Cupra is the latest company from the VW Group to
make use of the flexible MEB platform and has just introduced its Tavascan
Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Its purpose is to not only convey
the newly formed brand’s interest in electric cars, but more importantly, to
showcase a developing styling language that moves away from parent company
SEAT. We wouldn’t be surprised if it also inspired a production car in the
not-so distant future.
The eye-catching concept is particularly interesting
because unlike many other electric vehicles, it doesn’t feature two electric
motors (one at the front axle and one at the rear) and instead uses a trio of
electric motors with two at the front and one at the rear. These motors combine
to deliver a total of 302 hp that allows for a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5
seconds.
Sitting beneath the floor is a 77 kWh lithium-ion
battery pack that is good for a range of 450 km under the WLTP test
cycle. The powertrain of the Cupra Tavascan Concept is
certainly noteworthy but it is the exterior and interior designs that really
make it rather special. Found at the front of the concept is an extremely
aggressive and sharp fascia which despite not featuring a traditional front
grille, still has a ‘face’ to it. It’s not a friendly face, however, and
reminds us of a bird of prey hunting for its next meal.
Spin around to the rear and the bold looks continue
with slim LED headlights connected by a light bar and an illuminated Cupra
badge in the center of the tailgate. Inside, there is a large horizontal
infotainment system sitting in the middle of the dashboard as well as a
dedicated digital instrument cluster in front of the driver.
