The VZ stands for Veloz in Spanish, meaning quick or fast, the perfect autograph for the most powerful versions of the CUPRA Formentor (from 245PS/180kW). A high-performance crossover SUV that already takes its name from cape Formentor on the Spanish island of Mallorca, one of the most beautiful and wild areas in the Balearics. The top of the range 390PS five-cylinder petrol engine offers the ultimate expression of combustion cars, with performance that will shatter perceptions of the brand and what it can deliver. The CUPRA Formentor VZ5, strengthens these attributes to deliver an even more unique vehicle. Exclusivity is indeed ensured, with the vehicle’s run limited to 7,000 units.
The high-performance crossover SUV retains its chassis technologies; multilink rear and MacPherson struts at the front. But the VZ5 is 10mm lower than the CUPRA Formentor VZ 310PS, helping it to hunker down to the road, making it even more dynamic.Any performance vehicle needs a chassis capable of providing an equalled dynamic experience. The CUPRA Formentor VZ5 achieves this goal by seamlessly integrating advanced chassis technologies that help build an experience like no other. The starting point is to perfect the basic ingredients. From the base CUPRA’s engineers have integrated a range of technologies that bring out the vehicle’s character, deliver an intuitive, engaging, accessible experience, but one with an extra dose of energy.
Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) with 15 levels of damping adjustment continually provides the best set-up for each wheel depending on the driving conditions and the driving mode selected by the driver. But it doesn’t stop there. The CUPRA Formentor VZ5 solidifies its composure thanks to the 4Drive all-wheel drive system, which is designed to complement the driving feeling. And where that would be adequate for other vehicles, the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 adds further dynamic dimensions to bolster driving involvement. The high-performance crossover SUV integrates Torque Splitter technology to increase agility. Housed on the rear wheel, the system is electro-hydraulically controlled with two independent clutches and allow for independent torque control on each rear wheel. This means that it can shift power between rear left and rear right wheels during cornering giving the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 even greater dexterity when driving becomes more focused.
The CUPRA Formentor VZ5’s chassis system allowed engineers to include a new Drift Mode. When you’re off the public highway, the high-performance crossover SUV can show its character as a truly fun car. In this mode, the ESC is completely disconnected and using the Torque Splitter technology, full power can be directed to one rear wheel, helping push the car around a bend as if it was pirouetting. And when maximum braking control is needed the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 delivers thanks to 18″ brakes with six piston Akebono callipers (375mm x 36mm) housed in the crossover SUV’s exclusive CUPRA 20″ alloy wheels. Its reassurance amplified no matter what the requirements.
The renown turbocharged five-cylinder TSI engine under the CUPRA Formentor VZ5’s bonnet roars performance. The iconic unit mixes direct-injection and turbocharging to help it achieve its peak power output of 390PS (287kW) from between 5,700rpm and 7,000rpm, while peak torque of 480Nm is available from 2,250rpm. The inline five-cylinder unit benefits from an aluminium engine block, integrates a valve lift system on the exhaust side and uses 250 bar fuel injection to maximise the air-fuel mix, helping it deliver its astounding performance figures. The CUPRA Formentor VZ5’s different driving modes are easily selectable using the CUPRA mode select button on the CUPRA steering wheel, changing the vehicle’s attitude, making it more focused on whatever the road throws up. Each driving mode (Comfort, Sport, CUPRA, Drift, Individual, Offroad), offers a pre-set configuration, which adapts the throttle response and gearbox, the steering wheel, the suspension, the torque splitter, the ESC as well as the ambient light, amongst others.
The astonishing 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 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds and delivers a limited top speed of 250km/h. Numbers that will give the driver some real goose bumps behind the wheel. The engine’s particular firing sequence of 1-2-4-5-3 and the unusual number of cylinders make for a very special rhythm and unique engine sound, helping give the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 its natural sound – aided in no small part by the dual-branch exhaust system that emphasises the characteristic sound of the five-cylinder unit. Finally, the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 also benefits from a shift light indicator, visible when the gears are shifted in manual mode. Green LEDs are activated as revolutions increase. As the engine gets closer to its rev limit of 7.000rpm, the LEDs flash red.
Mixing an advanced, tuneable chassis with driving modes and DCC Slider, progressive steering, a quick-shifting transmission with the assurance of the all-wheel drive system. Torque splitter technology shifts the power from the five-cylinder 2.5 litre TSI engine between the front and rear wheels to maximise traction. But it harnesses another ability too. The advanced drivetrain technology can transfer power between the left and right side too making the CUPRA Formentor even more stable when the driving becomes increasingly involved. But the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 adds even more layers to the high-performance crossover SUV’s dynamism and emotionality. The CUPRA Formentor VZ5 also includes a specific mode made for close tracks: Drift Mode. It’s about pure enjoyment and fun, as it will bring beaming smiles to those that get behind the wheel and use it.
