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 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 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.
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.
But the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 adds even more layers to the high-performance crossover SUV's dynamism and emotionality.
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.
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.
Powertrain
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 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.
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.
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.
Design
The design team gave the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 an even greater feeling of performance and character.
The dynamic proportions heightened by the visual emphasis placed towards the rear of the car which puts emphasis on the length of the bonnet remains, drawing the eye to the metallic CUPRA badge at the front on the black grille with the new Sport Black Matt coloured-coded frame. Further down sits the newly designed bumper grille.
Below the CUPRA signature styled headlights are two air intakes that emphasise the vehicle's more aggressive face. The carbon fibre lateral front splitter redirect air into the intercoolers, improving refrigeration.
The side shape of the high-performance crossover coupe specifies the power found under the bonnet and the overall dynamism of the vehicle and with the addition of flared wheel arches - housing the vehicles wider track - that are home to the VZ5's 20" copper machined alloy wheels, designed exclusively for the vehicle along with the 18" brakes with Akebono callipers in copper, the VZ5 exudes dynamism.
The elegant yet strong design continues at the rear. The CUPRA Formentor VZ5 is undoubtedly a performance car, and the VZ5-specific carbon fibre rear diffuser and diagonal quad exhaust pipes with copper trim reinforce its personality. Finally, the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 carries the CUPRA lettering in Black Chrome, as well as a new exclusive logo VZ5, also in black chrome.
Safety
A suite of safety and convenience technologies make the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 one of the safest and most convenient vehicles in the segment. Highlights include Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Travel Assist, Side and Exit Assist and Emergency Assist.
The Predictive ACC system can position the vehicle based on route and GPS data delivered from the navigation system, allowing it to correct its speed depending on the road layout ahead - bends, roundabouts, junctions, speed limits and built-up areas. And using input from the front mounted camera and traffic sign recognition, it can adjust vehicle speed when limits change.
The Travel Assist feature uses information from the ACC and Lane Assist to actively keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane and adjust speed to the flow of the traffic - over the entire speed range.
Side and Exit Assist technology detects what your eyes can't with blind spot detection and adds an Exit Warning when you've parked and want to leave the vehicle, giving an acoustic and visual caution if someone or something is approaching.
One of the biggest additions is the introduction of Emergency Assist, making sure the driver remains focused on driving and doesn't become distracted with visual and acoustic warnings.
If there is no reaction from the driver, the system can initiate braking jolts, if there is no change the vehicle can come to a complete stop and activate the warning lights. Once parked, the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 can directly contact the emergency services using the eCall system.
The mix of technologies creates an incredible level of safety but have been integrated in a manner that brings convenience without the feeling of control being taken away from the driver.
An important consideration in a CUPRA, even one with performance spirit of the VZ5, a vehicle seeking to position the driver's needs as the central priority.
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