Spun off from the Volkswagen Group’s SEAT model in 2018, Cupra is introducing its first electrical efficiency car. The sporty by-product is predicated on the Born compact mannequin and will get the “VZ” suffix, which is an acronym for “veloz”—Spanish for “quick.” The model’s first-ever EV will get a wholesome energy enhance and different upgrades.
The rear-wheel-drive electrical sizzling hatch makes use of an upgraded motor delivering 322 horsepower and a large immediate torque of 402 pound-feet (545 Newton-meters). These output figures characterize an enormous enhance of 94 hp and 235 Nm (173 lb-ft) over the earlier most potent variant of the Cupra Born. Courtesy of the newly unlocked electrical oomph, the VZ variant shaves off a full second from the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h), which now takes 5.7 seconds. Prime pace has gone up by 25 mph (40 km/h) to 124 mph (200 km/h).
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There’s extra to the Born VZ than a beefier e-motor since Cupra can also be giving it a pair of unique 20-inch wheels, together with a solid set with efficiency tires. The cooler various to the troubled SEAT model has bumped the battery pack’s internet capability by 2 kWh to 79 kWh for an estimated vary of 335 miles (570 kilometers). The steering is sharper and there are further tweaks to the suspension for higher dealing with whereas the brakes really feel extra direct than earlier than.
When it comes to styling, Cupra is providing the brand new Born VZ on this Darkish Forest colour or you’ll be able to play it secure by getting the feisty electrical hatch in Midnight Black. The newly added “VZ” emblem on the tailgate has a darkish chrome look to echo the “Cupra” lettering. Inside, it will get a pair of body-hugging seats not shared with the lesser fashions. Nevertheless, these bucket seats are already obtainable in some efficiency automobiles with a combustion engine, together with the Formentor VZ5 with its inline-five engine borrowed from Audi.
For the range-topping Born, Cupra has upped the infotainment’s display screen dimension by 0.9 inches to 12.9 inches. Extra vital is the contact slider to regulate the local weather and quantity because it’s lastly illuminated. At a further value, consumers can get an non-obligatory 10-speaker, 425-watt Sennheiser sound system. As customary, the VZ variant will get paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel to select from considered one of three ranges of vitality recuperation.
The Born VZ will go on sale in Europe within the third quarter of the yr. Additionally in 2024, we should always see its equal Volkswagen model, the ID.3 GTX, or no matter identify the sporty electrical hatchback will use. These two will compete in a rarified section that features the MG4 XPower. The smaller Alpine A290 will be part of them quickly.
