Nascent Spanish performance marque Cupra, spun-off of Volkswagen Group’s Seat brand (where it used to be an in-house performance brand), is not wasting any time in establishing itself as a proper player in the space. The Cupra e-Racer is perhaps the most serious crack it’s making at a full-blown performance model.
And it’s electric.
The Cupra e-Racer is not just a hot-hatch kind of proposition. This is a touring-spec car that might just spawn its own race series. Its design is very clearly based on the Cupra Leon TCR race car, but there have been small modifications at various points to emphasise the zero-emission powertrain that hides beneath the skin.
That powertrain may be friendly to Johnny Polar Bear, but it is mighty. Peak power is rated at an immense 500kW, though continuous power is rated at 300kW. No torque figures have been mentioned, but there’s no doubt it’ll be impressive.
Usually when carmakers make versions like these, it’s a preview of their intent to get rooted into motorsports. Jaguar did this last year when it announced a touring-spec I-Pace crossover, as that car’s expected to race in its own race series. Cupra has not made any mention of a specific race series for the Cupra e-Racer, but it’s a pretty reasonable assumption that they’ll do so in due course.
The Cupra e-Racer will be present at the Cupra stand in Geneva, alongside siblings like the Cupra Ateca, Cupra Arona Concept, and Cupra Ibiza Concept. Seat is also expected to bring its new Leon Cupra R ST to the show, too.
Stay tuned to CarShowroom as we bring you more updates as they come.
