Skoda has launched its latest special edition Fabia, the Monte Carlo. The new car marks the 110thanniversary of Skoda Motorsport and looks sporty to justify the brand’s involvement in motorsports. Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo was presented by Prof. Dr. H.C. Winfried Vahland, the chairman of the board of Skoda Auto within the framework of the 100th running of the Rally Monte Carlo. During the launch of Fabia Monte Carlo, Vahland said, “The notably emotional design, sporty construction, and precise workmanship of the model Fabia Monte Carlo underscore Škoda’s claim to utilize experiences in series-produced models that it had first gained at the racetrack. The Fabia Monte Carlo is an emotional highlight in our compact Fabia model family.”
The Fabia Monte Carlo has equipment in par with the Fabia Ambiente and some more. Sports suspension is part of the basic package in the special edition. Based on the markets in which the Monte Carlo version is sold, the power output of petrol/diesel engines will range between 44 kW to 77 kW. The performance versions of the Fabia Monte Carlo will feature 5-speed manual transmission.
Based on the Fabia SE and created to celebrate 100 years of the Monte Carlo Rally and 110 years of Skoda’s participation in motorsport, the special edition features piano-black body trim, black roof, door mirrors and radiator grille, smoked headlights and black 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels.
Interior touches include either black or red and black sports seats and red-stitched leather steering wheel, handbrake and gearstick gaiter. The color range of the car was selected in consideration of the black color of the roof, which is the characteristic for the Monte Carlo version. The car will be available in seven colors: corrida red, brilliant silver, black magic, candy white, anthracite gray, sprint yellow, and cappuccino beige.
The new Fabia Monte Carlo made its first public appearance at Rallye Monte Carlo, which was held from January 19-22, 2011.
About the Rally Monte Carlo and Skoda’s Achievements –
The Rally Monte Carlo has been of particular significance for Skoda and the company claims that there is no better-known race in the international rally scene, which has been held in the mountains above Monaco for 100 years.
Two race cars based on the roadster Skoda Popular were ranked 2nd and 3rd in the 1500 cc class of the Rally Monte Carlo in January 1936. Their performance, which had been proven in the grueling endurance race, inspired the car manufacturer to build 70 special models of the Popular Sport – even then, they allowed customers a special sports experience in daily traffic (to this day, they are referred to as the Popular “Monte Carlo”).
Skoda Fabia Super 2000, the special racecar was first introduced during the Monegasque rally in 2009 and it placed fourth in 2009 and took the second, third, and fifth rank in 2010. Skoda 130 RS, one of the most successful cars in the 1300 cc class, achieved a series of valuable trophies for the Czech company, for example at the Rally Monte Carlo in 1977, when these cars won first and second place in their categories.
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