This Is The Audi RS3-Powered SUV That America Deserves

A little backstory is probably helpful with Cupra. The company began building fast Seat models like theLeon ST Cupra 280and was spun off into its own brand three years ago. Seat is a Spanish subsidiary of Volkswagen Group that hasnever sold cars here in the United States. Following the reveal of the new Cupra Formentor VZ5, we hope that changes soon.

Whereas the company's last big reveal was anall-electric car called the Cupra el-Born, the Formentor VZ5 borrows an extraordinary engine from Audi. As we initially predictedduring the testing phase, the Formentor VZ5 uses the same 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine found in the2020 Audi RS3, Audi TT RS, and theEurope-only RS Q3.

The five-cylinder engine has been detuned slightly, but it still produces a whopping 385 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque in this application. With a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sending power to all-wheel-drive, the Formentor VZ5 takes just 4.2 seconds to hit 62 mph. Even though it's less powerful than the RQ Q3, the VZ5 is slightly quicker to 62 mph.

To set it apart from the 306-hp four-cylinder Formentor, the VZ5 is treated to high-performance 18-inch six-piston Akebono brake calipers packed under 20-inch wheels. Both the brakes and wheels come finished in Cupra's signature copper color. Most of the interior accents also come in copper, as do the stacked quad exhaust pipes.