The usual forbidden fruit-style put up you’ll see right here is usually about some attractive wagon or sports activities automobile that’s restricted to European consumption solely. It’s the uncommon day {that a} crossover or SUV makes the minimize as being attention-grabbing sufficient to need it within the States, however the Cupra Formentor VZ5 isn’t simply any crossover.
Audi has blessed the younger Cupra model (a member of the VW Group) with five-cylinder energy taken straight from the engine bay of the RS 3, TT RS and RS Q3. That makes it the second crossover with the two.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder underneath hood, and similar to the RS Q3, it’s not coming stateside. We by no means anticipated any Cupras to be offered within the U.S., however that doesn’t make our need for this crossover any much less.
The little Formentor VZ5 model of this engine is making 385 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. That’s sufficient for a 0-62 mph time of simply 4.2 seconds and (restricted) prime velocity of 155 mph. All shifting is dealt with by a seven-speed DSG gearbox. The chassis will get labored over to match the brand new energy, too.
It’s lowered by 0.4 inch versus a regular Formentor and in addition includes a wider observe. Cupra offers it adaptive dampers with a singular tune. The brakes are gigantic six-piston Akebono calipers in entrance that look excellent hiding behind the copper-accented 20-inch wheels.
Plenty of exterior enhancements mark it out because the VZ5, too. It will get a brand new, extra aggressive hood design, flared arches and entrance bumper. Carbon fiber is used for the splitter and diffuser. You’ll simply choose it out within the again by way of the stacked quad exhaust (with copper ideas) at every nook.
The inside will get some racy leather-based bucket seats with huge bolsters. A singular sports activities steering wheel is used for the VZ5, and also you’ll see the copper trim theme carried over to the within, too.
Solely 7,000 VZ5 variations of the Formentor are supposed to see the sunshine, and as we stated initially, none of them shall be offered within the U.S. The five-cylinder is the primary draw — it’s one of the characterful and thrilling engines in any automobile at the moment. We love it in each the RS 3 and TT RS, and may solely hope that Audi will bless us with the RS Q3 someday.
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