Prague's National Technical Museum receives rare Fabia RS Rally2 prototype from Skoda

Prague's National Technical Museum has a rare and exciting new exhibit - presented to it by none other than national Czech carmaker, Skoda Auto.

The machine in question? A prototype of the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, only one of two built in preparation for the rally car that has since participated and won in the Lausitz Rally. 

Unlike the Bright Mamba Green on the officially revealed car, the prototype is instead decked out in its own camouflage-style livery. It also gets its own set of alloys, wearing a differently striking shade of green. 

The Fabia RS Rally2 car builds on the successes of its predecessors - including the Fabia R5 and enhanced Fabia Rally2 evo - which have chalked up countless rally wins, including at the World Rally Championship (WRC).

Prior to the actual car's homologation, the prototypes were extensively tested on asphalt, gravel and ice under various weather conditions. 

To recap, one will find a newly developed engine under the Fabia RS Rally2's hood - a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder, based on the 2.0-litre TSI engine from the hallowed EA888 family. Said unit produces an impressive 285bhp and 430Nm of torque, sent to all four wheels via an optimised sequential gearbox and differential locks on the front and rear axles. 

Alongside the fresh power unit, Skoda Motorsport says the Fabia Rally2 offers improvements in its handling, powertrain and electronics, and safety for its drivers and co-drivers. The car's wider body and longer wheelbase also help improve weight distribution.

The arrival of the Fabia RS Rally2 prototype in the National Technical Museum is accompanied by the L&K (Laurin & Klement) CCR motorcycle, which underpinned the winning entry in the 1905 Dourdan championship, and the race-winning L&K RK-M open-top car.

Altogether, the vehicles commemorate more than 120 years of the company's impressive motorsport achievements.