2024 CUPRA Born VZ

The debut of the CUPRA Born marks the brand’s entry into the realm of all-electric vehicles, seamlessly blending electrification with high performance. Expanding upon this initiative, CUPRA introduces the CUPRA Born VZ, the latest addition to its vehicle range. This enhanced iteration, originating from Barcelona, promises heightened power and inspiration.

Named after the Spanish word for ‘fast’, ‘veloz’, the VZ designation succinctly captures the essence of CUPRA’s newest offering. With an impressive output of 240kW and torque of 402 ft lb, the CUPRA Born VZ boasts refined suspension geometry, sport-tuned steering, and improved braking responsiveness. These enhancements culminate in unrivalled performance within the CUPRA Born series, positioning it as a frontrunner in its segment.

Launch details for the CUPRA Born VZ

The CUPRA Born VZ elevates the cutting-edge powertrain technology of the CUPRA Born to new heights: the all-electric system now boasts an impressive 240kW of power – a remarkable 40% surge compared to the e-Boost version. Torque is similarly enhanced, reaching a staggering 402 lb ft – a remarkable 75% increase over any other Born variant. These upgrades enable the CUPRA Born VZ to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 5.7 seconds – a full second quicker than the e-Boost edition. Furthermore, its top speed has been raised and now stands at 124mph – a 25mph improvement over the e-Boost iteration.

In tandem with these performance enhancements, the CUPRA Born VZ introduces chassis improvements to ensure its dynamic capabilities match its impressive figures.

The introduction of the new DCC Sport suspension, coupled with responsive steering behaviour and enhanced brake pedal feel, alongside robust rear brakes, combine to deliver a superior dynamic performance.

At the rear of the CUPRA Born VZ, new dampers and springs work in harmony with updated damper valve settings and spring design at the front, as well as refreshed anti-roll bars, resulting in the DCC Sport suspension, which offers enhanced vehicle body control.

Moreover, the steering package of the CUPRA Born VZ receives an upgrade with new hardware and software, enhancing its sporty characteristics.

Enhancements to the vehicle’s braking technology imbue the VZ with a firmer, more robust brake feel, enhancing its responsiveness and reducing softness compared to standard variants of the CUPRA Born.

Yet, this performance upgrade doesn’t come at the expense of efficiency; the CUPRA Born VZ can travel up to 335 miles* on a single charge. The battery pack has been enhanced, now offering a net capacity of 79kWh (+2kWh). Moreover, its technology remains practical, allowing for recharging at home using an 11kW AC system or at a DC 170kW fast-charging point, enabling a rapid charge from 10 to 80% in under 30 minutes*.

Electrifying Exterior

The exterior design of the CUPRA Born VZ receives a boost with the introduction of two new colour options. Exclusive to the VZ model is the striking Dark Forest hue, complemented by the addition of a Midnight Black option.

The fusion of aesthetics and performance is further underscored with the introduction of two new 20-inch alloy wheels, featuring innovative technologies such as 3D copper inserts or forged technology, to accentuate its sporty character. Wider, high-performance tyres ensure optimal transfer of the CUPRA Born VZ’s power and torque to the road through its rear wheels. Additionally, the car boasts wider wheels compared to the current CUPRA Born version.

The finishing touch for this latest iteration of the brand’s fully electric vehicle is the VZ logo in dark chrome adorning the vehicle’s boot, alongside the CUPRA lettering in a matching dark chrome colour.

Enhanced Interior for comfort

Within the cabin, the CUPRA Born VZ maintains its emotive design. The inclusion of standard cup bucket seats is an exclusive feature unique to this version of the CUPRA Born, also shared with the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 and CUPRA Leon VZ Cup. These seats offer a lower seating position, enhancing ergonomic support and fostering a more dynamic driving experience. In the case of the CUPRA Born VZ, the cup bucket seats are crafted from upcycled SEAQUAL® yarn textile, along with DINAMICA featuring 73% recycled polyester content.

Thanks to chassis enhancements, the CUPRA Born VZ provides both five-seat comfort and the added allure of a sunroof within the same package.

Moreover, the CUPRA Born VZ incorporates regenerative paddle shifts on the steering wheel, enabling drivers to select from three levels of energy recuperation. When the accelerator is released, the motor functions as a generator, replenishing energy into the battery and reducing reliance on the brakes, thereby extending their longevity.

For enhanced control over regenerative characteristics, drivers can utilise the paddle shifters to cycle through the three different levels while in ‘D’ mode, tailoring the driving experience to their preferences with ease.

Convenience Technologies

Advancing digitalisation, the CUPRA Born VZ features an upgraded and larger floating 12.9-inch infotainment system (+0.9-inch compared to the current CUPRA Born), blending touchscreen functionality with a newly integrated retro-illuminated touch bar for adjusting interior climate and volume.

Furthermore, the CUPRA Born VZ offers an optional high-fidelity 10-speaker audio sound system developed in collaboration with premium audio company Sennheiser. Delivering 425 watts of power, this system envelops occupants in a rich sonic environment, accentuated by its metallic grille finish. Incorporating Sennheiser’s AMBEO Concerto software, the system has the ability to finely distil various components of music, including different instruments and room acoustics, distributing them throughout the car for an immersive audio experience.

Standard in the interior is Smart Light technology, representing a new era in human-machine communication rather than mere ambient lighting.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Horizontal full-LEDs encompass the width of the dashboard, enhancing specific features and providing warnings and indications to both the driver and passengers. This includes vital information such as the state of charge, status of onboard driver assistance systems (Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and C2X danger warning), infotainment functions (voice control, phone calls, navigation system), intelligent park assist, as well as locking and unlocking, and entry and exit procedures. These visual prompts heighten awareness, contributing to the enhanced safety and intelligence of the CUPRA Born VZ.

The brand’s commitment to safety and convenience is evident through the extensive range of upgraded and new advanced driver assistance systems integrated to assist and support the driver in various situations.

Travel Assist 2.6 combines Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Lane Assist, guiding the vehicle to the centre of the lane, thereby enhancing the driving experience of the CUPRA Born VZ. This latest version also features improvements for driving on poorly marked roads, facilitated by cloud-based information.

Parking is made effortless with the introduction of Remote Park Assist, allowing the driver to complete parking manoeuvres using their smartphone, while Trained Parking Assist enables the vehicle to learn and replicate parking in regular spots by storing trajectory characteristics in a map. Additionally, for everyday parking convenience regardless of location, the Top View Camera provides drivers with a comprehensive 360º view of the vehicle and its surroundings.

The suite of safety and convenience technologies includes Side Assist to detect vehicles in blind spots or approaching rapidly, Front Light Assist for automatic control of headlight functionality, Dynamic Road Sign Display for interpreting traffic signs, and Exit Warning to alert to obstacles when exiting a parked position.

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The launch of the CUPRA Born VZ is scheduled for the third quarter of 2024, with pricing and UK specifications to be confirmed during the summer.