Cupra has become one of the most unexpected success stories in the automotive world. The Barcelona-based brand, which operates under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, has quickly built a reputation for cars that combine aggressive styling with strong performance and a level of technology that rivals established premium manufacturers. Its latest offering, the Formentor VZ5, aims to capture the pure essence of the Cupra spirit. The model is built at the Martorell plant near Barcelona and represents the most radical street-legal car the company has produced to date. Only 4,000 units will be made.
A return to the five-cylinder engine
The heart of the VZ5 is its engine. It uses a naturally aspirated five-cylinder petrol unit that produces 390 horsepower. The engine displaces 2,480 cubic centimeters and features 20 valves. Power delivery is smooth and linear, with the engine singing its signature song when the accelerator is pressed. Peak torque is 480 Newton-meters, available between 2,250 and 5,700 revolutions per minute. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
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Acceleration is quick. The VZ5 can reach 100 kilometers per hour from a standstill in 4.2 seconds. It has a top speed of 280 kilometers per hour. The car does not use any electrification technology, relying solely on petrol power. The ignition sequence follows a 1-2-4-5-3 pattern, which helps with smooth operation and sound. The exhaust system features four terminal pipes in a diagonal layout finished in copper.
This limited edition is designed, developed, and produced at the Martorell plant near Barcelona. The brand has positioned this model as the most radical street-legal car currently on the market. With a displacement of 2,480 cc and 20 valves, the engine delivers a torque of 480 Nm between 2,250 and 5,700 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 280 km/h.
Design and interior
The VZ5 sits on the Formentor platform, which has become the brand’s best-selling model. The design of the VZ5 version emphasizes its sporting intent. The front bumper is black with a sporty grille. A carbon fiber splitter at the bottom carries the VZ5 logo in dark chrome. The headlights are Matrix LED Ultra units with a welcome projector that can display the Cupra and VZ5 logos on the road surface.
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Side details include wider wheel arches and carbon fiber mirror housings. The standard wheels are 20-inch alloy wheels with a special VZ5 Copper design. They come with performance 255/35 tires. The suspension is lowered by 10 millimeters compared to the standard model. The Dynamic Chassis Control system offers 15 different settings to adjust the ride and handling.
Inside, the focus remains on the driver. The car features racing-style multi-function steering wheels with separate buttons for engine start and drive mode selection. The optional CUPRA Bucket seats provide strong side support. They are upholstered in a gray Eco-sustainable microfiber called Dinamica Miko. The dashboard features a 10.25-inch digital display that can show telemetry data such as turbo pressure and G-forces. An LED gear indicator shows the current gear up to 7,000 revolutions per minute. The infotainment system includes a 12.9-inch touchscreen with navigation and compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The sound system is an Immersive by Sennheiser setup with 390 watts of power and 11 speakers.
The Formentor VZ5 combines a sophisticated chassis with a powerful engine to create a driving experience that is both precise and entertaining. The torque splitter technology distributes power to the rear wheels during cornering to reduce understeer, helping the car maintain a straight line through bends. The car also offers a drift mode designed for track use. The braking system uses six-piston Akebono calipers at the front with ventilated discs. These components work together to deliver a car that feels agile and capable on both the road and the track. The price of the VZ5 starts at 69,000 euros, positioning it in the premium segment of the market.
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Dimensions and practicality
The Formentor VZ5 measures 4,484 millimeters in length. Its width is 1,852 millimeters, while the height stands at 1,505 millimeters. The wheelbase is 2,681 millimeters long. The car has five seats and a boot capacity ranging from 420 to 1,475 liters. The official fuel consumption is 10.1 liters per 100 kilometers.
Technical specifications
The car uses a petrol engine producing 390 horsepower. Its top speed is 280 kilometers per hour. The car features Matrix LED Ultra headlights and the Dynamic Chassis Control system.
