Cupra’s limited Formentor VZ5 revives the five-cylinder with Audi power, sharper styling, and a soundtrack worth every decibel
by Brad Anderson
36 minutes ago
- Cupra revives the Formentor VZ5 with a 385 hp five-cylinder engine.
- Power comes from Audi’s RS3 and RS Q3 models with 354 lb-ft torque.
- Only 4,000 units will be built, and North America won’t get any.
The Cupra Formentor’s performance lineup just got a serious upgrade with the arrival of a new flagship: the VZ5. Designed to crown the range, this variant revives a nameplate briefly seen in 2021 on the pre-facelift model.
Like its predecessor, the latest VZ5 will be produced in limited numbers, proving that the VW Group still has a soft spot for wild, combustion-powered creations. The centerpiece of the Cupra VZ5 is, without question, its engine.
Audi Power
Under the bonnet sits Audi’s celebrated 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder, borrowed from the RS3 and RS Q3, a powerplant that has long been admired for its distinctive growl and relentless delivery.
In this application, the engine delivers 385 hp (287 kW) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque, which is slightly down from the RS3’s 394 hp and 368 lb-ft (500 Nm), but is still a substantial amount of power.
Read: Cupra Formentor And Leon Get A ‘Shark-Nose’ And More Power
As standard, the engine is mated to a seven-speed DSG, which sends power to all four wheels. There’s no official word on the VZ5’s performance numbers, but it will likely be able to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in around 4 seconds. A launch control system, similar to the Audi’s, should also come as standard.
Design Tweaks
Fittingly, some visual changes have been made to this special version of the Formentor. The most obvious are the fitment of an aggressive distinctive front bumper with a new splitter, flared wheel arches, and a distinctive rear bumper and diffuser package.
A standout detail is the set of quad stacked exhaust outlets, arranged vertically in pairs, echoing the setup once seen on the original Ferrari California.
Inside, Cupra hasn’t revealed images yet but confirms the fitment of new bucket seats as standard, hinting at a driver-focused cabin designed to match the car’s athletic character.
Limited Numbers
Market-specific pricing details for the Formentor VZ5 haven’t been announced, but we know that global production will be capped at just 4,000 units. Unfortunately, it won’t be offered in the US because, while Cupra planned to launch in the US by 2030, it recently delayed those ambitions.
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