The long-rumoured five-cylinder version of Cupra's new Cupra Formentor SUV is now official, with a 2.5-litre turbo motor borrowed from the Audi RS Q3 producing 385bhp and 354lb ft.
Revealed as part of the ex-Seat performance division's third anniversary as a standalone brand, the Formentor VZ5 is "strictly" limited to a production run of 7000 left-hand-drive units, beginning in the final quarter of this year.
With the five-cylinder engine sending its reserves to both axles through a seven-speed DSG gearbox, the VZ5 is capable of 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds and will top out at 155mph. The limited variant also promises enhanced dynamics, equipped as standard with Adaptive Chassis Control, riding 10mm lower than the 306bhp car which tops the UK line-up and gaining six-piston Akebono performance brake calipers.
It's marked out from less potent models by way of a bespoke bonnet, carbonfibre trim, flared arches and exclusive 20in copper alloy wheels, and also gets its own Taiga Grey exterior paint option. The quad-exit exhaust - with two pipes stacked vertically at each side - is unique to the VZ5, and is said to give a unique and authentic sound with no electronic enhancement.
New leather bucket seats make their first appearance on the VZ5, and the cabin is further differentiated from the standard car with an exclusive sports steering wheel and trim finished in Cupra's trademark copper colour.
Dr Werner Tietz, Cupra and Seat R&D boss, said: “The 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."
Prices have not yet been confirmed, but any examples sold in the UK will be left-hand-drive and likely specially ordered through Seat dealerships.
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I'm sure it won't be too long before the same engine appears in the Golf. Although if the R is anything to go by, it'd probably cost more than the equivalent Audi.
Dream car for enthusiasts?, er, I don't think so, it may suit people who buy into this style of Vehicle and that's fine, but enthusiast, it's not my cup of Tea, I'm sure it'll be a good steer and all that, but it's not my idea of fast looking transport and I think that's fair, and, I'm not rubbishing the brand.
Totally agree with you, not what I'd call a dream car for enthusiasts, Toyota's gt86 was though, and that didn't sell particularly well, whereas this probably will sell well as it seems everyone wants an SUV and a fast sporty one at that.