Man, get ready to discover an automotive concept that’s a true stroke of genius! The Skoda L&K 130 Pickup isn’t just another vehicle; it’s a plug-in hybrid concept pickup, a passionate creation by the talented students at the Skoda Academy that takes a Skoda Superb Combi and transforms it completely.
This project is more than just a design and engineering exercise. It’s a vibrant tribute to the 130th anniversary of the company’s original founding in 2025, which, believe it or not, started out building bicycles. It’s a fantastic way to honor that heritage by blending the past with a forward-looking vision of mobility.
What Makes the Skoda L&K 130 So Special?
This concept, the tenth to come out of the hands of the Skoda Academy students and the first with plug-in hybrid powertrain, was designed specifically to support cycling events. That means every detail was thought out for two-wheel enthusiasts, showing a clearly defined use case and, let’s be honest, it’s really cool.
Skoda has a strong tradition in the cycling world, serving as an official partner of massive events like the Tour de France. It totally makes sense for a project like this to be born under their wing, combining passion for the sport with automotive innovation. It’s a pickup, but with a much more niche and refined purpose than the tough trucks you see around, like the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, which is pure off-road muscle.
What Are the Most Innovative Features?
The modifications on the L&K 130 are extensive and focused on functionality for cyclists. The rear cargo area was completely redesigned. Just think about it: with the push of a button, the bed expands thanks to a sliding tailgate! It reveals space for two racing bikes mounted on special racks. Pure genius for those always on the road following races.
And what about the passenger side rear door? It’s seriously unique. It doesn’t just swing open; it also slides backward like a van door. It even has two handles and two locking mechanisms. It’s a solution that makes you think, “Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?”. Innovation coming from the least expected place.
Design and Functional Features:
- Expandable rear cargo area with sliding tailgate.
- Unique sliding rear side door mechanism.
- Integrated racks in the bed for two bikes, with an extendable electric load floor.
- Ability to transport a third bike on an additional roof rack.
- Interior adapted with a cooler box and external speaker kit.
- Additional screens on the dashboard and behind seats for real-time race data.
How Does the Hybrid Powertrain Work?
Based on the Skoda Superb Combi iV platform, the L&K 130 is equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This pairs a 1.5-liter turbo engine with a unique electric motor. Together, they deliver a combined output of 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS). It’s not a powerhouse beast like the Ford Super Mustang Mach-E, but it serves a different purpose, right?
The 25.7 kWh battery promises a purely electric range of over 62 miles on the standard version. In the pickup concept, weight and aerodynamics might slightly affect that number, but the ability to cover long distances in electric mode is a big plus. It’s hybrid technology showing its versatility, just like we see in other models such as the 2026 Lincoln Corsair PHEV, which also bets on this combination.
What’s the Style and Visual Detail?
Visually, the L&K 130 doesn’t go unnoticed. It sports 19-inch Supernova alloy wheels, an illuminated grille, and the Laurin & Klement badges, set in a bold paint job mixing gold, red, black, and white. It’s a design that screams “I’m a special concept!”
Inside, the theme continues. The upholstery matches the exterior, and the seats are embroidered with “130 years,” reinforcing the tribute. It’s a touch of exclusivity that shows attention to detail. The transformation of an existing car into something so different reminds me of the 2026 Nissan Leaf makeover, which switched from hatchback to SUV.
How Was the Development Process?
This project wasn’t a joke. The team of 28 Skoda Academy students invested over 2,000 hours planning, developing, and producing the concept according to one of the sources. Imagine the dedication and learning involved! They worked side-by-side with Skoda engineers to redesign critical parts of the Superb, like the B and C pillars, and removed the rear section.
The culmination of this hard work will be the one-off’s showcase at the 112th edition of the Tour de France, held from July 5 to 27. It’s the perfect stage for a vehicle with this vibe, connecting student innovation with the sport the brand so strongly supports. It’s another example of how manufacturers are exploring new ways of mobility, as seen in hybrid and electric models like those in the 2025 Audi Q6 and SQ6 e-tron lineup.
Will the Skoda L&K 130 Be Produced?
Unfortunately, as with most of Skoda’s “Student Cars,” there are no plans for mass production of the L&K 130 according to another source. It’s a concept, a showcase of talent and creativity, not a future production model. Bummer, right? It’d be awesome to see something like this on the streets.
But that doesn’t lessen the project’s value. It demonstrates the next generation of automotive engineers’ and designers’ capacity for innovation and reinforces Skoda’s historic connection to cycling while exploring new possibilities in design and functionality for pickups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Skoda L&K 130 Pickup:
- Who created the Skoda L&K 130 Pickup? It was developed by students at the Skoda Academy.
- What car served as the base for the concept? A Skoda Superb Combi.
- Why the name “L&K 130”? It honors the founders of Skoda, Laurin and Klement, and the 130th anniversary of the original company’s founding in 2025, which started with bicycles.
- What is the vehicle’s main functional focus? Supporting cycling events, with optimized transportation of bikes and equipment.
- Will it be sold to the public? No, it’s a one-of-a-kind concept with no plans for production.
My opinion on the Skoda L&K 130 is that it’s a spectacular concept. It shows that innovation can come from anywhere, including the hands of young talent. The combination of a historical tribute, cycling focus, and practical solutions like the expandable bed and sliding door is simply brilliant. It’s a shame it won’t make it to the assembly line because it would be an unmatched cycling support vehicle and a hybrid compact pickup with plenty of personality. Kudos to the Skoda Academy students for this awesome creation!
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Author: Fabio Isidoro
Fabio Isidoro is the founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, where he has been writing about the automotive world since 2022. Passionate about cars and technology, he began his journey on the HospedandoSites portal and today dedicates himself to creating technical content and comprehensive analyses of national and international vehicles. 📩 Contact: contato@canalcarro.net.br