The Yeti Extreme concept shows what Škoda's small crossover looks like when it gets the equipment and attitude for off-road rally racing. The tuned-up Yeti made its debut in Austria last month and is preparing for an appearance at next week's Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will be joined by a few other flashy Škodas.
Škoda contributed the Yeti Extreme to last month's VW Group Wörthersee event, which also saw the introduction of the GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo. The idea was to give the Yeti the parts and look of a rally car.
The design starts with a 158-hp 1.8-liter TSI engine, continues through the off-road tire-wrapped 17-in alloys, and stops with the Octavia vRS braking system. The engine works in concert with a six-speed dual clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. The car's height-adjustable chassis adapts to the terrain ahead.
The Yeti Extreme looks much sportier and more aggressive than its production base thanks to sharpened body work that includes flared fenders, rugged bumpers, beefy side sills and twin tailpipes. Tinted windows, matte-gray paint and bright yellow-green highlights dress the revised body.
The color scheme continues inside, making the Recaro sports seats pop and adding some contrast needlework around the dark interior. The rally-focused cabin includes four-point safety belts, a Super Sport steering wheel with paddles, aluminum floor paneling and detailing, carbon fiber trim, and a dashboard iPad cradle. Provisions like a sand shovel, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and traction mats occupy dedicated storage space around the cabin.
The Yeti Extreme will be a focal point of the Škoda's Goodwood pavilion, which will highlight the company's automotive and cycling innovations. The car will be joined by the VisionC concept from this year's Geneva Motor Show and the 600-hp Octavia vRS Bonneville Special, which set a 227-mph (365 km/h) speed record in 2011. The pavilion will also have a number of interactive displays.
Source: Škoda
