New five-cylinder Cupra Formentor VZ5 hot SUV previewed

Cupra goes official with flagship Formentor set to be powered by same turbo five-pot motor as Audi RS Q3

Cupra will launch a range-topping performance version of the Formentor SUV powered by an Audi-derived five-cylinder turbocharged engine, the company has confirmed. 

As first revealed by Autocar in October last year when the first spy shots emerged, the Cupra Formentor VZ5 is set to be revealed on 22 February to coincide with the sporting brand's third anniversary. 

A darkened preview image has been released showing the rear of the car, which retains the same vertically stacked quad exhausts that were seen in prototypes last year. Otherwise, the car appears broadly similar to less potent versions of the Formentor. 

Technical details of the VZ5 are still under wraps, but Autocar understands that the five-cylinder engine is sourced wholesale from fellow VW Group brand Audi. In the RS Q3 that motor puts out 395bhp and 354lb ft of torque; enough for a 0-62mph sprint in 4.5sec. Given the Formentor should retain those figures and have a broadly similar kerbweight, expect a similar sprint time. 

Wayne Griffiths, Cupra President and CEO, said "The Cupra Formentor represents the essence of the brand, but the addition of an even more extreme five-cylinder engine to the family – along with seven other powertrains including performance PHEV - will mark it out as a true enthusiast’s vehicle – something the Cupra community is dedicated to delivering and will allow us to reach new customers.” 

It remains unclear if this model will be offered in both left-hand and right-hand drive markets, however. Further details will emerge closer to the model's unveiling. 

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