Let’s get this out of the way first
Our lucky readers in Europe are in for a treat with this car, it’s stunning, super-fast, and is simply the most desirable car ever made by SEAT and CUPRA as far as we’re concerned.
Yet our UK readers will be miffed that at this point in time, there are no plans to bring this to the UK in right-hand drive.
What?!!
When we heard this car was being made in “limited numbers” a few weeks ago and not coming to the UK, we expected “limited numbers” to mean 500 or so. Not the 7,000 that has been announced. That’s not particularly limited.
This then begs the question: Why could SEAT make 799 MK3 Leon CUPRA R’s in total, and still manage to make 24 specifically in right hand drive for the UK?
With the VZ5 being produced in much greater volumes, using the same ratio as a guide CUPRA should easily be able to make 210 right hand drive VZ5s for the UK. We really hope they reconsider their position.
The current Formentors are getting such great reviews and feedback from members (and is our fastest growing forum currently), we expect they would all sell out in a heartbeat too.
Is CUPRA forgetting one of their most important markets?
We can’t help feeling it would be a big mistake for CUPRA not to bring their new halo car to one of their biggest CUPRA markets.
If it’s revenge for Brexit, we didn’t all vote for it!
It would be a sad day if the company has forgotten the UK is one of the markets that helped CUPRA get to where it is now.
If you agree let us know in the comments below. Shout out! If we get enough momentum behind it hopefully, we can convince them to do the right thing and bring this beast to UK shores!
Ok we’ve said our piece, on with the details….
The CUPRA Formentor, the first vehicle uniquely developed for brand, has been taken beyond traditional limits with the introduction of the five-cylinder petrol engine.
On the third anniversary of the brand, the five-cylinder Formentor brings even greater performance and dynamic ability to a model that’s already the epitome of CUPRA’s DNA.
“As we celebrate CUPRA’s 3rd anniversary the Formentor VZ5 marks the occasion by using the highly acclaimed five-cylinder petrol engine, mixing its superlative performance with an even more sophisticated exterior design to mark the vehicle as the maximum expression of combustion performance for car enthusiasts,”
Wayne Griffiths, President of CUPRA and SEAT
The CUPRA Formentor VZ5’s dynamic proportions, created by the visual emphasis placed towards the rear of the vehicle and further accentuated by the length of the bonnet, give a hint towards the high-performance five-cylinder 2.5-litre TSI engine, delivering 390PS of power and 480Nm of torque, which beats under-the-skin.
The exterior design uses carbon fibre details to mark it out as the most powerful model in the range, as well as the aural quad copper exhausts at the rear (stacked two each side). The interior is enhanced with a unique CUPRA steering wheel and brand-new leather CUPBucket seats, presented for the first time with the VZ5.
A combination of the 4Drive all-wheel drive system, Adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control and retuned steering guarantees the most direct feedback to the driver, as well as providing assured handling in any conditions.
It’s the perfect vehicle to celebrate CUPRA’s third anniversary as a standalone brand and continues the work and dedication to create vehicles that personify the CUPRA DNA.
The name VZ comes from the word ‘Veloz’ in Spanish, translating as ‘Speed’ or ‘Fast’, the perfect stamp for the most powerful version of the Formentor. The vehicle takes its name from cape Formentor on the Spanish island of Mallorca, one of the most beautiful and wild areas in the Balearics.
The CUPRA Formentor VZ5 will be strictly limited to a production run of 7,000 left hand drive units.
“The CUPRA Formentor provides a blank canvas to develop a range of vehicles that maximise driving fun and performance and enhance the attitude of the brand. Among them, the VZ5 is the most powerful and sophisticated variant ever created to date and I am convinced that with its exclusive performance elements, it will become a dream for car enthusiasts,”
Dr. Werner Tietz, Executive Vice-President for Research and Development at CUPRA and SEAT.
Powertrain
The iconic turbocharged inline five-cylinder TSI engine under its bonnet roars performance. The unit mixes direct-injection and turbocharging to achieve peak power output of 390PS between 5,700rpm and 7,000rpm, while peak torque of 480Nm is available from 2,250rpm.
It’s unique engine sound, from the quad copper exhaust pipes, is without the need for any artificial enhancement.
The engine’s cooling system includes a Formentor-specific design to optimise breathability and performance.
