a precaution. We can´t afford to have anything fail. The additional equipment has increased the vehicle’s weight by approximately 150 kilograms,” explains Baborovský.
In addition to the antennas, the vehicle also carries permanently mounted supports for advertising banners – one above the windscreen and another on the bonnet. Naturally, bespoke graphics are also produced for each individual car. On the Peaq, for example, the green Škoda livery does not cover the black rear wheel arch trim that is characteristic of the Sportline specification.
The pictogram of three cyclists on the windshield pays homage to Škoda Auto’s very beginnings and its first product, the Slavia bicycle. The automaker continues to actively support cycling to this day.
The plant manager's command center, including a beverage cooler.
The plant manager's command center, including a beverage cooler.
The plant manager's command center, including a beverage cooler.
“The biggest engineering modification, and at the same time the greatest challenge for the development team, was the opening panoramic roof. In standard form, it opens from front to rear, but the director’s car requires the opposite arrangement. This allows the race director to stand safely in position on the rear seat and, for example, officially start individual stages. Our colleagues in technical development do an enormous amount of work in this area,” says Radim Baborovský in praise of the team. As a result, the roof of the Peaq—which normally features a full-length glass roof—received a module taken from another production vehicle. However, it was installed after being rotated by 180 degrees. “It is an original component from another Škoda model that has to be integrated into the roof with absolute precision. Even the smallest details matter. For example, we must ensure that reversing the mechanism does not reduce headroom for the occupants,” explains Tomáš Vodseďálek from Škoda Auto’s technical development department.
Although the production Peaq is designed to accommodate up to seven occupants, in its role as the Tour de France mobile headquarters it offers seating for only four people. Race director Christian Prudhomme sits behind the driver, the centre rear seat is replaced by a special console containing a table and refrigerator, and the seat behind the front passenger is reserved for distinguished guests. Director’s cars regularly host the President of France as well as celebrities, such as Tom Cruise.
Before the Tour de France begins, the completed vehicle is tested extensively by its drivers, many of whom are former professional cyclists. This allows them to become fully familiar with the car and move safely within the peloton during the race itself. “We have already successfully completed a test event with the Peaq, and the drivers are thoroughly enjoying the new addition,” concludes Radim Baborovský, before adding one final interesting detail. “The Red Car is equipped with a special compressed-air horn. It has a distinctive sound that differs significantly from conventional vehicle horns. Cyclists can therefore immediately recognise that the director’s car is approaching, even from a distance.”
The red director’s car also holds many memories for Škoda’s new cycling ambassador, Chris Froome, one of the most successful road cyclists of the modern era. “What I remember most vividly are the battles for position behind its rear bumper, especially during stages that started directly into strong crosswinds. Sometimes you are so close that your tyres leave marks on the car, but for the start of a race it is simply the best place to be,” recalls the four-time Tour de France winner. This year, he will follow the race from close quarters in Škoda colours. “I’m really looking forward to experiencing the Tour in a completely different role this year – from inside an air-conditioned car. I think I’ve finally reached the point where I can enjoy it from a different perspective,” he adds with a smile.
The post A custom-made sunroof, walkie-talkies and champagne. The Škoda Peaq at the Tour de France appeared first on Škoda Storyboard.
