Skoda Atero:: apprentices unveil ‘dream coupe’ project
Skoda has unveiled the third concept vehicle to be born from the Czech company’s vocational school, based on the compact Rapid Spaceback.
Named Atero, the fully-functioning concept was brought to life by 26 students from the Skoda Academy in Mlada Boleslav.
Teased back in March, the concept is affectionately referred to by its designers and builders as a ‘dream coupe’. The Atero joins two previous concept cars: 2014’s ultra-compact CitiJet and last year’s Funstar. The cars have become known as ‘student cars’
“Just like its predecessors, the Skoda Atero highlights our students’ high level of technological expertise and manual skill," said Skoda board member for human resources, Bohdan Wojnar
“Our thanks go to everyone who has supported the project."
As with the academy's previous concepts, one of Skoda's production models has formed the basis of the project - in this case, it was the Skoda Rapid Spaceback.
A complex conversion and some considerable alterations were performed to produce the 4.3-metre coupe, which features a 92kW 1.4-litre TSI engine and a 7-speed DSG transmission.
A number of the Atero’s components are derived from the Octavia, including the ‘Turini’-design 18-inch wheels and the exhaust system, taken from the RS.
The Atero's styling highlights include black and red trim inside and out, as well as an 1800-watt 14-speaker sound system.
Skoda says work on the Atero began in late 2015 and was completed with the help of instructors, as well as the technical development, design and production departments.
“This was a unique occasion for everyone to meet new people, to form new friendships across all professions, and to test and put theoretical knowledge into practice,” said the spokesman for the student team, Dan Voce.
“This project took about 1700 working hours to complete, and we are all very proud of the result.”
Skoda’s Vocational School has been in operation since 1927, offering student training programs in a number of technical subjects. Currently, more than 900 apprentices are enrolled in 14 full-time courses.
0