The 2.5-litre engine is linked to a quick-shifting seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. The combination means the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 can reach 62mph in just 4.2 seconds and delivers a top speed of 155mph.
Chassis
Any performance vehicle needs a chassis capable of providing an immersive driving experience. The CUPRA Formentor VZ5 achieves this goal by seamlessly integrating advanced chassis technologies including Adaptive Chassis Control and 4Drive all-wheel drive system.
The VZ5 sits 10mm lower than the 310PS output model, lowering the centre of gravity to enhance driver confidence behind the wheel and making it even more dynamic on the road.
Adaptive Chassis Control has 15 levels of damping adjustment, manually configurable, to continually provide the best damping and control at each wheel regardless of the driving conditions and the driving mode selected by the driver (Comfort, Sport, Individual, Offroad and CUPRA).
The five driving profiles are easily selectable using the satellite CUPRA mode button on the steering wheel, changing the vehicle’s attitude, making it more focused or relaxed, depending on the driver’s requirements. The chassis controller is optimised for the CUPRA Formentor VZ5, supporting the increased power output from the five-cylinder engine while focusing on its precise driving dynamics.
The CUPRA Formentor VZ5 composure comes from the 4Drive all-wheel drive system, which is designed to complement the driving experience. The 4Drive system constantly monitors numerous sources – steering angle, wheel speed and yaw of the vehicle – to deliver power to the correct wheel at the precise time, giving a sense of confidence behind the wheel in any driving scenario.
To ensure braking performance commensurate to the high-powered engine, Formentor VZ5 receives 18” six-piston Akebono callipers housed in exclusive 20” alloy wheels. These larger brakes minimise braking distances and provide reassurance.
The VZ5 will not only standout aurally, but visually too, with CUPRA designers and engineers ensuring it stands out from the crowd.
Design
The design team gave the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 an even greater sense performance and character.
The VZ5 model gets a unique bonnet, with flared sculpted lines drawing the eye to the metallic CUPRA badge at the front on the black grille and Sport Black Matt surround. Further down sits the newly-designed bumper grille.
Below the CUPRA signature styled headlights are two air intakes that emphasise the vehicle’s more aggressive face. The carbon fibre lateral front splitter has the dual benefit of redirecting air into the intercoolers and aiding downforce.
Adding to the overall dynamism of the vehicle, the VZ5 model includes flared wheel arches – housing the vehicle’s wider track thanks to the unique 20” copper machined alloy wheels which give way to the 18” Akebono brakes with copper callipers.
At the rear, the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 gets a carbon fibre rear diffuser and diagonal quad exhaust pipes with copper trim, reinforcing its personality, as well as Black Chrome ‘CUPRA’ lettering and badge.
In addition to three core colours (Midnight Black, Magnetic Tech Matte and Petrol Blue Matte), Formentor VZ5 can be specified in a new and unique colour, Taiga Grey, which was specifically designed for this limited edition.
Inside, the CUPRA Formentor VZ5’s cabin provides a heightened sense of modernity and sportiness with a unique take on the CUPRA brand.
Occupants are cocooned by high-quality materials, with brushed dark aluminium and copper accents making the cabin feel modern and contemporary. CUPBucket seats – available either in petrol blue or black leather with brown Nappa accents – mounted low in the cabin maximise space and deliver a more ergonomic, sportier seating position.
In addition, the Formentor VZ5 will also be available with an exclusive interior – graduating graphics in Dinamica Black are perforated with a copper ‘spot’ design – that will match the Taiga Grey exterior colour.
The driver’s relationship with the interior mixes the tactility and feedback of the steering wheel with the modernity of the customisable Digital Cockpit and centrepiece 12” infotainment touchscreen which provides the functionality and connectivity to all occupants and reduces button count.
Safety and convenience
The CUPRA Formentor VZ5 integrates the most advanced connectivity solutions allowing customers to stay in touch and bring their digital lives into the vehicle. The system combines the Wireless Full Link system making it compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Voice recognition means there’s no need to look away from the road ahead as you can access the system using simple, yet natural command terms.
A suite of safety and convenience technologies make the VZ5 one of the safest vehicles on the road, including Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Travel Assist, Side and Exit Assist and Emergency Assist.
The CUPRA Formentor VZ5 will be available to order in the final quarter of 2021.